Pre-season is underway and David Artell has been busy in the transfer market strengthening the Grimsby Town squad ahead of what they hope will be a much improved year ahead. Having just about fought off relegation at the end of the 2023/24 campaign, there was a lot to do in all departments to make sure there is no repeat of last season’s difficulties.
Much of the Mariners head coach’s early work was done in defensive quaters as he looked to tighten up a leaky backline that conceded 74 goals over their 46 League Two matches. Anthony Glennon, Danny Amos, Toby Mullarkey and loanee Liam Smith have been replaced by Tyrell Warren (Barrow), Lewis Cass (Port Vale), Cameron McJannet (Derry City) and Matthew Carson (Reading), as the Blundell Park side look to combine defensive solidity with comfort in possession in order to best suit Artell’s preferred style.
Goalkeeper Jordan Wright has been brought in from League One Lincoln City, replacing Hull City youngster Harvey Cartwright who spent last season on loan with Grimsby, while midfield and wide areas have recently been added to, with the signings of creative midfielder George McEachran, who was previously with Swindon Town, and Icelandic international winger Jason Dadi Svanthórsson, who arrived from Breidablik for an undisclosed fee.
However, there’s still much to be done before the closure of the transfer window on August 30th, as the Mariners look to complete their squad with the depth and quality required to succeed in an ever-difficult division. Here we take a look at three key areas David Artell will potentially be looking to address over the next seven weeks.
Attacking and creative midfield
The signing of George McEachran has boosted the Mariners midfield ranks. Somewhat of a deep-lying playmaker, the left-footed former Chelsea youngster offers a nice balance in the engine room next to the likes of Curtis Thompson, Kieran Green and Evan Khouri, all of whom could best be described as mainly ball-winning and box-to-box players.
None of the above are what you’d class as an attacking midfielder, however, one that can get beyond the forward with regularity and provide ice-cool composure at pivotal moments. Callum Ainley, back from significant health issues, is the only member of Artell’s squad who comes close to fitting that profile, and it’s fair to say at least one more player of this ilk is required to add further quality, depth and options.
| Grimsby Town’s current attacking midfield, wide and forward options, correct as of 11/07/24 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Player | Position(s) | Age |
| Callum Ainley | Attacking midfielder (central) | 26 |
| Charles Vernam | Winger/Wide attacker | 27 |
| Jason Dadi Svanthórsson | Winger/wide attacker | 24 |
| Danny Rose | Striker | 30 |
| Donovan Wilson | Forward | 27 |
| Rekeil Pyke | Forward | 26 |
| Cameron Gardner | Forward | 18 |
While Grimsby has brought in exciting Iceland winger Jason Dadi Svanthórsson, and will hope fellow wide player Charles Vernam can stay injury free this year, the departures of Abo Eisa and Arthur Gnahoua mean further reinforcements are necessary, particularly if David Artell is looking to implement his favoured 4-3-3 formation.
While forwards Donovan Wilson, Rekeil Pyke and Cameron Gardner are capable of filling in those wider attacking areas, it’s not their natural position, and it’s likely the Mariners will seek to add at least one more specialist winger in the coming weeks.
Mobile, physical striker
Last season’s Player of the Year and captain Danny Rose (pictured) is an integral part of the Mariners side. His goals, workrate, leadership and nous are attributes his colleagues rely heavily upon on a regular basis.
It does, however, become evident just how important he is to the whole unit on the few occasions he’s unavailable through injury or suspension. While Wilson offers pace in behind and Pyke brings a level of physicality, the complete game of the former Mansfield Town, Northampton Town and Stevenage man is difficult to replicate.
In an ideal world, I’m sure Artell and his staff will be looking to bring in a mobile, physical frontman to share the burden with Rose and fit in seamlessly when the 30-year-old is missing for one reason or another or tiring late in matches.
Add a touch of experience
League Two is a very demanding division, both physically and mentally. It’s notable how many sides who succeed at this level have a certain level of experience within their ranks.
The Mariners currently have the aforementioned Danny Rose and midfielder Curtis Thompson (pictured above) who provide that know-how, but perhaps they need to consider adding one or two more who have been there, seen it and done it in the fourth-tier to guide what is a youngish squad.
All seven of Grimsby’s additions thus far are aged between 21 and 26-years-old, in-line with the recruitment model they are looking to implement, but a couple more battle-hardened, seasoned professionals could bring a beneficial balance to Artell’s squad.
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