Grimshaw signs for the Pilgrims

Plymouth Argyle have moved swiftly to fill the void left by Michael Cooper by signing goalkeeper Daniel Grimshaw on a permanent deal from Blackpool.

The 26-year-old, who moves to Home Park for an undisclosed fee, is Wayne Rooney’s latest signing and will offer genuine competition to Conor Hazard for the No.1 spot.

Born in Salford, Grimshaw is a product of the Academy at Manchester City, the club he supported as a boy. Learning his trade alongside the likes of Ederson, Grimshaw played for City’s under-19s and development sides, as well as having loans out to Hemel Hempstead then Belgian side Lommel.

In the summer of 2021, Grimshaw signed for Blackpool. Over two seasons, he battled for the number one jersey with Blackpool captain Chris Maxwell, and became the undisputed first choice in 2023/24, playing all but one league game, and keeping 18 clean sheets. He played the first two league games of this season for Blackpool.

“We are delighted that Daniel has agreed to join us,” said Argyle Head Coach Wayne Rooney. “When we knew Michael was leaving, we moved quickly to sign Daniel as a key target to strengthen the goalkeeping department.

“It has taken slightly longer than we would have liked to bring him to Argyle, but we were always insistent that we wanted to bring in the right goalkeeper and not rush into signing just anyone.

“Daniel will come into the group and challenge Conor for that starting spot and I am really pleased we have managed to bring him here permanently.”

Argyle Director of Football Neil Dewsnip added: “Daniel fits the exact profile of player we are looking to bring to Argyle. He has EFL experience with Blackpool but is also young and has so much room for growth and development.

“His style of play fits into the way Wayne is trying to play and we are really pleased that Daniel becomes our eighth signing of the summer window.”

‍