Chesterfield have received a significant lift ahead of their National League clash with Harrogate Town, as striker Will Grigg is set to return to the squad after a lengthy injury lay-off.
The experienced forward, who has scored 10 times this season, has been sidelined with a calf problem since December, missing the last 16 matches. However, manager Paul Cook confirmed on Friday that the 33-year-old will be involved this weekend.
“Griggy has been training with us this week. Griggy is going to be in the squad tomorrow, which is a great boost for us.”
Grigg’s return comes at a crucial time for the Spireites, who are hoping to maintain momentum in the run-in. The Northern Ireland international has also been mentoring young striker Bim Pepple during his spell out of the side, offering valuable experience behind the scenes.
Adding to the attacking options, Paddy Madden is also available again after serving a three-match suspension following his red card against Colchester United. His return adds further firepower to Chesterfield’s front line for the Harrogate encounter.
Will Grigg Career So Far
Grigg started out at Stratford Town before joining Walsall in 2008. He barely played at first but became a regular by 2012, scoring 20 goals in one season and earning Player of the Year. After rejecting a new contract, he moved to Brentford in 2013, where he struggled to find form despite helping them secure promotion.
He went on loan to MK Dons in 2014, where he rediscovered his scoring touch, netting 22 goals and securing another promotion. Wigan Athletic snapped him up in 2015, and he repaid them with 25 league goals, firing them back into the Championship. His hot streak even saw him nominated for UEFA’s Best Player in Europe award. He became an FA Cup hero in 2018 after knocking out Manchester City.
In 2019, Sunderland signed him for a record fee, but his form dipped, and he later admitted regretting the move. He had loan spells back at MK Dons and Rotherham before returning to MK Dons permanently in 2022. After their relegation, he moved to Chesterfield in 2023, reuniting with his former manager. His goal-scoring touch returned, earning him a Player of the Month award in late 2024.
Writer’s View
Will Grigg’s comeback is perfectly timed for a Chesterfield side that has battled admirably without him. His experience and goal threat will be vital in the closing stages of the season, especially alongside the returning Madden.
Cook will know that keeping key players fit from here could be the difference between promotion joy and play-off heartbreak.
