We Are Town - Grimsby Town 2014/15 Season Preview

WE ARE TOWN

PAUL HURST

FIXTURE LIST

MEET THE NEW BOYS

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GTE-E01-S3-AUGUST 7, 2014

YOUR GUIDE TO GRIMSBY TOWN’S 2014/15 VANARAMA CONFERENCE SEASON

AUGUST 7, 2014 GTE-E01-S3 2

MANAGERS INTERVIEW

We are going to need the fans again this season – they can make all the difference.

Paul Hurst

P

AUL Hurst wants to draw a line under the near misses of the last two seasons and has challenged his new-look squad to ‘earn the right’ to finally end their Football League exile.

As he prepares to enter his first full season as a sole manager, Hurst is keen to move on from Town’s successive playoff heartbreaks, first against Newport in 2012/13 and then Gateshead last season.

Both of those painful defeats still rankle with the Mariners boss to this day, but as he prepares to lead his new-look squad into a fresh campaign, he’s called for the talk of ‘what might have been’ to stop.

“You can’t erase your past but you do look back and try to think about why it hasn’t happened for us in the play-offs in the last two seasons,” he said.

“But at the same time, there comes a time when you have to try and draw a line under it and say it’s a fresh start.

“I said that straight after who I decided was staying or going at the end of last season and began to assemble the squad

that we’ve got now.

“By moving on from the last two seasons, it means the positive things that we achieved in those campaigns have also gone now and we have to earn the right to be up in those positions again this time around.

“It’s not been the longest pre-season in the world and I know the lads are itching to get going and start testing themselves against the other teams in what will be a very tough league.

“I would think there will be nine or ten teams that would all feel they’ve got a chance of getting in the play-offs or better.

“From our point of view, there’s no point starting off a season thinking anything other than we can’t go one better than we have done and get back into the Football League.

“It’s a new season and we all start equal,” he added. “The likes of Forest Green, Kidderminster and Wrexham will be all wanting, hoping and expecting to be in the play-offs at the very least this season.

“We’ve got to be up there challenging as well, looking to go even better.”

So far, Hurst has drafted in seven new

players to augment a squad that has gone agonisingly close to waking the club from what is now a five-season nonleague slumber.

More new arrivals could yet be on their way as the Mariners boss looks to mastermind his third promotion of what is still a fledgling managerial career.

“I think the squad we’ve assembled is well-equipped,” he added. “We’ve brought in some lads who have improved us and, although I’m still looking for more, I think we’ve got a good squad, with experience.

“Four of the new signings have been from teams in our league while earlier in his career, Craig Clay was playing for League Two teams as was Jon-Paul Pittman.

“Nathan Arnold achieved promotion and he knows what it’s all about, while we know all about Carl Magnay, having come up against him plenty of times last season.

“Toto Nsiala and Scott Brown were battling at the other end of the table last season, but had a positive impact to ensure that Southport weren’t in a relegation fight come the end of the season.

“Jack Mackreth is someone that we’ve

chased for a long, long time and we’re delighted to finally have him on board, as we are all of the new lads.

“We know it’s difficult to keep battling at the top, season on season, but that’s what we’ve got to do, with a squad of players that have done it for the last couple of years and a few additions that I’m confident will improve us further.”

He continued: “I just want to get into the games that matter now.

“The pre-season games have served their purpose, but it’s not what we’re going to encounter week-in week-out and we’re itching to get down to business.

“We got some decent crowds in for the home friendlies but we really need to see more people packed into the stadium throughout this season, and knowing our fans, I’m sure there will be.

“We know we can count on our away following, which have always travelled with us all over the country and will do again this season.

“We are going to need the fans again this season – they can make all the difference.”

3 GTE-E01-S3-AUGUST 7, 2014

We’ve got to be up there challenging as well, looking to go even better.

AUGUST 7, 2014 GTE-E01-S3 4

Grimsby Town Football Club team photo shoot at Blundell Park, ahead of the 2014-15 season. Pictured are the club’s new signings , from left, Scott Brown, Jack Mackreth, Toto Nsiala, Carl Magnay, Craig Clay, Nathan Arnold and Jon-Paul Pittman. Picture: Rick Byrne. Buy this photo at www.thisisphotosales.co.uk/grimsby or by contacting 08444 060910

Meet the new boys Grimsby Town’s magnificent seven summer signings look ahead to the Mariners’ curtain-raiser at Bristol Rovers – and outline their promotion ambitions...

SCOTT BROWN

“I can’t wait to start now. Obviously, we’ve had a busy pre-season and everyone’s ready.

“We’ve got a few suspensions for that first clash, but I think we’ve got to go there looking for a result. We’ve definitely got the quality in the squad to go there and get one.

“I had a good season with Southport last time, so obviously I want to continue that and get even better.

“I feel fit, and the more games you play the fitter you get. If I can add a few more goals to my game as well, that will benefit the team and me personally.

“But if we can get promotion come the end of the season then that would be the main aim for me personally.

“As I say, the squad’s got a lot of quality in it. We just need to maintain that work ethic and if that all comes together we should be there or thereabouts.”

5 GTE-E01-S3-AUGUST 7, 2014

JON-PAUL PITTMAN

“You get your opportunity to rest during the offseason, and then you work hard all pre-season for this moment – for the start of the season when the points are at stake.

“I’m excited because I see we’ve got a positive group and a good group, and we want to do very big things this season.

“Bristol Rovers will be well up for that first game. They’ve got a point to prove and want to go straight back up.

“But as we’ve seen in years gone by, its not that easy. It’s a tough league to get out of, so we won’t make it easy for them – all our preparations this week will ensure that.

“As a striker, you obviously want to play and score goals. If I can do that, and help Grimsby Town to promotion, that would be amazing.

“This squad has got everything. We’ve got people with technical ability and pace. We can adapt, we can change, we’ve got a plan B, so I’m looking forward to showing people that this season.”

TOTO NSIALA

“I’m gutted to be missing the season’s opener through suspension – it’s going to be another week of pre-season for me!

“But we’re all looking forward to it kicking-off and it’s a cracking first game for the lads and our supporters.

“From what I’ve seen of this league, we’ve got a massive chance of going up and the players that have come in since we arrived – the likes of Nathan Arnold and Jon-Paul Pittman – are quality, so it’s really looking like a good team.

“Everyone is in excellent shape and there’s no one lacking fitness, so we’re ready for this.

“I’m really looking forward to running out at Blundell Park for the first time, but being honest I’m dead nervous as well!

“Hopefully, the fans will lift me and I can shake off those nerves pretty quickly.”

NATHAN ARNOLD

“No one has mentioned the title yet, but as a football club as big as Grimsby Town at this level, that has to be the objective.

“All the big clubs in the Conference are striving to do that, and it’s a given that we should be aiming to get out of this league.

“Every player wants to win the title and go up, but it’s going to be tough.

“There are some new faces here and we need to build confidence, grow as a team and know our jobs ahead of that first game at Bristol Rovers.

“It’s okay looking at the bigger picture, and we want to win the league as much as anyone, but you’ve got to get all the foundations and structure built first.

“Nothing has been discussed yet, but I’m sure the manager will be telling us how important it is to get off to a good start.

“If we do that, the fans will back us in even greater numbers and help make us even stronger.”

CARL MAGNAY

“We’ve worked hard all pre-season towards the first game and that’s the only target we’re thinking about.

“It’s a great opener for us, away to a side who have just come down from League “The start can’t come quickly enough Two, so the pressure will be on them and for me – and the lads – to be honest. we can play with a bit of freedom.

Hopefully we’ll get off to a flyer.

“It’s a game that you look forward to as a “It’s obviously a massive test. They’ll be right up there this year, they’ve come down professional footballer. There’s no better way to begin than go straight in at the deep from League Two and it’s a big club, so end and we all feel prepared for it. if we start well that can put us in a good “We’re a club who should be challenging position for the rest of the season. at the top end of this league and should, in “Personally, I just want to play as much reality, be in league football. football as possible, be positive, create chances, score goals and help get Grimsby “Grimsby Town has got all the ingredients to be there, and that’s why I’ve joined Town back into the Football League – the club. Our target is to get promoted – that’s all! there’s no doubt about that.

“All the lads are feeling fitter and stronger “Bristol Rovers will be up there challenging, as each game goes by. Training has been and my old club Gateshead have made really good so we’re all really raring to go some good signings. for that first game.

“There’s competition in every position and “Barnet have had a taste of the Conference I feel as though I’ve got to perform to keep and they will come back wiser, and you can’t discount Forest Green because of the my place. money they’ve spent.

“I’m sure all the other lads feel the same.

“But it’s all about Grimsby Town for us The squad is slowly growing but we’re – it’s all about how we do and how we confident with what we’ve got and we can prepare. If we do it right, we’ll go up.” definitely push for promotion.”

JACK MACKRETH

CRAIG CLAY

“I can’t wait for the season to begin. It’s even more special for me because this time two weeks ago I didn’t even have a contract here!

“It’s a massive first game for us, and that just builds the excitement even more.

“Obviously, every game is exciting, but Bristol Rovers are a big club, they’ve just come down and I think the atmosphere is going to be pretty special down there.

“I’ve spoken to the lads, the gaffer and the coaching staff and everyone’s expecting to be up there this year. I know the last two seasons we’ve just missed out so hopefully we can go that one step further.

“The lads here are class and there is a real togetherness in the group, so I think we have a chance to achieve special things.

“To come back this time next year, and say we’ve made it into League Two, with this set of lads, would be perfect. But let’s not jinx it just yet!”

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AUGUST 7, 2014 GTE-E01-S3 8

You helped us raise

£30,000 towards the cost of the youth setup.

Since losing our Football League status in 2010 the club has been facing an uphill battle each season to keep our highly prolific youth system operational. The Youth Development Scheme costs, each year, in excess of £100,000 – a figure the club, with help from the Parents Partnership Action Group (PPAG), needs to fund.

Last season, thanks to The Century Club, the Gold Bond weekly draw, Goalometer, limited

edition Paine Proffitt prints, the PPAG Christmas Raffle, charity matches at Blundell Park, race nights, name cards, bucket shakes and our online gallery, you helped us raise £30,000 towards the cost of the Youth setup.

Help us to maintain your youth system for future generations by donating to these initiates again next season – every penny goes towards cultivating our next John McDermott, Tony Ford and Gary Croft!

“...BUT THE FUNDRAISING IS FAR FROM FINISHED.” “Last year supporters were absolutely fantastic and, once again, helped bridge the gap financially.

This year we’re calling on fans to continue to support club’s fundraising schemes so we can continue to maintain the youth set up for future generations.” says club official Jack Johnson.

•B A

SIGN UP FOR THE GRIMSBY TOWN GOALOMETER FOR AS LITTLE AS £1 PER GOAL! Every penny raised will go to maintaining the club’s youth system.

Last season The Mariners scored 67 times – raising over £2,500 for the youth system.

Would you like to sponsor every goal The Mariners score throughout the 2014-15 campaign and see your name in the matchday programme for the whole season?

Let’s see if we, together, can beat it in 2014-15!

✁

To join simply complete the form below and return to the club offices at Blundell Park.

Name of Sponsor: Address: Post Code: Contact Number:

E-mail:

I would like to sponsor Grimsby Town Football Club for £ after the first 10 goals scored and then every 10 goals thereafter.

per goal. Payments will be taken

CREDIT/DEBIT CARD DETAILS: Credit card details:

Visa / Delta / Mastercard

Maestro

Card Number Valid From:

Card Security Code: (last 3 digits)

Signed: /

Expiry Date:

/

Ref No: (Office use only)

•

GOALOMETER

THE BO K C

YS

THE GRIMSBY TOWN

159 miles

2:51

FIXTURES 2014/15

HALIFAX 89 miles 1:41

SOUTHPORT 153 miles 2:48

ALTRINCHAM

CHESTER 157 miles 2:41

127 miles 2:12

ALFRETON 85 miles

1:29

LINCOLN 39 miles 1:11

MACCLESFIELD 106 miles 2:26

WREXHAM 167 miles 2:57

TELFORD 154 miles 2:40

NUNEATON 136 miles 2:24

KIDDERMINSTER 166 miles 3:01

3PM KICK-OFF UNLESS STATED

BRAINTREE 181 miles 3:29

BARNET

DECEMBER 2014

173 miles 3:09

FOREST GREEN

SAT 6 EASTLEIGH (A) SAT 16 FA CUP 1ST ROUND TBC FRI 19 FOREST GREEN ROVERS (H) 7:45 PM FRI 26 MACCLESFIELD TOWN (A) SUN 28 LINCOLN CITY (H)

213 miles 3:40

WOKING

WELLING

232 miles 4:01

205 miles 3:37

BRISTOL 227 miles 3:46

ALDERSHOT 242 miles 3:50

DARTFORD EASTLEIGH

DOVER 254 miles 4:19

192 miles 3:56

235 miles 4:08

TORQUAY 321 miles 5:11

AUGUST 2014 SAT 9 BRISTOL ROVERS (A) 12:45 PM TUES 12 NUNEATON TOWN (H) 7:45 PM SAT 16 DOVER ATHLETIC (H) SAT 23 GATESHEAD (A) MON 25 ALFRETON TOWN (H) SAT 30 ALDERSHOT TOWN (A)

SEPTEMBER 2014 SAT 6 WELLING UNITED (H) TUES 9 LINCOLN CITY (A) 7:45 PM SAT 13 TORQUAY UNITED (H) TUES 16 FC HALIFAX TOWN (A) 7:45 PM SAT 20 KIDDERMINSTER HARRIERS (A) SAT 27 CHESTER (H) TUES 30 SOUTHPORT (H) 7:45 PM

OCTOBER 2014 SAT 4 DARTFORD (A) TUES 7 ALTRINCHAM (H) 7:45 PM SAT 11 WREXHAM (A) SAT 18 TORQUAY UNITED (A) SAT 25 FA CUP 4TH QUALIFYING ROUND TBC

NOVEMBER 2014 SAT 1 DARTFORD (H) TUES 4 BRAINTREE TOWN (A) 7:45 PM SAT 8 FA CUP 1ST ROUND PROPER TBC TUES 11 FC HALIFAX TOWN (H) 7:45 PM SAT 15 ALTRINCHAM (A) SAT 22 KIDDERMINSTER HARRIERS (H) TUES 25 WOKING (H) 7:45 PM SAT 29 AFC TELFORD UNITED (A)

JANUARY 2015 THURS 1 MACCLESFIELD TOWN (H) SUN 4 DOVER ATHLETIC (A) SAT 10 FA TROPHY 2ND ROUND TBC SAT 17 BARNET (H) SAT 24 NUNEATON TOWN (A) SAT 31 AFC TELFORD UNITED (H)

FEBRUARY 2015 SAT 7 FOREST GREEN ROVERS (A) SAT 14 BRISTOL ROVERS (H) SAT 21 BARNET (A) SAT 28 BRAINTREE TOWN (H)

MARCH 2015 SAT 7 WOKING (A) SAT 14 CHESTER (A) SAT 21 EASTLEIGH (H) SAT 28 WELLING UNITED (A)

APRIL 2015 SAT 4 GATESHEAD (H) MON 6 ALFRETON TOWN (A) SAT 11 WREXHAM (H) SAT 18 SOUTHPORT (A) SAT 25 ALDERSHOT TOWN (H)

9 GTE-E01-S3-AUGUST 7, 2014

GATESHEAD

Buy this photo at www.thisisphotosales.co.uk/grimsby or by contacting 08444 060910

Picture: Rick Byrne

Front left; Scott Brown, Jack Mackreth, Ross Hannah, Dave Moore (Physio), Paul Hurst (Manager), Chris Doig (Player Assistant Manager), Scott Neilson, Nathan Arnold and Jon-Paul Pittman.

Middle left; Caine Winfarrah, Paul Bignot, Paddy McLaughlin, James McKeown, Craig Disley, Aswad Thomas and Paul Walker.

Pictured are; rear left, Ellis Humble, Craig Clay, Shaun Pearson, Toto Nsiala, Carl Magnay and Lennell John-Lewis.

GTFC 2014/15

AUGUST 7, 2014 GTE-E01-S3 10

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11 GTE-E01-S3-AUGUST 7, 2014

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AUGUST 7, 2014 GTE-E01-S3 12

Follow the Mariners in the...

grimsbytelegraph.co.uk

HOW TO CLAIM

To receive your FREE under 15’s ticket for the Nuneaton Town and/or the Dover Athletic game, simply fill in this coupon and present to staff at the Blundell Park Ticket office in the week before kick-off.

(Nuneaton Town at 7.45pm and Dover Athletic at 3pm).

Name: .........................................................................................

Address: ......................................................................................

To kick-start the new season, Grimsby Town are giving families a fantastic day out during the summer holidays by offering KIDS GO FREE to the Nuneaton Town game on Tuesday, August 12th and the Dover Athletic game on Saturday, August 16th, 2014.

With each full paying adult one junior aged 1-14 will receive a FREE ticket in the same stand. Offer is open to current season ticket holders.

Postcode: ....................................................................................

Email: ..........................................................................................

Please tick here if you do not wish to receive details of offers from Grimsby Town Football Club Terms and Conditions: Standard Local World promotion rules apply see www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/houserules. One free junior ticket with each full paying responsible adult. Junior ticket valid for ages 1-14. Proof of age may be required. This voucher is valid for either, or both of the games listed, tickets must be purchased for both games together to receive the offer. Free junior ticket must be in the same stand as the accompanying adult. No photocopies accepted. Offer is open to season ticket holders and coupon must be redeemed at the ticket office. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. This coupon has no monetary value and cannot be redeemed for cash.

WIN A SEASON TICKET WORTH £150 Grimsby Town Football Club are offering one lucky Grimsby Telegraph reader and Mariners fan the chance to win a mascot package for a home game of their choice*. This is a fantastic opportunity for one young fan to see behind the scenes at Blundell Park.

HOW TO ENTER:

• The full Home or Away replica kit • A family ticket for the Main Stand (2 Adults & 2 Children) • Photograph and editorial in the matchday magazine • Lead the team out from the Blundell Park tunnel • Line up with Mighty Mariner, team captains &

To be in with a chance of winning a mascot package (15 years and under only) for a home game of your choice, simply answer the question and fill in your details on this voucher. Take this into the Grimsby Town ticket office, before 5pm on Friday, August 15, 2014. Draw will take place on the pitch at half time at the Dover Athletic game on Saturday, August 16th.

Q: How many goals were scored in the pre-season friendly against Sunderland?

the match officials for a pre-match photo • GTFC goodie bag • Official certificate – signed by the manager

For more information contact Jack Johnson on 01472 608006 or email jack@gtfc.co.uk

OR PURCHASE A SEASON TICKET AT THE FULL DISCOUNTED PRICE! Are you a Mariners fanatic? Well here’s your chance to win a season ticket in a stand of your choice for the 2014/15 season!

This voucher is also valid for fans who wish to purchase a season ticket at the full discount price (that of before 11th July 2014) – so don’t delay as this offer is only valid until Tuesday 12th August 2014!

Answer the question and fill in your details to be entered into the draw or to purchase a discounted season ticket and drop this voucher to the Grimsby Town ticket office.

Offer valid: Thursday 7th – Tuesday 12th August 2014 and competition entries must be in by 5pm on Tuesday.

Q: Who do Grimsby Town play in their first home match of the new conference season?

ANSWER:...............................................................................................................................................

Name:.....................................................................................................................................................

Address:................................................................................................................................................

Postcode:..............................................................................................................................................

Name of Mascot: .............................................................

Address: ..........................................................................

Postcode: .............................................. Male ❏ Female ❏ Telephone: .......................................................................

Telephone.............................................................................................................................................

Terms and Conditions: Standard Local World promotion rules apply see www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/houserules.

The winner of the season ticket will be the first correct entry drawn at random after the closing date. The winner can choose the stand of their choice for their season ticket. Proof of age may be required. Winner will be contacted by telephone. The prize is non transferable and no cash alternative will be given.

Terms and Conditions: Standard Local World promotion rules apply see www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/houserules. The winner will be the fifirst rst correct entry drawn at random.

Mascot package for 15 years and under only. Mascot package can be taken at any home game selected by the winner. *For 2014/15 subject to availability.

PROGRAMME FOR ONLY £1 GRIMSBY TOWN V DOVER

How to claim: Simply cut out and present this coupon to a programme seller or the club shop before kick-off.

Valid: Saturday, August 16th, 2014 only. Voucher must be presented to receive The Mariner programme for only £1.

No photocopies vouchers accepted.

Saturday, August 16th, 2014 Subject to availability.