Former Nottingham Forest academy defender Osa Solomon has returned to Grantham Town as the Gingerbreads continue to build for the new Northern Premier League Midlands Division campaign.
Solomon is one of three new arrivals confirmed by Grantham, with Louis Czerwak and Kacper Rajter also joining Mitch Griffiths’ side. However, it is the return of Solomon that catches the eye, given his background in the professional game and his previous spell with the club.
The 22-year-old defender came through the Nottingham Forest academy system, progressing from youth level into the Under-18s and then the Under-21s. A right-sided defender who can also operate centrally, Solomon left Forest in 2023 after a spell on loan with Redditch United.
During his time at Forest, Solomon was also reported to have attracted interest from Cardiff City. That came during Sabri Lamouchi’s spell in charge of the Bluebirds, with the defender said to have been handed a trial in March 2023 with a view to a possible permanent move.
Instead, Solomon moved on from the City Ground to Grantham, joining the Gingerbreads in July 2023. He later had a spell with Basford United, playing at step four and featuring in last season’s play-offs, before becoming available again this summer.
Grantham have now moved to bring him back to the Meres, with boss Mitch Griffiths describing the deal as an obvious one once the chance arose.
“As soon as Osa became available, it was a no-brainer to get him in,” he said.
“He’s proven himself at step four, having played in last season’s play-offs.
“He brings pace, composure on the ball and aggression, and we’re delighted to welcome him back to the club.”
Solomon’s return adds further defensive depth to a Grantham squad already carrying momentum after promotion. The Gingerbreads have also retained a sizeable core from last season, with one-time Lincoln City trialist Lee Shaw among those staying on.
Of the other arrivals, Czerwak comes from Newark Town, where he previously worked under Griffiths, and has been described by the Grantham boss as “technically very gifted” and “a real goal threat”. Rajter, meanwhile, joins from AFC Mansfield, with Griffiths praising the defender’s passing range after tracking him for the past two seasons.
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