Janos Kovacs

Janos Kovacs Date of Birth: Sep 11, 1985

Born Budapest, Hungary, A 6 foot 4 inch central defender, Janos went through the youth system at his hometown club, MTK but he failed to make an impression on the first team making just one appearance. He moved to England and League One side Chesterfield in August 2005 and at first failed to impress. He was loaned out to York for a spell but then became a regular playing 43 times for the Spireites in the 2007/08 season. A new contract was almost signed but a new arrival at Chesterfield meant he would slip down the pecking order. Janos agreed to being put on the transfer list in June 2008 after 57 appearances and 2 goals.

Lincoln City paid a tribunal fee but after 66 appearances he was placed on the transfer list in January 2010. Janos signed a 5 month contract with the Hatters and made 17 appearances. His debut came against Histon on the 27th January 2010 when he scored a diving header from a Kevin Nicholls corner. Janos was not offered a renewed contract and, being a free agent, he signed for Hereford United where he spent one season.

Transfer listed again, Janos was signed on an emergency one month loan by the Hatters in September 2011. The loan was extended to January 2012 and being released by Hereford he signed a contract to keep him at Kenilworth Road for 18 months. Manager Gary Brabin said on his signing “"Janos has been a rock at the back for us since joining us again. His performances have been fantastic and he has had an unbelievably positive effect on the team on and off the pitch.” 44 appearances and 4 goals won his the Player of the Season award. He was also in the 2011/12 Conference Team of the Season alongside team mate Mark Tyler.

The 2012/13 season was a poor one with the club finishing 7th and outside the top six play off zone. He had the consolation of playing in the magnificent F.A. Cup run which saw a home win over Wolves and a 1 0 win at top flight Norwich City. Manager Paul Buckle was replaced by John Still whose job was to rebuild the club and get promotion. Janos did not figure in the plans so he was released at the end of the season.

Janos returned to Hungary where he played few games for a number of clubs before retiring in 2018.