Front-man secures Banks's Stadium switch...
THE SADDLERS have completed the signing of striker, Ashley Grimes, on a one-year deal.The 27 year-old spent a couple of years with the Manchester United Academy as a youngster before moving on to Bolton Wanderers and then Manchester City, where he impressed for the youth team and reserves but failed to make the break-though into the first-team.
During his time at the club he was loaned out to Swindon Town, where he got his first taste of competitive action before being snapped up on a permanent basis by Millwall in readiness for the 2008/09 campaign.
Making a positive start to life at The New Den, he became a popular figure amongst the fans for his energy and endeavour.
During his time with The Lions, he had a fruitful loan spell with Lincoln City, but joined Rochdale in the summer of 2011 and showed his prowess in front of goal during his time at Spotland before linking up with Bury last summer.
Leaving Gigg Lane earlier this week, he was promptly snapped up by The Saddlers.
“He’s a lad that I tried to sign a couple of years ago,” admitted manager, Dean Smith. “He has fantastic technical ability and is one of the best finishers that I have seen.
“We’ve done our homework on him, as we always do, and I’ve received some glowing reports.
“He will complement the way we play and hopefully this move will reignite him so that he can reach the levels that I know he is capable of.
“He’s had a good grounding in the game and I am delighted to be able to bring him here.”
Ashley Grimes added: “I can’t wait to get started. This is a great move for me and I am really looking forward to the challenge.
“I’ve come here to score goals, make goals and keep progressing. I’ve spoken to a few people about the club and it is clear that this is the ideal place for me to come to achieve those objectives.
“The Gaffer and Richard O’Kelly want to play the game the right way and have been full of encouragement and positivity already.
“This is a good place to be; everything is in place for us to do well and I am looking forward to getting stuck into League One.
“I’ve played at this level before and enjoyed it, so hopefully I can give a good account of myself.
“I’ve not really get myself any specific targets, I just want to settle in as quickly as I can and see where it takes me.”