How new signing can help Hurst solve two major conundrums
MAGUIRE-DREW CAN COVER FOR MCATEE AND ALSO CHALLENGE
SOUSA AND BAPAGA
GRIMSBY Town boss Paul Hurst has laid down the gauntlet to his wingers after the arrival of Jordan MaguireDrew.
The Mariners have further bolstered their attacking options with the acquisition of the 24-yearold, following Sam Bell’s arrival last week.
Maguire-Drew comes in as a direct rival to the likes of Erico Sousa, Will Bapaga and Max Wright, as an inverted winger who can also play as a number 10.
Creativity in the final third has been a major problem in the last month, especially against packed defences. Against Wealdstone, Aldershot Town and Kidderminster Harriers, Town found themselves unable to break down a low block and turn territory into goals.
Adding another player who can help unlock the door in the final third was the next logical step after Bell’s arrival, with Maguire-Drew also capable of helping on the goals front.
Hurst has bemoaned a lack of consistency and end product from his wingers this term, on several occasions. Equally, the likes of Max Wright and Sean Scannell have struggled with injuries.
On the face of it, you could argue that Town have too many wingers when everyone is fit and available. However, that has very rarely been the case.
In truth, it’s felt like a straight shoot-out between Bapaga and Sousa to feature on the right-wing. The introduction of Maguire-Drew will hopefully raise their games and improve the consistency of performance.
Sousa last week illustrated why he’s an important player, but will need spells out of the side. A star man against Southend United, he was anonymous at Solihull Moors. Equally, q y Bapaga’s pg form is likely y to fluctuate given his age.
Harry Clifton, likewise, has perhaps looked at his best playing in central areas, though he offers better balance on the left-hand side than two out-and-out wingers.
Maguire-Drew also gives them an alternative to John McAtee, should they need one. They tried Ben Fox and Clifton in those roles whilst their joint top-scorer was injured but their new signing is more of a like-for-like replacement at number 10.
Hurst has constantly reiterated that he is still learning about Town’s new group, g p made of 17 new signings since the summer. Adding another player of high pedigree can only raise the level of others, or perhaps indicate whether they are up for the fight.
It’s clear that Maguire-Drew hasn’t come to sit on the bench, long-term. He’s signed an 18-month deal and repeatedly spoke about his desire to settle down on and off the field, at the age of 24.
Competition for places is a necessity at every club, especially those chasing promotion. This latest addition should raise the standards even higher at Cheapside.