Watford defender Garrad joins Real Bedford on loan

Watford defender Garrad joins Real Bedford on loan Watford defender Grace Garrad has joined FA Women’s National League Southern Premier Division club Real Bedford on loan. The Pirates announced the news via a post on their official club website this morning. The 23-year-old will spend the short-term with Real Bedford as she looks to get a regular run of games following injury. Watford signed Garrad last summer after she helped former club Ipswich Town to the FA Women’s National League Southern Premier Division title. She repeated the feat with The Golden Girls in 2025/2026. Garrad’s first season at Vicarage Road ended prematurely with the player making just eight appearances for Watford before sustaining an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury. Garrad has now returned to fitness and she will be hoping to get plenty of minutes in her short loan spell with Real Bedford. After joining The Pirates on loan, Garrad said “I’m buzzing to be here. Personally, I’m really looking forward to getting back to playing regularly. I’m hoping to bring my title-winning experience to help strengthen the team and push us up the table. On the pitch, you can expect composure on the ball and a strong desire to defend. I can’t wait to get started.” Real Bedford are next in action on Sunday when they travel to Lewes in the FA Women’s National League Southern Premier Division.