Few players could show as much delight as did Josh Laurent after signing for Wigan Athletic on the transfer window deadline day. The 21 year old, 6ft 2 in tall, was signed from Hartlepool United for an undisclosed fee.
On signing the player Warren Joyce commented: “Josh is a player the club has been watching all season and we feel he has the potential to shine at a higher level of football, given the right environment and the time in which to develop. He’s a powerful, ball-playing midfielder and we welcome him to the squad.”
Joshua Ishaele Jacob-Heron Hunt-Laurent was born in Leytonstone. After playing for the Wycombe Wanderers youth team he joined the Queens Park Rangers academy in the summer of 2012. He went on to make 20 appearances for the QPR youth team that won the Professional Development U18 League 2 title for 2012-13. In February 2014 Laurent was sent on a short term loan to Conference Premier club Braintree Town. He went on to make 16 appearances before returning to QPR in mid-April.
Other than his spell on loan Laurent had played for the development squad until January 2015 when he signed for Brentford for an undisclosed fee. Laurent’s departure caused a reaction from QPR fans, frustrated by the club’s reluctance to give their young talent a chance. He went on to make one senior appearance for the Bees, in a League Cup game against Oxford United in August 2015. Just eight days later he was on a short term loan at Newport County, making his Football League debut in a home defeat by Leyton Orient. Laurent went on to make three more appearances before being recalled to Brentford in mid-October.
In February 2016 Laurent joined Hartlepool United on a free transfer. He went on to make 24 starts and 9 substitute appearances for the north east club, scoring one goal.
In order to find out more about Laurent’s time at Victoria Park we contacted Hartlepool fan @LordSmythe through Twitter.
Here’s over to Lord:
After a difficult start Josh showed what he was capable of and finally his efforts on the training ground were rewarded with a first team call up putting in some impressive displays which obviously caught the eye from clubs including Wigan Athletic.
Despite limited (league) appearances (28) Josh’s ability to cover ground in a stylish attacking midfielder role, comfortable in possession, a “baller” with potential to score goals made him a favourite with the fans an acquisition to any side.
He has the ability to do well at a higher level and everyone at Hartlepool United I’m sure wish Josh all the best for the future with The Latics …. from one blue & white shirt to another eh?
Certainly Pools loss and Latics gain.
Laurent goal after 43 seconds.
LOS THREE AMIGOS 