- Print Topic - Archive

Following discussions with Michael Jolley, Paul Wilkinson has left his role of Assistant Manager at Grimsby Town FC.

Everyone at the club would like to thank Paul for the significant contribution he has made during his time with us.

Speaking to the club website, Michael Jolley said: "Paul has played an important role in helping us survive this season. He is a hard working and experienced football man and I am very grateful for his help in the last two months. I wish him the very best for the future."

Everyone at Grimsby Town wishes Paul the best in his future career.

No additional comments will be made.

No great surprise really... I was more surprised that he stayed on after Slade was sacked

Yeah, always thought it was a short term measure. Guessing MJ has someone (or maybe more than one?) in mind to replace him.

Be interesting to see who MJ brings in ? I’m not to sure if he had his own coaching staff in Sweden or whether it was solely the staff who had been at the club prior to his appointment ?

You never know, Jack Lester was his school mate and is currently out of work? Young and fresh faced like MJ, knows the club, has 3 years coaching experience in managing Forest U18’s and U23’s before his spell at Chesterfield ? Wouldn’t be completely implausible ? ;)

Just because they went to school together doesn’t mean he’s going to hire him as number 2 at GTFC.

Quoted from davmariner

Just because they went to school together doesn’t mean he’s going to hire him as number 2 at GTFC.

I thought the wink would give it away mate. I doubt very much as well but no harm in a stab in the dark is there.

Collins player coach anyone ?

Quoted from Gainsbro_Mariner

Be interesting to see who MJ brings in ? I’m not to sure if he had his own coaching staff in Sweden or whether it was solely the staff who had been at the club prior to his appointment ?

I think this guy was the assistant manager at AFC Eskilstuna when Michael Jolley was there, probally same situation as Wilkinson though, so doubt Jolley has him lined up >> [url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anders_Johansson_(football_manager)]Anders Johansson[/url]

Different generations in their opinions of setting up a team from what I saw during wilkos stint in charge and MJs tenure .

Modern ways v The Dinasaur!

Thats how i saw it.

Wilkinson was always a Fenty appointment as he thought it would appease the fans

Surely the management team will be Jolley - Rodger?

Not Jolley/Rodger, please, we don't want any more sinking ships.....

good decision based purely on his recruitment of Sam Kelly

Quoted from Gainsbro_Mariner

Be interesting to see who MJ brings in ? I’m not to sure if he had his own coaching staff in Sweden or whether it was solely the staff who had been at the club prior to his appointment ?

You never know, Jack Lester was his school mate and is currently out of work? Young and fresh faced like MJ, knows the club, has 3 years coaching experience in managing Forest U18’s and U23’s before his spell at Chesterfield ? Wouldn’t be completely implausible ? ;)

Just because I went to school with Katie Price doesn't mean I'm gonna have 6 boob jobs.

Quoted from golfer

Just because I went to school with Katie Price doesn't mean I'm gonna have 6 boob jobs.

Don't be ridiculous. You'd just look stupid with 6 boobs !!!!

He was shoehorned into the job alongside Slade. Both appointments were wrong and for the wrong reasons. Can't say i'm shocked or bothered.

I think Jolley said they were in different years at the same school in one of his interviews when he came here, he also said he had spoken to a few people for advice regarding the job but JL wasn't one of them, so I doubt they are that close in friendship or footballing terms. I wonder if another of the Dyche brood may enter the scene?

Quoted from Cloudy

Modern ways v The Dinasaur!

Thats how i saw it.

Wilkinson was always a Fenty appointment as he thought it would appease the fans

And I for one was appeased. After such defencive pairings for management I thought a striker would push for that side of things. Clearly I was wrong. Just like Neil Woods, another boyhood hero on the pitch doesn't quite match expectations off it.

Good Luck to PW, but I have to say I think it's the right move.

Quoted from AdamHaddock

Surely the management team will be Jolley - Rodger?

Yeah but only if Graham Rodgers was prepared to drop the s from his name.

Quoted from HackneyHaddock

Yeah but only if Graham Rodgers was prepared to drop the s from his name.

His name is Graham Rodger . not Rodgers

Quoted from HackneyHaddock

Yeah but only if Graham Rodgers was prepared to drop the s from his name.

Irrelevant being as graham rodger has no s in his name

Ben Davies to step up ?????? then of course maybe sign as emergency cover

Quoted from Grimal

His name is Graham Rodger . not Rodgers

Think that one went well over your head old chap

Collins, Davies, Lester...seen someone suggesting Disley on Twitter.

Let's just wrap this up as quickly as we can, eh?

Wayne Burnett
Chris Hargreaves
Paul Harsley
Craig Shakespeare
John McDermott
Paul Groves

Feel free to add any ex-Town player because heaven forbid Michael Jolley thinks there's a supply of able coaches without a GTFC connection. :)

Wilko had his chance to shine when he was caretaker and it never happned , I feel sorry for him but thats the way it goes.
Hopefully he'll get another job soon enough

Good news wonder who the assistant will be

Paul Wilkinson has some low opinions on here, I personally think he's a good coach he has a excellent reputation at the clubs he has been at the issue with Wilkinson is he never worked together with Slade which was an issue for me.

The Kelly signing hasn't worked out and with the release of Killip the writing was on the wall for Wilkinson and with the fact Jolley hasn't played Jayesimi or Kelly proves Jolley not keen on them signings. We will just have to see on Hooper next season to see if he will fit in with new signings.

I think at least Wilkinson was trying to bring players in Slade was after Maynard, Walker etc players who would never sign for us.

But Wilko must of had a say in Jamey Osborne and Clements leaving along with Slade.

At least Jolley can bring his own assistant in.

Several players have gone in to see M.J.. Paul Dixon and Sam Kelly have stood by Wilko and said "If he goes we go" M.J. "Close the door on the way out, understand Shrewsbury sign ex G.T.F.C. players."

[/b]

Quoted from diehardmariner

Collins, Davies, Lester...seen someone suggesting Disley on Twitter.

Let's just wrap this up as quickly as we can, eh?

Wayne Burnett
Chris Hargreaves
Paul Harsley
Craig Shakespeare
John McDermott
Paul Groves

Feel free to add any ex-Town[b] player because heaven forbid Michael Jolley thinks there's a supply of able coaches without a GTFC connection. :)

So you are quite clearly ruling out Alan Buckley or Laurie Mac as No 2 then. Outrageous ;)

No surprise I think, I would imagine we'll see his replacement early next week as MJ would have had his replacement lined up well before today.

I don't see it as good news, just inevitable news. Wilkie was on a hiding to nothing from the start. My suspicion is that he was JF's appointment with the hope that his popularity would help smooth the way for Slade. It never worked. As permanent manager he would have been another Neil Woods.

Paul is a good coach though, well thought of at all his clubs and by a lot of the young players he has worked with. But he is so damaged by association with the last regime that it's best he goes and gets a new start. Really he should have gone when Slade went, the fact that he didn't and was actively interested in the job for himself maybe showed they were not all that close.

I don't think it matters who Jolley brings in. My choice would be Sean Dytche. ;)

Quoted from TheRonRaffertyFanClub

I don't think it matters who Jolley brings in. My choice would be Sean Dytche. ;)

If he's as good as Sean Dyche at Burnley he should have it down to a T. ;)

Quoted from golfer

Several players have gone in to see M.J.. Paul Dixon and Sam Kelly have stood by Wilko and said "If he goes we go" M.J. "Close the door on the way out, understand Shrewsbury sign ex G.T.F.C. players."

You missed out the words 'half decent' before the 'ex GTFC players'

positivity = jolley
negativity = wilkinson

not surprised and not really sad that he's gone. am sure jolley will have an interesting, enthusuastic, positive and innovative person lined up as his replacement. the revolution continues - vive la revolution! :)

Is Garry Birtles still doing radio in the Nottingham area? He probably sees a lot of football at our level and wouldn't have to commute far (either car, either M1 or A52/A46/A16 or he could take the train, changing at Newark or Lincoln) and he played for us back in the day. Champions League winner. An experienced head.

First thing that I thought was, he’ll offer it to Danny Collins.....

Don’t think that would be a bad shout at all.

Lots stating that Wilko has a good reputation as a coach. Not sure that was true. Certainly not at Wednesday or Norwich where I am told his methods were described as "archaic"

We move on and see what the future holds

Perhaps we won't have an assistant and have more budget for players. ::)

Wonder how much it has cost to pay off Slade and Wilko?

Quoted from Civvy at last

Don't be ridiculous. You'd just look stupid with 6 boobs !!!!

Not really but he would look six times the mammary he is.

Quoted from HackneyHaddock

Is Garry Birtles still doing radio in the Nottingham area? He probably sees a lot of football at our level and wouldn't have to commute far (either car, either M1 or A52/A46/A16 or he could take the train, changing at Newark or Lincoln) and he played for us back in the day. Champions League winner. An experienced head.

Do you by any chance work for "The AA Route Planner"

Quoted from HackneyHaddock

Is Garry Birtles still doing radio in the Nottingham area? He probably sees a lot of football at our level and wouldn't have to commute far (either car, either M1 or A52/A46/A16 or he could take the train, changing at Newark or Lincoln) and he played for us back in the day. Champions League winner. An experienced head.

ollins, Davies, Lester...seen someone suggesting Disley on Twitter.

Let's just wrap this up as quickly as we can, eh?

Wayne Burnett
Chris Hargreaves
Paul Harsley
Craig Shakespeare
John McDermott
Paul Groves

Feel free to add any ex-Town[b] player because heaven forbid Michael Jolley thinks there's a supply of able coaches without a GTFC connection.

you obviously never read this post.

i'd love to know why on earth you think some middle aged local radio pundit who hasn't managed or coached for about 20 years would be the ideal choice for the young, energetic and innovative michael jolley?

Surprised nobody has mentioned Curtis Woodhouse :)

Quoted from Cloudy

Lots stating that Wilko has a good reputation as a coach. Not sure that was true. Certainly not at Wednesday or Norwich where I am told his methods were described as "archaic"

We move on and see what the future holds

Not sure what archaic means in terms of coaching kids. You have to have the badges and as far as I can see these days most youth coaching is lookalike stuff that comes from that. Unless of course you have the facilities of Man City. Can't comment on Wednesday but archaic is not what I heard from Norwich.

Surprised nobody has mentioned Curtis Woodhouse :)

Quoted from forza ivano

you obviously never read this post.

i'd love to know why on earth you think some middle aged local radio pundit who hasn't managed or coached for about 20 years would be the ideal choice for the young, energetic and innovative michael jolley?

Or maybe I did read the post and added another tongue-in-cheek suggestion to lampoon this message board's penchant for chucking up suggestions of old players for pretty much every new role that pops up at the football club!

Quoted from golfer

Do you by any chance work for "The AA Route Planner"

No mention of bus routes so can’t be Tim Mickleburgh

Sad to see Wilko go but it had to be done.....let's just fondly remember the footballer.

Quoted from GrimRob

Surprised nobody has mentioned Curtis Woodhouse :)

You lose trust, Rob!

Perhaps MJ should choose someone from the fishy as they seem to know everything. Leave MJ alone to choose . imo
;). In Jolley I trust. :)

Quoted from GrimRob

Surprised nobody has mentioned Curtis Woodhouse :)

Nah he’ll be first team coach ;)

MJ was a city banker ffs he isn't gonna pick someone to keep the fans happy .

Quoted from 140348

Perhaps MJ should choose someone from the fishy as they seem to know everything. Leave MJ alone to choose . imo
;). In Jolley I trust. :)

I've heard Bentley will be announced as assistant tomorrow :X

One thing i can guarantee is that it will be name no-one expected.
He aint going for any of the names mentioned on here and he certainly wont name anything about Craig Disley. Think it will be another young up and coming coach with fresh ideas and methods if at all. He may decide he and warrington/Collins can cover the training between them.

Either way its added to the excitement for me. Potentially a new 1st 11 and assistant manager for the next season

The only thing I hope is that he doesn't pair with him who shall not be named, Wilko was great for town as a player and I wish him all the luck in the world for the future, please please stay from the man who is responsible for the near downfall of our great club and plough a furrow where you can take some of MJs ethos and energy into you're own plans with a team that deserve you...

Quoted from HackneyHaddock

Or maybe I did read the post and added another tongue-in-cheek suggestion to lampoon this message board's penchant for chucking up suggestions of old players for pretty much every new role that pops up at the football club!

Hmmmm maybe you did.I always find the ;) emoji is quite useful if you really did mean to be ironic

Quoted from Reverendmariner

Not Jolley/Rodger, please, we don't want any more sinking ships.....

Phew! Thank feck it won't be the other way round Rodger/Jolley would be rather unfortunate. ;D ;D ;D

I remember Wilko's first stint on the coaching staff here under Lawrence (and Groves for a little bit) where he was a First Team Coach I think, alongside the Manager AND Assistant.

I remember him being very well thought of and doing good work with the bunch of u21s we brought in en masse at one point (Chris Thompson, Hockless, Ford, Bolder etc etc) .

Also seem to remember him being widely credited with having a great influence on the quick development of Michael Boulding.

And then Lennie took him to Cardiff. In the years since, there's been many times were people have called for us to get him back as a Coach. (Granted, I realise there's a section of people that only ever want ex players in jobs here, but still).

So it's funny now to see the change in people's opinions on him.

Quoted from GrimRob

Surprised nobody has mentioned Curtis Woodhouse :)

Look what happened to the last media type who suggested Woodhouse might be in for a coaching job at GTFC.

Just don't accept any invitations to chair any meetings at BP Rob. :-/

Quoted from Tommy

I remember Wilko's first stint on the coaching staff here under Lawrence (and Groves for a little bit) where he was a First Team Coach I think, alongside the Manager AND Assistant.

I remember him being very well thought of and doing good work with the bunch of u21s we brought in en masse at one point (Chris Thompson, Hockless, Ford, Bolder etc etc) .

Also seem to remember him being widely credited with having a great influence on the quick development of Michael Boulding.

And then Lennie took him to Cardiff. In the years since, there's been many times were people have called for us to get him back as a Coach. (Granted, I realise there's a section of people that only ever want ex players in jobs here, but still).

So it's funny now to see the change in people's opinions on him.

Football, like other areas of life, moves on quickly. Look at the success Big Sam achieved embracing sports science. Now, players at just about every professional club wear those bras. Granted, you still have to interpret the data but it is more about doing it to keep pace now rather than gaining an advantage.

What was new and innovative in 2001 is likely to be archaic in 2018. If you don't move with the times, you often come to the end of the road.

Quoted from fleabag1970

MJ was a city banker ffs he isn't gonna pick someone to keep the fans happy .

Hope he realises that if he felicitations up here, the taxpayer isn't going to bail him out ;D

Quoted from Mrs Doyle

Phew! Thank feck it won't be the other way round Rodger/Jolley would be rather unfortunate. ;D ;D ;D

Stop ;D ;D ;D

Quoted from jamesgtfc

Football, like other areas of life, moves on quickly. Look at the success Big Sam achieved embracing sports science. Now, players at just about every professional club wear those bras. Granted, you still have to interpret the data but it is more about doing it to keep pace now rather than gaining an advantage.

What was new and innovative in 2001 is likely to be archaic in 2018. If you don't move with the times, you often come to the end of the road.

That's fair enough and I get that the game's moved on, massively.

Just think there's a lot of assumptions about him made based on Slade's management that's all. And none of us have probably actually seen him Coach (OK maybe some will have done).

Quoted from davmariner

Nah he’ll be first team coach ;)

Skania K14 ?

Quoted from diehardmariner

Collins, Davies, Lester...seen someone suggesting Disley on Twitter.

Let's just wrap this up as quickly as we can, eh?

Wayne Burnett
Chris Hargreaves
Paul Harsley
Craig Shakespeare
John McDermott
Paul Groves
Feel free to add any ex-Town player because heaven forbid Michael Jolley thinks there's a supply of able coaches without a GTFC connection. :)

Did we not have a player called Marc Goodfellow a few years back?...that would work

Quoted from Tommy

I remember Wilko's first stint on the coaching staff here under Lawrence (and Groves for a little bit) where he was a First Team Coach I think, alongside the Manager AND Assistant.

I remember him being very well thought of and doing good work with the bunch of u21s we brought in en masse at one point (Chris Thompson, Hockless, Ford, Bolder etc etc) .

Also seem to remember him being widely credited with having a great influence on the quick development of Michael Boulding.

And then Lennie took him to Cardiff. In the years since, there's been many times were people have called for us to get him back as a Coach. (Granted, I realise there's a section of people that only ever want ex players in jobs here, but still).

So it's funny now to see the change in people's opinions on him.

Yes Tommy. I find the criticism hard to understand as well unless it is just that people don’t remember him from before. He is tarred with the Slade brush and that seems unfair. He wasn’t responsible for the results. It is like blaming Steve Bould for Wenger failing to win the league. An assistant is just that - assisting. Not a joint manager like Scott & Hurst. I remember Buckley actually saying as much about Arthur Mann’s job when he first came to BP. Only one man is in charge.

Jolley is right though to want his own assistant and I don’t blame him in the least for making a change, all part of showing that this is a new regime.

Quoted from diehardmariner

Collins, Davies, Lester...seen someone suggesting Disley on Twitter.

Let's just wrap this up as quickly as we can, eh?

Wayne Burnett
Chris Hargreaves
Paul Harsley
Craig Shakespeare
John McDermott
Paul Groves

Feel free to add any ex-Town player because heaven forbid Michael Jolley thinks there's a supply of able coaches without a GTFC connection. :)

Is Craig Disley already on the coaching staff?.

A little bird told me he saw CD looking after one of the academy teams in a match a couple of weeks ago and he was wearing a Town track suit.

RRFC You are right that the manager will usually make the final decisions, but a good assistant will/should offer astute
thoughtful opinions to the Manager for consideration, perhaps PW did, who knows, but it certainly didn't look like it as our forward movement (something he should surely have improved, as a forward who played at a high level) was appalling.,
Clearly MJ doesn't particularly rate him, so perhaps that tells a story, naturally its sad to see someone lose their job, but a good decision for the future of GTFC IMO.

When Wilkinson had his chance as caretaker he didn’t go for it. I think that speaks volumes.......

Quoted from oochiad

When Wilkinson had his chance as caretaker he didn’t go for it. I think that speaks volumes.......

Curious what you'd mean by "go for it"?

He didn't win in his 3 games in charge but then MJ didn't win in his first 5 either don't forget.

He did mix things up I thought and had a go. First game he changed shape and made some changes.
Second game he gave Clifton his full league debut, changed formation again and changed the front 2.

I thought in terms of team selection at least he did try and change it up.

Andy farrell has to be a likely candidate.worked for mj at burnle y and still in the same position 3 years on. Time to take a step up maybe?

Quoted from davmariner

Nah he’ll be drive first team coach ;)

We don't really have any idea about the dynamics of the Slade/Wilko working relationship (some have suggested he was just sidelined with the reserves and had no input with Slade's 'masterplan').
The announcement seemed very cagey to me, so maybe a bust-up between MJ and PW behind the scenes?

Quoted from arryarryarry

Is Craig Disley already on the coaching staff?.

A little bird told me he saw CD looking after one of the academy teams in a match a couple of weeks ago and he was wearing a Town track suit.

Yes, according to Dizza's twitter account, he is GTFC's U15 coach.

https://twitter.com/Dizza20

Never knew that. When did he start?

Presumably still lives in market rasen.

Never thought Wilko and Jolly had much in common, so not surprised. It is fairly normal for managers to bring in their own assistants. Please no more talk of ex-players. The club needs fresh blood and I will be happy for MJ to get on with the rebuilding.

Quoted from oldun

Never thought Wilko and Jolly had much in common, so not surprised. It is fairly normal for managers to bring in their own assistants. Please no more talk of ex-players. The club needs fresh blood and I will be happy for MJ to get on with the rebuilding.

I agree but you know some of the posters on here have an obsession with ex players.