Anthony Grant joins Stevenage from Southend United

4:54pm Wednesday 13th June 2012 in Sport By Chris Phillips

Anthony Grant - has joined Stevenage Anthony Grant - has joined Stevenage

ANTHONY Grant has joined Stevenage after deciding not to stay at Southend United.

The 25-year-old midfielder had been Blues’ longest serving player, after making 184 appearances during a five year stint at Roots Hall.

But Southend manager Paul Sturrock revealed Grant was keen to play at a higher level.

“I think the lure of playing in League One was what made Anthony’s mind up in the end,” said Sturrock.

‘Of course it’s a shame as far as we’re concerned because his form really improved towards the end of last season.

“He rang me to thank me for the past two seasons and I think it’s important we thank him for the service he gave this football club and his loyalty too.

“When I first came in he was pretty much the only senior player who decided to stay and I hope the supporters appreciate that and also understand his decision to leave.”

Grant will now be looking to impress in a Stevenage side who reached the League One play-offs last season.

He follows another first team regular, Liam Dickinson, in leaving the club after the striker was not offered an extension on his current contract.

However, Sturrock who has now returned from holiday, was keen to stress that the decision was not entirely down to finances – which had been claimed by Dickinson’s agent Phil Sproson.

“Finances always play a part in football but it was also about the mix of strikers we wanted in our squad,” said Sturrock.

“We have Barry Corr coming back in to the squad this season after his injury troubles and we just thought we need some different options.

“But Liam leaves the club with our best wishes and we wish him and Anthony all the best for the future.”

The duo’s departure now means 15 players have left Southend since the end of last season.

Comments(11)

inmemoryoftilly says...
5:08pm Wed 13 Jun 12

Sad to see the young man go but who can blame him? Good luck Anthony. His departure is yet another knock-on affect of Ron's financial mis-management of the club from two years ago ie: the team wouldn't be in the position they are now and AG would probably still be playing for the club. Funny how everyone leaves except Ron?!

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smudge65 says...
5:15pm Wed 13 Jun 12

Real shame. Granty had a great second half of the season and was always good with the kids for autograhs etc.
His Oscar winning ability to win us huge amounts of free kicks will be sorely missed!
Good luck to him.

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francissufcfan1995 says...
6:06pm Wed 13 Jun 12

really sad he has gone but he has done really wel at southend i always liked him he deserves to play in league 1 i wish him good luck and hope this decision works for him thanks granty for everything

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southendshrimper says...
7:08pm Wed 13 Jun 12

its a real shame to see granty go, but on the other hand if he was a high wage earner it could free up some cash for other players.

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andy42 says...
7:23pm Wed 13 Jun 12

He has been a loyal servant to the club over the last few seasons and always gave his all. It's a shame to see him leave but good luck to him at his new club.

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chelmsfordshrimper says...
7:28pm Wed 13 Jun 12

gutted

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Worzel G says...
7:44pm Wed 13 Jun 12

Real shame but I don't blame him at all. Good luck Anthony.

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Seasider90 says...
8:48pm Wed 13 Jun 12

One player who got stuck in and could actually pass a ball unlike some of the current squad. He could play at Championship level.Been a very good player for the Blues and you cant blame him for wanting to play at a higher level and ensuring he's going to get his wages at the end of the month.

Thanks Granty and good luck for the future.

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Seasider90 says...
8:48pm Wed 13 Jun 12

One player who got stuck in and could actually pass a ball unlike some of the current squad. He could play at Championship level.Been a very good player for the Blues and you cant blame him for wanting to play at a higher level and ensuring he's going to get his wages at the end of the month.

Thanks Granty and good luck for the future.

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zervos1 says...
9:18am Thu 14 Jun 12

Well done Granty and good luck at Stevenage. Your team effort was fantastic and I will sad that you have gone

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Shrimpers Not Blues says...
9:21am Thu 14 Jun 12

Good luck to AG. I can fully understand why he wants to play at a higher level. But I would question if he has picked the right club.

Defensively he will do well. He likes to put his foot in and Stevenage are a physical side.

Now people have complained on this site about the style of football we play. From what I have seen of Stevenage they make us look like a slick passing side. They like to get the ball forward very quickly or "Hoof-ball" as some might say. I just hope AG doesn't get injured watching the ball sail over his head.

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