Former Chelsea and Plymouth Argyle youngster joins non-league club after Bristol Rovers exit
After four years with the Gas, he left Memorial Stadium in the summer.
Josh Grant left Bristol Rovers in the summer and has since signed with a new team.
At the conclusion of the 2023–24 season, the 26-year-old’s contract was one of seven that expired. After six months without a club, he has finally found a team to play for. He had been a free agent since the Gas announced their retained list on May 1.
Grant has descended to the ranks to sign with the National League team, Wildstone. Grant will have one from one Matt Taylor to another because they are managed by Matt Taylor, a former favorite of both Portsmouth and Bolton Wanderers.
In related news
Joe Edwards says Adam Randell is ‘special player’ for Plymouth Argyle
Edwards believes the 24-year-old midfielder is getting better all the time for his hometown club
Joe Edwards, a 24-year-old midfielder for Plymouth Argyle, has endorsed Adam Randell’s potential as captain and pledged to support him in any way he can.
Although Edwards has been a fantastic captain for the Pilgrims in previous years, a serious hamstring injury has kept him out of action until early 2025. After returning to the team after a brief layoff, Randell took over the armband for last Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Derby County, and Edwards thinks he is the “perfect candidate” to keep wearing it.
After the match against Derby, head coach Wayne Rooney said Randell would eventually be named the full-time captain of Argyle, and Edwards has agreed with him.
Because he is a Plymouth guy, which makes it even more special, I think that’s definitely something we as a club, and I’m including myself in that, hope to see,” Edwards told Plymouth Live. His abilities and personal qualities strongly suggest that he is a leader. He might not be the most talkative right now, and I believe that’s where I can be of the most use.
He sets an example on the field with his play, aggression, and tenacity. His skill and performance this season are also clear indicators. He has everything he needs to advance, but since he is a unique player for us, we hope that he stays with us and plays for Argyle for a very long time.”
Edwards went on: “He’s highly regarded in the group, has clearly graduated from the academy, and although he’s still young, he has gained enough experience to guide the boys.”
“Having someone on your squad that you can admire and see how they play is more than enough to earn the position of captain. The communication and loudness aspects will most likely follow.
“He will likely need to step up and do a little bit more now that I’m leaving. It’s great that the gaffer has given him that duty. Given that he is an Argyle supporter and that being captain of your boyhood club is incredible, I believe he will be incredibly delighted to have it.
“I believe he will now assume that responsibility. We have a few guys who are capable of doing it, but he is the ideal choice, therefore I will do all in my power to support him.”
Since the academy graduate’s arrival at Home Park in the summer of 2019, Edwards has kept a close eye on Randell’s progress, who has made 144 first team appearances for Argyle.
When I initially joined, Rands was a young man, and it was evident that he had skill, but he still had a lot to learn, Edwards recalled. It’s been wonderful to see him develop. He played a complete year at a Torquay club on loan, gaining the necessary experience.
“You could see him becoming better even though he returned and was still likely in and out of the team quite a bit. This season, in my opinion, is the greatest we have seen him in, and he is once again on a different level.
“I believe he has somewhat simplified his game, feels comfortable in the Championship, and is beginning to believe in his own abilities and potential, which is great for him. He used to occasionally come on and constantly search for the great pass or something like, but now days he just goes on ticking. For us, his off-the-ball skills are essential.
“His aggressiveness, how he regains possession of the ball, and
Seeing him develop and grow has been amazing. Because of the way he plays, I believe we knew he would always do that from an early age.
“I believe he is playing at a very high level right now, and the coach is doing a great job molding him into that number four/six position. He’s picking up knowledge from a good individual. He is undoubtedly headed in the right direction and will accomplish great things here.
