Squad So Far

By: Rob Sedgwick
Date: 08/07/2007

GRIMSBY have announced their provisional squad numbers for the forthcoming season. Although there are still a few gaps though Alan Buckley is in no rush to fill them.

The provisional squad numbers are as follows:

The key talking points that can be discerned from the new numbers are:

• Jamie Clarke has taken over Macca's No. 2 shirt and therefore will be the first choice right back. This despite much of his career having been spent in midfield.
• Ryan Bennett and Nick Fenton have been given the two centre back squad numbers. Will club captain and last year's Player of the Season Justin Whittle be a first choice in Alan Buckley's plans?
• Danny North is the only striker in the first 11. Does this mean Alan Buckley intends to play 4-5-1 again this season? Taylor and Rankin are the only other strikers on Town's books.
• Rookie defender Luke Foulkes joins the first team. Foulkes interesting plays at right back so may have a chance to make an appearance if the versatile Jamie Clarke is played elsewhere.

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Meanwhile Town boss Alan Buckley has revealed he is in no rush to add to the three quick signings (Gary Montgomery, James Hunt and Jamie Clarke) he made at the start of the summer.

Buckley told the Grimsby Telegraph: "We have a good squad here as I've said many times and I am pleased we've kept the nucleus of the squad together. I have never been one for wholesale changes because I don't see the point.

"It is about trying to build a squad and the process is continued improvement - not starting from scratch again.

"I am still looking at players that may come available up front or for defensive cover. I have been speaking to various agents and players this week but nothing is imminent. It's a time to sit and wait. There may be players without a deal waiting to see what offers come their way.

"Some players may still be in that boat in a few weeks and their demands may come down. We just have to wait and accept that is the way it is. But we have three new lads in already and it will be good to get them settled in and meet the rest of the lads."

Earlier this week Town target Martin Paterson joined rivals Scunthorpe United from Stoke City.

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