Slipped Through the Net
By: Dan Humphrey
Date: 04/02/2001
In the "Slipped Through The Net" series of articles, Dan Humphrey takes a look at former Grimsby players still plying their trade elsewhere within the game. Grimsby players, when transferred, have a long tradition of failing to show the form they had displayed during their time at Blundell Park.
The following players are covered in the collection of articles
The Mariner's keeper throughout the Wembley double season of 1997-98, was a regular throughout his time at Blundell Park, but has been very much second choice between the sticks at the many other clubs Davidson has served.
The baby-faced winger, great at beating players and confusing defenders is now playing a bit part at Sunderland, after a disappointing spell at Everton. A glittering career looked ahead of Oster during his brief time at Blundell Park, where he began professional football.
A left-sided midfielder from Hartlepool, who played for Town during the Brian Laws era. Alan Buckley allowed Southall to go on a free transfer to Gillingham at the beginning of the former WBA boss's second spell in charge at Blundell Park.
One of former manager Alan Buckley's early acquisitions in his first spell as Grimsby boss, Tillson was part of the team's backbone for two successive promotion seasons, before departing to QPR in a big money move that never really paid off.
Arriving from Southampton for £300K in the summer of '96, "Widders" was supposed to be the linchpin of Brian Laws' new look GTFC. It never quite worked out that way, although Widdrington is now a regular player with Port Vale.
Croft - Grimsby's youth system's very own Mr.Versatile. Gary's Mariners career saw him play left back, right back, anywhere in midfield, and when injuries hit, up front and at centre-back.
Nogan arrived at Blundell Park as a cut-price replacement for "Super" Clive Mendonca, and formed a fine partnership with Jack Lester as the Mariners put together a quality passing side, that was usually just too good for their Division II opponents.
When playing in the black and white of Grimsby Town FC Jack Lester's trickery frequently infuriated opposition defenders, perhaps surprised by his skill and, for his size, his strength. The crowd favourite left in January 2000 to join Nottingham Forest for £300,000.
Stiker "Super Clive" Mendonca was Alan Buckley's most exotic signing - an Islington born Wearsider with Brazilian-Portuguese ancestry, taken from Sheffield Utd's reserves. For Buckley, Mr.Buy-British himself, this was quite a feat.
As the end of the season is upon us, Dan Humphrey takes a quick glance at the progress of players featured in the "Slipped Through the Net" series so far.
This site is by the fans, for the fans, and we will consider articles on any subject relating to the Mariners whether it be related to current news, a nostalgic look back in the past, a story about a player, a game or games in the past, something about Blundell Park or football in general. Click here to submit your article!
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