Bristol City new boy: Millwall wanted me after trial success Friday, 6 November 2015 By Richard Cawley in Football please log in to view this image Shawn McCoulsky, with dad Fredrick and mum Pa, signs his Bristol City contract Shawn McCoulsky is the latest South London youngster to make the jump into the Football League after signing a two-year contract with Bristol City. The 18-year-old striker had been on the books of Dulwich Hamlet but opted not to sign a new contract in the summer. McCoulsky was initially on trial with Millwall but rolled his ankle while he was there and was out for five weeks, during which he received treatment at the League One club. But it was City who paid a small compensation figure to Dulwich to land the young frontrunner after he impressed while training with them. “I was aware Millwall wanted to sign me but I think Dulwich asked for a fee which Millwall didn’t want to pay,” said McCoulsky. “I leave it to my agent to deal with all that kind of stuff. “I got injured playing against AFC Wimbledon and they looked after me - I’ve got to thank them for that. “I got offered a new contract by Dulwich but I wanted to progress somewhere else that I could get into the Football League. I scored two goals in two starts while at Bristol City. “I’m really delighted. I’m thankful for everything and to my agents - Tony Finnigan and Robert Codner - my uncle and brother. It helped me having good people around me that kept me motivated. They keep you pushing on.” Lewisham-raised McCoulsky had no background at a pro club before his switch to Ashton Gate. He went on trial with Fulham when he was 13 and had been due to join Crawley Town’s academy two years later - only for them to shut down that section. “After that I trained with Dulwich at the age of 15 and 16,” he said. “I tried to get into their first-team and make a name for myself. “I was part of their Aspire academy and studied at Sedgehill School. We’d train after that. “Dulwich have got a really good success rate. In the FA Youth Cup we’d go far every year. I played against Brentford in the second round proper. “I’m 19 in January and I didn’t want time to run out on me. I’m not saying that I didn’t want to play for Dulwich - just that I didn’t want to stay in that league for too long. “Robert and Tony gave me the chance to go and express myself. “I’m very hungry. Football is everything to me. Since I was young I wanted to be a professional footballer. “I’m grateful to Gavin Rose for putting me in the Dulwich first-team at such a young age. He believed in me and it was a big experience to be playing and scoring in mens’ football.” The Manchester United fan will now look to hone his talents in City’s development squad - and played in their 1-0 win at Crystal Palace on Tuesday. “I’ve spoken to Wade Elliott [U21 boss] and he has said that he and the first-team manager will watch my progress,” he said. “They will try to develop me as soon as possible to make me the striker they want me to be and give me my chance.”
This year we've been partially sharing my sixth form with the rovers u18 scholars. It's interesting to speak to some of them and their stories. Whilst there are some absolute ****s who are petty and will steal from the tuck shop, there are also some genuinely nice people who I hope succeed in their football.
Peterborough were very successful at signing players like this - if he is as anywhere near as good as Assombolonga or Gayle we will be well pleased
