Walsall Football Club have today revealed the signing of 27-year-old striker Ashley Grimes following his release from Sky Bet League Two side, Bury.Grimes joins the club on a one-year-deal just a day after agreeing terms on his Bury release and will be in the squad for Saturday's trip to Leamington.
Born in Swinton, Greater Manchester, Ashley began his career with youth spells at Manchester United, Bolton Wanderers and Manchester City, the latter of whom he went on to pen pro-terms with in 2006.
He joined Swindon Town on a one-month loan in March 2007, where he made just four substitute appearances.
In May 2007, after sending much of his time in the City reserve side, Ashley penned a one-year extension, but was released at the end of the season, without making a single first-team appearance.
He went on to join Millwall in August 2008 and went on to score his first senior goal in the 3-0 win at Chester City in the FA Cup First Round.
Several more impressive displays earned a new contract, which should have kept him at the New Den until the summer of 2011. He scored his first league goal in a 3-1 victory away at Cheltenham Town.
The 2009/10 season saw Grimes' first team opportunities limited. His potential move to Crawley Town was blocked by Manager Kenny Jackett, citing injury situation at the club.
Despite this, Ashley joined Lincoln City on loan, making his debut on 30th October 2010 in a 2-2 draw away at Wycombe Wanderers His loan spell with the club was extended until January, before being extended until the end of the season.
At the end of the 2010/11 season Ashley was released after his Millwall contract expired.
Despite being linked with a move to Colchester United, Ashley signed a two-year contract with then League One side Rochdale.
After making his debut in the opening game of the season, in a 2-0 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday, he scored his first goals for Rochdale, bagging a brace in a 3-2 (AET) win against Chesterfield in the League Cup.
In the summer of 2012, Ashley was linked with a move to side Crawley Town, but turned down a move, citing his love for manager John Coleman's management style.
However, at the end of the 2012/13 season, Ashley was among eight players to be released by Rochdale.
He went on to sign for Bury in June 2013 on a two-year deal. He struggled to get into the first team, having been overshadowed by rival players, and went on to make just 18 appearances in all competitions.
On 24th July Ashley left Bury by mutual consent, after reportedly falling out with manager Ronnie Jepson.