Jason Koumas
Encyclopedia
Jason Koumas is a Welsh
professional footballer who is currently a free agent after being released by Wigan Athletic
. Formerly of Tranmere Rovers
, Cardiff City
(loan) and West Bromwich Albion
, he is a former Welsh international
. Koumas (Greek
Ιασωνας Κούμας) is of Greek Cypriot
descent.
Koumas operates as a creative midfield playmaker
having played as a winger earlier in his career, creating goals for others as well as scoring many himself. He was selected in both the 2005–06
and 2006–07
Football League Championship team of the season.
and Michael Owen
. However, he did not sign Youth Training Scheme
forms with the club, instead opting to join 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 £2.25m to secure his services.
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 to the Football League. Koumas inspired the Baggies promotion back to the Premiership in 2004, winning the First Division player of the month award for November 2003, as well as being named in the First Division team of the year. In the summer of 2004, Koumas signed a new contract with Albion, but during the following season fell out with new boss Bryan Robson
. Robson stated that he was "disappointed" with Koumas' attitude and placed him on the transfer list.
, Koumas was loaned out to Cardiff City. This move proved an immediate success, with Koumas coming off the bench to score on his debut against Leeds United. Throughout the remainder of the season, Koumas consistently turned in man-of-the-match winning performances, scoring 13 times in 44 appearances from midfield, including a hattrick away at Luton in a pulsating victory. Koumas earned himself hero status amongst the Bluebirds faithful as well as the club's Player of the Year award and a place in the Championship's PFA
team of the season.
Cardiff City then attempted to negotiate a transfer fee for Koumas before the start of the 2006–07 season
, however they failed to come to an agreement with West Brom. Koumas was effectively on strike throughout the negotiations and refused to return to the Hawthorns, even resorting to training on his own away from the club. On 23 August, Koumas made a U-turn in his West Bromwich Albion career by signing a new three year deal at the club.
, becoming a first team regular again, and put in several man of the match performances during 2006–07. He won the Powerade Championship player of the month award for December 2006. Koumas was named the Championship player of the year at the Football League Awards in March 2007, and was also honoured in April with a place in the Championship team of the year.
, stating that it was a head turning offer. Koumas completed the move to Wigan on 10 July. He made his Wigan debut on 11 August 2007 in a 2–1 defeat away at Everton
. The following month he marked his 300th career league appearance by scoring his first goal for his new club, converting an 80th minute penalty to rescue a 1–1 home draw with Fulham
. Due to injury and a lack of first team opportunities under three different managers during his three years at Wigan, Koumas was linked with a return to previous club West Bromwich Albion along with Newcastle United and Leicester City on a loan deal until the end of the 2009–10 season, however a loan move never materialised. Koumas was released at the end of 2010/11 season following his return from a loan period at Cardiff City
.
on a season-long loan, but was unable to complete the move until after Cardiff's transfer embargo was lifted. The following day, the clubs transfer embargo was lifted and Koumas was able to register with the club two days prior to the start of the 2010–11 season. Koumas made his second Cardiff City debut in the 4–0 home victory over , coming on as a late substitute for Craig Bellamy
. Koumas' second stint at the Bluebirds was severely hampered with injuries and further niggley setbacks. However Koumas redeemed himself with an incredible super sub cameo away to Doncaster Rovers. The Bluebirds needed a win in order to keep the pressure on second placed Norwich and to keep the automatic promotion dream alive. With it 1-1 at the keepmoat Stadium in the 87th minute, Cardiff boss Dave Jones sent Koumas on. Within 3 minutes of his arrival he curled a 25 yard freekick into the top left hand corner and sent the Cardiff fans into jubilation. Koumas then killed off the game by passing the ball past the Doncaster keeper to make it 3-1 after some intricate link up play with Craig Bellamy.
and Wales. When he received call ups for both countries, he opted for the latter. Koumas has played 34 times for his country, since making his international debut against Ukraine
in 2001. He was part of Mark Hughes
's Welsh 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 Sebastian
. However, manager John Toshack
accepted his reasons, and Koumas himself vowed to improve his poor attendance record. He came back onto the international scene with three goals in two matches, one against Cyprus in October 2006 which set Wales on their way to a 3–1 victory, and a spectacular brace in November 2006 against Liechtenstein which saw Wales run out comfortable 4–0 winners. John Toshack has since announced that Koumas will be one of his key components as Wales attempt to qualify for Euro 2008 and the World Cup in 2010
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
.
He 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.
Wales
Wales is a country that is part of the United Kingdom and the island of Great Britain, bordered by England to its east and the Atlantic Ocean and Irish Sea to its west. It has a population of three million, and a total area of 20,779 km²...
professional footballer who is currently a free agent after being released by Wigan Athletic
Wigan Athletic F.C.
Wigan Athletic Football Club is an English Premier League Association football club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester, having been promoted from the Championship in 2005. Wigan's current spell in the Premier League is the only top flight run in the club's history.They have played at the DW...
. Formerly of Tranmere Rovers
Tranmere Rovers F.C.
Tranmere Rovers Football Club are an English team based in Birkenhead, Wirral. The club currently compete in League One, the third tier of the English football league system...
, Cardiff City
Cardiff City F.C.
Cardiff City Football Club are a Welsh professional football club based in Cardiff, Wales. The club competes in the English football pyramid and is currently playing in the Football League Championship. Cardiff City is the best supported football club in Wales, averaging approximately 22,500 for...
(loan) and West Bromwich Albion
West Bromwich Albion F.C.
West Bromwich Albion Football Club, also known as West Brom, The Baggies, The Throstles, Albion or WBA, are an English Premier League association football club based in West Bromwich in the West Midlands...
, he is a former Welsh international
Wales national football team
The Wales national football team represents Wales in international football. It is controlled by the Football Association of Wales , the governing body for football in Wales, and the third oldest national football association in the world. The team have only qualified for a major international...
. Koumas (Greek
Greek language
Greek is an independent branch of the Indo-European family of languages. Native to the southern Balkans, it has the longest documented history of any Indo-European language, spanning 34 centuries of written records. Its writing system has been the Greek alphabet for the majority of its history;...
Ιασωνας Κούμας) is of Greek Cypriot
Greek Cypriots
Greek Cypriots are the ethnic Greek population of Cyprus, forming the island's largest ethnolinguistic community at 77% of the population. Greek Cypriots are mostly members of the Church of Cyprus, an autocephalous Greek Orthodox Church within the wider communion of Orthodox Christianity...
descent.
Koumas operates as a creative midfield playmaker
Playmaker
In association football, a playmaker is a player who controls the flow of the team's offensive play, and is often involved in passing moves which lead to goals....
having played as a winger earlier in his career, creating goals for others as well as scoring many himself. He was selected in both the 2005–06
2005-06 in English football
The 2005–06 season was the 126th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:*The rebuilt Wembley Stadium was due to open in time for the FA Cup final in May. However, in August 2005, The Football Association reserved the Millennium Stadium as a backup, as there was some doubt whether...
and 2006–07
2006-07 in English football
The 2006–07 season was the 127th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:* The number of divisions at Level 8 of the English football league system increased from four to five...
Football League Championship team of the season.
Early career
Koumas played youth football at the Liverpool Academy with players such as Steven GerrardSteven Gerrard
Steven George Gerrard MBE is an English footballer who plays for and captains Premier League club Liverpool. He also has 89 caps for the England national team. He has played much of his career in a centre midfielder role, but he has also been used as a second striker and right winger...
and Michael Owen
Michael Owen
Michael James Owen is an English professional footballer who plays as a striker for Manchester United.The son of former footballer Terry Owen, Owen began his senior career at Liverpool in 1996. He progressed through the Liverpool youth team and scored on his debut in May 1997...
. However, he did not sign Youth Training Scheme
Youth Training Scheme
The Youth Training Scheme was the former name in the United Kingdom of an on-the-job training course for school leavers aged 16 and 17, managed by the Manpower Services Commission...
forms with the club, instead opting to join Tranmere Rovers
Tranmere Rovers F.C.
Tranmere Rovers Football Club are an English team based in Birkenhead, Wirral. The club currently compete in League One, the third tier of the English football league system...
.
Tranmere Rovers
Koumas made his professional debut for Tranmere RoversTranmere Rovers F.C.
Tranmere Rovers Football Club are an English team based in Birkenhead, Wirral. The club currently compete in League One, the third tier of the English football league system...
in the 1998–99 season
1998-99 in English football
-Premier League:Manchester United overcame close competition from Arsenal, Aston Villa and Chelsea to win their fifth Premiership title in seven seasons thanks to the comeback of Roy Keane after his long-term injury and a transfer raid totalling nearly £30 million which netted Aston Villa striker...
. 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
West Bromwich Albion F.C.
West Bromwich Albion Football Club, also known as West Brom, The Baggies, The Throstles, Albion or WBA, are an English Premier League association football club based in West Bromwich in the West Midlands...
manager, Gary Megson
Gary Megson
Gary John Megson is an English former football player and is currently manager of Sheffield Wednesday.He has previously managed Norwich City, Blackpool, Stockport County, Stoke City, West Bromwich Albion, Nottingham Forest, Leicester City and Bolton Wanderers...
, who paid Rovers a fee of £2.25m to secure his services.
West Brom
A successful first season at Premiership level, including sensational solo goals against Manchester UnitedManchester United F.C.
Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958...
and Blackburn Rovers
Blackburn Rovers F.C.
Blackburn Rovers Football Club is an English professional association football club based in the town of Blackburn, Lancashire. The team currently competes in the Premier League, the top tier of English football....
, saw Koumas win the club's Player of the Season award. However, this was not enough to prevent Albion from suffering relegation to the Football League. Koumas inspired the Baggies promotion back to the Premiership in 2004, winning the First Division player of the month award for November 2003, as well as being named in the First Division team of the year. In the summer of 2004, Koumas signed a new contract with Albion, but during the following season fell out with new boss Bryan Robson
Bryan Robson
Bryan Robson OBE is an English football manager and a former player. He is best known for playing in midfield for Manchester United, where he was the longest serving captain in club history. He was the manager of Sheffield United, being relieved of his first team duties at the club in February 2008...
. Robson stated that he was "disappointed" with Koumas' attitude and placed him on the transfer list.
Loan to Cardiff City
At the start of the 2005–06 season2005-06 in English football
The 2005–06 season was the 126th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:*The rebuilt Wembley Stadium was due to open in time for the FA Cup final in May. However, in August 2005, The Football Association reserved the Millennium Stadium as a backup, as there was some doubt whether...
, Koumas was loaned out to Cardiff City. This move proved an immediate success, with Koumas coming off the bench to score on his debut against Leeds United. Throughout the remainder of the season, Koumas consistently turned in man-of-the-match winning performances, scoring 13 times in 44 appearances from midfield, including a hattrick away at Luton in a pulsating victory. Koumas earned himself hero status amongst the Bluebirds faithful as well as the club's Player of the Year award and a place in the Championship's PFA
Professional Footballers' Association
The Professional Footballers' Association is the trade union for professional footballers in England and Wales. The world's oldest professional sport trade union, it has 4,000 members....
team of the season.
Cardiff City then attempted to negotiate a transfer fee for Koumas before the start of the 2006–07 season
2006-07 in English football
The 2006–07 season was the 127th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:* The number of divisions at Level 8 of the English football league system increased from four to five...
, however they failed to come to an agreement with West Brom. Koumas was effectively on strike throughout the negotiations and refused to return to the Hawthorns, even resorting to training on his own away from the club. On 23 August, Koumas made a U-turn in his West Bromwich Albion career by signing a new three year deal at the club.
Return to West Brom
His club career was then rejuvenated under new manager Tony MowbrayTony Mowbray
Anthony Mark "Tony" Mowbray is an English former professional football player, who is currently the manager of Middlesbrough...
, becoming a first team regular again, and put in several man of the match performances during 2006–07. He won the Powerade Championship player of the month award for December 2006. Koumas was named the Championship player of the year at the Football League Awards in March 2007, and was also honoured in April with a place in the Championship team of the year.
Wigan Athletic
In July 2007, West Brom agreed a fee of £5.3 million from Wigan AthleticWigan Athletic F.C.
Wigan Athletic Football Club is an English Premier League Association football club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester, having been promoted from the Championship in 2005. Wigan's current spell in the Premier League is the only top flight run in the club's history.They have played at the DW...
, stating that it was a head turning offer. Koumas completed the move to Wigan on 10 July. He made his Wigan debut on 11 August 2007 in a 2–1 defeat away at Everton
Everton F.C.
Everton Football Club are an English professional association football club from the city of Liverpool. The club competes in the Premier League, the highest level of English football...
. The following month he marked his 300th career league appearance by scoring his first goal for his new club, converting an 80th minute penalty to rescue a 1–1 home draw with Fulham
Fulham F.C.
Fulham Football Club is a professional English Premier League club based in southwest London Fulham, in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. Founded in 1879, they play in the Premier League, their 11th current season...
. Due to injury and a lack of first team opportunities under three different managers during his three years at Wigan, Koumas was linked with a return to previous club West Bromwich Albion along with Newcastle United and Leicester City on a loan deal until the end of the 2009–10 season, however a loan move never materialised. Koumas was released at the end of 2010/11 season following his return from a loan period at Cardiff City
Cardiff City F.C.
Cardiff City Football Club are a Welsh professional football club based in Cardiff, Wales. The club competes in the English football pyramid and is currently playing in the Football League Championship. Cardiff City is the best supported football club in Wales, averaging approximately 22,500 for...
.
Second loan to Cardiff City
On 5 August 2010, Koumas agreed a deal to re-join Cardiff CityCardiff City F.C.
Cardiff City Football Club are a Welsh professional football club based in Cardiff, Wales. The club competes in the English football pyramid and is currently playing in the Football League Championship. Cardiff City is the best supported football club in Wales, averaging approximately 22,500 for...
on a season-long loan, but was unable to complete the move until after Cardiff's transfer embargo was lifted. The following day, the clubs transfer embargo was lifted and Koumas was able to register with the club two days prior to the start of the 2010–11 season. Koumas made his second Cardiff City debut in the 4–0 home victory over , coming on as a late substitute for Craig Bellamy
Craig Bellamy
Craig Douglas Bellamy is a Welsh footballer who plays as a striker for Liverpool and the Welsh national team. Born in Cardiff, Bellamy was the captain of the Welsh national side for four years after taking over from Ryan Giggs in 2007, but stood down in January 2011 due to constant injuries...
. Koumas' second stint at the Bluebirds was severely hampered with injuries and further niggley setbacks. However Koumas redeemed himself with an incredible super sub cameo away to Doncaster Rovers. The Bluebirds needed a win in order to keep the pressure on second placed Norwich and to keep the automatic promotion dream alive. With it 1-1 at the keepmoat Stadium in the 87th minute, Cardiff boss Dave Jones sent Koumas on. Within 3 minutes of his arrival he curled a 25 yard freekick into the top left hand corner and sent the Cardiff fans into jubilation. Koumas then killed off the game by passing the ball past the Doncaster keeper to make it 3-1 after some intricate link up play with Craig Bellamy.
International career
The son of a Greek Cypriot chip shop owner, Koumas was eligible to play for both CyprusCyprus national football team
The Cyprus national football team represents Cyprus in association football and is controlled by the Cyprus Football Association, the governing body for football in Cyprus. Cyprus' home ground is the GSP Stadium in Nicosia and the current coach is Nikos Nioplias...
and Wales. When he received call ups for both countries, he opted for the latter. Koumas has played 34 times for his country, since making his international debut against Ukraine
Ukraine national football team
The Ukraine national football team is the national football team of Ukraine and is controlled by the Football Federation of Ukraine. After Ukrainian Independence and breakaway from the Soviet Union, they played their first match against Hungary on 29 April 1992...
in 2001. He was part of Mark Hughes
Mark Hughes
Leslie Mark Hughes, OBE , is a former Welsh international footballer. As an international footballer, he made 72 appearances and scored 16 goals....
's Welsh team which narrowly missed out on qualification for Euro 2004, losing 1–0 to Russia
Russia national football team
The Russia national football team represents Russia in association football and is controlled by the Russian Football Union , the governing body for football in Russia. Russia's home grounds are Luzhniki Stadium, Lokomotiv Stadium , and Petrovsky Stadium in St.Petersburg and their head coach is...
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 Sebastian
San Sebastián
Donostia-San Sebastián is a city and municipality located in the north of Spain, in the coast of the Bay of Biscay and 20 km away from the French border. The city is the capital of Gipuzkoa, in the autonomous community of the Basque Country. The municipality’s population is 186,122 , and its...
. However, manager John Toshack
John Toshack
John Benjamin Toshack OBE is a Welsh former footballer and manager. He is currently the manager of Macedonia. He has also managed several others clubs including Swansea City, who he took from the Fourth Division to the First in four seasons.As a player, he is remembered for being part of the...
accepted his reasons, and Koumas himself vowed to improve his poor attendance record. He came back onto the international scene with three goals in two matches, one against Cyprus in October 2006 which set Wales on their way to a 3–1 victory, and a spectacular brace in November 2006 against Liechtenstein which saw Wales run out comfortable 4–0 winners. John Toshack has since announced that Koumas will be one of his key components as Wales attempt to qualify for Euro 2008 and the World Cup in 2010
2010 FIFA World Cup
The 2010 FIFA World Cup was the 19th FIFA World Cup, the world championship for men's national association football teams. It took place in South Africa from 11 June to 11 July 2010...
Koumas captained his country for the first time on 1 June 2008, as Wales lost 2–0 to the Netherlands
Netherlands national football team
The Netherlands National Football Team represents the Netherlands in association football and is controlled by the Royal Dutch Football Association , the governing body for football in the Netherlands...
. He missed a penalty for Wales in a World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan national football team
The Azerbaijan national football team is the national football team of Azerbaijan and is controlled by Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan...
.
He 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
Finland national football team
The Finland national football team represents Finland in international football competitions and is controlled by the Football Association of Finland....
on 28 March 2009.
International goals
| # | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 31 March 2004 | Hungary | 1–2 | Win | |
| 2 | 11 October 2006 | Cardiff Cardiff Cardiff is the capital, largest city and most populous county of Wales and the 10th largest city in the United Kingdom. The city is Wales' chief commercial centre, the base for most national cultural and sporting institutions, the Welsh national media, and the seat of the National Assembly for... , Wales |
3–1 | Win | |
| 3 | 14 November 2006 | Cardiff Cardiff Cardiff is the capital, largest city and most populous county of Wales and the 10th largest city in the United Kingdom. The city is Wales' chief commercial centre, the base for most national cultural and sporting institutions, the Welsh national media, and the seat of the National Assembly for... , Wales |
4–0 | Win | |
| 4 | 14 November 2006 | Cardiff Cardiff Cardiff is the capital, largest city and most populous county of Wales and the 10th largest city in the United Kingdom. The city is Wales' chief commercial centre, the base for most national cultural and sporting institutions, the Welsh national media, and the seat of the National Assembly for... , Wales |
4–0 | Win | |
| 5 | 28 March 2007 | Cardiff Cardiff Cardiff is the capital, largest city and most populous county of Wales and the 10th largest city in the United Kingdom. The city is Wales' chief commercial centre, the base for most national cultural and sporting institutions, the Welsh national media, and the seat of the National Assembly for... , Wales |
3–0 | Win | |
| 6 | 17 November 2007 | Cardiff Cardiff Cardiff is the capital, largest city and most populous county of Wales and the 10th largest city in the United Kingdom. The city is Wales' chief commercial centre, the base for most national cultural and sporting institutions, the Welsh national media, and the seat of the National Assembly for... , Wales |
2–2 | Draw | |
| 7 | 17 November 2007 | Cardiff Cardiff Cardiff is the capital, largest city and most populous county of Wales and the 10th largest city in the United Kingdom. The city is Wales' chief commercial centre, the base for most national cultural and sporting institutions, the Welsh national media, and the seat of the National Assembly for... , Wales |
2–2 | Draw | |
| 8 | 6 February 2008 | Wrexham Wrexham Wrexham is a town in Wales. It is the administrative centre of the wider Wrexham County Borough, and the largest town in North Wales, located in the east of the region. It is situated between the Welsh mountains and the lower Dee Valley close to the border with Cheshire, England... , Wales |
3–0 | Win | |
| 9 | 6 February 2008 | Wrexham Wrexham Wrexham is a town in Wales. It is the administrative centre of the wider Wrexham County Borough, and the largest town in North Wales, located in the east of the region. It is situated between the Welsh mountains and the lower Dee Valley close to the border with Cheshire, England... , Wales |
3–0 | Win | |
| 10 | 20 August 2008 | Cardiff Cardiff Cardiff is the capital, largest city and most populous county of Wales and the 10th largest city in the United Kingdom. The city is Wales' chief commercial centre, the base for most national cultural and sporting institutions, the Welsh national media, and the seat of the National Assembly for... , Wales |
1–2 | Loss |
External links
- Jason Koumas profile on the official Wigan Athletic website
- Football Association of Wales profile
- BBC Sport Welsh Winger