Zavon Hines is a pacy young forward who developed well in the 2007/08 campaign but really took off in the following season.
Born on 27 December 1988, Hines was involved in pre-season action before starting as a regular in the reserves. Heading into 2008, he stepped up his progress and caught the eye of coach Kevin Keen. His bright play and solo goal in a 2-0 home win against Fulham in February 2008 particularly had Keen giving fulsome praise after the final whistle. "I thought he turned the game a little bit," he said of a match that also featured Bobby Zamora and Freddie Sears.
On 27 March 2008, Hines was loaned for a month to Championship club Coventry City. He had previously had a brief trial at Bury but the move was his first proper spell away from the Boleyn Ground. He then enjoyed a terrific summer when he scored six goals including a couple in first-team friendlies and found himself on the fringes of the first team as the 2008/09 campaign got under way. His career took a major step forward with his senior debut in the Carling Cup second round.
Against Macclesfield Town, Hines entered as a 27th-minute replacement for Valon Behrami and struck the third goal in a 4-1 win after extra time. A knee problem then slowed his progress but the striker had stated his intent.