Jason Koumas

Jason Koumas (born 25 September 1979) is a Welsh former professional footballer who played for Tranmere Rovers, Cardiff City, West Bromwich Albion and Wigan Athletic. Koumas is of Greek Cypriot descent and is a former Welsh international.

He was selected in both the 2005–06 and 2006–07 Football League Championship team of the season.

Club career

Early career

Born in Wrexham, Koumas played for Olympic F.C. during his school years, before playing youth football at the Liverpool Academy with players such as Steven Gerrard and Michael Owen. However, he did not sign Youth Training Scheme forms with the club, instead opting to join Tranmere Rovers.

Tranmere Rovers

Koumas made his professional debut for Tranmere Rovers in the 1998–99 season. A series of impressive performances over the next four years won him many plaudits, including a place in the PFA Division Two team of the year for 2001–02. Koumas established himself as a talented youngster with immense potential. He scored one of Tranmere's goals when they knocked out Merseyside rivals Everton in the 2000–01 FA Cup in a memorable 3–0 victory at Goodison Park. In August 2002, this potential was spotted by then West Bromwich Albion manager, Gary Megson, who paid Rovers a fee of £2.25m to secure his services.