At the age of 49, Grainger has forged a remarkable journey from non-league football to the Premier League, commencing his career with Colchester United in 1989. His contribution was pivotal in The U’s achieving promotion to the Football League during the 1991-92 season.
In 1993, Grainger made a significant move to Brentford, then a League One side, for a transfer fee of £60,000, swiftly establishing himself as a mainstay in the first team. His career continued to ascend when he joined Championship club Birmingham in 1996, where he gained recognition as an inspirational figure and a cult hero, renowned for his set-piece expertise.
During his time with Birmingham, Grainger played a pivotal role in their journey to the League Cup final in 2001 and promotion to the Premier League in 2002. However, his game time in the top flight dwindled due to injuries, leading to a loan spell at Coventry City, where he made seven appearances before returning to Birmingham. His final appearance in a Blues shirt saw him scoring a goal against Manchester United in 2004.
Following retirement in 2004, Grainger ventured into management with non-league side Cheshunt and also worked as a VIP chauffeur. However, he eventually discovered a new passion as a train driver in the London train network. Despite the challenges of the training process, Grainger found it rewarding, emphasizing the job’s unique benefits, including flexible work schedules.
In 2020, during the pandemic, Grainger continued his work as a train driver to ensure the smooth functioning of the railway network, describing the experience as “surreal.” This career shift has clearly proven fulfilling for the former defender, offering him a fresh and satisfying chapter beyond the football world.
