TOWN have beaten off strong competition from Blackburn Rovers and Crystal Palace to snap up hot Huddersfield prospect Tom Denton.

The Shepley-based 19-year-old striker dubbed the ‘new Peter Crouch’ banged in the goals for non-league Wakefield last season after switching from District League Wooldale Wanderers.

And Galpharm boss Stan Ternent reckons the 6ft 5in frontman could be ready for first-team action in weeks rather than months.

Denton, a batsman who plays Drakes Huddersfield League cricket for Shepley, signed a three-year football contract after passing a medical yesterday.

Wakefield will receive a fee which it’s believed could rise to six figures depending on his progress.

He impressed in trial matches for both Blackburn and Palace during the close-season, and both were keen to snap him up.

But Denton, who travelled down to Colchester with Ternent’s squad today but won’t be considered for tomorrow’s League I match, was determined to sign for his boyhood heroes.

“It’s a dream come true for me. I’ve been a Town fan all my life and I wanted to play here. I had a trial at Blackburn and they made an offer, but I only wanted to play for Town,” he said.

“Andy Booth’s my hero and I’m looking forward to getting to know him and the rest of the lads.”

Denton is Ternent’s eighth signing, and the manager said: “I am delighted to have signed Tom.

“He’s got a great deal of potential and I don’t think it will be long before the fans see him in a blue and white shirt.

“Both Blackburn and Palace were interested in him and he’s someone I’ve had my eye on for some time now. Importantly, he’s a big fan of the club, so that’s a step in the right direction.”