Breaking News Grant Signs For Stevenage.

Bromley Blue · Jun 15, 2012

Jam_Man said:
Grant is a good player but he is more replaceable than someone like Hall.

Saying he was the standout player in the playoffs is not saying much at all, the team was poor for 3 of the 4 halves.

Looking over the last season I would say Phillips, Clohessey and Hall stood out far more and whilst I would have liked Grant to stay I would rather lose him than those three.

I disagree. I think saying that Grant was the standout player in the playoffs is of importance. Yes a lot of the team played poorly and I'm in agreement with that. But there's also something to be said for having someone in the side who can perform in the big games and not let the nerves and pressure get the better of them. For me Hall fell into this category against Crewe and at other times during the season when we really needed him to perform. In a way by saying this I'm agreeing with your point about Hall as he is the catalyst for most of the good attacking play we do as the main player with some creativity in the side. But maybe its this (albeit arguable) inability to turn it on when it really matters is why we haven't (knowingly) had any big offers for Hall yet?

And yes those three did stand out more over the course of this season. This season wasn't one of Granty's best as he was in and out of the side but I stand by the belief that he could play higher than any of those 3. Hall may be up for debate but I think better defenders could keep him quiet a lot more often.

Jam_Man · Jun 15, 2012

I wouldnt say Grant was a good playmaker. On his day his energy and drive were a great asset, but I dont see him as a midfielder spraying passes about.

As for a big game player Id rather a player consistent throughout the season. He may have been a stand out player in the playoffs, although to be honest not really sure in what sense. He certainly didnt do anything to influence the away game that I saw ?

Maroon Blue · Jun 15, 2012

He will be missed, ability to hold the ball and win free kicks, on his day top class. I must admit his shooting ability was 9/10 into the stands, 1/10 in the corner of the net.

For me he has been Mr Southend for the last 4/5 years, always applauding the fans and being available for photographs on away days, and one of my daughters favourite players for his playful personality.

The worry is when he joined us we had just dropped into League 1 from the championship and now Stevenage who were a no name non league club, is a step up. How many more smaller clubs are going to pass us by, Crawley have, Fleetwood next?. On the positive it could be worse if we were Luton.

Roll on next season please.

Bolton Shrimper · Jun 17, 2012

Bit disappointed by this as he was one of our better players. Totally understand that it would have been a money thing and he was probably offered less to stay in L2 for which IMHO he is too good for. Thought he could have done better than Stevenage but that might be for family/locational reasons. He goes with my thanks for his loyalty and service.

DTS · Jun 20, 2012

Massive blow but we move on.

For my mind he was literally one of the best players we had and a fantastic anchor man, if he was inconsistent I would argue every player we have pretty much is hence why we have them. Grant was good on the all and a good shield fir the defence. Personally really sad to see him depart.