Harrogate Town secure Grant Horton on permanent deal
Right-sided defender joins until season’s end with option for an extra year
Harrogate Town AFC have announced the permanent signing of Grant Horton on a contract running until the end of the season, with the option to extend for a further year.
The 24-year-old defender had been playing in the League of Ireland with Waterford since February 2024, making 67 appearances during his time there.
Horton said:
“I spoke to the Manager and I think his whole environment and everything that he's creating here is just something that I would like to be a part of.
“I spoke to Tom Bradbury as well, who I know from previous clubs, and he said it's just a great place to be around.
“I've been playing games and just finished a full season so I'm ready to get going and hit the ground running.”
Head of Recruitment Lloyd Kerry added: “He's a big, strong, aggressive and mobile defender that wants an opportunity to kick on with his career back in England and we think it’s a good fit.
“He’s versatile and can play centre back, right back and right wing back and we’ve looked at his durability which is certainly something we have to take into account given our tough time with injuries.
“He’s got glowing references from Cheltenham and his data stands out playing in a struggling team, so we’re really pleased to have him on board.”
Born in Colchester, Horton came through the youth system at Cheltenham Town and made his League Two debut in 2019, before gaining first-team experience on loan at clubs including Worcester City and Bath City. His career then took him to Ireland, where he had multiple loan spells with Bohemians before making a permanent switch to Waterford.
Grant Horton will take the number 26 shirt at Harrogate Town and is expected to be available for the upcoming fixture against Swindon on Sunday, 4th January, pending international clearance, FA, and EFL approval.