You’re hired! Chatham Town’s Grant ready for debut on The Apprentice

By Joshua Peck
NON-LEAGUE footballers are often left fighting for a contract and Chatham Town's Danny Grant is dreading hearing the famous, ‘You're fired!'
Grant will feature on the latest series of BBC's The Apprentice, which kicks off on Wednesday night for a 13th series, looking to impress Alan Sugar, avoid the pointed finger and win the Lord's £250,000 investment.
The 32-year-old sells activated carbon products which are used for teeth whitening and water purification when he's not lacing up his boots for the Southern Counties East Chats.
The right-sided player told The NLP: “It's crazy, it's really surreal. When you apply for these things, you don't think you're going to get on, but my business plan came in the top 20 and I was really happy. Now it's on, it's just mad!
“I've got all the family coming over on Wednesday to watch, but it's going to be a really good series. I'm a massive fan of The Apprentice, but to actually see myself on there this year is madness.
“You know Lord Sugar's background and what he can do for your business. We're not fighting for pennies and you don't get a practise run. The Apprentice has definitely hardened me – I'd never pitched in front of a billionaire before!”
Grant signed for Chatham in the summer, reuniting with old friend Kevin Hake who recently became chairman of the club.
The Chats have recently had a managerial change with James Collins replacing Paul Piggott. Piggott was in charge for less than a year, and could not prevent Chatham being relegated to SCEFL. He was sacked after an abysmal start to this season that included just one win.
But for Grant, his focus stays on the dressing room – at least until he becomes a household name.
Grant, who can count Ferrari and Porsche as former employers, added: “I used to build helicopters and Formula 1 cars. They would send me all over the world, which was a great experience, but it gets to you after a while. I've got a son called Kai, so I gave it up to start my own business.
“Because of that, it was hard to find a side. I was all over the place, but since I've given up the F1 bits, I'm playing constantly and really enjoying it. I coach as well and still love the game.”