Grimsby Town have signed midfielder Elliott Hewitt on a two-year deal following his release by Notts County.
The twenty-five-year-old becomes the Mariners fourth summer signing, after Matt Green, James Hanson, and Moses Ogbu made a move to Blundell Park.
Hewitt began his career at Macclesfield and having progressed through the Youth ranks at Moss Rose; he made twenty-two senior appearances for the Silkmen before his displays sparked the interest of Ipswich Town who signed him in 2012.
The versatile Welshman spent three years at Portman Road before signing for County in 2015. While at Ipswich, he enjoyed loan spells at Gillingham and Colchester where he made forty-one appearances in total.
He made one hundred and fifty-two appearances for the Magpies and played a vital role in their 2017/18 campaign as they reached the League Two play-off semi-finals.
Last season Hewitt’s campaign came to an abrupt end in February due to injury, and he was forced to watch from the final months of the season from the sidelines as County dropped into the National League.
Hewitt’s signing by Grimsby brought a mixed reaction on his ability from County fans on social media with many divided as to the quality of player Mariners fans can expect to see next season. It certainly seems that the former Wales Under-21 international polarises opinion.
Here is a selection of their responses to the signing on Twitter.
Great player for us. Best used in centre mid but he can (and will) play anywhere. Season before last one of the players of the season. Last season got injured and seemed to not fit with new manager.
Good luck to him, he's some player on his day.
— Dan (@Nottscountydan) June 26, 2019
Not unusual for fans to have different assessments of players, but I couldn’t disagree more. A poor full back and an even worse midfielder. Terrible positional sense, awful possessional play – I could go on but won’t. I too wish him well, but frankly, glad to see the back of him.
— Giltbrook Pie (@giltbrookpie) June 26, 2019
WARNING! do not let him anywhere near your defence he is a complete liability! Will run about all day in midfield but has limited ability and zero creativity.
— Colin Metcalf (@ColinMetcalf3) June 26, 2019
Can't tackle, backs away from attackers before letting them past, tries to be Messi and loses the ball, can't shoot or pass either, glad he's no longer at Notts
— Luke ⚫️⚪️ (@Turkey_Twizzler) June 26, 2019
Decent utility player, but a bit inconsistent. The fans calling him shite think every player who played for our club last season is shite, when in reality most players, like Hewitt, were just unfit because of our dire pre-season set up by Hardy
— Sami. (@nottscountysami) June 26, 2019
https://twitter.com/streety1862/status/1143917174945456136
This just isn’t true at all I’m afraid
— FlatPie (@FlatPie) June 26, 2019
Played every week for us in the team that finished 5th. Physically good; quick, strong, energetic, good in the air – never going to get outstanding on-the-ball qualities in addition to that in L2.
Very versatile too. Completed his utility man checklist 👇🏻 after the 1st 3 games. pic.twitter.com/NkHIrSHU6M
— Gerrit Forward (@GerritForward) June 26, 2019