One chapter is closing, but another is opening for me
HOLOHAN REFLECTS ON HIS TOWN EXIT
GAVAN Holohan spoke recently in more detail about his Grimsby Town departure and the mindset of a player ending the season as a free agent. The 32-year-old made over 100 appearances for the Mariners in two-andhalf years, enjoying some great moments with the club, including a promotion and a historic cup run, but suddenly, he has to leave those memories in the past and think about his next move.
After a difficult last season at Town, as the team scraped survival in League Two, the Irishman will be enjoying some downtime before deciding on his future.
He told BBC Radio Humberside: “It’s going to be different, it’ll be a bit surreal because I’ve gotten used to Grimsby Town for the last two-and-a-half years. I suppose you’ve got to look at it as one chapter closing, but another one is going to open up, so you have to be excited about that. “I’m looking forward to a new challenge elsewhere, but most footballers will say that straight after a season finishes, you’re glad to just have a breather and switch off from anything football-related as such. “Anyone involved in football will know that it is a long season which can be a slog at times, particularly if things aren’t going well. It can be mentally and physically draining, so it’s good to recharge, and hopefully, the right offer comes up.
“I’ll have a few conversations in the coming weeks with my agent and I’ll make a decision further down the line regarding where I land next, making the right call for me and my family.”
Holohan leaves Grimsby with a heavy heart having built a strong connection with the club and the fans during his time, a connection made strong by his contributions to the Mariners’ recent success.
However, with a new head coach settled in and a strong desire to take the next step on the pitch, the club decided to move on from Holohan and ten other out-of-contract players. It was a tough decision, but one that an experienced player like Holohan understood.
The midfielder added: “He’s [Artell] had to come in and make adjustments, which is completely understandable, and I give him credit for what he has done because it is not easy, especially considering the fact we were in a bit of a hole at one point.
“[On his release] he was open and honest with me as was I with him, and he was appreciative of the fact that I had given everything I could throughout my time at the club and in what was a difficult situation for the team.
“The club wanted to go in a different direction which I can respect because I know it’s part and parcel of football. It was probably the right decision for both parties.”