JOLLEY MARINERS
Grimsby Town appoint Michael Jolley as their new boss
LEAGUE Two strugglers Grimsby Town were eager to get away from the usual managerial merry-go-round – and they’ve done that by appointing the little known Michael Jolley as their new boss.
A host of names were linked with the Mariners’ vacancy after Russell Slade’s departure, including former England defender Sol Campbell, but Jolley got the nod.
He isn’t your regular EFL manager, but perhaps Grimsby have taken note of how successful neighbours Lincoln have been with Danny Cowley at the helm in the last year and a half.
Cowley, 39, and his assistant, brother Nicky, had never managed professionally before being appointed by the Imps, but they led them to National League title success last term and took them to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
While Lincoln have continued to impress this term in League Two, Grimsby have struggled. Pre-weekend, they were 20th in the table, just six points off the drop zone.
Some might suggest it’s time for an experienced head, but Grimsby clearly don’t think so. The 40-year-old Jolley is a Cambridge University graduate with an MSc in economics, has managed Burnley U23s and recently had a short spell managing in the Swedish top flight with AFC Eskilstuna.
Coup
In a statement, the club said: “We truly believe it is a real coup to persuade Michael to join Grimsby Town Football Club.
“He will bring a modern, cutting-edge approach to match preparation that will take the best bits from his time learning and coaching at clubs like Burnley, Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace and Crewe Alexandra. His reputation in the game is universally positive.”
As for the man himself, Jolley is relishing the chance to manage in the EFL for the first time.
In a message on Twitter, the Sheffield-born boss said: “It’s a great honour to have been named as the new manager of Grimsby Town FC. I am extremely grateful to John Fenty and the board for showing faith in me by giving me this opportunity.
“I will do everything in my power to play my part in creating a football club we can all be proud of.
“In my experience, anything is possible if we dream big, work hard and work together.
“If we are as one, we will be stronger.”