Grimsby Town have confirmed that goalkeeper Max Crocombe has turned down a new deal to remain with the club and will therefore depart the League Two side, according to their official website.
New Zealand international Crocombe, who played in all 59 games for the Mariners in all competitions last season, will now depart the Blundell Park outfit upon the expiration of his contract after making 89 appearances for the club in total over the last two years, keeping a total of 27 clean sheets.
Who is Max Crocombe?
Born in Auckland, New Zealand before moving to England at an early age, Max Crocombe came through the ranks at MK Dons before signing for Oxford United in 2010, where he went on to make six appearances for the club in six years at the Kassam Stadium, with loan spells at Banbury United, Nuneaton Borough, Barnet and Southport in between.
After a spell at Carlisle United in which he only made four appearances, the New Zealand shot-stopper went on to appear for Salford City in 2017, in which he helped the club win promotion to the National League after winning the National League North title.
Spells in Australia with Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory followed before Crocombe returned to England to sign for National League Grimsby Town in late July 2021, initially signing as back-up to Mariners icon James McKeown.
After McKeown lost his place in the team, Crocombe didn’t look back as he quickly became the first-choice goalkeeper at the club, making 89 appearances for the club in total in a spell which saw the goalkeeper help the club get back to the EFL at the first time of asking, as well as helping Grimsby reach their first FA Cup quarter-final appearance since 1939, beating Luton Town and Southampton along the way.
What’s been said?
Speaking to Grimsby Town’s official website on his departure, Crocombe reflected on his two years with the club and expressed his gratitude towards manager Paul Hurst, the board and the fans for a special couple of seasons which included a National League promotion and an FA Cup quarter-final appearance.
“I had a good chat with the manager and it’s nice that I’m able to leave on good terms. It’s been a great environment to play my football over the last two seasons and it’s been an absolutely amazing ride,” said the 29-year-old.
“When I signed, I don’t think anyone would have predicted how much success we were going to have as a Club during that time. It was amazing to play my small part in those achievements.
“I want to thank everyone for their support during my time with the Club. My teammates, who I created such great bonds with. The staff, who have been brilliant from top to bottom – the gaffer, Doigy (Chris Doig), Greg Howard, Steve Croudson, Jason, Andrew and Debbie and everyone else behind the scenes. And finally, the supporters, who have followed us up and down the country to support their team. They are a credit to themselves and the town.
“I’d like to wish the Club the very best of luck for the future. Grimsby Town will always hold a special place in my heart.”
Adding to the news of Crocombe’s departure, manager Paul Hurst has explained the New Zealander will leave the club on good terms and that he will be watching Max’s career with interest going forward.
He added: “Max informed me yesterday that he’s decided to turn our offer down. He leaves us on good terms though, as we both have a lot of respect for each other, but we couldn’t quite come to an agreement and unfortunately, that’s football sometimes which we both understand.
“He certainly played his part in the success we had over the last couple of seasons and helped create a lot of memories that we all share. I have nothing but good things to say about Max and I’ll certainly be watching with interest for the rest of his career.
“We would like to thank Max for his efforts in a Grimsby Town shirt and wish him well for the future.”
An incredible 2 years 🖤🤍 So many amazing moments. I’ll never forget them!! Honestly, thank you all so much for taking me in as one of your own, I’ve absolutely loved my time here – a town and football club, first and foremost, full of brilliant people. pic.twitter.com/iFbgppRLsZ
— Max Crocombe (@Meeiix) June 13, 2023
Writer’s View
Writing as a Grimsby Town fan, I’m gutted to see Max Crocombe leave the club to experience a new challenge in a sense. He will forever be remembered as part of a special period in Grimsby’s history that will never be forgotten, winning the National League playoffs in the most dramatic way possible that will never be beaten, as well as embarking on that famous FA Cup run – a once in a lifetime experience.
However, if I’m going to be honest, I personally felt Crocombe was not quite good enough to be Grimsby’s number one for years to come. He’s a decent player to have but for me, not as a starter. However, this now means the club don’t have a contracted goalkeeper on their books, with addressing that position now a priority before the start of pre-season.
I certainly have no ill feelings towards him however and I wish him nothing but all the best wherever he was to end up. There is a good goalkeeper in him.
