Grant relishes birthday fixture

Grant hopes to celebrate a birthday win in August (Photo by Ian Morsman)

Aldershot striker John Grant is looking forward to a return to his native north west for the League Two club's opening game back in the Football League.

The Mancunian faces Accrington on his birthday, 9 August, and told BBC Southern Counties Radio: "A lot of my family will be able to come and watch.

"It'll be a special day for us wherever we play, but this is great for me. It's one we can go away and win.

"Its a bit harsh on the fans, but knowing them they'll make the trip."

Grant says the fixtures do not scare the Aldershot camp.

"We're positive we're more than capable of having a very good season," he added.

"But we'll do what we did last season, just go game by game. It sunk in ages ago that we're in the league again. Probably from the night we beat Torquay in March.

"I believe I belong in the Football League. I've never really been given a good run of games in the league before, but I'm determined to prove to the gaffer that I can score consistently at this level."

Speaking about goalkeeper Nikki Bull's decision not to leave, Grant added: "He's a big player for us, and it was almost like losing a member of your family when he nearly went.

"We're very chuffed he's staying. He's shown a lot of loyalty as he could have played a couple of leagues higher."