Exeter City Women have completed the signing of forward Jade Grove as the 2024/25 season is set to kick off at St James Park this afternoon.
Grove made her FAWNL debut in 2019 for Boldmere St.Michaels, scoring twice against the New Saints. After a strong season Grove moved to Cheltenham Town, hitting six goals in her first nine appearances for the Robins before COVID 19 curtailed the season.
Back with Tom Davies’ Town for 2021/22 after a brief spell at Oxford United, Grove was a regular starter as the Gloucestershire side won the Division One South West title, hitting eight goals in eighteen appearances. Two goals in ten for Town in their first year at tier three followed, Grove moving back to Boldmere St.Michaels in the Northern Premier to end the campaign.
Grove spent last season with Stourbridge in the Northern Premier League before opening talks with the Grecians in the summer, making an appearance and scoring in Thursday’s pre-season victory over Torquay United.
Coupled with her time in the FAWNL, Grove also has an impressive Futsal career, winning the Northern Championship in 2021 with Hartpury. A league championship followed the next year, City’s Georgie-Marie Barbour-Gresham also in the side that collected a league and cup double. Nineteen goals in twelve led to Grove collecting the golden boot and player of the season award in 2023 as her impressive Futsal career continues.
City Manager Abbie Britton is pleased to have added to the team on the eve of the new season. “Jade is a player we know well from her time at Cheltenham and someone who can contribute more than just goals to the team. I have been in talks with her for a while and am really pleased that she has now agreed to join us for the season and bring her experience at tier three to this squad. I am excited to work with Jade and feel that she can offer something different to our current attacking options.”
Grove will wear the number eleven and is available for selection for this afternoon’s game against MK Dons.