The fourth tier of English football has seen four rounds of fixtures so far – the exception being a waterlogged pitch impacting Colchester’s tie against Swindon; yep, a waterlogged pitch. In August. Oh England, we love you.
Last year, Grimsby’s return to League Two saw a promising 11th place finish and an historical FA Cup run that saw them overcome five teams from higher divisions: with notable scalps against Argyle, Luton, and Southampton, before a narrow 5-0 defeat to European powerhouses Brighton.
Chairman Jason Stockwood was not shy about the financial benefit the cup run had for the club, stating in March the rumoured £250,000 would help “put a bit of wind in our sales”.
True to their word, Grimsby Town have had their most productive transfer window in over two decades and arguably one of the best in the entire division.
With a real onus on signing league-proven players on multi-year deals, gone are the days of the retention list being four players: gone, the sickening acceptance of your best players using the club as a one year steppingstone.
Let’s look at the key signings and their impact so far.
Abo Eisa – FW
A disciple of Paul Hurst. Think Kranjcar to Redknapp. Matic to Mourinho. The Town gaffer has now signed Eisa for three different clubs and the Sudanese forward has already repaid the faith shown by his manager in the early stages of this campaign.
Having played the majority of all four games and scoring three goals to boot, Eisa is on track to beat his best goalscoring season, overtaking the 9 he scored while playing for Hurst at Scunthorpe. The three goals have all been brilliant finishes, his latest against Mansfield being one of the finest goals scored at Blundell Park for some years.
Goals are the main currency in football and Grimsby will need a regular outlet for them outside of their main striker. Eisa is already showing that he is capable of finding the net and his confidence is high.
Grade: A
Jake Eastwood – GK
The 26 year old former Blade had a loan spell at Grimsby prior to signing permanently this year on a two year deal.
Eastwood has played all four league games so far and looks to be the man Hurst will stick with in goal. In his second debut for the club, Eastwood saved a penalty, ensuring a clean sheet against AFC Wimbledon. The save was further punctuated with outstanding reactions to block a rebounded effort and earn his side a point at home.
After a steady start against Notts County, the Englishman may have felt slightly hard done by in conceding three. A strong save was parried away to safety, before John Bostock lashed past him as he tried to reset. Even harsher was a Jodi Jones cross that deflected off defender Luke Waterfall, wrong-footing Eastwood and floating over his head.
A clean sheet followed against Salford his second in four, before his latest turnout against Mansfield that summed up the life of a goalkeeper at any level.
Having stood up well to deny the excellent Davis Keillor-Dunn, the keeper undid his hard work by misreading a straight ball over the top, allowing Rhys Oates to round him and tap into an empty net.
Regular football on a two year deal should ensure that Eastwood has a chance to become an ever-present and it will be interesting to see how he progresses throughout the season.
Grade: B-
Kamil Conteh – MID
Some Mariners may find this grade controversial, but there is plenty of reason to believe that this will improve dramatically over the season.
Kamil Conteh passes the eye test with flying colours. Signed from Middlesbrough on a three year deal, the youngster spent last season at Gateshead where he won Fan’s Player of the Year and attracted much interest across the EFL.
An assist to his name already is promising and his two bookings in four games shows he isn’t afraid to get stuck in, but it is his maturity and calmness on the ball that has Town fans purring already. Conteh looks a cut above what the side had already, the only criticism aimed at him so far is a product of his position. Playing in the middle of the park, Conteh has been guilty of losing possession cheaply a few times already and will no doubt learn quickly that this can be costly for his side.
I back him to improve week-on-week and his grade, although slightly harsh, is geared toward seeing him progress as a key part of the side.
Grade: C+
Danny Rose – ST
Signed on a two year deal from Stevenage and given the captains armband, Danny Rose is a well-travelled striker that ought to flourish in League 2. Replacing the outgoing John McAtee, Rose has already found the net against Notts County, latching onto a loose pass to finish expertly and did well in the lead up to the second goal, showing his strength and nous in holding up the ball in the final third.
Being good in the air for a player of his stature will be an important asset for Rose, who has looked somewhat isolated at times up front, although with Eisa’s growing involvement going forward it could blossom into an exciting partnership.
Grade: B+
Toby Mullarkey & Harvey Rodgers – CB
Grimsby have bolstered their defence well in summer with the additions of Mullarkey and Rodgers to compliment Luke Waterfall and Niall Maher. Having played nearly every minute as a duo, Mullarkey with a tidy assist at Meadow Lane, their increasing connection in the back four will only improve as the season goes on. The versatility of both men, 27 and 26 respectively, looks to be long-term plan for Hurst in front of Eastwood.
Collective grade: B-
The signings of Charles Vernam, Harvey Cartwright, Arthur Gnahoua, Rekeil Pyke and Donovan Wilson have not yet featured enough to be fully assessed at this stage.
