17 year-old Scot moves to Yorkshire
Huddersfield Town has today completed the signing of teenage striker Liam Coogans for a nominal undisclosed fee from Scottish side Airdrieonians, subject to international clearances.
The 17 year-old forward spent five days on trial at PPG Canalside during January 2014 and has now joined the Club on a permanent basis, where he will initially work with the Under-18 group under Lead Professional Development Coach Tony Carss and new Professional Development Coach Leigh Bromby.
Coogans made his debut in what is now known as the Scottish Championship – the country’s second tier – as a 16 year-old, playing the final 16 minutes of a 2-1 home defeat to Raith Rovers.
He went on to make five starts and two substitute appearances during the 2012/13 season, netting his first senior goal on the final day of the season to secure a 2-1 win at Dunfermline Athletic.
A further 26 appearances and three goals followed for Liam in Scottish League One last season to take his senior total to 14 starts, 19 substitute appearances and four goals.
On top of his time on trial with the Terriers, Liam’s form has also seen him reportedly attract interest from Celtic and Blackburn Rovers.
Huddersfield Town Academy Manager - and current First Team Caretaker Manager - Mark Lillis explained:
“We’re delighted that a lot of hard work and perseverance has paid dividends in Liam’s arrival at the Club today.
“It’s testament to his talent that he has already played so much senior football at his age, but he will now take on a new challenge as he makes the step from part-time to full-time football in our Academy.
“He was identified through the Club’s scouting network and came down on trial highly recommended. The Academy technical staff liked what they saw when Liam was on trial with us; he has very clever movement off the ball and is a good finisher. We’ll work hard with Liam to continue to improve other aspects of his game – and he must work hard too, as we say to all the lads.
“As everyone knows, Liam – along with every other young player at the Club – has the ability to progress through the system and eventually make an impact on the First Team if they are good enough.”
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