New-look Grimsby set for big kick-off
According to the bookies there are several teams more likely to escape League Two this season, than Chesterfield and Grimsby.
But like his Spireites counterpart Gary Caldwell, Grimsby boss Russell Slade has conducted himself with a minimum of fuss this summer while assembling a ‘strong looking’ squad.
That’s the view of Grimsby Telegraph writer Liam Wood.
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Hide Ad“I think the club will quietly be targeting a place in the play-offs,” he said.
“Without shouting from the rooftops, Russell Slade has put together a strong looking squad with options, quality and experience all over the pitch.”
The Mariners, who are expected to bring a bumper away support to the Proact for the opening game of the season, have added a bit of steel to the squad who finished 14th in the 2016/17 League Two campaign.
Like Chesterfield, they’ve had a bit of a summer makeover, with 10 departures, including veterans Shaun Pearson and Craig Disley.
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Hide AdWood said: “Nathan Clarke, formerly of Huddersfield and Bradford City, has joined this summer and is likely to be made club captain.
“He will partner ex-Premier League defender Danny Collins in the back four for most of the season.
“Grimsby’s one to watch will be Siriki Dembele, who signed from the Nike Academy. He is a quick, tricky wideman who really has caught the eye this summer.
“There is a little more physicality in the squad this season, but without sacrificing the quality or technical skills that were on offer last term.”
Likely line-up (4-4-2): McKeown; Mills, Dixon, Clarke, Collins; Dembele, Kelly, Berrett, Rose; Jones, Vernon.