Football Season Guide

Grimsby Town will be looking to break the cycle having spent the last two decades bouncing between the bottom of League Two and the National League. Paul Hurst looked to have done it in 2022/23, securing a top-half finish for the first time since 2006 but was sacked in November following a poor start to the last season. David Artell steadied the ship after being appointed as his successor but the Mariners rarely looked convincing. Artell’s managerial reputation was damaged during a disastrous 2021/22 season with Crewe Alexandra, and he still has yet to win over the Town faithful. This summer represents an opportunity to build his own squad, one capable of challenging in the top half of the division. He has cleared out a lot of dead wood, whilst several regulars under Hurst have also been moved on. The biggest departure is midfielder Harry Clifton, who came through the club’s academy, and has signed for Doncaster Rovers. The likes of centre-back Toby Mullarkey, midfielder Gavan Holohan and wingers Abo Eisa and Arthur Gnahoua have also left, none of whom seemed to have convinced Artell of their worth. Recruitment is always going to be challenging in a geographical outpost like Cleethorpes. The most exciting new signing so far is midfielder Jason Dadi Svanthorsson from Icelandic side Breiðablik. George McEachran has pedigree having come through the Chelsea academy but suffered with fitness issues whilst at Swindon Town last season. Jordan Wright will be the new No. 1 after signing from Lincoln City and is a step in right direction. Several clubs were interested in Derry City centre-back Cameron McJannet but it was the Mariners who won the race for his signature. There is clearly more work for Artell to do in the transfer market however.