Championship

Nantwich sign ex-Watford, Aldershot, Crewe, Wycombe, Yeovil, Plymouth, Swindon player

Nantwich Town surprise fans as they sign ex-Watford, Aldershot, Crewe, Wycombe, Yeovil, Plymouth, Swindon player Joel Grant.

Grant has already scored in his first two appearances for The Dabbers, who finished 13th in the Northern Premier League Premier Division, while on trial against Wrexham and Caernarfon in the last two matches.

He spent most of his career in the EFL, starting at Watford in their youth academy and their Premier League promotion side of 2006 before moving down to Aldershot where his promising goal tally saw him get the move to the Alex.

After Crewe, he returned back in the south and spent two seasons at Wycombe, two at Yeovil and another two at Exeter City.

✍️ | Nantwich Town Football Club are delighted to announce the signing of experienced Football League winger, Joel Grant.

More information about our new recruit can be found here 👉 https://t.co/8BOkhJuuqO

Welcome back to South Cheshire, Joel👊#UpTheDabbers💚 pic.twitter.com/9qY3p2iCMr

— Nantwich Town FC (@TheDabbers) July 24, 2022

In 2017, Grant settled at Plymouth, netted 15 goals in 85 appearances over three years.

After a season at Swindon, then with Grimsby, he has now joined the Dabbers and it’s another great addition to Dave Cooke’s squad.

Grant said: “I’ve been here a couple of weeks training and keeping fit, we’ve got a good group of boys.

“The staff have all been great so I’m really excited and looking forward to the challenge.”

JOEL GRANT’S CAREER:

Youth career
Watford

Senior career
2005–2007 – Watford – 7 games (0 goals)
2006–2007 → Aldershot Town (loan) – 14 games (2 goals)
2007–2008 – Aldershot Town – 30 games (4 goals)
2008–2011 – Crewe Alexandra – 96 games (16 goals)
2011–2013 – Wycombe Wanderers – 71 games (14 goals)
2013–2015 – Yeovil Town – 55 games (6 goals)
2015–2017 – Exeter City – 46 games (8 goals)
2017–2020 – Plymouth Argyle – 74 games (14 goals)
2020–2021 – Swindon Town – 20 games (2 goals)
2021–2022 – Grimsby Town – 1 game (0 goals)
2022– Nantwich Town

National team‡
2006–2007 – Jamaica U20 – 11 games (7 goals)
2014–2016 – Jamaica – 14 games (2 goals)

Set up across the mouth of the goal as Grant finds the top corner for @TheDabbers on their visit to former NPL Side Caernarfon Town@PitchingIn_ pic.twitter.com/fDL1q5WDWl

— The Pitching In Northern Premier League (@NorthernPremLge) July 25, 2022

Grimsby Town boss Paul Hurst recently opened up on ‘good guy’ Joel Grant following his exit.

Having then joined the Mariners as a free agent, Grant tried to push for a place in the starting XI, making just two appearances for the club and featuring for a mere 25 minutes in total.

Hurst said there was no bad blood between himself and the Jamaican international, saying simply that terms were amicable upon his departure.

“Maybe not entirely because of this reason but perhaps because of other people doing well,’’ began the Mariners boss. “I guess we all want to look for reasons and answers but when me and Joel spoke we knew we’ve both been in football long enough and appreciate that sometimes it just doesn’t quite work out.

“We left in the right way, we shook each other’s hand and I can only echo what I have said previously that he hasn’t been an ounce of trouble.

“He’s been good with his team mates, there was no sulking around, no talking behind corners or behind peoples backs, he is what everybody told me he was before signing him, he is a good guy.

“It’s a shame it didn’t work for the both of us but Joel still wants to play and wish him well. Hopefully he can do and there’s somewhere for him where he can show his ability again.”

Fans reacted as Nantwich sign the ex-Watford, Aldershot, Crewe, Wycombe, Yeovil, Plymouth, Swindon player…

@odo332001: Unfortunately lads, I’m having to keep opinions to myself on this one…. just didn’t do it at all for Grimsby.

@bmussell1997: Club legend, wish him all the best

@chloexnffc: Absolutely iconic signing, you love to see it

@Andrew09955777: Great signing and can’t wait to watch him play

@onegreenarmy: You got a great guy and player there

@TommyPattinson: Pulled it out the bag with him and ajay, well done dave 👏

@pitchdawg_7: What a guy

@PaulJim44944059: Found his level

@AmyySilvester: 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 aww amazing news 🎉

@LeighRapson; Hope he thrives and gets treated better than he did at last club.

@Macy___93: Great news absolutely buzzing for Joel 💚💚

Rob Woods: Been really impressed with him pre season, obviously enjoys playing with AJ, and couple of decent finishes to boot.

Nate Lewis: What a brilliant signing! One of my all time Crewe favourites!

Dave Walker: Great signing. Welcome to the club Joel 👍

Andy Jones: Game changer

🗣|“𝗜’𝗺 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲”

We spoke to new signing Joel Grant about his goal against Caernarfon and his thoughts on joining the Dabbers 🟢⚪️ pic.twitter.com/T9wDXIRVec

— Nantwich Town FC (@TheDabbers) July 24, 2022