Morton excited with Mariners loan switch
BRISTOL City midfielder James Morton says that he cannot wait to show what he can do after joining League Two side Grimsby on loan until the end of the season.
The 21-year-old academy youth product has made just one start for City in the last four seasons, which has seen him take in loan spells at nonLeague sides Chippenham and Bath City, as well as League Two Forest Green more recently.
Now he has linked up with former Bristol Rovers boss Ian Holloway at Blundell Park.
The switch comes after City head coach Dean Holden confirmed Morton was going out on loan with the club looking to “trim” the squad before the transfer window shuts on October 5.
“I’m really excited to be here to work under the manager and to be a part of this team,” said Morton. “I’m looking forward to showing what I can do and hopefully have a successful season with the team.
“I would describe myself as someone who enjoys getting on the ball and playing forward when I can. My qualities are on the ball, where I like to always be involved in the game while also making sure I work hard off the ball defensively.
“I hope to bring creativity to the team and as any midfielder,
I would like assists and goals alongside that.”
He becomes the second Robins player to join the club following team-mate Owura Edwards to the Mariners.
“Things happened so quickly for the deal to be agreed, so I wasn’t able to speak before signing, but I am close to him (Edwards), so I spoke to him when he signed and he said positive things about the club,” Morton added. “I already knew good things, so as soon as I heard about the interest, I didn’t hesitate to come.”
When asked on Wednesday if Morton was going out on loan, Holden said: “Yes. Other than that, we’re looking to trim the squad, and the international window closes next week and there’s another little time after that with the English market.”
Holloway, meanwhile, was full of praise for his new signing.
“He’s a very, very good player, he’s a very creative passer of the ball,” he said. “He doesn’t just create goals, he can score them too. He has got a wonderful left foot, wants to learn and work hard, and being a very fit lad, he covers a lot of ground and he is such an exciting prospect that we are very lucky to have.”
While City sit top of the second tier on goal difference, Grimsby are second-bottom of League Two after back-to-back losses, and their game at the weekend has been postponed due to coronavirus issues.