*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 19:43, 1 January 2025 (UTC) ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 23:11, 28 March 2022 (UTC)
Born in Stockton-on-Tees,[2] Cousin-Dawson began his career with the Bradford City youth team. He moved on loan to Brighouse Town in November 2019,[3] being recalled in January 2020,[4][5] ahead of Bradford City's FA Youth Cup game against Chelsea.[6] He turned professional in July 2020, signing a one-year contract.[7]
He made his senior debut for Bradford City on 8 September 2020, in the EFL Trophy.[8][9][10] In November 2020 he was one of a number of young Bradford City players playing in the first team who were praised by manager Stuart McCall.[11] In December 2020 he spoke about the impact of coronavirus on football, including lack of fans at stadiums.[12]
In January 2021 he signed a new contract with the club, running until summer 2024.[13][14] In February 2021 he was dropped from the starting line-up after making 9 consecutive starts, with club joint manager Mark Trueman saying that Cousin-Dawson would help him cope with the mental and physical stress of first-team football.[15] In April 2021 club joint manager Conor Sellars said he was happy for young players like Cousin-Dawson and Kian Scales to be playing regular first team football.[16]
At the start of the 2021–22 season, it was announced that Cousin-Dawson would start the club's second game of the season, an EFL Cup game away to Nottingham Forest.[17][18] He later said that his skills were improving, due in part to the expected standards of new manager Derek Adams.[19]
In July 2022 he signed on loan for Spennymoor Town.[20] Cousin-Dawson said that the loan was the "best thing" for him so that he could get regular playing time again.[21] He was recalled by Bradford City in January 2023, with a view to making a further loan move.[22] On 2 February, Cousin-Dawson returned to the National League North on an initial one-month loan deal with Blyth Spartans.[23][24] Later that month the loan was extended until the end of the season.[25]
In July 2023, he returned on loan to Blyth Spartans for the 2023–24 season.[26]
He was released by Bradford City at the end of the 2023–24 season.[27][28]
On 12 June 2024, Cousin-Dawson signed a two-year contract with National League side Yeovil Town ahead of the 2024–25 season.[29]
International career
In March 2021 Cousin-Dawson was called-up to a training camp with the Northern Ireland under-21 team.[30] He left early in order to return to Bradford City for a match.[31] He received a second call up in May 2021.[32] He made his under-21 international debut in June 2021 in a friendly against Scotland,[33][34] and received a further call-up in August 2021.[34][35]
In October 2021 Bradford City boss Derek Adams said that Cousin-Dawson's international experience was helping him mature as a player.[36] He made two appearances for the under-21s that month.[37] In November 2021 he made a further appearance, his first full international match.[38]
He was recalled by Northern Ireland under-21s in March 2022.[39] Club manager Mark Hughes said it was an opportunity for the player to impress him.[40] Cousin-Dawson made one appearance, playing 90 minutes in a friendly against France, having not played in the earlier Under-21 Euro Qualifier against Slovakia.[41]
Playing style
Primarily a centre-back, Cousin-Dawson has also played a right-back and was used as a holding midfielder for the first time on 6 October 2020 in the EFL Trophy, with Bradford City manager Stuart McCall suggesting it could become his permanent new position.[42]
Career statistics
As of match played 1 January 2025
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
