Transfer Analysis: Anthony Grant

SWINDON TOWN have rounded off their summer business with the signing of midfielder Anthony Grant on a loan deal until January 5th from Shrewsbury Town. Total Sport Swindon's Rajan Hothi has a look into the career of Swindon's newest recruit.

Swindon made two deadline day additions to take their total for this window up to 13 signings. Swansea City goalkeeper Steven Benda was the first through the door at SN1 today, and his announcement was followed up by the news that Town had snapped up Anthony Grant on loan from League One side Shrewsbury Town.

Wellens revealed that he felt Swindon remained a few bodies short of having a team that could challenge for the top three following Saturday's win against Morecambe, and the addition of Grant will no doubt help the team with his experience and ability.

Starting his career with Chelsea under Jose Mourinho, Grant made his first and only senior appearance as a late substitute for Joe Cole as the Blues ran out 3-1 winners against Manchester United in 2005.

He endured loan spells with Oldham Athletic and Wycombe Wanderers before being offered a contract extension with his parent club. After loan spells at Luton Town and Southend United, the latter signed the midfielder on a permanent deal in August 2008.

It was at Southend that Grant cemented himself as a first-team regular, making 184 appearances over five seasons and scoring ten goals. Stevenage signed Grant in 2012 after he rejected a new deal at Roots Hall, but after just one season he was on the move again. Crewe was his next destination, but after two seasons with the Railwaymen, and despite finishing second in their Player of the Year award, he was allowed to depart for rivals Port Vale in 2015.

His physical style of play led to him collecting 15 bookings in his first campaign with the club but he was still voted their Player of the Year. In his second season with Vale, he was appointed vice-captain, but in January 2017 a six-figure fee saw Grant leave for Peterborough. 

After making 49 appearances for Posh, Shrewsbury signed the 32-year-old in 2018 where he was a mainstay in the Salop side that finished 18th in League One last season. However, it was revealed that the midfielder was forced to train with the youth team in July, but manager Sam Ricketts refused to explain why. 

Grant has picked up a reputation for not shying from a tackle and is known to be susceptible to a booking. He breaks up play well and looks to quickly turn defence to attack by passing to more attacking players in an attempt to set up quick counter-attacks.

With Danny Rose returning from injury and making his first start of the season on Saturday, Wellens now has an abundance of midfield options. However, the addition of Grant now sees Swindon with six loanees meaning one will have to miss out to meet the five loanee criteria for match-days.