Less than a month after becoming the youngest player to score in the FA Cup, Evander Grubb – formerly on the books at Bristol Rovers – has signed for Huddersfield Town.
The 16-year-old winger was released by the Gas in December and joined eighth-tier Bristol Manor Farm in the summer before scoring a brace in the preliminary round of the FA Cup.
His goals, scored against Cadbury Heath on September 12 at 16 years and 54 days old, bettered Mydas Smalls' benchmark by nine days.
Manor Farm boss Lee Lashenko told Bristol Live last month Rovers had made a "mistake" in letting Grubb go, believing the Radstock lad was certain to make it in the professional game with multiple clubs circling.
The Terriers have won the race for his signature, with Grubb penning a two-year scholarship deal at the John Smith's Stadium. Manor Farm announced the move on Thursday.
Grubb's goals helped Manor Farm into the FA Cup third qualifying round, with Lashenko's side hosting Cray Wanderers at The Creek on October 13.
Following their 5-1 preliminary round win over Cadbury Heath in September, Lashenko told Bristol Live: “Our under-18s manager brought him in over the summer and it quite quickly become apparent he is a special player.
“The lad’s got it all it all. There are a few clubs hovering around him and I firmly believe he is going to get a chance to progress into the professional game again sooner rather than later.
“Bristol Rovers released him and football is all about opinions, and I know what I’d do if I was them.
“Everyone’s allowed to make a mistake and Evander will definitely prove it was a mistake to release him. He’s far too good a player not to be involved in professional football.
“When he moves on he will go with our best wishes and hopefully it’s another way of Bristol Manor Farm showcasing what we’re about.”
