Harrogate Town sign former Bristol City striker Shawn McCoulsky from Maidenhead United

Former Bristol City striker Shawn McCoulsky has joined the League Two Sulphurites on a free transfer from National League Maidenhead United following a 2024/25 campaign which saw him net 18 goals in all competitions.

And the 28-year-old forward brings a useful amount of Football League experience having spent time with Southend United in League One, and netted 11 times for League Two Newport County as well as turning out for Colchester United and Forest Green Rovers.

The six-foot-two attacker has signed a two-year contract at Wetherby Road and Town’s head of recruitment Lloyd Kerry says the club are thrilled to have secured his services.

“He’ll add pace to the top end of the pitch, he’s a big, strong lad that can affect the first ball and scored some really good goals last season that caught our eye,” Kerry said.

“He’ll suit the way we play and presses well from the front with his pace able to put teams on the back foot.”

Having started out in non-league with Dulwich Hamlet, McCoulsky attracted the interest of Bristol City, who saw off Premier League competition to capture his signature in 2015.

While at the Championship side, McCoulsky would gain experience out on loan at clubs from the National League South up to Southend in League One.

Permanent moves to Forest Green and Colchester followed before Maidenhead secured his services in January 2022.

The striker more than 100 appearances for the Magpies and joins Harrogate on the back of an 18-goal season.

McCoulsky will take the number nine shirt at Town, with Stephen Duke-McKenna switching to number 11.