Who’sWh ’ likelylik l tot beb in or out at Mariners?
WITH the transfer window now open, the 2022-23 League Two season under two months away and contracts coming to an end in July, we are likely to see movement in and out of the club as Grimsby Town prepare for life back in the Football League.
With 46 gruelling league games to come over 10 months in a higher division, after just finishing the previous campaign a week ago, the squad will quickly need bolstering in time for pre-season, so the team can be shaped the way Paul Hurst wants.
Also, with 19 players out of contract this summer, there will be plenty of space to fill in a short space of time, so let’s take a look at what transfer dealings might happen in the next few weeks.
Who is on their way out? There are a few outof-contract players likely to become free agents, including some that featured heavily last season. The list includes club captain Giles Coke, who turned 36 at the start of the month and played just 57 minutes in the last two months of the season, as the likes of Ben Fox and Gavan Holohan moved ahead of him in the midfield pecking order.
Other likely departures include club favourites such as James McKeown, who has made close to 500 appearances, and academy product Max Wright. Despite having an option in his contract for a further year with the club, he will likely not have it triggered after another injury-laden campaign.
To round off the departures Lenell John-Lewis, Scott Burgess, Adam Crookes, Erico Sousa and Jordan Cropper are also out of contract and unlikely to re-sign.
Who could come in? This summer window could see the return of an old favourite to the club. Charles Vernam is out of contract with Bradford City, and despite being offered a new deal by the club, the Telegraph and Argus are reporting that he is unlikely to re-sign.
Vernam scored 13 goals for the Mariners in 81 appearances before departing in 2020, and could Grimsby could be one of his options if he chooses to run down his deal with the Bantams.
Moreover, speaking to Hull Live, Andy Smith said he would be open to a return to Grimsby after a successful loan spell with the club this season.
The 20-year-old made 21 appearances for Hurst’s side and formed an excellent centre-back partnership with Luke Waterfall in the second half of the season.
However, if Smith’s services are required at his parent club Hull City, another centre-back could make a loan return.
Ryley Towler made just one appearance for his parent club Bristol City after returning early from his loan with Town last season and will likely be loaned out again this summer. Now in League Two, Grimsby could be the perfect destination.