No Time for Doom and Gloom

By: Bill Osborne
Date: 17/07/2001

WITH the recent signing of Phil Jevons, getting Merseysider Thompson to Blundell Park for a trial and the influx of a new string of trialists, manager Lennie Lawrence is busy building a squad to face the challenges in another new season in the first division

The doom and gloom merchants would have you believe that with the departure of Handyside, Donovan and Bloomer, the Mariners do not have a squad capable of even achieving the same lowly position we finished in last season.

Is that really the case?

What has changed? Handyside has gone to Stoke City, which is no surprise as I am sure everyone was expecting that sooner or later he would be sought by another club. Unfortunately he was out of contract and the Mariners lost out on a transfer fee.

Donovan has gone to Barnsley, Richard Smith has been released, Daryl Clare released and Bloomer has gone to Hull City.

In Donovan's case, according to reports from people who have seen him play, he had lost his pace and although occasionally showing some of his 'old' brilliance, he was referred to by many as "invisible". In short, he was coming to the end of his career at Grimsby.

Richard Smith, a brilliant defender, rated highly by most, would appear to be a great loss to Grimsby Town, but he hardly ever played due to injuries so his departure has made little difference to either the last or coming season.

Daryl Clare, was also not a first choice and failed to make a great difference to the goal tally on the occasions he did play.

Bloomer, according to the club, was not first division material and even though some would be sad to see him depart, his loss is not catastrophic as he was never a first team player anyway.

"...The forecasts of relegation are just a little premature..."

So if one looks at the difference between last season and this one, there appears to be nothing really missing except Handyside who will be missed and Wayne Burnett may also get his marching orders if he doesn't shape up but he too was not a regular last season either. So, why the doom and gloom?

With Lennie searching for a central defender and looking for players with a bit of pace amongst his trialists and loan players, it is far too early to forecast disaster and we just might find a 'diamond' among them. The season ahead will be an exciting season and although it will not be easy, the forecasts of relegation, the Mariners being an easy mark and the demise of Grimsby Town Football Club are just a little premature.

I look forward to the Mariners in the playoffs!!

Do you agree or disagree with Billo?

Where do you think the mariners are heading this coming season? Is there a cause for concern? Air your views on the Pontoonites Message Board or submit an article to the Fishy for publication.

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