The 27-year-old beat off stiff competition for the coveted award
The Waterford FC striker won the SSE Airtricity/SWI monthly award for November, fending off Jamie Lennon and Sam Curtis of St Patrick’s Athletic.
Coughlan got an incredible 37 goals in 35 games across League and Cup this season for Waterford FC as they returned to the League of Ireland Premier Division for the first time in two seasons.
The 27-year-old also scored the crucial goal in their 2-1 win in the promotion/relegation play off against Cork City in Tallaght Stadium.
He is only the second Waterford player to win two Player of the Month awards in one season, after Alfie Hale did it 50 years ago.
Not only did have a stellar campaign, but Coughlan also created history.
He became the only second tier player to win the monthly award twice in one year, after he won the award for April too.
His 37-goal year broke the First Division scoring record, beating Andy Myler’s 2001 tally of 29 goals.
Coughlan also equaled the League of Ireland goalscoring record of Jimmy Turnbull of Cork, set in 1936.
The Raheen man was not only born in Limerick but started his career there, playing for the Limerick FC academy at the age of 16 after spending time at Mungret Regional between 2001 and 2012.
He moved to English club Huddersfield Town at the age of 18, gaining valuable experience at the top level.
His first club of his senior career was Bray Wanderers in Wicklow before spells at Cork City, Sligo Rovers and St Patrick’s Athletic preceded his move to Waterford.
Coughlan expressed his delight with the award on his Instagram.
“Delighted to receive @leagueofireland @soccerwritersireland player of the month award for the second time this season. I’ve had a great month personally however most importantly getting Waterford promoted was always the main goal and without the team and staff coming together the way we did, this award wouldn’t have been possible,” he said.
“On a personal note I couldn’t have done anything this year without the support from my amazing partner, family & the fans so thank you for your support it didn’t go unnoticed! All praise be to God. James 4:10.”
