I’ve happy Mariners memories
ARNOLD REFLECTS ON BUILDING HIS CONNECTIONS IN GRIMSBY
AS a former Grimsby Town player turned fan, Nathan Arnold has recalled his play-off final experience and the special connection he shares with the people of the town.
The 35-year-old spent just two years with the Mariners as a player, but for some like Arnold, it does not take long to bed into the community and build a strong relationship with the club’s supporters.
The amount he experienced in those two years at Blundell Park certainly would have helped in that bond being built, with his final contribution being the goal that sealed Town’s promotion back to the EFL after six years away.
Now back in the area as manager of Cleethorpes Town, who play just a mile and a half away from where he donned the black and white shirt on many occasions, Arnold said he has felt the support of the locals since returning.
“I’ve had some lovely messages from the Town supporters,” Arnold admitted to the Grimsby Telegraph.
“My association with this part of the world is very much a happy one and positive from my time here as a player. I’d like to think that whilst I was here that I built really good connections and relationships with the people.
“One good thing about football fans is that they tend to have long-term memories, which will hopefully be helpful for me while I’m here but also for Cleethorpes in terms of attracting more fans. to come to watch the games.”
As a result of the connection he built with the club and the fans during his time there, he was compelled to take in the Mariners’ play-off final victory over Solihull Moors in the flesh at the London Stadium.
Recalling his experience on the other side of the white line, Arnold spoke of his appreciation for the emotional rollercoaster that football fans experience.
“I followed the whole play-off process last season and ended up taking my partner down to London to see the final at the London Stadium,” he said.
“It was nice for me to be on the other side of it, having experienced that same situation as a player here.
“I was sat amongst the supporters, and I was very much a Grimsby Town fan that day, and being able to embrace what it is like to experience such an important game like that but also just what the highs and lows the fans experience week-in, week-out.
“I can appreciate what they go through because it was certainly a nerve-wracking experience, and the whole day out was fantastic, capped off by getting the win.”