We sat down with new signing Max Kouogun who, was handed a first Town start in our FA Trophy clash against today's opponents Eastleigh just days after signing from Waterford.
“It was the first 90 minutes I had played since maybe the 28th of October, but I had been working hard since the end of the Irish season trying to maintain fitness.” Explained Kouogun.“It's different to training when you go into that competitive game though, I just tried to take it in my stride and give 100%.
“Luckily we got the deserved win and I put on a decent performance to show the fans I am here to compete and I am here to mean business.”
The 22-year-old's ambition is impressive, but not surprising given the experience gathered in the form of other 120 senior appearances in a career that started at UCD.
Our Cameroon-born centre back talks us through the path that has brought him to The CNG Stadium.
“I went to UCD when I was 17, they have a system where you can play at the highest level and get a scholarship at the same time, which is what I did.
“I did my undergrad in economics and statistics for three years then a masters in economics for a further year so I owe a lot to UCD, they funded all my education and gave me a pathway to be able to combine my education and athletic career.
“I'm 100% focused on my football at the minute and getting my career to the highest level possible, but you never know what is around the corner so it is an incredible back up to have.
“I was able to establish myself in first team football which I feel has really stood me in good stead for the rest of my career, being only 22 now and having that many appearances is a good achievement in itself and will definitely help me in England.
“After UCD I had a short spell at Warrenpoint, only for about five or six games, but it was a slight step up in standard as the style of football was different, at UCD it was very much build from the back and play into the thirds whereas Warrenpoint in the Northern Irish league was a lot more direct.
“I then joined Waterford in the Premier Division in Ireland and that was a step up from both, I went to the full-time football set up then and that was my first time really being in that environment.
“When I was given the opportunity to trial with Harrogate it was kind of a no brainer, for a young player coming into a set up like this is ideal if you want to improve with the club and build your way up the Football League.”