Marlow goalkeeper Grant 'grateful' to spend more time with family amid footballing hiatus

Simon Grant (above) has made over 250 appearances for the club.

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While many players at grassroots clubs have expressed their frustration with the current absence of football, Marlow FC goalkeeper Simon Grant admits he has been grateful to have this hiatus to enjoy time with his family.

Grant has been playing football for the best part of 20 years, five of which have been spent with the Blues where he has built up a strong reputation as the club’s first choice goalkeeper.

With the Isthmian and Southern Leagues currently on pause from any competitive action, Grant has been able to spend his usual match days with his 12-year-old son.

“As a player, you don’t really get to spend time with your family at the weekend,” said Grant.

“Saturdays are for football and you’re so tired after that, that you end up falling asleep on the sofa. That’s your Saturday gone. It’s worse if the result hasn’t gone your way because you’re not in the right frame of mind and it can often ruin your weekend.

“It’s [the pause] been good as I’ve been able to devote more of my time to my family and that’s always nice. I’ve been going on runs with my son, treating him to a McDonald’s and things like that.

“It’s good to have him there to keep me fit in case we get back into action sooner rather than later.”

Grant is hopeful he and his fellow teammates will receive clarity from the FA and the division’s governing bodies before too long as to when, and if, they can get back into some form of competitive action this year.

“You don’t want to let yourself go and enjoy yourself too much knowing that football could be back a few weeks after lockdown,” added Grant.

“If we know the season has ended, then we can go, relax, and get ready to start a new campaign in the summer. Our league just seems like it doesn’t want to tell us what is happening.

“It’s been quite a frustrating season on the whole because I’d say this is the best group of players we’ve had since I’ve been at Marlow.

“Just for it to be constantly stopped and started like it has been is quite frustrating because I think we could have achieved something this season.”