Altrincham’s Phil Parkinson and former Crewe Alexandra manager David Artell are early contenders for the vacant position at Grimsby Town following Paul Hurst’s departure, according to journalist Darren Witcoop.
The North Lincolnshire outfit made the decision after yesterday’s 1-0 defeat away at Doncaster Rovers with the Mariners falling to a Joe Ironside penalty in the 72nd minute which left the club 21st in League Two going into the FA Cup weekend.
Paul Hurst re-joined the Mariners in 2021 as the club faced relegation back to the National League, impressively leading his side straight back to the EFL, continuing the upward trajectory with an eleventh-placed finish in their first season back alongside reaching the FA Cup quarter-finals, eliminating Southampton and Luton Town along the way.
However, his course has been run as Town have failed to meet expectations following a progressive first year back in the fourth division.
Reports via Darren Witcoop may suggest that Altrincham’s Phil Parkinson is well thought of at the club. Parkinson currently has Altrincham in fifth place in the National League while the club sat in the National League North before the 43-year-old’s arrival.
Another name listed in this report is David Artell. Artell managed Crewe Alexandra for five seasons, taking the club back to League One during the 2019/20 season while developing players such as Ryan Wintle, Perry Ng and Harry Pickering.
Via a post on X, Darren Witcoop has said:
“Expect Altrincham manager Phil Parkinson to be very much high up in the thoughts at Grimsby Town. Impressed at National League level.
“Ex-Crewe boss David Artell also among the early contenders to replace Paul Hurst.”
Writer’s View
Grimsby Town fans will be pleased to see these names mentioned as potential suitors for the club. This suggests that the board are looking for a progressive, project-based coach rather than pursuing a “safer option” for the short term.
Both Parkinson and Artell have displayed longevity throughout their managerial careers, something Jason Stockwood will be looking for in his first appointment as chairman of Grimsby Town.
