Place of birth Budapest, Hungary Years Team Current team Berliner AK 07 2006–2008 Hibernian Height 1.91 m | Number 1 Role Footballer Playing position Name David Grof Position Goalkeeper | |
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Date of birth (1989-04-17) 17 April 1989 (age 26) | ||
Dávid Gróf (born 17 April 1989) is a Hungarian footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Berliner AK. Gróf started his senior career with Scottish club Hibernian, making one appearance during the 2008–09 season before being released from his contract. He subsequently played in England for Notts County, Tamworth, Mansfield Town and Walsall.
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Hibernian
Gróf started his professional career with Hibernian, making his professional debut in their 4–3 defeat by Greenock Morton in the Scottish League Cup on 26 August 2008.
Later that season, Gróf was convicted of a drink driving offence and was consequently banned from driving for two years. Hibs also disciplined the player, who made a public apology through the club's website. He was relegated to the status of fourth choice goalkeeper at Hibs after the arrival of Grzegorz Szamotulski during January 2009. Gróf went on trial at West Bromwich Albion, but was released by Hibs towards the end of the 2008–09 season, despite having 18 months left on his contract.
Following his release by Hibs, Gróf trained with English League Two side Gillingham, featuring in a reserve team match against Lewes.
Notts County
Gróf went on trial with League One club Notts County in July 2010. He agreed a deal to sign for the club, subject to medical. On the same day as the deal with Notts County was announced, Gróf played for Tamworth in a friendly match against Aberdeen. He completed the move on 26 July. On 4 August 2010 it was confirmed that Gróf would be joining The Lambs on a one-month loan deal in time for the new season. Just six days later Gróf was recalled by his parent club.
Gróf signed on loan with Conference National club Mansfield Town on 31 January 2011. Grof played an integral part in Mansfield's FA Trophy run which saw the Stags lose to Darlington in the final at Wembley on 7 May. Despite not being permitted to play in the final itself, Grof became a hero to the Mansfield fans due to his performances in both the FA Trophy and the Conference National, and appeared before the game against Darlington to a standing ovation from the 15000 strong travelling Mansfield fans.
Despite rave reviews of his performances at Mansfield, Grof was waived by Notts County at the end of the season alongside defender Graeme Lee..
Walsall
Following a trial spell, Gróf signed a one-year contract with Football League One side Walsall in July 2011. Gróf made his full Walsall debut against Bournemouth, keeping a cleen sheet in a 2-0 win, and then made his home debut the following game—a Football League Trophy first round fixture against Shrewsbury Town, which Walsall won 2-1.. On 17 March 2013, Gróf announced that he was moving to France to pursue a career away from the Saddlers, having fallen down the pecking order at Walsall behind a string of successive loan goalkeepers manager Dean Smith had signed due to his poor early season form.
Clermont
On 18 March 2013, Gróf began his trial with Clermont, successfully completing the first part of his medical and training with the first team later that day.
Germany
In November 2013, Gróf moved to German side Goslarer SC, where he remained until the end of the season before signing for Berliner AK.
Personal life
Gróf's father Attila also played professionally as a goalkeeper, for Vasas Budapest, Újpesti Dózsa, Videoton, Honvéd and Hungary.
Gróf was convicted of a drink driving offence and banned from driving for two years. He was charged with another drink driving offence in April 2009.
Career statistics
Statistics accurate as of match played 1 June 2011.