Mariners wait for Fonkeu clearance

GRIMSBY Town boss Ian Holloway is waiting for clearance from the Bulgarian football authorities before he can unleash Pierre Fonkeu on League Two defences.

The former Norwich City forward is one of the free agents Holloway has been casting his eye over in recent weeks.

The 23-year-old is in line for a short-term deal at Blundell Park, and Holloway is urging administrators to grant him clearance to play as soon as possible. Fonkeu’s previous club was Bulgarian side PFC Beroe Stara Zagora, where he made just one appearance from the bench.

Holloway told the Grimsby Telegraph: “Hopefully we can have Pierre Fonkeu’s registration done by the ‘Bulgarian whoever-they-are.’ What are they doing? God knows, wake up. Get back to work, do something for Christ’s sake.

“It’s only his clearance we need from you. How long should that take?

“Hopefully our fans might get a chance to see him soon.

“He’s an attacker, very powerful, very strong and very quick.”

Fonkeu began his career in Belgium with Club Brugge, playing in their Club NXT academy before joining Norwich after a pre-season trial in 2017. He scored three goals in 23 games in his first season for the Canaries’ Under-23s, but his second year was hindered by injury and saw him make just two appearances and scoring in a 4-1 defeat to Southampton.

He was released by Norwich in 2019, and subsequently signed for French side RC Lens, where he made just one appearance off the bench for their B team.

He then made the move to Bulgaria - but he is now hoping for his chance to impress in a black and white shirt once his registration and clearance is finally granted.

Grimsby Town’s Danny Rose (centre) and Luke Waterfall (right) - who are both back in contention for tonight’s match against Bradford City at Blundell Park.