Mariners quartet key to club’s progress
IT’S A STRONG SQUAD - BUT THESE PLAYERS ARE CLOSEST TO BEING ‘UNDROPPABLE’
GRIMSBY Town have benefitted from a settled XI this season with continuity a big factor in their winning start to the season.
Paul Hurst has repeatedly spoken about his trust in the entire squad, which was illustrated against Bromsgrove Sporting last weekend.
Seven changes did not leave the Mariners severely weakened nor disjointed, as a professional display saw several of those on the fringes take their chance to pose a selection dilemma for Hurst.
Ahead of Saturday’s clash with Yeovil Town, Hurst’s toughest decisions arguably lie at fullback. Ryan Sears has performed admirably in Michee Efete’s absence whilst Seb Revan could have done little more after stepping in for Adam Crookes at Bromsgrove.
There’s intrigue as to how the team will lineup in attack too, with John McAtee a slight doubt after picking up a knee injury. If he’s fit, only two of Will Bapaga, Erico Sousa or Harry Clifton can start.
With so much choice available to the Town gaffer, it begs the question, who are his undroppables? In my mind, there are four, as we stand.
James McKeown is a stalwart and with 500 appearances under his belt, he’s shown little sign of dropping his standards. It would take a huge effort from Max Crocombe to oust him from being number one.
Equally, at centre-back, Luke Waterfall is seemingly an automatic pick in defence. He has struck a great partnership with Ryley Towler but the experienced defender is arguably Hurst’s number one centre-back in a competitive area of the squad.
Into midfield, Ben Fox and Alex Hunt are the current flavours of the month but either could be rotated with Giles Coke if Hurst feels the match requires his experience, making it tough to label them ‘undroppable’.
Likewise, on the right-wing, Bapaga and Sousa face a duel to find a spot in the team, with the former impressing his manager with three goals in as many games.
Harry Clifton’s versatility makes him a definite choice for Hurst. Either in central midfield or on the wing, the Town academy graduate has a perfect blend of endeavour and skill that makes him perfect to face any opposition.
Likewise, McAtee’s performances this season make him a must-start.
He’s dispelled any rumours about work-rate issues stemming from his time at Scunthorpe United - and Hurst knows how to get the best from him.