Credit - Dave Evans (Swindon Town FC)
But one man, in my attendance, caught my eye.
Despite the goals of Eoin Doyle and Jerry Yates, the presence of Steven Benda in goal, and the exciting unpredictability of Kaiyne Woolery, the best player on the pitch and potentially in the side overall was defensive midfielder Anthony Grant.
Grant has style, panache, work rate, all of which look out of place in the fourth division.
The Londoner began his career at Chelsea, making just one appearance – a 90th minute substitute for Joe Cole at Old Trafford as Mourinho’s Chelsea won 3-1.
Loan spells at Oldham, Wycombe and Luton eventualised in the 5″10 midfielder arriving at Roots Hall, Southend.
His first permanent club away from Chelsea, the Shrimpers made his loan deal permanent in 2008 after an initial loan spell.
He made 149 league appearances in four years, before spending short spells with Stevenage, Crewe, Port Vale, and Peterborough.
Combatively he fell out with his new manager Sam Ricketts at Shrewsbury, for “reasons that shall remain in house” after his 48 appearances last season, leading to training with the youth team and eventually being loaned to the Robins.
As a regular visitor at Anfield, I see Liverpool’s Brazilian break-up specialist Fabinho week-in, week-out. I see elements, obviously at a lower level, of the former Monaco man in Anthony Grant.
The ability to feed the ball to more creative players, the ability to stretch out lengthy limbs to retrieve and intercept. It’s akin.
The acclaim of the midfielder is shared by the Swindon faithful, who gave their thoughts on the 32-year-old:
“Mental player, Grant. Brave tackler, strong in midfield. He is great with the ball and his passing is quality.”
– @Swindonhub
“Beast. Machine. Best midfielder in the league.”
– Swindon Town Football Fans Group
“From what I have seen he is so solid and tremendous at protecting the backline.”
– @SwindonTownEdits
“Composed in possession, great in the breakdown. Always seems to find space to receive the ball. I can’t believe he can’t get in the Shrewsbury side, must be one hell of a player keeping him out! Their loss our gain!”
– Steve Thomas
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