Brentford today completed the signing of striker Scott Hogan from Rochdale.
The 22-year-old, who was also being chased by Leeds United earlier this summer, banged in 19 goals in 40 appearances last term.
Mark Warburton is understood to have forked out £750,000 to bring the forward to Griffin Park as he continues his preparations for life in the Championship.
Here's five things you might not know about Brentford's latest signing as he gets ready to make his Bees bow at the Hive against Barnet tomorrow evening.
1. Bouncing back
Hogan looks to have a sparkling future ahead of him - but the picture wasn’t always looking so rosy for the striker.
He was released by Rochdale in 2010 without having made a senior appearance for the club after coming through the ranks at Spotland.
A three-year stint in non-league followed at clubs such as Halifax Town, Ashton United and Hyde.
2. Almost a City boy
Clayton Donaldson left Brentford for Birmingham City this summer and he could have been playing alongside Hogan at St Andrew’s if things had worked out a little differently.
Having impressed for Hyde in the Conference, West Ham registered an interest but it was Championship side City who invited the striker for a trial.
“I’m really pleased for him,” Hyde boss Scott McNiven said at the time.
“I thought he could fit into our system well and he’s been a different class in the 11 games he’s played for us.
“He’s made a name for himself, which I challenged him to do when he signed, and now he’s getting his rewards.”
Hogan trained with Birmingham for a number of weeks, however Dale swooped to pinch him at the last minute and he flourish in his second stint at the club.
3. Success runs in the family
While Hogan helped Rochdale to automatic promotion from League Two, brother Liam was part of the Fleetwood Town side that also went up to League One.
The 25-year-old plays in defence for the Cod Army, having moved from Halifax Town last summer, and helped them go up via the play-offs in 2013-14.
An injury to Conor McLaughlin gave him his chance in the run-up to the end-of-season lottery.
4. Education
Scott and brother Liam studied for BTEC Sport qualifications at Salford City College before earning pro-contracts.
The Hogan brothers were born in Salford and visited their old College back in May to attend the Salford City College Sports Awards.
They presented awards for the Male Football Awards for Player of the Year, Top Goal Scorer, Players’ Player of the Year and Coach’s Player of the Year.
5. Recognition
Hogan’s fine form for the Dale last term earned him a place in the the PFA League Two Team of the Year.
He was also shortlisted for the Sky Bet League Two Player of the Year award, although he lost out to Chesterfield's Gary Roberts.
A statement on the PFA website read: “Scott’s career has gone full circle in a short space of time since he was originally released by Rochdale without making a first team appearance in May 2011.
"After spells in the non league with the likes of Stockbridge and Hyde he returned to Rochdale last summer and has been scoring goals for fun this term – including two hat tricks in the space of three weeks as Dale get ready for life in League One.”
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