Grimsby Town have finally moved to appoint a new manager, a month and a half after sacking Michael Jolley.
The former manager was dismissed after a foul-mouthed rant at journalists and a slump in form, having been a failed experiment. He went to Blundell Park with a growing reputation as a coach but left after little visible progress.
Chairman John Fenty has decided to go with a tried and tested manager, the popular pundit Ian Holloway. Holloway has formerly been in charge at seven clubs, including Queens Park Rangers (twice), Crystal Palace and Blackpool, whom he took into the Premier League.
He heads to Blundell Park with more than a simple manager’s role on the table, with Fenty saying: “Ian and Kim (his wife) have committed to selling up and moving into the area, seeing Grimsby as a long-term project.
“He will also acquire shares in the club and will commit to attending full board meetings. In the short term, we believe his positive energy and hunger for success will provide the impetus, to convert our recent positive performances into results into the New Year and beyond.”
The move has certainly been welcomed by Grimsby fans, who have seen their side slide to 21st in the table, six points away from the only relegation spot.
Who’s knows if this is a good or bad appointment, time will tell.
For now, I’ll be right behind him & the team. It’ll be fun for a few months if nowt else.— Jim Barwick (@mrjpbarwick) December 31, 2019
Fantastic news. Well done to JF and the board for getting this done, to secure a manager of Ian’s calibre and to also get him to invest is a fantastic achievement! #utfm #gtfc
— Ben Rising (@BenRising) December 31, 2019
Might sell a few more ticket ! 😂😂😂 and he is buying shares in the club!! Interesting move…. 👏👏🐟
— Haydn Sandvig 🇬🇧 🏴 ESCM CMILT (@HaydnSandvig) December 31, 2019
We are very much use to disappointment, but we'll back him from the off, not like some fans of other clubs have in recent times. UTM!!
— Mariner Dave (@GrimsbyTPG) December 31, 2019
Praise the Lord!! There is a Cod afterall. Nice that we are keeping Anthony….. Welcome Ian… "All Town aren't we" 🏴🏳️🏴🏳️🏴
— Sharon Codd🌻 (@Sha0308) December 31, 2019
How the HELL have Grimsby town pulled that off?
Holloway has to be bantering at this point?
— Nick Slack (@NAD_Slack7) December 31, 2019
Brilliant I'm totally gobsmacked that we have pulled this off and eat humble pie as I said it would never happen #Utm
— Phil Wingate (@gtfc1967) December 31, 2019
