Grant back on home soil after sealing Glory deal

Perth Glory has confirmed the capture of young West Australian defender Alex Grant, who was released by Stoke City at the end of the English Premier League season.

Young Australian defender Alex Grant has gone back to his roots to join Perth Glory (Picture supplied) Source: Supplied

The 21-year old, who was born in Manchester but moved to Perth with his family as a child, has signed a one-year deal with the option of another season.

He learnt his trade at ECU Joondalup and Football West’s NTC Program, before signing a two-year scholarship with English club Portsmouth in 2010.

Grant was then signed by Stoke City in 2013 as the last signing of then boss Tony Pulis but did not make a first team appearance under his successor Mark Hughes.

"I’m really thrilled and excited to be heading back to Perth to play in the A-League and it’s only fitting that I do it in my home town” Grant said.

“I’ve learnt a lot playing in England for the past five years but it’s time to change direction and push myself in the domestic league. It’s a wonderful opportunity and I’m thankful to the club for believing in me.

Glory head coach Kenny Lowe said Grant was fit the mould of the type of players he is looking to recruit after a raft of post-season exits.

“Alex is a great young lad, with plenty of potential, he’s a natural left footer, is very flexible in that he can play a number of positions and that suits us for what we want” Lowe said.

“We are injecting new blood into this coming season and there’ll be a few more players to come."

During his time in the UK, Grant played 44 matches and scored three goals in England’s lower leagues.

Uncapped at national team level for Australia, he is due to join Perth Glory's squad early next month as the team prepares for its pre-season campaign.