Impetus exclusive – by Ben Gilby (17/5/24)
Above: Charli Grant in action for Tottenham Hotspur this season. Photo: Harvey Todd for Impetus.
Charli Grant’s career has been on a seemingly neverending upward trajectory. From Adelaide United to Matildas via the Damallsvenskan, the South Australian defender is now five months into her first taste of the WSL in England with Tottenham Hotspur.
It’s been a regular feature of our twice-yearly chats that we start with a reflection of how incredible it is that she has stepped up another level since the last time we spoke. Given that the previous occasion we touched base was December this time is no exception as Grant is now playing in arguably the toughest league in the world alongside some of the game’s greatest players.
“It’s been a bit of a roller coaster these past five months,” she admitted. “The club have been so welcoming to me and have made me feel right at home. But like any move, it’s never easy. Football life has definitely been an adjustment, everyone is at such a high level at training and the players we play against are all top quality. I feel like I’m improving every session. Along with football is setting up a new life, finding an apartment, transport, the best coffee, and shopping spots, but I finally feel settled in.”
The settling-in process was also helped by the presence of head coach Robert Vilahamn – someone who Grant knew all about from her time in Sweden when she came up against his BK Häcken side during her spells with Rosengård and Vittsjö.
“I found the decision to choose Spurs very easy. I played against Robert in the Swedish league and always thought very highly of his team and their playing style. I loved their high press. Robert also mentioned that he wanted attacking fullbacks, I always wanted to be at a club where I could play my style of football and I felt like this was the perfect club to be able to.
”Additionally the club were adamant that they were building something big and wanted to win. I want to be a part of that build and win silverware with this club. I’m glad I made this decision, I love the club and already feel like I’m developing so much as a player and person.”
Vilahamn is just the latest in a succession of Swedish head coaches that the defender has played under. As well as her bosses in the Damallsvenskan, Grant has established herself as an international under the Matildas’ head coach Tony Gustavsson, and feels that the playing style that these Scandinavian coaches employ is the perfect fit for her game.
“They’re both similar (Gustavsson and Vilahamn) in the way they want a high press and love to be confident to play through the press. I think Robert is just helping me to be myself and refine just the finer details like my technical and decision making in build up. I feel like I’m developing so much as a player here.
The defender has been assisted in her early days in England by not just her Spurs team-mates, but the large number of her Matildas colleagues that are also based in the city.
However, the move has not been without its challenges. The biggest change that the defender has had to manage since coming to North London is the realities of playing against some of the world’s top players week in week out, and the physical demands that come with it.
“It is definitely a lot faster pace!” Grant smiled, “Not just in games but at training as well. You have to make decisions quicker and can’t afford to make errors otherwise the opposition will counter on you.”
The defender has been rewarded with some experiences that will stay with her for life already in her short time with Spurs – none more so than in this season’s FA Cup competition. A stunning quarter-final win on penalties against Manchester City was followed eventually by a place in the Final at Wembley. The semi-final success over Leicester City also provided Grant with some lifelong memories.
“At the start of the match seeing all the Spurs flags being waved around the crowd at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium gave me goosebumps. I think that’s when it really sunk in that I’m playing for Tottenham, a Super League club, the league I’ve always dreamed of playing in. The second moment is that final goal, Martha’s (Thomas) goal. The relief, the adrenaline, and the excitement knowing we had made history was amazing. The team worked so hard to progress to the final and I’m so proud of everyone.”
Whilst that Final ended with the heartbreak of a 4-0 loss to Manchester United, once more the South Australian takes so many positives from the occasion. “The sold-out crowd, playing at one of the best stadiums in the world, and that final feeling. This is one of the biggest cups you can win and to make history with this amazing club making the final was incredible.”
The key thing that has always made Grant such an immensely likable human being as well as an outstanding footballer is her humility and the fact she always remembers and cherishes people who have supported her on her ever-rising footballing trajectory. With the 2023/24 club season coming towards a close, the defender reflected on what she has achieved, admitting: “It’s hard to put into words.
“It’s a dream come true to play in games like the FA Cup Final, and for a top tier club like this. It’s a pinch-me moment. That was definitely one of the biggest games of my career and I wouldn’t be where I am without all the people that have supported me along the way. It was really special to play at Wembley in front of my mum, dad, and my partner, all of whom have helped me through some very difficult times in my career.”
Yet that FA Cup Final, and the last WSL game of the campaign against West Ham United tomorrow isn’t the end of the season for Grant. The South Australian has big dreams of a second successive Olympic Games selection for the Matildas. With Tony Gustavsson’s squad growing its strength in depth all the time, being part of the squad for Paris is tough, with only 15 outfield player spots available – but with the defender developing ever more as a player in the WSL, and with the ability to play both right back and left back, she remains positive about her chances.
“It’s definitely going to be a challenge to be selected into this upcoming Olympic roster. It’s always a challenge to make every squad for every camp because the depth is getting better and better. I think the game time I’ve been getting lately at Spurs will be beneficial and I just have to make the most of every opportunity I’m given and play with confidence.”
You just get the sense that Grant will seize this opportunity with both hands. The Olympics will be a full circle moment for the Matilda – it was her inclusion in the Tokyo Games that marked the beginning of her recent rapid ascent. Tottenham’s newest Aussie is growing by the game and you just know there are even better times ahead for her.
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