John Grant

John Grant

Born 9 August 1981 (Age 20 at debut)

Position: Forward

(Diamonds player #157)

Total appearances 2

(1 Maunsell Cup, 1 Conference Shield)

Debut:

6 November 2001 (Home Northampton Town)

Final game:

13 November 2001 (Home Chester City)

John was born in Manchester and began his career with Crewe Alexandra, making his debut in August 1999. First team opportunities were somewhat limited, and he went out on loan to Hyde United. He arrived at Nene Park at the beginning of November 2001 on a one month loan spell as Diamonds were adjusting to life in the Football League. He made just two appearances however before returning. John also went out on loan to Northwich Victoria in February 2002.

He was eventually released by Crewe the following summer after just 11 appearances, and signed a year long contract with Hereford United. The following season he was with Telford United, before moving to Shrewsbury Town in July 2004. In March 2005, he joined Halifax Town and then in July 2006, moved to Aldershot Town where he made his mark as a striker. In his first season, he was voted the fans ‘Player of the Season’ and in some four seasons, he scored 51 goals in 143 appearances and helped the side to the Conference title in May 2008. He also made appearances for the England C team. Towards the end of his time with the Shots, he joined Oxford United on loan in February 2010 until the end of the season, before being released. He had several trials in the summer of 2010 and was expected to join AFC Wimbledon, but the deal fell through. After training with Conference side Barrow AFC, he joined them on non-contract terms on 18 November 2010, leaving on 31 January 2011. On 5 August 2011, John signed for Conference side Macclesfield Town on a non-contract basis, but wass released in May 2012 after just 4 appearances. He found himself without a club at the beginning of the 2012/2013, before joining Conference North side Droylsden on 11 March 2013. He has since retired from the game.

Appearances

2001/2002 – squad number 24