Winger Joel Grant, who earlier this week agreed to join Yeovil Town on a free transfer with his contract at Wycombe up at the end of this month, has confirmed that he held talks with the Blues before opting to move to the Glovers.

Grant, 25, told the Western Gazette that he recently spoke to Town boss Mick McCarthy, TWTD having reported the Blues' interest a fortnight ago: “There’s been bit of interest, so I’ve heard from my agent. I was lucky enough to meet Mick McCarthy and he’s an excellent manager.

“But at the end of the day Yeovil have shown a keen interest right from the beginning of the close season and it’s one that I have decided to take them up on.

“I know it’s going to be tough for everyone but we will all give it a good go and that is something I want to be a part of — trying to keep Yeovil in the Championship.

“It was the work ethic of the team that attracted me, as well as the fact they earned promotion last season and the manager [Gary Johnson].

“Speaking to him he reminded me of Gareth Ainsworth at Wycombe Wanderers because he’s strong on work ethic and it’s something that I have improved in my game in recent years.”

Elsewhere, former Blues midfielder Ian Westlake has agreed to join Ryman League Needham Market for the season ahead. The 29-year-old left his previous club, the Montreal Impact in the MLS, in February 2012.

Photo: Action Images

cooper4england added 23:45 - Jun 28 Where does it say that we offered him a contract? We held talks but perhaps we said no to him.
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kiwiblue added 05:54 - Jun 29 Makes sense to play every possible game and to get seen doing well.... Perhaps we never got round to talking money or MM didn't fancy him. Move on to the next one. Westie is only 29? seems light years ago. why not still playing above Needham level?
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kiwiblue added 05:58 - Jun 29 Also forgot to mention the league 2 teams whizzing through the Championship last few years...... Southampton and the Scum and almost Blackpool and Brighton..... Yeovil next?
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bluewarrior added 08:51 - Jun 29 Where does it actually say (anywhere) that Town offered him terms? Those of you that are slating McCarthy or demeaning the club need to get real. You are making assumptions without any real evidence, The lad Grant is out of contract, there will have been a scouting report, MM speaks with him and doesn't get a good enough vibe and the matter is closed and bless his heart he ends up at Yeovil and good luck to him. In the meantime, it doesn't do his CV any harm to be 'linked' with Town. I'm an infrequent visitor to this forum these days and, yet again, I've remembered why. Totally speculative 'stories' provoking an extraordinary over reaction - get a life ladies and gentlemen.

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brittaniaman added 09:39 - Jun 29 GET OVER IT !!!! RIGHT NEXT ?????
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Wickets added 09:40 - Jun 29 Yer i agree with move on, we should not try and blittle a player who chooses another club over our beloved Ipswich Town and we should respect Yeovil as a club, they are playing at the same level as ourselves now.
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JustSpivvyChops added 10:13 - Jun 29 Classic....................now Yeovil are a more attractive proposition than ITFC. Another relegation fight coming up! I wont be spending a single penny on the club this season, much like Evans.
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bluemikey100 added 11:15 - Jun 29 grant aint that good only be reserve we got better players and theres better available cmon westlake aim a bit higher
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Tractorog added 11:38 - Jun 29 If the offers were similar I think a lot of footballers would have taken Yeovil. More likely to get first team footy and less likely to get booed by his own fans. MM is a tremendous asset for us, but we are the longest serving championship club for a reason. We may not like it, but our now ancient history does not win titles. We've had two managers before MM who were unable to secure players without silly money & attracting mercenaries. I'm not saying we won't do well this season and I think we stand a good chance of being promoted, but us fans have got to get over the fact we're no longer the big club we once were.

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Dissboyitfc added 13:10 - Jun 29 h32... i suspect the better offer was the promise of more starts, i doubt they offered more money.
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ArnieM added 13:54 - Jun 29 This player definitely bottled it ! Obviously prefers to be a big fish in a little pond. http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11688/8797515/Transfer-news-Joel-Grant-s
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Gilesy added 14:04 - Jun 29 Good for him! If he preferred Yeovil to Town, then why shouldn't he choose them? Imagine if a player ever chose us over a bigger club - would we all think he was an idiot? No, we'd all be going overboard about how wonderful he is and what a refreshing change it makes to not put money first. Good lad and good luck.
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blue_moon09 added 14:31 - Jun 29 Totally agree with BlueWarrior. Nothing official from the Club or the manager, all these non stories are boring, reactions from part time supporters on this rumours site are entertaining thou...
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h32 added 15:45 - Jun 29 Dissboyitfc - you may well be right - hope you are for all our sakes !
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h32 added 15:51 - Jun 29 blues1 - REALITY - ever heard of it ?? - if you have you would understand my views. If 'cloud cuckoo land' is your preference - stay there - your choice.
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Telford_Blue added 17:01 - Jun 29 Joel Grant...... Next..... made his choice.... let's prove him wrong. Bring on Yeovil at home where I hope Cressy or Carlos give him a torrid afternoon.... Ian Westlake.... Needham Market??? The guy must have had an injury or something as he was (and yes I appreciate I am not Barcelona's talent scout) in my view a quality championship player.... Still hoping for Stearman so the back four has that touch of experience (yes I know carlos is experienced but he is not a natural defender)... Looking forward to the season starting, the opening month will be a brilliant barometer as it is a really tough start...

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lonelyblue added 17:29 - Jun 29 Gilesy, you took the words right out of my mouth. I've nothing to add, except good lad yourself.
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CobboldNeal added 22:59 - Jun 29 Saw a video of his best bits and he looked to have pace plus loads of tricks so I for one am disappointed but lets move on..........
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