Jack the fourth generation of his family to play for Watford

Not only did his Dad and Uncle spend time at the club, but both his great-grandad and great-great-grandad did too, making Jack the fourth generation of his family to represent Watford.

Yet only a few years ago Jack was playing local football on parks pitches on Sunday mornings after he was released by Watford – only to impress enough to get a second chance, which he has seized with both hands.

“It was a brilliant moment for me at Reading. Making my debut for my boyhood club is something I’ve dreamed about since I was a kid,” he said.

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“Obviously with the family history I have with Watford, coming on for my debut was a dream come true. It was a brilliant moment for me and my family, and the proudest moment of my career so far.”

Grieves was still at primary school when he first signed for the Hornets, but he was then released while he was at secondary school.

“I first signed with Watford when I was eight and I was here for about six years, and I was released when I was 14,” he explained.

“I had a couple of trials elsewhere and nothing really came of those, so I started playing Sunday football for Everett Rovers in Watford.

“I got spotted by a scout and came in for a trial game. I scored two in that, got an eight-week trial and then I was back in and got my scholarship.”

Being let go by a professional club is often the breaking point for some young players, but Grieves said he helped him become more confident in himself and his ability.

“I’ve always said to people that being rejected was probably one of the best things that ever happened to me.

“I was so low on confidence when I got released and that was a difficult time for me. Being told by the club you support that you’re not needed anymore is tough to take when you’re 14.

“But is also helped me regain my confidence, and I tried to stay fully motivated. That period actually helped me build confidence.”

That determination to become a professional is clearly in the family genes.

“My Dad (Darren Grieves) was at Watford for a few months, and my uncle (Daniel Grieves) was a scholar here,” said Jack.

“My great-grandad (Reg Williams jnr) played for Watford during the Second World War and then signed for Chelsea, and my great-great-grandad was Reg ‘Skilly’ Williams, who was one of the club’s greatest ever goalkeepers and made more than 300 appearances.

“We’ve got loads of photos of them all and that gives us a bit of a timeline, and it’s nice to go from the start with my great-great-grandad through to when my uncle was playing. It’s nice to be able to look back on that.

Skilly and Reg Williams jr (Image: Family collection)

“When I made my debut at Reading it was a big moment for all my family, as they’ve been there when I was released and they know how much this means to me. To share that moment with them was massive for me and for them.”

His family is clearly very important to Grieves, and they must be proud to have such a mature and eloquent young man who is also a good footballer!

It's even more useful that they all share that Watford Football Club connection.

“I’ve been aware of the Watford family connections since I was a kid. My parents and grandparents have always talked to me about it, even right back when I first came here as a kid,” he explained.

“I’m trying to continue that family line of playing for Watford. I want to leave my own stamp now.

“I’m a local lad, I’m a supporter of Watford and I want to see the club do well. Trying to be a part of that success and a part of the first-team squad means everything to me.

“When I get chances I’ll just be trying to do my best for the fans and to help the team.”

That was certainly the case when he came on at Reading and put in an all-action, committed performance.

“I did ok and tried to get stuck in,” he said with a genuine degree of modesty.

“I know the fans like it when players put themselves about, get into tackles and press. It’s playing for the badge really.

“That was what I tried to do even if I didn’t keep the ball very well.

“I’m a Watford fan myself so I know what it’s like to want to have young players coming through. It was brilliant to have loads of Academy players involved and the fans gave us a great reception at the end.”

When the Watford players soaked up the applause from the large contingent of travelling fans at the Madejski Stadium, Grieves knew where to head.

“I could see my family and they came right down to the front. My parents, my brothers and my Nan were all there.

Skilly Williams in action (Image: Family collection)

“I spotted the family straight away and I also saw a couple of old friends, including one of my coaches from when I was a Sunday League player.

“Growing up in an area like Watford, where everyone sort of knows everyone, you walk past people and even if you don’t know them you still give them a nod.

“To see faces I recognised in the crowd from around the town supporting us was brilliant.”

The injury to Leandro Bacuna meant Grieves got onto the pitch earlier than he might have expected, but he was put at ease by head coach Slaven Bilic.

“He just said to go out and enjoy it, and don’t be nervous. He told me to try and express myself. There was no pressure put on any of us.

“Early on I wanted to make my mark on the game as it was my first appearance, so I tried to put a few tackles in and make an impression early on.”

Grieves said that just being part of first-team training has helped his game enormously.

“Having that level of talent and experience with us when we’re training is great for us young lads. We pick things up from different players around the squad.

“By training with them you can add so much to your own game, and just being on the training pitch with them is massive learning experience for us.

“Joao Pedro and Ismaila Sarr are big influences because they are great technically and physically.

“Keinan Davis is good to watch and learn from. I like how he holds the ball or can take a touch and lay it off.”

Not surprisingly given his age, Grieves had an immediate answer when asked who he idolised as a youngster.

“My Watford hero was always Troy Deeney,” was the reply.

“The two big moments he had stick out for me. I was at Vicarage Road when he scored that goal against Leicester: I was still quite young at the time and my parents wouldn’t let me run on the pitch when he scored!

“Then I was there at Wembley when he scored the penalty against Wolves in the FA Cup semi-final.

“Deeney was my idol growing up. He played a similar position to me so I took things out of his game.”

A few days after his senior debut, Grieves then almost burst the net at the Vicarage Road End with his blistering volley against Everton in the FA Youth Cup.

Again his family were there to see it, and he knows he always has good advice very close at hand.

“I speak to my Dad and my uncle all the time. They both watch my games, and give me tips and pointers to where I can improve.

“They’ve both got massive experience in the game, and it’s nice to speak to them often and see what they have to say.”