Striker bolsters Grayson’s attacking options
Huddersfield Town Manager Simon Grayson has bolstered his attacking options today by bringing in pacey striker James Vaughan on a season-long loan from Premier League club Norwich City.
The former England under-21 striker, now 24, joins the likes of Jordan Rhodes, Lee Novak, Alan Lee, Jimmy Spencer and Kallum Higginbotham in Town’s attacking ranks.
Vaughan enjoyed a terrific goal-scoring pre-season campaign for the Canaries, netting against Peterborough United and a brace against Hertha Berlin, and Manager Simon Grayson told htafc.com that he brings different qualities to the squad.
“He is a different type of striker to the ones we currently have at the Club and crucially he has plenty of pace,” said Simon.
He added: “He is a determined character with a high work rate and he is a player with something to prove. He has played at this level before and is comfortable at it, which is perfect for us.
“He has had some problems with injuries in the past but he has had a good pre-season behind him and comes to us fully fit. We have agreed a sensible deal with Norwich to protect us and I look forward to working with James over the coming months.”
Birmingham born Vaughan began his career as a trainee at Everton and became the Premier League’s youngest ever goalscorer when he netted on only his second senior appearance against Crystal Palace on 10 April 2005, aged just 16 years and 271 days old.
His promising progress was curtailed by some unfortunate injuries with the Toffees, but he still scored for the Club in the UEFA Cup and played in the 2009 FA Cup Final on his way to making 49 appearances for the Club – mostly as a substitute – scoring nine goals in the process. He was also capped by England at several youth levels, even rooming with Town’s very own Tom Clarke on occasion.
James supplemented his Premier League experience with three loan spells in the Championship with Derby County, Leicester City and Crystal Palace. His time with the latter was particularly successful; his nine goals helped Palace avoid relegation during the 2010/11 season.
Vaughan ended his long association with Everton in the summer of 2011, joining newly promoted Premier League side Norwich City for an undisclosed fee on a three year contract.
He will take the number 18 shirt during his time at Town.
