Forest Green Rovers have completed the signing of veteran striker Will Grigg on a free transfer from Chesterfield. The 35-year-old has agreed a contract that runs until June 2028, bringing a wealth of experience to a side currently 16th in the National League with 15 points from 12 games.
Grigg arrives having just helped Chesterfield win the National League title last season, scoring 42 goals in 118 appearances over three years at the club. His career includes over 500 appearances in the English Football League, where he has netted 192 goals. He was the division's leading scorer with 25 goals for Wigan Athletic in the 2015/16 campaign and finished as the FA Cup's top scorer two years later.
Immediate impact
His arrival is a timely boost for a Forest Green side that has scored 19 goals but conceded 22 this term, leaving them with a negative goal difference. The team's recent form shows one win, three draws and one defeat from their last five outings, a run that includes a 5-0 victory over Chesham United last Tuesday. This recent sequence, which also featured draws against Chesham United, Wealdstone and Sutton United and a defeat to Hartlepool, leaves the team with four wins, three draws and five losses overall this season. Grigg could make his debut as soon as Saturday's away fixture against Barrow, who sit eighth in the standings.
Chesterfield manager Paul Cook paid tribute to the departing striker. "I can't speak highly enough of Will," Cook said.
Forest Green manager Steve Cotterill highlighted the striker's pedigree. Cotterill said.
The Northern Ireland international, who won 13 senior caps and was part of the Euro 2016 squad, will be tasked with helping close the 20-point gap to league leaders Boreham Wood. His first opportunity comes at Holker Street this weekend. Grigg's signing follows the recent arrival of defender Charlie McCann as Cotterill looks to reshape his squad for a promotion push.
The report in full is at bbc.co.uk
