One to Watch – Ashley Grimes

Name: Ashley Grimes

Date of Birth: 9/12/1986

Nationality: England

Former Clubs: Man City, Swindon, Millwall, Lincoln

League Appearances (Goals): 56 (18)

International Appearances (Goals): 0 (0)

Rochdale striker Ashley Grimes has been identified by Vital QPR as the One to Watch ahead of Tuesday`s Carling Cup clash. If Warnock`s track record is to go by, a weakened team to the one that lined up against Everton will be put out, but nonetheless, the Rs players will have to keep the Rochdale number 10 quiet in order to progress to the next round.

Grimes had spells at Manchester United and Bolton as a youngster, but signed his first full time contract as a trainee at Manchester City in 2006. He joined Swindon on a one month loan deal in March 2007, making four substitute appearances for The Robins. The striker unfortunately didn`t manage to make an appearance for Man City and joined Millwall on 1st August 2008 on a free.

Grimes` first senior goal came in the FA Cup, in a 3-0 win over Chester. 17 appearances followed that season, where the 24 year old netted 3 goals. Limited opportunities came in the 2008/2009 season and in October last season he joined Lincoln on loan. Grimes` potential finally shone through as he managed to net a total of 17 goals in 30 appearances for The Imps, including an impressive hat-trick against Stockport County in a 4-3 away win.

Millwall decided not to retain the frontman and in the summer of 2011, Grimes joined Rochdale on a two year contact, reuniting with former Man City youth coach Steve Eyre. On 9 August 2011 the striker scored his first goals for Rochdale when he bagged a brace in their 3-2 win after extra time against Chesterfield in the first round of the League Cup. With one goal to his name in the league, Grimes will be hoping to kick-start his Dale career further with an impressive display against newly promoted QPR.