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Former Folkestone forward Ira Jackson joins Wealdstone after leaving Grimsby Town

13:46, 08 September 2021

updated: 13:48, 08 September 2021

Ira Jackson’s Grimsby adventure is over after joining Wealdstone.

Jackson achieved his dream of playing in the Football League last season, scoring three times in 15 games, following his move from Folkestone.

Ira Jackson celebrates his first Grimsby goal Picture: Lee Blease / Prime Media Images
Ira Jackson celebrates his first Grimsby goal Picture: Lee Blease / Prime Media Images

But the campaign ended in relegation from League 2 and the forward has moved on to National League rivals Wealdstone following his release.

Jackson, 24, has played for a number of Kent clubs, including hometown side Ashford, Dover, Margate and Sittingbourne, but produced his best football under Neil Cugley at Folkestone.

Thirty-three goals in 50 appearances caught the attention of then-Grimsby boss Ian Holloway, who handed him a Football League shot.

Jackson recalled discussing the move with Holloway after scoring his first Grimsby goals last season.

He said: “It was interesting because you go from this guy who’ve you seen on the telly and watched his Blackpool team and his QPR and Millwall teams and you’ve seen his interviews and his funny comments, and then he’s ringing you up saying he wants to sign you.

“When I met him, I was thinking this is someone who’s managed in the Premier League and he’s given me his professional stamp of approval.

“He was saying I think I can make you into a better player, I want to give you a chance to play in the Football League."

Read more: The latest sports news in Kent

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