THE GRIM DAYS ARE OVER NOW
Mariners end their exile at Wembley
AFTER all the heartache, Grimsby Town are back in the Football League after a six-year absence – and it means the world to them.
A 3-1 victory against Forest Green Rovers in last Sunday’s promotion final at Wembley booked their place back in the top 92 and they’ve even got the chance of a double when they host Halifax Town in the FA Trophy final at the home of football this afternoon.
Striker Padraig Amond, who has scored 37 goals in all competitions this term, said: “It’s been a brilliant season and one I’m very proud of. The biggest thing of it all is that we’ve been promoted.
“It’s a massive achievement for us and a massive thing to be back in the Football League.
“We’re part of history now. I’ve said for a long time the hardest divisions in England to get out of are the Championship and National League because of the rewards that are available.”
The 28-year-old Irishman, nicknamed Podge, described the feeling of sheer joy when Nathan Arnold popped up to score the Mariners’ third in stoppage time to seal promotion.
“It was the best feeling I’ve ever had in football,” he said. “You can’t explain it, it’s impossible, unless you’ve been involved in something like that – and to do it at Wembley in front of my family and friends who were all over for the game.
Special
“Also doing it with the lads you’ve worked really hard with. The lads we have at Grimsby are a special, special group.
“When that went in it was probably the quickest I’ve moved all season, even though I’d been substituted and was off the pitch!”
Meanwhile, skipper Craig Disley felt Grimsby’s promotion was simply meant to be. The Mariners made it fourth time lucky in the play-offs and avenged the disappointment of 12 months earlier when they lost to Bristol Rovers on penalties.
“Compared to last year it’s the polar opposite,” said the 34year-old, who will lead the Mariners out at Wembley for a fourth time in today’s FA Trophy final.
“It’s days like this that make you come back and again and why you play football. It’s from a gut-wrenching defeat to elation – I’m so pleased for everyone at the club. The gaffer, the chairman, all the fans – we all deserve it.
“It’s been a strange season. We’ve been criticised so much yet we’ve come out at the end and got promoted. People said we had a better team last year, but we’ve done it so maybe it’s quietened a few people.
“Hopefully I can stay and have another crack in the Football League.
“We felt all week it was written in the stars for us and it would be our time. So it’s proved.”