League Two side Grimsby Town have agreed a deal to sign former Carlisle United centre-back Sam Lavelle, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.
The 28-year-old is currently a free agent after leaving Carlisle upon the expiry of his contract.
Grimsby Town’s Busy Summer
After narrowly missing out on play-off football by two points and two places, David Artell and his side have been busy in this transfer window, with seven new players coming through the door and four players departing.
The club have signed a mix of experienced players and young talents from non-league, with the likes of Christy Pym, Jayden Sweeney and Jamie Walker coming in alongside the likes of Justin Amaluzor and Jaze Kabia.
The Mariners are now reportedly set to add another experienced head to the squad, with Lavelle agreeing to a two-year contract.
Sam Lavelle’s Career So Far
Starting at the likes of Blackburn Rovers and Bolton Wanderers, the centre-back didn’t really get a shot at first-team football until he joined Morecambe on a free transfer in 2017.
He stayed with the Shrimps for four years, making over 150 appearances before joining London-based side Charlton Athletic in 2021. His time at Charlton didn’t go to plan, experiencing a loan move at Burton Albion during his time and playing 41 times in three years at the Addicks.
A move to Cumbria followed, where he has spent the past two seasons, and despite it being a good two years for him game time-wise, he suffered back-to-back relegations with the side, who are now preparing for life in the National League under Mark Hughes.
Despite this, Lavelle has played over 170 times in League Two and over 80 times in League One, making him a vastly experienced defender at this level, which is exactly what Grimsby want.
With Artell’s side seemingly gunning for promotion, Lavelle is experienced in both the third and fourth tiers, making him an ideal option for Grimsby.
It is believed that League Two rivals Fleetwood Town, Harrogate Town and Cheltenham Town were also interested in the defender, with all three clubs making him a contract offer, according to Football League World.
Writer’s View
Although Lavelle’s recent record in terms of relegation isn’t great, he is still a well-versed player at this level. With Grimsby needing defensive recruits, mixed with the fact they’ll be going for promotion, the 28-year-old is a decent addition to their backline.
From Lavelle’s perspective, this is an ideal move to an ambitious club which isn’t too far from where he last was suited in the North, as it is understood he didn’t want a move South.
