News & EventsLatest NewsCalendar
Grogan to reach Century

Grogan to reach Century

Matthew Jones26 Mar 2019 - 08:23
Share via
FacebookTwitter
https://www.radcliffefc.com/ne

Radcliffe FC centre back Callum Grogan is set to make his 100th appearance for Radcliffe FC this Saturday in crucial top of the table clash

Radcliffe has been massive in helping me develop and become a better player. The club have given me the chance to play competitive men’s football at a great level which is something I am very grateful for
- Callum Grogan

Adam Harrison caught up with the defender to take a look at his Boro career so far.

Grogan has had two spells with the club, he joined the Boro on loan from Shrewsbury before joining permanently after a successful loan period.

The 21-year-old has netted eleven goals from defence since joining in 2016 and has quickly become somewhat of a fan favourite around the Neuven with some brilliant performances.
The defender puts a lot of his success down to his youth career. It gave the then youngster a chance to grow up and learn the men’s game quickly.

Boro’s number five had the opportunity to play for professional side Shrewsbury, a spell which has stood him in good stead in his Radcliffe career.

“My youth career was great. Especially getting the chance to go to Shrewsbury to play full time football and move away from home. I had to grow up I guess in a lot of ways which was hard but something I really enjoyed alongside my football.
“Radcliffe has been massive in helping me develop and become a better player. The club have given me the chance to play competitive men’s football at a great level which is something I am very grateful for.”

The defender has relished his time at the Boro over the past two years. He has had the chance to learn from seasoned professionals like Jon Macken and Frank Sinclair plus the chance to play against strong sides up and down the country.
Grogan has faced the likes of South Shields, Scarborough and Curzon Ashton in his time at the Neuven, teams which are well known in non-league football.

Watch: Saturdays's Pitch Cam- Grogan's 11th Goal
Watch: Grogan scores v Atherton Collieries in December

The former Shrewsbury man has grown massively during his time at the Boro, that hasn’t gone unnoticed by both fans and players. At points this season in the absence of Kingsley Williams and Rick Smith, Grogan has been handed the Captains armband, a very big achievement for a 21-year-old.
He puts this growth down to the chance to learn from the likes of Macken and Sinclair plus Kevin Campbell on the side lines.
“Massively, I think it is actually an advantage for us lads to be able to work with people like the Gaffer, Frank and Kev. Whether it’s coaching or just bits of advice off the pitch.
“I count myself very lucky for having that and they are great to work with and learn from.”


Award Winner: Grogan was last years club Player's Player & Player Of The Season

Liverpool fan, Grogan, remembers his first real taste of non-league football with the Boro was a long trip away to Scarborough in a tough clash with the now Evo-Stik Premier side.
“In my first spell at Radcliffe on loan I remember going up to Scarborough, who were up at the top of the table and we were down the other end. We ended up beating them 3-2, I think Frank Van Gills scored two belters on the day.
“I remember on the long journey home everyone getting fish and chips and a load of ale for the coach journey. This was my first proper taste of being part of a proper non-league football club and what it was like and I loved it!”

Last season’s Players Player and Player of the Season, Grogan has continued his good form into this campaign and his is one of the main reasons why the Boro are fighting at the top of the table.
In his two years at Radcliffe the 20-year-old has seen a major change both on the field and off the field but he admits that the expectations haven’t changed despite the club’s turn around in league position.
“The changes at the Boro have been massive both on and off the pitch. It’s a great club to be at and I feel very fortunate to be a part of this club.
“The expectations on the pitch haven’t changed much. Last season wasn’t a great one but since the Gaffer has come in, expectations have always been basic and the same. To work hard and give everything in every game it’s just the personnel and the ability levels have changed I think.”


One of Callum's 11 Goals v Atherton Collieries in December

During his time at the Boro Grogan has netted 11 goals from centre back but it was his first FA Cup goal which has always stuck in his mind.
“My favourite goal has to be away at Burscough last season in the FA Cup. I volleyed it straight from the corner, it was a great goal.”

The defender who describes himself as dopey like Joel Matip says he has really enjoyed himself in the blue of Radcliffe. Especially this season with the massive turn around in the Boro’s fortunes.
“I don’t really have one favourite moment in particular but every time we win, in particular this season, that feeling of coming in the changing rooms and seeing everyone’s faces made up and buzzing. It gets better every time.”

Grogan will be hoping to top off this achievement by lifting the trophy come the end of the season with his Boro team mates.

Callum will make his 100th Appearance in his next game, a huge title defining game on Saturday away at Atherton Collieries 3pm is next for The Boro.

Further reading