Millwall defender’s future was a hot topic during Bromley’s promotion party in Marbella
BY EDMUND BRACK
edmund@slpmedia.co.uk
Kamarl Grant has revealed how Bromley’s management team laid the groundwork to get the Millwall defender during their promotion party in Marbella.
The Ravens were celebrating ending the club’s 132-year wait to reach the EFL after a penalty shootout win over Solihull Moors at Wembley in May.
Millwall academy graduate Grant, who was signed from Sheffield United in 2022, spent the second half of last season on loan at Bromley and played 13 times as they lifted silverware.
Ravens boss Andy Woodman and his staff moved quickly to bring the 21-year-old back for another stint.
“We all went on holiday to Marbella for a few days together when we won promotion,” Grant told the South London Press.
“I spoke with them (the management staff) out there and during my break as well. We kept in close contact, because I get on with everyone here. It was a very open relationship and everything was clear.
“It made the most sense. You can see the similar traits to Millwall. At a minimum, you’re expected to play hard, go for every tackle and fight for every ball.
“The basics and the fundamentals are the same. With what I was doing at Millwall, I just had to continue that with Bromley.
“The dressing room is excellent – there is no toxicity at all whenever people aren’t playing.
“Everybody wants the team to do well. It was an easy decision for me.”
Grant played every minute at Wembley in the play-off final win.
The ex-Dagenham & Redbridge loanee said: “I remember the goals and the penalty shootout when skip (Byron Webster) scored.
“I can’t explain the feeling. Hopefully, I’ll get more like that in my career, but I won’t be able to explain it.
“I had every emotion at one time, a lot of relief and joy all at once. Last season was my first real professional loan. Everything happened so quickly. I was happy I was able to prove myself in a game where loads of people were watching.”
Grant has started all 14 of Bromley’s League Two outings this season, keeping four clean sheets and scored his first EFL goal in the opening day 2-0 win at Harrogate.
“A lot,” said Grant when asked how much his game had kicked on at the start of the new campaign.
“It’s a big jump from the National League. The quality of players goes up quite a bit with people dropping down from higher leagues.
“I’m learning every game. You have to learn fast in men’s football and when it means something to us, fans and coaches.
“It’s about not getting yourself too down in mistakes that you make – you’re going to make them, that’s football.It’s about how you react and go on from those situations. I’m blessed to have started every game so far.
“Hopefully I can continue and add more to what I’m doing.”
Millwall legend Webster captained Bromley to National League promotion and has made more than 150 appearances during his stint at Hayes Lane.
Webster, 37, helped the Lions won promotion to the Championship in 2017, and his no-nonsense defending saw him quickly become a fans’ favourite.
“He’s played under Neil Harris, so he knows what it means to be a Millwall defender,” said Grant.
“He helps me a lot. I play alongside him on the pitch and he’s always talking to me. He’s honest with you.
“That’s what you need. It’s good to have good role models around you.
“I try and soak up every bit of information I get from him and use it in my game.
“It’s about taking bits and being yourself at the same time as well.”
Grant’s second loan back to Hayes Lane has been signed off just until the January transfer window.
But Lions boss Harris told our paper that there is a possibility of the 21-year-old staying at Hayes Lane for the entirety of the 2024-25 campaign.
“I haven’t really spoken to Millwall about it yet,” said Grant.
“I’m focused on my football here and I leave everything else to be sorted out.
“I’m just enjoying my football now and that’s the most important thing.”
PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD