 A Grand signing for Town
11 March 2010
Micky Mellon has finally landed a player he has been after since last close season. It’s been a long, drawn out process but thankfully it’s all come to an end and I’m I want to be.
Grand started his career at Rochdale as a trainee in August 2001 and joined Conference National club, Carlisle United, in August 2004. The Cumbrian club went on to win promotion to the Football League that season before a move to Grimsby Tow. The defender then moved to Morecambe before joining Northwich in August 2008.
Grand, 26, said the timing of his move is slightly out of the ordinary as his new club only have nine games left in their promotion push.
“It’s a strange time for a move as transfers normally come at the end of a season. But when the opportunity came to join a club like Fleetwood Town then it was something I wanted to pursue. If I can contribute in any way, whether it’s a big part or just the odd game, then I’ll do the best I can and try to add whatever I can to that promotion push.”
The former captain carried out a professional job for Northwich Victoria despite his transfer being on and off through-out the last season. One of those performances included the Vics 3-0 away win at Highbury two weeks ago.
“Andy Preece (Northwich manager) approached me and asked if I wanted to play in the game. He felt it may not have been fair on me due to the ongoing talks. I told him I had a point to prove to myself that I was up to the standard at Fleetwood and there wasn’t a problem on the day. Obviously now I’ve made the move, that result isn’t too good for me and my new club!”
“Hopefully I can add to what is already a good, sturdy defence. I know just from the games Northwich have played against Fleetwood that McNulty and Taylor are so strong and organised. It’s going to be hard work to break into the team,” added Grand.
The Chorley-based player brings experience of football at a higher level and says his new club have what is needed to push on to the Blue Square Premier.
“From playing other sides in this league I think Fleetwood are by far the strongest team. They have strength and depth in the squad and the facilities are better than the Football League clubs I’ve played at.
“I’ve been lucky enough in my career to have enjoyed success with Carlisle and I think it takes the right group of players to achieve success. It looks like Fleetwood have the right balance and the right sort of players who want to win things. That means there is no reason why it can’t happen.”
Grand is ready to meet the Cod Army when Town entertain Solihull Moors this Saturday but says he’s not always enjoyed a warm reception at Highbury.
“I received a few jeers in last couple of game I was here. The crowds are fantastic and when we played at Highbury there crowd was easy over 1,200. That’s great at this level and teams much higher on the ladder don’t attract so many. The main push is promotion to keep the fans happy and keep them coming back in their numbers next season so they can watch a higher level of football.
“Whether I’ll be selected is another question. The team are top of the league for a reason and the lads are doing the job really well. I’ll come here, work hard in training and try my best if I’m called on to help the push for promotion.”
Grand was signed on a free transfer and Northwich will receive a modest payment if his time at Highbury is successful.
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Fleetwood Town vs Bolton Wanderers XI
Friday 30th July 2010 Kick-off 7.45pm
Jim's Sports Bar open 6pm for all supporters
Adults £7
Concessions £4
Programme £1.50
Codcast Caley Thistle
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