Will Grigg reveals what made him sign for Chesterfield after leaving fans surprised

Will Grigg reveals what made him sign for Chesterfield after leaving fans surprised by linking up with the National League side.

The Spireites announced his arrival at an undisclosed price on the 22nd of June, with the Northern Ireland international spending the 2022/23 season with MK Dons, his second stint at the club.

The former Wigan Athletic striker and Sunderland forward made 48 appearances and scored seven goals for the Stadium MK outfit, but couldn’t keep them up.

Grigg was a member of Northern Ireland’s Euro 2016 team and twice promoted from League One while playing for the Latics.

Chesterfield finished third on the National League table, and reached the playoff final, where they lost to Notts County on penalties.

Interviewer: So, Will, how does it feel to join Chesterfield Football Club?

WG: It’s amazing. You know, as soon as I found about the interest, it was something that I wanted to pursue and to finally get over the line is amazing feeling.

Interviewer: And obviously the Gaffer’s, someone that you played under before at Wigan and what role did he have to bring you into the club?

WG: A massive role. I think for me to drop down to National League, it had to be something special. And obviously, working with ‘Cookie’ before and having such a great time with him previously was a massive pull. And I came to have a look around the stadium and everything around here, and it was something that, as soon as I found the interest, it was amazing for me. And like I said, really good.

Interviewer: Like you say, National League not a league that you’re quite with yet. But what do you know about league coming into the football club?

WG: Not too much, to be honest. Obviously I’ve spoken to a few people about it. I hadn’t even played in League Two previously, so I’ve dropped down to National League. But I know it’s a tough league. It’s obviously hard to get out of, which proved last year. But I think the way the club’s going and the ambition they had, it was something I wanted to be part of. And I’m really positive that we’ll have a successful season this year.

Interviewer: Obviously played at likes of Wigan and Sunderland, Rotherham and MK Dons, a couple of teams that played Chesterfield quite a few years ago when they were in League One. So what do you know about Chesterfield and how were you feeling going to play in front of 7000/8000 fans here every week?

WG: Yeah, really excited. Like I said, I’ve played against Chesterfield quite a few times and then when I was at Milton Keynes the first time, they were sort of our bogey team. I think Cookie was a manager and Gary Roberts actually played, so that was slightly annoying. But, yeah, every time I’ve played here as well, the fans have been brilliant and like you said, have 7/8/9000 coming week in, week out was a massive incentive for me. I love playing in front of fans, I always seem to step up for big games, so that was a massive part for me as well. I didn’t want to drop down and lose that sort of league feel. So in this club, it deserves to be higher, it needs to be higher and I’m hopefully going to be a good part of that.

Interviewer: Obviously, fans of English football will know the name Will Grigg. For people, though, that maybe haven’t seen you, how do you describe yourself as a player?

WG: I’m a goal scorer. I’ve been described as a fox in the box and getting on the end of crosses, so I’ve got quite a lot to my game, I’m going to hold it up. I can link it up, I can run in behind and I like to think I’ve got a bit of everything, but my main role in this team is going to be to score goals. So I’ve watched clips and everything. With the gaffer and the amount of crosses that come in the box, it’s my job to get on the end of it. So ultimately, I’m hopefully going to be the one that scores the goals to get us up. But I like to think I’ve got enough in my game so I can’t it all over.

Interviewer: The club was so close last season, almost getting to lead two, but now fresh start and a chance to really stamp their authority on the league.

WG: That’s the thing. Yeah, obviously last year was really disappointing in the end, but I think overall, it was a successful season. I think you look at the two teams that went up, finished first and second and ultimately deserved to, but what they threw at it to get there was massive. So for us this year, it’s just tough to concentrate on ourselves and I’m sure we’ve got enough in the building to make sure we can get the job done.

Interviewer: Do you have a message for the supporters?

WG: Just really looking forward to playing in front of you and this team is going to need support throughout the season and yeah, really looking forward to getting the shirt on and playing in front of them.

𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱, 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹 💙

✍️ We are delighted to announce the signing of Will Grigg from MK Dons for an undisclosed fee on a three-year deal!#Spireites pic.twitter.com/zQZobENJqA

— Chesterfield FC (@ChesterfieldFC) June 22, 2023

𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗚𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗴 𝘅 𝗣𝗮𝘂𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗸 ⚽️#Spireites pic.twitter.com/TBJraqfluR

— Chesterfield FC (@ChesterfieldFC) June 22, 2023

Chesterfield also named Tom Naylor as a summer signing on a three-year contract after leaving Wigan Athletic.

The 31-year-old, who made 36 appearances in the Championship last season, can play in midfield or central defence.

Naylor said: “It’s a great opportunity for me to come home. With what is going on at the club at the minute, it’s an exciting time.

“The gaffer is an experienced manager who has managed some big teams and been promoted a few times. I nearly signed for him at Wigan and I’m looking forward to working with him.”

After starting his career at Mansfield Town, Naylor has played for the likes of Derby County, Burton Albion and Portsmouth. He was with Wigan since the summer of 2021.

Twitter users reacted as Will Grigg reveals what made him sign for Chesterfield after leaving fans surprised…

@rolyatnomis: Fantastic signing for you, best of luck Will!

@GrumpyMillerMan: Great signing for chesterfield. Class act and so much more than just a goalscorer.

@Lukedarbyshire7: if you don’t win the leauge I will be massively shocked. cook also getting the band back together

@GingieeJosh01: Great signing from a Scunthorpe fan , best of luck to you guys this coming season , deffo deserve to be in the EFL

@samf012321: enjoy him lads 😭 will be rooting for yous

@PackerPSmooth: As a Wigan fan, I hope he gets you guys promoted!

@spireiterunner: We’re on fire!! Can’t wait for the season to start.🥳🥳👍👍⚽️⚽️

@RickPayne2020: No way… this is a dream right???

@CFC_Will453: The 🐐

@WiganDicko: All went tits up when he left Wigan. Hope he finds his feet again. Some player.

 

@CabezaJake: Chesterfield hitting out the park again. Another stupendous signing. Im sure you’ll have a lot of Wigan fans keeping an eye out next season when you win the league!

@Ellsjr1992: To be fair lads don’t know you’ve pulled this one off but what an effort.

@Garyj_d: Wow what a signing for you guys! UTM

@RobCFC88: Dallas next please

@DannyLatham10: Chesterfield are my new second team!

@DextersDesciple: Hopefully announce Dallas once his contract is up with Solihull, and a keeper or 2, and I can enjoy my summer.

@BenPanko1990: Quality signing, movement is unreal.

@DannyLannon: The paul cook effect.

@lukecfc5: Wait were actually signing Grigg? Wow.

@PTMYTH: @RequestABet Will Grigg Top National League goal scorer price please?