Perfect leaving present as Joe Lolley fires Kidderminster Harriers into FA Cup dreamland
Joe Lolley was today ready to seal a move to Championship side Huddersfield after leaving Kidderminster Harriers in FA Cup dreamland.
The 21-year-old signed off in fine style by scoring a stunning winner as Harriers rocked League One Peterborough United and former Wolves man Darren Ferguson in last night's FA Cup third round replay at London Road, setting up a fourth round meeting with Premier League Sunderland.
Lolley, who has scored 11 goals for the Harriers this season, had been heavily linked with a move for several weeks and boss Andy Thorn confirmed after the game an announcement is expected today.
"There will be an announcement from the club but I think it is the worst kept secret in the world," he said. "He will move on but he has been fantastic for us. But we have had to make sure things are right for the club because when Joe goes the club will still be there. We needed to have the right deal.
"He (Lolley) has been immense. I'm sure wherever he goes it will be a success."
Harriers are expected to receive a fee believed to be in the region of £250,000 for the striker, who only joined in August having spent the past two seasons playing for Littleton in the Midland Combination Premier.
And Thorn revealed it was his decision Lolley should feature in last night's game, even though an injury might have jeopardised the deal.
"It was my call and the chairman agreed," said Thorn. "I spoke to Joe and we have to be professional about things. It was a big opportunity for his team-mates who have worked hard with him to go and play at the Stadium of Light.
"I felt he owed it to his team-mates and he did too. All credit to him."
Lolley's winner came 14 minutes from time and just two minutes after Britt Assombalonga had equalised for the home side.
"It was a fantastic strike and that is the type of thing he can do," said Thorn. "But he needed to because he gave the ball away for the penalty and if he had been near me then he might have come off.
"He is an immense talent and that was the icing on the cake for him because the club have been very good to him and he has been very good for the club."