Fans have their say on whether Mariners can clinch promotion
GRIMSBY Town have managed to clinch a spot in the Football League playoffs as they hope to gain promotion back to League Two this season.
Following the solid performance against Boreham Wood on Tuesday, the Mariners managed three points thanks to a clinical finish by the ever impressive McAtee.
At the full-time whistle, fans stormed the pitch to celebrate with the players as they look ahead to the challenge of the play offs.
Whilst some are jubilant about the fact Grimsby could make a return to League football, others are more reserved. However, whatever their thoughts, everyone can agree that it’s been a season to be proud of for Grimsby Town Football Club.
Chair of the Mariners Trust, Kristine Green, said if everything goes to plan, there’s no reason we shouldn’t be promoted. Kristine said: “Both Saturday and yesterday’s games had a great atmosphere, which showed the players that fans are right behind them and we did what we needed to do to secure our spot.”
Looking ahead, she explained: “I think we can say it’s been a good season, regardless of what happens in the last game. We didn’t come down in a good way, but we’ve shown great character to be where we are now.
“In my eyes, that’s a success in itself. It would be amazing to make it to the final of the playoffs, but it is a complete lottery really.
“I think we’re as good as any other teams in the mix, but it’s up to us to do the job now.” She added: “Although it looks like we’ll be playing mostly away, the fans have shown they’ll travel and that will be a massive plus point for all the players and staff.”
Kristine is a die hard Grimsby Town fan and hasn’t missed a game all season. During her time supporting the team, she’s seen many successful play offs as well as some unsuccessful ones. For her, the message is simple: “Let’s enjoy it and do the best we can and give them all the support.”
When pushed for an answer on the chances of promotion, she said: “If we play as well as we have shown, the fans do their bit and the stars align, there’s no reason why we can’t.”
Others, like Alex Green of the DN35 Podcast, have been excited watching Grimsby Town play this season, but fear promotion may be a stretch too far.
He said: “At the minute, it’s all slotting in nicely and it’ll be an interesting playoff for sure. You can see an evolution happening both on and off the pitch, but there are clubs with more depth and more money than us in the running.
“However, over the course of three games where it’s winner takes all, anything could happen.”
He believes that, even if we don’t get promoted, next season could be ours.
Alex said: “I don’t see any challenges coming from the League Two relegated teams if we don’t get promoted though.”
When asked about what his honest opinion was on the Mariners returning to the league, he said: “I don’t think we’ll make it, but we do have a good chance.
“The statistics suggest we won’t, but if we do then that’ll be brilliant and we need to love every second of it. I just don’t think we have the firepower for it, but it’ll be entertaining regardless.”
The National League playoff games will start on 25 May.