Waterford FC is thrilled to announce the signing of defender Grant Horton from EFL League One side Cheltenham Town ahead of the start of the 2024 League of Ireland season.
The powering centre-back joins the Blues from the Robins, where he began his career in 2018. Horton made appearances for Cheltenham in both League Two & League One, before going on loan in the National League.
Most recently, the 22-year-old spent the first-half of both 2022 & 2023 on loan at Dalymount Park with Bohemians, where he became a mainstay in the Bohs defence during both spells with the side, making over 30 appearances during his time there.
It was Keith Long who brought Horton to Dalymount Park initially at the beginning of 2022 while Long was Head Coach at the Phibsborough club, and now brings the exciting talent to the RSC ahead of the Blues return to the Premier Division for 2024.
Horton further bolsters the Waterford defence, bringing important Premier Division experience into the side that already consists of experienced Premier Division players such as Robbie McCourt & Darragh Leahy, as the Blues prepare to kick-off their season at home to Shelbourne this coming Friday at the RSC.
Head Coach Keith Long spoke about how much he’s looking forward to working with Horton once more, saying:
“Grant is a player I have worked with in the past. He’s got Premier Division experience [with Bohemians], he’s coming to us at a good age. He needed to get out and play football – regular first-team football – and that’s what he has at the opportunity of coming here to Waterford to do that, so we’re delighted to have him.”
“He’s aggressive, he likes a tackle, he’s quick, he’s strong, he has a decent passing range, he’s good on the ball. He’ll bring all that to the table. I think he’s something slightly different to what we have already within the squad. He’s someone that will excite the fans at the RSC this season no doubt.”
“I’m delighted to get this over the line, and I think Grant is a big signing for us. He already understands and knows how I want to play, how the team plays. I definitely think his aggression and his quality will certainly add to us and we’ll need that in the Premier Division for the year ahead.”
Grant was delighted to complete his move to the Blues, commenting:
“I’m buzzing to be here to be honest and finally get it over the line. The season starts very soon, and I can’t wait to get in front of the fans and show them what I’m about. I’m physical, aggressive, and I’ll put in 100% all of the time and just do the best I can for the club.”
“It’s a brilliant league to be in at the moment. There’s a lot of other leagues watching [the League of Ireland], and the competitiveness is just getting more and more, so yeah it’s just a brilliant league to be in at the moment.”
“I’m really looking forward to work under Keith again. I had a little stint at Bohs under him, which unfortunately got cut short. I can’t wait to get straight into the action on Friday in front of the fans. The supporters have been waiting a while to get back into the Premier Division, so they’ll be buzzing for that.”
“No matter where you are the fans always have a huge role to play. The players in the squad have already spoke to me about the fans, and spoke so highly of them, so I just can’t wait for them to get behind us against Shels on Friday.”
Grant will wear the number 5 shirt for the upcoming League of Ireland Premier Division season with the Blues.
Horton’s Player Sponsorship is now available for the 2024 season. Contact commercial@waterfordfc.ie for more information.
