JOSH GRACEY JOINS WOLVES

Josh Gracey has put pen to paper for Wolverhampton Wanderers. The talented goalkeeper, who is 6’ 4” tall, spent six years at Mourneview Park before his move to the English Premiership giants. He has been inducted into the Midlands club’s two-year scholarship programme.

Gracey, a Northern Ireland youth international, was an unused substitute with Glenavon’s first-team on several occasions last season. Otherwise, he excelled in the Reserves making some stunning saves including a number of stops from penalty kicks.

Jon Hunter-Barrett, Wolves’ Academy Manager, reckons that the teenager has senior potential. “Josh is young and promising,” he said. “Over the coming months, as we get to know him, we’ll work out areas where we can aid and support his development.”

Josh is not the first Glenavon goalkeeper to make the move to Wolverhampton. In the 1930s Jimmy Utterson was transferred to the Molineux club for the then substantial fee of £750. In 1937 Wolves, led by the famous Major Buckley, played a friendly match at Mourneview Park which attracted a huge attendance.Eddie Magill, later father-in-law of Wilbur Cush’s brother, Bobby, was an outstanding performer in that encounter.

In the 1980s Gilford man Robbie Dennison joined Wolves from West Bromwich Albion. He had moved to the Hawthorns from Glenavon in 1985. During 10 success-filled seasons Robbie became a fans’ favourite in the West Midlands. He twice scored spectacular goals for Wanderers in Wembley finals.