Harrogate Town sign versatile defender Grant Horton from Waterford FC ahead of January transfer window

The struggling Sulphurites, who sit second from bottom of League Two and are currently missing 12 players through injury, have agreed a deal for versatile Waterford defender Grant Horton.

The 24-year-old has put pen to paper on a contract that runs until the end of the 2025/26, with the option for an extra year.

Comfortable at centre-half, right-back or wing-back, Horton came through the ranks at Cheltenham, where he made 17 first-team appearances prior to his departure for the League of Ireland.

And with fellow defenders Tom Bradbury, Lewis Cass, Liam Gibson and Bobby Faulkner all currently sidelined, his arrival will provide Simon Weaver with a much-needed body at the back.

“He's a big, strong, aggressive and mobile defender that wants an opportunity to kick on with his career back in England and we think it’s a good fit,” said Lloyd Kerry, Town’s Head of Recruitment.

“He’s versatile and can play centre-back, right-back and wing-back, and we’ve looked at his durability, which is certainly something we have to take into account given our tough time with injuries.

“He’s got glowing references from Cheltenham and his data stands out playing in a struggling team, so we’re really pleased to have him on board.”

Born in Colchester, Horton spent his youth career with Cheltenham, making his League Two debut in 2019, before going out to gain first-team experience at the likes of Worcester and Bath City.

He then headed over to Ireland and spent a couple of loan spells with Bohemians, before making the permanent switch from Cheltenham to Waterford, for whom he made 67 appearances from February 2024 onwards.

Horton takes the number 26 shirt at Wetherby Road and will be available for Harrogate’s League Two fixture against Swindon on January 4, subject to international clearance, FA and EFL approval.