Goalkeeper Jamal Blackman joined Exeter City from Huddersfield in July 2022. He had previously been a professional at Chelsea for eight years without appearing for the first-team although he had played for eight clubs on loan during that period. Jamal was considered first-choice during his solitary season at St James' Park ahead of later playing for Burton Albion. 

South Londoner Jamal started in the Chelsea academy at Under-13 level and worked his way through the club’s youth system. He became a scholar/trainee in 2010 and a full-professional in 2012 signing contract extensions in 2014 and 2017. As a young player Jamal, who was also eligible for Barbados and Jamaica, represented England at under-16, Under 17 and Under 19 level. He was also a FA Youth Cup winner in 2012 and featured in an England under-21 squad without playing. 

Jamal’s first loan was to Middlesbrough in 2014. This was followed, at a rate of roughly one per season, by Östersunds FK (Sweden), Wycombe Wanderers (where he played his most games), Sheffield United, Leeds United, Vitesse (Netherlands), Bristol Rovers and Rotherham United. In total he played around 150 games for these clubs.

Jamal was released by Chelsea in June 2021. He had sat on the bench on thirteen occasions for the first team between 2011/12 and 2015/16 without playing. On leaving Stamford Bridge Jamal had a short stay at Los Angeles FC before playing three games (one league and two cup) for Huddersfield Town in 2021/22. 

Jamal signed for Exeter on a one-year deal in late July 2022 and made his league debut for the Grecians against Port Vale on 6 August 2022. Although he wasn't always fit, and missed a number of games (with four other 'keepers filling in for him in one way or the other), Jamal was always considered first-choice but - after playing 42 times in all competitions - it was announced in May 2003 that he was out of contract and would be leaving the club.

Jamal's final appearance came in the last game of the season at home to Morecambe ahead of him signing for Burton Albion in July 2023.