Spartans keeper Conor Grant has revealed that he is relishing the battle with fellow stopper Matty Hunter for the number one spot and knows that he has to keep performing otherwise the former Monkseaton Academy man will be ready to take his place. Grant has started all four league fixtures so far, keeping one clean sheet at home to Stocksbridge Park Steels in the process.
The former Carlisle United and Gretna player said “Matty and I have a great relationship, which always helps in the goalkeeping department as we are working so closely together. I’ve been fortunate enough to have been selected so far, but I know I have to keep my standards high because Matty has a lot of talent and is breathing right down my neck.”
Grant was also full of praise for Spartans goalkeeper coach Carl King and believes that both his ability and that of Hunter will improve with time spent under the watchful eye of King. “To have a goalkeeping coach at this level is great, but to have one of Kingy’s quality is just awesome. Not only is he a top coach, but he’s a top man as well and really looks after the keepers superbly.”
He continued “Me and Matty have no excuse not to be on top form with Kingy here. We are both still young for goalkeepers and I’m sure we will both come on leaps and bounds under Kingy’s guidance.”
Moving to Croft Park from Gretna in July, Grant seems to have settled at the club fairly quickly and that’s something that comes across when speaking of his move to Spartans. He said “I already knew a little about the club after talking to Mark Gillespie at Carlisle United, who had a loan spell here a couple of seasons ago and he had nothing but good things to say about the place. It has really lived up to and surpassed my expectations so far, mainly through the enthusiasm and passion of all the staff and supporters.”
Following a somewhat inconsistant start to their Evo-Stik Northern Premier League campaign, Spartans sit ninth in the table with six points from their four fixtures. Grant reflected on the start to the season and sees signs for optimism for the rest of the campaign. “We’ve had a mixed start, but people need to remember that not only are we in a different division, but there are so many new players in the squad, including myself and it will take time for us to gel and find our identity as a team. If everyone remains positive and the fans stick with us, like they have so far, then I’m sure we will be there or thereabouts come the end of the season.”.
Grant will next be in action on Saturday as Marine travel to Croft Park as Spartans look deny them a fifth successive win.