Jason Koumas

Early career

Born in Wrexham to an English mother and Greek-Cypriot father, Koumas played for local youth sides during his primary school years, before joining the Liverpool Academy aged nine. Koumas played regularly alongside players such as Steven Gerrard and Michael Owen and was highly rated by the club. However, he did not sign Youth Training Scheme forms with the club, reportedly due to coaching staff refusing to play him in his preferred central midfield position, 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 £2.25 million to secure his services.

West Bromwich Albion

A successful first season at Premier League level, including sensational solo goals against Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers, saw Koumas win the club's Player of the Season award. However, this was not enough to prevent Albion from suffering relegation back to the Football League. Koumas inspired…

Born in Wrexham to a Greek Cypriot father and an English mother, Koumas was eligible to play for Cyprus, England and Wales. When he received call ups for both Cyprus and Wales, he opted for the latter. Koumas played 34 times for his country, making his international debut against Ukraine in 2001. He was part of Mark Hughes's national team which narrowly missed out on qualification for Euro 2004, losing 1–0 to Russia in the play-offs. His international career was blighted by his persistent failure to turn up to training. In May 2006, he pulled out of a squad get-together in San Sebastián. He came back onto the international scene with three goals in two matches, one in a 3–1 win against Cyprus in October 2006 and two in a 4–0 win in November 2006 against Liechtenstein. Koumas captained his country for the first time on 1 June 2008, as Wales lost 2–0 to the Netherlands. He missed a penalty for Wales in a World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan. Koumas retired from international football on 6 September 2009, having scored ten goals in 34 caps. His final appearance for Wales was in a 2–0 defeat to Finland on 28 March 2009.

Club

As of match played 2 May 2015.

International

As of match played 28 March 2009.

Koumas' son, Lewis, also came through the Liverpool Academy, and made his pro-debut with the club in February 2024.