Football Season Guide

National League

England

National League

2012/2013

Grimsby Town

In

Andy Cook (att), Barrow), Jack Colbeck (mid), Hereford), Sam Hatton (mid, AFC Wimbledon), Aswad Thomas (def), Braintree), Greg Pearson (att), Burton), Derek Niven (mid), Chesterfield), Greg Fleming (gk), Chesterfield), Simon Ford (def), Chesterfield)

Out

Michael Coulson (mid), York), Rob Duffy (att), Lincoln), Gary Silk (def), Scott Garner (def), Cambridge), Kiernan Hughes-Mason (att), Welling), Serge Makofo (mid), Anthony Church (mid), Charles I'Anson (def)

Grimsby will be launching another attempt to reach the Football League having failed to even make it to the play-offs in the two seasons since suffering relegation. The Mariners went closer last season but some poor form at the end cost them the chance to contest with other rivals for promotion. However, it was a positive season in terms of progression as at one stage the Mariners looked as good as any team in the division with Liam Hearn and Anthony Elding ripping up opposition nets. The former enjoyed a superb breakthrough season with 27 league goals and so far he is staying on with Grimsby. The summer signings have lacked a real wow factor but Derek Niven is a great pro who played a lot in the Football League and could complement Craid Disley in the middle of the park very well. Aswad Thomas is one of the better left-backs in the division while Andy Cook and Greg Peason will provide cover for the front two and may even challenge for a starting place from the early stages of the season. Therefore, Grimsby have the look of a good team but the relative lack of flair players and good wingers, in the light of the exit of Michael Coulson, could hinder them and ultimately prove the biggest obstacle to securing a play-off spot.

Target

Securing a play-off spot but they seem to lack a bit of extra quality and are likely to miss out.