OLDHAM Athletic’s Jack Grundy views his loan move to Mossley as an important stepping-stone between academy football and Latics’ first team.
The 18-year-old central defender, in his third month at Seel Park, believes he is already a better player.
He explained: “I am enjoying it at Mossley and have grown into it since signing for the club.
“The senior players have passed down their experience and have helped me no end. I have taken on board what they have told me and it has helped make me a better player.
“I have gained more from playing proper competitive football which is a lot more physical than in academy games.”
Grundy, a second-year scholar with Latics, added the problem is there is no Under-23 or reserve team at Latics.
“We go straight from the U18s to the first team with nothing in between, which makes it difficult making the step up,” he continued.
“Playing at Mossley will help me become more prepared, both mentally and physically, for first-team football with Latics.”
Grundy still trains with Latics and also one evening each week with Mossley.
At Latics, his coach is Danny Cadamarteri, the former Everton winger, who has played in the Premier League.
“It is great working with Danny who tries to guide us and set us on our own journey and careers,” said Grundy.
It is a big season for Grundy, who will soon learn if he is to be given a professional contract, the next major milestone in his career.
“If I don’t get a contract, I would be inclined to come back to Mossley and develop playing first-team football,” he continued.
Grundy is one of Latics’ longest-serving players having been at the club since the age of 12. He was playing junior football at Warrington and was snapped up following a trial.
When Grundy joined Latics he was a central midfield player.
But he was ruled out for one year at U13s through a back problem and when he returned he was switched to become a central defender.
Grundy, who describes himself as a Latics’ fan, said: “I think I was switched because of my height – I am about 6ft 1in – and I have enjoyed it.
“It is a good test and provides new obstacles defending against different players.”
Grundy was a huge admirer of Chelsea’s John Terry and his current favourite is Liverpool’s Virgil Van Dijk who he describes as “immense”.