Town ‘really excited’ by Academy player of year

STRIKER Kian Harratt is Town Academy Player of the Year.

The 18-year-old goalscorer took the honour ahead of loan club Harrogate Town’s National League play-off final victory over Notts County at Wembley yesterday.

Harratt was in the academies at Barnsley and Leeds United, joining those after performing for his junior club Upton United, before arriving for a successful trial at PPG Canalside.

Town see big potential under new head coach Carlos Corberan in this emerging frontman, who hit 26 goals in 31 games for Town’s Under 17 side last season and a further six playing for the Under 19s (32 goals in 37 appearances). Town’s Academy manager Emyr Humphreys said: “Kian thoroughly deserves this award and has made some fantastic steps this season.

“Ever since he joined the club, he embraced our new approach and really pushed himself both on and off the pitch to improve his own game.

“Kian has faced a number of different challenges in the last 12 months; injuries, the highs and lows of being involved in our first team and now his loan move to Harrogate.

“No matter what’s been thrown at him, Kian always brings the same relentless enthusiasm which is so refreshing to see in a young person.

“We’re really excited by his potential.”

The Barnsley-based player was handed a first professional contract, running until next summer, back in November, just 24 hours before being named on the bench for the senior team at Brentford.