Who to Retain

By: Jake Olley
Date: 04/03/2006

IT'S been a successful season for the Mariners this year but whose hard work or goal-scoring ability is that down to? I take a detailed look at the players out of contract at the end of the season and decide the question on the lips of every football fan: are they good enough?

Andy Parkinson.Arguably one of the most technically gifted and has pure quality down the flanks, on a good day. But on his bad days this 'scouser' who had a reputation for being one of the better players in the 'lower leagues' has simply not lived up o his true potential. But the 'P' word that is used regularly to describe players is the key word and Parkinson has it and to be fair has done okay since joining the Mariners has plenty to bring to the team.

Jake's Verdict: Worth a one year deal to prove himself.

Steve Mildenhall - To be brutally honest Steve has been an answer to all Grimsby Town fans' prayers since he joined from Oldham in the summer. The passion that he has shown towards the team runs straight through the side and fills the crowd with passion as they chant his name every time he touches the ball.

Jake's Verdict: 3 year deal. Show commitment to a committed player.

Michael Reddy - Without the flying Irishman there is no doubt Town wouldn't be in the position they are now, no offence to other players , but he has been the finisher that Town needed to give everyone at the club a buzz.

Jake's Verdict: So go on Town take up the option for a further year in his contract as a bare minimum.

John McDermott - If he wants another season give him another season. At the tender old age of 37 Mr..Grimsby is still a consistent performer and has shown great loyalty to the club in his 20 odd years with the Mariners.

Jake's Verdict: 1 more year for Town's record breaker.

Justin Whittle - He's been a solid performer alongside Rob Jones in the heart of Town's defence this season without any credit. Though to be brutally honest he's not League 1 class and if the Mariners go up I am afraid Whittle will have to stay down.

Jake's Verdict: 1 year deal but only in League 2.

Tom Newey - Another Mariner not to fulfil the expectations of an impressive pre-season campaign. He has the ability but sometimes try's almost to hard to be noticed and frustrates the crowd.

Jake's Verdict 1 year in League 2 only.

Jean Paul Kalala- After gunning down Spurs in the league cup the Congolese man found form hard to come by as well as first team football despite I believe Jean has pure talent and offers something different. Plus he can take penalties.

Jake's verdict: Worth another year.

Marc Goodfellow - Not seen him yet, so I can't judge.

Ciaran Toner - Despite being branded a Lincoln reject when he first came here Ciaran has stepped up to the plate and chipped in with a number of great performances and goals. Despite at the start being down the pecking order the former Imp has surprised and been a great bargain buy by Russell.

Jake's Verdict 2 year deal.

Gary Jones - The versatile Liverpudlian chipped in well on the goal front for the Mariners and always has a never say die attitude on the pitch. He also has bonded well with Michael Reddy which I believe has resulted in the recent success of his strike partner.

Jake's Verdict His passion is worth a 1 year deal alone.

That concludes my roundup you may not agree so why not talk about it on the message board and let me know where I went wrong.

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