Grimsby Town have confirmed the double signing of Jaze Kabia and Zak Gilsenan as David Artell strengthens his squad ahead of the 2025/26 League Two campaign.
The Mariners are hoping to build on last season’s ninth-place finish by adding youth and attacking flair to their ranks.
Grimsby Swoop for Kabia
Forward Kabia arrives from National League South champions Truro City, having played a key role in their title-winning campaign. The 24-year-old Irishman scored 17 goals and registered 11 assists in 44 appearances for the Cornish side and now joins Grimsby on a two-year deal. His father, Jason Kabia, played for rivals Lincoln City in the early 90s.
Kabia’s career has already taken him through a variety of levels, starting with Cobh Ramblers in Ireland before helping Shelbourne win promotion from the League of Ireland First Division. He later moved to Scottish Premiership outfit Livingston in 2021, where he made his debut against Celtic and gained experience through several loan spells.
Speaking to the club website, manager David Artell said:
“We’ve got a bright, young player, who we feel has a good chance to make a big impact in league football. He was part of a successful project last season, and he knows how to get promoted.”
Blackburn Rovers Man Arrives
On the same day, the Mariners also announced the signing of midfielder Zak Gilsenan following his release from Championship side Blackburn Rovers. The 22-year-old has penned a two-year contract at Blundell Park after enduring an injury-hit spell in Lancashire.
Gilsenan’s time with Blackburn was marred by long-term setbacks, including an ACL injury shortly after signing his first professional deal in 2021. Despite flashes of promise—such as goals in the Carabao Cup against Walsall and Harrogate—recurring thigh problems stunted his progress, and a potential loan move last January was curtailed by the need for further surgery.
Nonetheless, Artell has been tracking the former Ireland youth international for some time and believes the midfielder has plenty to offer now he’s back to full fitness.
“He’s a really good player with a lot of potential, excellent on the ball and we are really excited to start working with him,”
Writer’s View
This is exactly the type of recruitment you’d expect from a side quietly planning a promotion push. Kabia brings goals, directness and a winning mentality from his time at Truro, while Gilsenan is a high-upside gamble that could pay off if his injury troubles are finally behind him.
Artell is assembling a squad with real energy and ambition, and while these names may not grab national headlines, they hint at a shrewd, calculated summer strategy at Blundell Park. If both players settle quickly, Grimsby could well be back in the top seven come May.
