Will Hoskins

Rotherham United

Hoskins was born in Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, where his career began at local club Notts County's School of Excellence, before he joined Rotherham United's youth system in South Yorkshire. Hoskins was heralded as a talent when, at just 17, he came into the first team fold at Rotherham and made an impact, scoring both goals in a 2–1 win at Wigan Athletic in December 2003. However, he had a stop–start early career, only making one start under managers Ronnie Moore and subsequently Mick Harford. Alan Knill took over as manager halfway through the 2005–06 season, with the Millers halfway through their first campaign back in League One, and saved the club from a second successive relegation. As youth coach Knill brought Hoskins up through the youth ranks at Millmoor and handed him 12 further starts that season. Hoskins reciprocated the faith shown in him by being the only one of six out-of-contract players at the end of the 2005–06 season to sign an immediate contract renewal. Knill offered the youngster an initial one-year deal, stating that, should Hoskins prove himself in the first team, he would be rewarded with a new contract before Christmas. Hoskins had an excellent 2006–07 pre-season alongside his new strike partner Delroy Facey, notably scoring twice against Scottish Cup finalists Gretna. However, he suffered a slight injury before the first match of the season and Dave Hibbert had to step up to take his place. Hoskins returned to the squad…

Hoskins made an immediate impact when first introduced into the England U-18 squad, setting up the winning goal against Sweden on 29 April 2004. He made his full first team debut for the International U20s team in the 4–0 defeat to Russia on 16 August 2005 in Moscow.