Latest news with #VimalYoganathan
Leader Live
4 days ago
- General
- Leader Live
Vimal Yoganathan's message to Oldham fans after promotion
Vimal Yoganathan, from Trelawnyd, is the first player of Sri Lankan Tamil descent to play for a professional club in the UK. A midfielder for Barnsley, the 19-year-old has spent half of this season on loan at Oldham Athletic. And, after scoring in the 3-0 play-off semi-final win over York City, Yoganathan stepped out onto the Wembley turf on Sunday (June 1) for the Latics' final against Southend United. Promotion back to the EFL was achieved via an epic 3-2 win, with Yoganathan having started and being involved in 85 minutes of the tie. In the aftermath of the celebrations for the club, he has since taken to Instagram to write what appears to be a farewell message to Oldham fans with his loan spell having ended there. Yoganathan wrote: "Fairy tale ending. What a feeling to get promoted in my first full season in football." He added: "My time at Oldham's been unbelievable, from the fans to the staff to my teammates everyone's been amazing to me, whatever happens to my future, I wish Oldham all the best." The journey to the EFL all began in Flintshire for Yoganathan. He is from the village of Trelawnyd and began his journey to the top by playing indoor football at Holywell Leisure Centre when he was just four years old. A post shared by Vimal Yoganathan (@vimal.13y) He then went on to play for Connah's Quay Nomads and the Prestatyn Town academy - but it wasn't long before his exceptional talent caught the eye of a Premier League club. Vimal was scouted by Liverpool at the age of just six-years-old and, having impressed the club, officially signed to their club's academy two years later. TOP STORIES Although he is of Sri Lankan descent, he has spent his entire career to date playing for the Wales youth set up thanks to his Flintshire roots. He regularly plays for the under 19's side, with his latest cap coming in a 2-2 draw v Turkmenistan on Saturday (September 7). Great things are expected of him, so it's worth keeping an eye out on him back at Barnsley next season.
Leader Live
30-05-2025
- Sport
- Leader Live
Flintshire's Vimal Yoganathan set for Wembley play-off bow
Vimal Yoganathan, from Trelawnyd, will be making his Wembley bow this as Oldham Athletic face Southend United in the National League play-off final on Sunday (June 1). The 19-year-old, who played junior football at Prestatyn Athletic, is on loan at Oldham from his parent club, Barnsley. The box-to-box midfielder has become a key player for the Latics - and scored in their recent 3-0 win over York City in the play-off semi-final. Yoganathan started out playing football with mates on a playing field next to his school in Trelawnyd. Speaking to The Leader, Yoganathan said: "It's a dream come true to Wembley. I never expected it to come this quickly in my career. "I just can't wait to get out there, I'm getting impatient waiting for Sunday - but it'll definitely be worth the wait and hopefully will be a day to remember. Speaking about any nerves going into the game, he said: "The gaffa's (Oldham manager Micky Mellon) has been really good at taking that pressure off us. He's been telling us to take the emotion out of it and just focus on our individual performances. "He's been telling us to make sure we enjoy it, but don't get too much involved in the occasion." Vimal Yoganathan (Image: Phill Smith) Yoganathan signed a loan deal with Oldham in January - but didn't break into the team until the back end of the season. Talking about his time at the club, he said: "There's been ups and downs for me and the team as a whole. After first signing we were in a rough patch, we couldn't get going and couldn't get a rhythm to our game." Yoganathan's breakthrough came in after he scored a late equaliser against local rivals Rochdale in March. "That was a big moment for me and the team," he said. "It created a spark and I showed that I can do it this level." Since then, Yoganathan has become a key player for the Latics and fan favourite - even having his own terrace song. "Nothing in youth or under 23s football can replicate that feeling you get when the fans are singing your name," he said. "You'll never get highs like that except in men's first team football. "The York game was immense. The fans were absolutely amazing and they will definitely be the 12th man on Sunday." Talking about the differences playing first team compared to under 23s, he said: "Physically it's obviously much tougher in the National League than in the under 23s. It's a lot of more intense - under 23s is about player development and playing first team is all about the result." Yoganathan is a youthful player in what is a vastly experienced Oldham team - something he says is a "massive learning curve". "Corry Evans (a Northern Ireland international) has been brilliant. Playing alongside him in midfield, you see his quality. Even training with him, you learn so much." Yoganathan also spoke about charismatic Oldham striker Mike Fondop - who has a cult legend status among Latics fans. "He's one of a kind," Yoganathan said. "There's a reason why Oldham fans love him. He's a great professional and does everything for the right reasons. He deserved all the awards he got this season." Earlier this year, Yoganathan played for Wales under 19s against England. "That was great experience," he said. "We played against the best players of my age in the country who all play at top clubs. You want to compare yourself against the best and see how you do. "Playing for Wales is my dream, and the next goal would be to get into the 2026 World Cup squad."
