|
|
|
Youth Team (1998-1999) / (#13) (1999-2000)
Simon Coggan arrived in the Addison Road academy as the 98-99 season got underway. Under Frank Patcham, he leads the HUFC youth team goal, until Jerry Block's bribery deal with Councillor Lal sees Lal's son Hari, also playing in goal, slotted into the squad. Frank plans to use Simon, who has earned his place on merit, as his first choice, but as Harchester's youth face Arsenal's Under-19's, Coggan is injured in goal and Frank has little option but to send Hari on. Despite a promising start with one goal up from Billy, Harchester go two goals down. At Christmas, Simon survives his half-yearly assessment, told he has to be more confident when crosses are coming up. And for the first team's FA Cup Final, Simon joins his fellow youth teamers, notably Billy and Dion Osbourne, to watch from the stands as alumni Leon Richards plays in the historic match.
With Billy and Dion, Simon gains a pro contract for the 1999-00 season, although shares the role with the already present Paul Hodson. Harchester are in the UEFA Cup this season, and Simon is in goal for several fixtures, including the First Round Second Leg at the Amsterdam Arena, where a poor clearance from Billy nearly leads to a second Ajax goal, and a near whack from Coggan! The Dragons make it to the Quarter Final Second Leg. After avoiding relegation, Simon transfers early in the 2000-01 season to Watford.
|