Lucas Akins

Huddersfield Town

Akins began his career with his hometown club Huddersfield Town, finishing as the under-18 team's top goalscorer in successive seasons. In April 2007, manager Andy Ritchie invited him to train with the first team following his performances at academy and reserve level. He made his professional debut later that month, coming on as an 87th-minute substitute in a 1–1 draw against Northampton Town at Sixfields. He signed his first professional contract on 2 May 2007, agreeing a one-year deal with the club. During the opening months of the 2007–08 season, Akins made four substitute appearances for Huddersfield before joining Conference Premier club Northwich Victoria on 23 November 2007 on an initial one-month loan. He debuted the following day in a 1–0 home victory over Rushden & Diamonds, Northwich's first win in 19 matches. After the team remained unbeaten during his initial spell, the loan was extended by a further month, which manager Dino Maamria described as a "massive boost". Akins scored his first professional goal in the next match, a 2–1 away win against rivals Altrincham on 26 December 2007. He made ten appearances, scoring once, before returning to Huddersfield in February 2008, where he did not feature again for the first team. Following Ritchie's departure in April 2008, new manager Stan Ternent informed Akins that he would not be offered a contract extension, and he was released when his contract expired in June.

Hamilton…

Akins was first called up to the Grenada national team in March 2020, qualifying through his ancestry, although the matches were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He received another call-up for two 2026 World Cup qualification matches in June 2024, making his international debut in a 2–2 draw against Trinidad and Tobago on 5 June 2024. He scored his first international goal in his third appearance, a 2–0 CONCACAF Nations League win over Saint Martin on 6 September 2024.

Akins began his career as a striker before being deployed as a winger. He is primarily right-footed but comfortable using his left. While at Burton Albion, he was used in every outfield position, with his versatility regarded as a strength. During the 2017–18 season, he was mainly utilised as a right wing-back, with his work rate praised in one of football's most physically demanding roles.

Akins was born in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. His mother originated from Grenada and his father from Carriacou. He began taking dance classes, including ballet, jazz, and tap, at the age of four and continued until he chose to pursue a career in football at 16. He later studied sports science at Kirklees College.