Exclusive: Will Grigg Eyes Seventh Promotion as Chesterfield Chase Wembley Dream

Veteran striker Will Grigg would love to add an incredible seventh promotion to his glittering CV.

The former Northern Ireland international hitman is still strutting his stuff at 33, now for Chesterfield in League Two.

And after a decorated career which has seen the striker celebrate six memorable promotions, could this season be the time he tastes sweet promotion success again, this time with the Spireites?

Chesterfield trail Walsall 2-0 after the first leg of their promotion semi-final and face the Saddlers in the second leg at the Poundland Bescot Stadium on Friday night.

But Grigg is experienced enough to know that tables can quickly be turned as the Spireites gun for a dream Wembley final to finish the season.

“I’ve had six promotions, which is a bit mad to be honest,” reflected Grigg, speaking exclusively to SportsBoom.com. 

“At the time when you have them you probably don’t appreciate them as much as I should have."

“But it’s only now, as I’m getting older, you really start to appreciate what you’ve achieved. Another promotion would be amazing."

“My last promotion was from the National League and the rest have all been from League One."

“Even though my last one was from the National League, and it’s not deemed as prestigious, that was one of my most enjoyable [promotions] because I really appreciated it and took it in."

VERY SPECIAL

“Some people go throughout their whole careers without getting a promotion, so to have had six is very special."

“A lot of players experience relegations and just finish mid-table, so you probably don’t realise how lucky you are."

“I think because mine started at such a young age, my first one was when I was 22 at Brentford."

“Then before you know it I had three promotions in three seasons."

“I just kept getting up to the Championship and then, for whatever reason, I kept going back down to League One."

“I was lucky because I found myself in really exciting, good teams. I guess I was really lucky, but also it was a massive honour being part of so many special promotions throughout my career."

“Looking back now I really appreciate all the good times that I had."

“I think if you speak to any players, the most important thing is being successful and enjoying your football – and I’ve definitely been lucky enough to have some really special memories.”

Grigg still has an eye for goal and has banged in 14 this season to take the Spireites within the cusp of promotion back to League One.

The Derbyshire club suffered back-to-back relegations in the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons, dropping into the National League for the first time since 1921.

But the club battled back their way back to the Football League with Grigg netting an impressive 24 goals last season.

COURAGEOUS COMEBACK

And a few more goals would work a treat from the Solihull-born striker with the Spireites needing a courageous comeback to keep their promotion hopes alive against the Saddlers.

“The reason I signed for the club was because of the project and the vision they had,” revealed Grigg.

“To make it a justified decision, well promotion was the only outcome for us."

“There was a lot of pressure on us as a club, but it was a really special year and we worked hard to achieve that success."

“I’ve always said I’ll score goals, so last season was really pleasing and I’m glad I’ve managed to carry that on this season."

“I’m running out of my time in terms of my career, I know I can’t play forever, so I want to make sure it doesn’t fizzle out."

“I think I’m reaping the rewards for all the hard work I’ve put in."

"On our day we're incredible, but as a club there's expectation what we can achieve."

"With the quality of players we have and the manager we have, we're really eager to make sure we have a successful season."