http://www.grimsby-townfc.co.uk/news/article/tykes-striker-joins-town-1927918.aspx

Might mate is a Barnsley fan and really rates him. He says he's big, quick and will score goals for us

Sounds interesting, can play a lone striker role. And again Hurst pulls one out of the bag, no Gash or Holman or other 'names'. Yet.

Hurst has got his Oates  :)

Sounds like a good signing for us, lets hope he fits in to the team well

After thinking about this, why does Hurst think this lad will do a job for us at 19,

12 games early this year for Stockport on loan and scored 1 goal,

BUT

He does not have the confidence in Walker and Winfarrah enough to give them a run in  the team.

I guess some 19 year olds are better at football than others. This guy has played 18 competitive games. Have to trust PH on this one.

One of hursts hallMark signings me thinks.

1 4 the 80's music fans.

Quoted from grimsby pete

After thinking about this, why does Hurst think this lad will do a job for us at 19,

BUT

He does not have the confidence in Walker and Winfarrah enough to give them a run in  the team.

Because he is coming through the ranks at a football club that are two divisions above us? I know that's not guaranteeing quality, but it's got to count for something!

I'm not usually pessimistic but I'm not overly impressed with either signing, however good luck to both players, I will back them all the way. UTM

Quoted from Tinymariner

I'm not usually pessimistic but I'm not overly impressed with either signing, however good luck to both players, I will back them all the way. UTM

We've got two league footballers on loan FFS, what do you expect, international signings?

This is the sort of forward signing I was originally expecting us to make once the loan window reopened (a promising youngster from a higher division club), though admittedly, this was before we had the current injury problems up front.

Hopefully, he'll be able to do a decent enough job for us when necessary but I hope Hurst is still looking for some other attackers as well.

Lets hope Oates has defenders QUAKING in their boots!  ;)

Seems a decent signing big powerful and quick, i mentioned him in other thread Monday that look for a youngster like Rhys Oates he would jump at a chance to come here and he has.

Better than Cook and/or Southwell??

Booo Hurst Boooo - you've only signed a young big eager forward and an experienced no nonsense, fully committed versatile defender. what use are they going to be?
why haven't you signed the players recommended by the Fishy? Do you know what you're doing?
you might as well resign now, and take that Fenty bloke with you

(is this right Bruce?)

Booo Hurst Boooo - you've only signed a young big eager forward and an experienced no nonsense, fully committed versatile defender. what use are they going to be?
why haven't you signed the players recommended by the Fishy? Do you know what you're doing?
you might as well resign now, and take that Fenty bloke with you

(is this right Bruce?)

Welcome aboard the good ship Mariners, I am sure some on here would be diasppointed if we signed Messi...like it or not we are now an established conference side with geography not in our favour.

(wheelchair)(wheelchair)(wheelchair) myself I AM PLEASED WITH THE NEW PLAYERS good signing for us down in   this league.

Quoted from 137

Better than Cook and/or Southwell??

Barnsley obviously think so. It's why he's signed to a team playing 3 divisions above those for which Cook and Southwell are currently playing.

If he's good enough he's old enough imho

No pedigree as yet as he's still learning his trade of course but I bet none of us would turn down a Drinkell or Donovan kind of youngster who can play the game their way and enjoy their football, which could well be the case with this lad

Good luck to him - if things go right he could easily be a fans favourite before you know it

Updated >> [url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhys_Oates]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhys_Oates[/url]

Some more info.

Quoted from Stockport County Website

Rhys spent time on loan at fellow Skrill North club Gainsborough Trinity earlier in the season and was a part of the team that fell 3-1 to County at Edgeley Park in Alan Lord's first game in charge of the club in September. Recalling that time, Rhys spoke fondly of the County team that day.

"I had a great experience playing against County whilst on loan at Gainsborough despite the result. They were a tough side to play against with a great fan base and that was crucial in my decision to join".

Rhys had a productive spell at Gainsborough scoring 2 goals in 5 games and is determined to continue the goal-scoring exploits which made him the spearhead of the Tykes impressive run to the FA Youth Cup 5th Round against Chelsea last season.

Probably didn't get much goal scoring opportunities at Stockport as he did at Gainsborough?

Just reading on the telly wag site someone has wrote -panic signing. Haha ya just can't make it up haha. One minute hurst is an idiot for not signing a striker then when he does it's a panic signing. Who ever wrote that is a complete male private. Simples!

Apparently scored a few at youth level. Soon knock that idea out of him here. ;)

The signings are what you would expect. Unknown, cheap and possibly cheerful. Might even get a game.

I am sure Kidderminster are quaking at the thought of Oates as the latest of our big spending signings. But who knows, we could get a point there and everyone will be happy.

Parslow sounds a similar signing to Magnay and Oates sounds very similar to Ryan Bird, so I really cant understand why some are concerned or unhappy.

Welcome onboard boys hope you can give us the lift we need to get us back to winning ways

Quoted from Maringer

Barnsley obviously think so. It's why he's signed to a team playing 3 divisions above those for which Cook and Southwell are currently playing.

He's not playing in the championship though is he? In fact he couldn't even get in Stockports team in the league below.

Hopefully he'll find it better here, worth a look and nice to have a young striker on board.

Scott said  "Oates a good dependable stout fellow and will be indispensable when the going gets cold and tough,  Come on lads our goal is the Pole position"

Starts at Kiddy tomorrow UTM

Quoted from Stew0_0

Parslow sounds a similar signing to Magnay and Oates sounds very similar to Ryan Bird, so I really cant understand why some are concerned or unhappy.

Welcome onboard boys hope you can give us the lift we need to get us back to winning ways

Not sure how you come to that conclusion, Bird has been playing a lot longer and scored a bag full of goals in his career, Oates is a lot younger and hardly scored any meaningful goals.

Let's hope he starts his goal scoring career properly at Town.

Quoted from Stew0_0

Parslow sounds a similar signing to Magnay and Oates sounds very similar to Ryan Bird, so I really cant understand why some are concerned or unhappy.

Welcome onboard boys hope you can give us the lift we need to get us back to winning ways

I am not concerned or unhappy, I was thinking I bet Paul has not seen him play but because he is at Barnsley he must be good enough,


Well most on here think Walker and Winfarrah are good enough but they are not getting a game,

I will support the young lad and Parslow will be a good player for us if he is fit but was he needed ?

Quoted from forza ivano

Booo Hurst Boooo - you've only signed a young big eager forward and an experienced no nonsense, fully committed versatile defender. what use are they going to be?
why haven't you signed the players recommended by the Fishy? Do you know what you're doing?
you might as well resign now, and take that Fenty bloke with you

(is this right Bruce?)

Fiveallive called it earlier in the week....so as normal.......The Fishy runs GTFC and the Telegraph.....

LET'S GIVE BOTH PLAYERS A CHANCE FIRST !!

Look at the comments made about Craig Clay before he got his contract , and look at his standard of play now !

Eager to play & please may bring good team spirit and positive results.

Remember that Connell came with a previous goal scoring record for us and couldn't get back into the team !

Quoted from pontoonlew

He's not playing in the championship though is he? In fact he couldn't even get in Stockports team in the league below.

Wikipedia seems to think he made a dozen appearances for Stockport last season and he's even made one appearance for Barnsley this season (as a sub for just a couple of minutes, no doubt!).

We'll have to see how he does, but at least we now have 'another body in the building' to use manager-speak.

Quoted from Maringer

Barnsley obviously think so. It's why he's signed to a team playing 3 divisions above those for which Cook and Southwell are currently playing.

I'm not knocking the kid - hope he bangs in plenty for us.

I'm questioning PH's handling of strikers - ever since we signed Brodie (spit) I've been harbouring some doubts on that score.
Plus playing another team's promising youngster but not our own can't be the way forward IMO.

Quoted from acko338

LET'S GIVE BOTH PLAYERS A CHANCE FIRST !!

Look at the comments made about Craig Clay before he got his contract , and look at his standard of play now !

Eager to play & please may bring good team spirit and positive results.

Remember that Connell came with a previous goal scoring record for us and couldn't get back into the team !

This

Welcome to GTFC  Guys . .

probably wont get a game but an extra player I suppose.

Way to go jonny

UTM .....I suppose .:)

Quoted from highcliff mariner

Way to go jonny

UTM .....I suppose .:)

well ok lets be realistic, is he going to start on Saturday ? probably not, hurst surely has to stick with side from Tuesday.

is he going to play when lenny returns, the injury update is he will probably be back next week , so probably not.

he might get ten minutes here and there.

Reminds me of the Martin Paterson signing. Let's hope Oates has a similar impact.

If he's half as good as Paterson, we'll be OK.

Personally, I'd expect that he will probably start tomorrow so we've got two forwards on the pitch. Will probably lead to Mackreth being dropped to the bench and a 4-3-1-2 as discussed in the other thread.

Quoted from jimgtfc

Reminds me of the Martin Paterson signing. Let's hope Oates has a similar impact.

In what way is it like Paterson?  ;D

Quoted from Maringer

Wikipedia seems to think he made a dozen appearances for Stockport last season and he's even made one appearance for Barnsley this season (as a sub for just a couple of minutes, no doubt!).

We'll have to see how he does, but at least we now have 'another body in the building' to use manager-speak.

He came on as a sub in the 89th minute .Just checked/

So a player who scored 3 in 18 in the Conference North and a couple of minutes at Barnsley. Hmmmm!

I'm not knocking Oates, but to expect him to be any better than what we've got (or let go last season)? Nah, I can't go for that.

Quoted from pontoonlew

In what way is it like Paterson?  ;D

Young striker that I haven't heard of at a bigger club coming in on loan. That's about it.

FFS... Give the man a break Hurst as tried to address the problems let's give him and them a chance it can't be easy to get decent players to come to a non league outfit.

The negativity on here boarders on pathetic. :B :B

Quoted from KingstonMariner

So a player who scored 3 in 18 in the Conference North and a couple of minutes at Barnsley. Hmmmm!

I'm not knocking Oates, but to expect him to be any better than what we've got (or let go last season) :'(? Nah, I can't go for that.

Love the song reference  ;)

Quoted from Mrs Doyle

FFS... Give the man a break Hurst as tried to address the problems let's give him and them a chance it can't be easy to get decent players to come to a non league outfit.

The negativity on here boarders on pathetic. :B :B

If we had signed the young lad for the future  and given him a 2 year contract we would have said a good signing , he could turn out to be just what we want,

BUT

We have only got him for a month,

Did Hurst try and get an experience player in like Holman or Gash ?

If he did and they turned us down then fair do's,

BUT

If he didn't, why not ?

Quoted from Mrs Doyle

FFS... Give the man a break Hurst as tried to address the problems let's give him and them a chance it can't be easy to get decent players to come to a non league outfit.

The negativity on here boarders on pathetic. :B :B

Perhaps you could explain exactly why it can't have been easy for the manager to sign up a decent striker. Before the season even began and before we got into this mess he also found it "not easy". Yet as I understand it, JF said we have the money available. I keep asking this question but why do strikers apparently not want to come here?

I don't think there is negativity, just puzzlement. The more puzzled we get the more we start to think it has something to do with the management rather than the club or the town.

Who are you asking Pete ? Only i'm pretty sure no one on here (with one exception , and i dont suppose he is gonna tell( why would he)), will have a clue . Despite our perceived view of our superior knowledge  of all things football )

Quoted from Mrs Doyle

FFS... Give the man a break Hurst as tried to address the problems let's give him and them a chance it can't be easy to get decent players to come to a non league outfit.

The negativity on here boarders on pathetic. :B :B

You might ask why we had the problems in the first place?

Hurst's history at bringing in/keeping strikers is hardly brilliant is it. Hearn is about the only one everyone can agree was a success. Everyone else has been either:

(a) moved on
(b) not deemed good enough to be picked on a consistent basis
(c) let's say, at best of limited success
(d) got a history of long-term injury

Quoted from TheRonRaffertyFanClub

Perhaps you could explain exactly why it can't have been easy for the manager to sign up a decent striker. Before the season even began and before we got into this mess he also found it "not easy". Yet as I understand it, JF said we have the money available. I keep asking this question but why do strikers apparently not want to come here?

I don't think there is negativity, just puzzlement. The more puzzled we get the more we start to think it has something to do with the management rather than the club or the town.

Players don't want to come to Grimsby. They might not want it on their CV that they've had to drop a division or two to go somewhere perceived as an outpost of football. It might be a lot of travelling as well or mean staying away from home. I remember a few years ago we had a loan player (forgotten which) who after he returned to his parent club said words to the effect that "you know your career's in trouble when you're sent on loan to Grimsby".

Quoted from GrimRob

Players don't want to come to Grimsby.

And yet we've had about a thousand of them over the last decade!

Quoted from GrimRob

Players don't want to come to Grimsby. They might not want it on their CV that they've had to drop a division or two to go somewhere perceived as an outpost of football. It might be a lot of travelling as well or mean staying away from home. I remember a few years ago we had a loan player (forgotten which) who after he returned to his parent club said words to the effect that "you know your career's in trouble when you're sent on loan to Grimsby".

That has always been true to a degree. That was why at one time the club owned several houses for players and their families. It was why Would and Wilkinson used to find work for some players in the close season. There were and are lots of ways the club has enticed players to come including new kitchens!

I am talking about the recent past, in fact the very recent past when JF was talking about exciting signings. Now I would be the first to admit we have signed some fair players for this year but the key positions up front are still a problem. Even with all 3 strikers fit it is still a problem. Perhaps some players feel this is a graveyard for strikers. After all, even Hannah's goals dried up alarmingly after we signed him.

Quoted from TheRonRaffertyFanClub

Perhaps you could explain exactly why it can't have been easy for the manager to sign up a decent striker. Before the season even began and before we got into this mess he also found it "not easy". Yet as I understand it, JF said we have the money available. I keep asking this question but why do strikers apparently not want to come here?

I don't think there is negativity, just puzzlement. The more puzzled we get the more we start to think it has something to do with the management rather than the club or the town.

Yeah but that's in the past and now he's brought in a striker and people are jumping on hurst's back without even watching him play, it's actually getting quite boring now, either get behind the team or support someone else.

That's not a dig at you rrfc

Buckley says in his autobiography that he used to have a helluva job attracting quality strikers/players when he was managing us on Div 2 - always been regarded as an outpost, a run down depressed town, and not very appealing for some players with families etc
It's not nice to hear but it's the truth
Loan move to Woking for southern-based players has more appeal to a lot of players, for example, cos it's close to London
Even Lincoln - and I hate writing this - is a far more attractive place to work (after all that's what it is... a job);  more central, nice city, not far from Nottingham

People (footballers) have far more choice than 30/40 yars ago and that includes lifestyle choice; hence a lot of very players stay part-time and have a job outside the game to boost their salary etc

We have limited funds and Hurst tries to spend it as wisely as possible - can't be easy, hence he doesn't panic buy but takes his time

Quoted from Stevie Saunders

Even Lincoln - and I hate writing this - is a far more attractive place to work (after all that's what it is... a job);  more central, nice city, not far from Nottingham

People (footballers) have far more choice than 30/40 yars ago and that includes lifestyle choice; hence a lot of very players stay part-time and have a job outside the game to boost their salary etc

We have limited funds and Hurst tries to spend it as wisely as possible - can't be easy, hence he doesn't panic buy but takes his time

Don't know what a lot of very players are but the best way to get players to Grimsby is to pay them more than other clubs. It's not the most palatable scenario, but I really believe that you need to spend your way out of this league.

Quoted from TheRonRaffertyFanClub

That has always been true to a degree. That was why at one time the club owned several houses for players and their families. It was why Would and Wilkinson used to find work for some players in the close season. There were and are lots of ways the club has enticed players to come including new kitchens!

I am talking about the recent past, in fact the very recent past when JF was talking about exciting signings. Now I would be the first to admit we have signed some fair players for this year but the key positions up front are still a problem. Even with all 3 strikers fit it is still a problem. Perhaps some players feel this is a graveyard for strikers. After all, even Hannah's goals dried up alarmingly after we signed him.

Hannah's goals dried up after we signed him permanently. And I don't think that has anything to do with the team, just he isn't that good. He scored lots before but that was two levels below, that is a big dip in ability at this level.

Quoted from MuddyWaters

Don't know what a lot of very players are but the best way to get players to Grimsby is to pay them more than other clubs. It's not the most palatable scenario, but I really believe that you need to spend your way out of this league.

Spend your way out of this league ?

BUT

Would that work ?

Hang on, I will ask the fans of Crawley, Fleetwood and Luton.

Pace and power was what we lacked up top on Tuesday, I imagine he will go straight in tomorrow, there are some right bellends on here, I imagine nobody on this thread has seen him play so until that happens I'll reserve judgement on his ability. He could be good, might be excrement, we don't know yet but Hurst's signings have generally been good.

Quoted from headingly_mariner

      

Hurst's signings have generally been good.

Why have there been so many of them then, ?

So many comings and goings because of where I live and family commitments I can only get to a few games each season lately,

AND

Every time I have to ask Terry  Hall who is who.

Quoted from headingly_mariner

Pace and power was what we lacked up top on Tuesday, I imagine he will go straight in tomorrow, there are some right bellends on here, I imagine nobody on this thread has seen him play so until that happens I'll reserve judgement on his ability. He could be good, might be excrement, we don't know yet but Hurst's signings have generally been good.

I'm with you on this HM, give Hurst a break, lets see what happens in the coming weeks

Quoted from grimsby pete

Spend your way out of this league ?

BUT

Would that work ?

Hang on, I will ask the fans of Crawley, Fleetwood and Luton.

Cambridge weren't short of a quid last season either.

Quoted from headingly_mariner

Pace and power was what we lacked up top on Tuesday, I imagine he will go straight in tomorrow, there are some right bellends on here, I imagine nobody on this thread has seen him play so until that happens I'll reserve judgement on his ability. He could be good, might be excrement, we don't know yet but Hurst's signings have generally been good.

That'll be why we're in our lowest league position since he took over then  :(

Quoted from KingstonMariner

Hurst's history at bringing in/keeping strikers is hardly brilliant is it. Hearn is about the only one everyone can agree was a success.

The last two seasons, Hurst and Scott didn't need to sign a first choice striker. They were expecting Hearn to be starting most games and firing the goals in for us. Unfortunately, it didn't work out that way due to his injuries.

Still not sure what happened this season. I'm pretty certain that Hurst thought that he would get Jennings and/or Bogle to sign and the fact that we were linked with them for so long would seem to indicate that it was on the cards for a long time. I seem to think that he initially sounded relatively confident about signings. When they both fell through he was back to square one and he certainly still needs to get a couple of attacking players into the squad.

Hopefully this young lad will do OK either to tide us over until we can get some other players in/back fit or to prove himself enough to earn a longer term loan move.

Quoted from Stevie Saunders

Buckley says in his autobiography that he used to have a helluva job attracting quality strikers/players when he was managing us on Div 2 - always been regarded as an outpost, a run down depressed town, and not very appealing for some players with families etc
It's not nice to hear but it's the truth
Loan move to Woking for southern-based players has more appeal to a lot of players, for example, cos it's close to London
Even Lincoln - and I hate writing this - is a far more attractive place to work (after all that's what it is... a job);  more central, nice city, not far from Nottingham

People (footballers) have far more choice than 30/40 yars ago and that includes lifestyle choice; hence a lot of very players stay part-time and have a job outside the game to boost their salary etc

We have limited funds and Hurst tries to spend it as wisely as possible - can't be easy, hence he doesn't panic buy but takes his time

[/b]Even Lincoln [- and I hate writing this - is a far more attractive place to work (after all that's what it is... a job);  more central, nice city[b]

Why do people bang on about lincoln being so nice, am I missing something?because If you take the big church out it then becomes just another shitty town.
I often frequent the place through work and find it a grim little place, I've done a bit of shopping there and it's excrement, even shittier in the rain, as for a night out unless your the scruffy student type it really is nothing special, I'd go as far as to say that I've had a better night in scunny.

There is a big strong forward  at barrow just the type the tinkerman is after, he's banging them in, maybe Hurst should look at him instead of bringing in an inexperienced kid.

Quoted from MuddyWaters

Don't know what a lot of very players are but the best way to get players to Grimsby is to pay them more than other clubs. It's not the most palatable scenario, but I really believe that you need to spend your way out of this league.

Very little doubt there is a strong correlation between budget and league position come May.

To be fair, we have a top 5 budget and have had each year in the conference. A top 2 budget each year would probably have cost the best part of another million pounds in total. And it's money we don't have. Are you suggesting the club should have another million in debt and risk its survival?

And remember, we went down from league 2 with  I believe one of the top 3 budgets in L2! The exception that proves the rule...

Quoted from gtfc71

Very little doubt there is a strong correlation between budget and league position come May.

To be fair, we have a top 5 budget and have had each year in the conference. A top 2 budget each year would probably have cost the best part of another million pounds in total. And it's money we don't have. Are you suggesting the club should have another million in debt and risk its survival?

And remember, we went down from league 2 with  I believe one of the top 3 budgets in L2! The exception that proves the rule...

It's a key question, risk owing 4 million instead of 3? The reward being back in the league with the likely benefit of better long term finance and ability to attract better players to play in a new stadium.

Quoted from 2578

Why do people bang on about lincoln being so nice, am I missing something?because If you take the big church out it then becomes just another shitty town.
I often frequent the place through work and find it a grim little place, I've done a bit of shopping there and it's excrement, even shittier in the rain, as for a night out unless your the scruffy student type it really is nothing special, I'd go as far as to say that I've had a better night in scunny.

It hasn't exactly attracted a high quality of player in the last 30 odd years or they'd have made some movement out of the basement division. It's the place where players like Alan Power come to retire.

The problem isn't Grimsby as much as non-league Grimsby I'd say.

Quoted from MuddyWaters

It's a key question, risk owing 4 million instead of 3? The reward being back in the league with the likely benefit of better long term finance and ability to attract better players to play in a new stadium.

I'd certainly agree that a new stadium is crucial to our long term survival. Almost regardless of the league we are in. GTFC has to get new revenue streams coming into the club to be long term sustainable.

Quoted from grimsby pete

Why have there been so many of them then, ?

So many comings and goings because of where I live and family commitments I can only get to a few games each season lately,

AND

Every time I have to ask Terry  Hall who is who.

To be fair, these recent seasons are the first time we have had any continuity with the squad for years, there haven't been that many changes and i stand by his signings being good.

I realise you don't see many games and I imagine that is why your opinion seems to go along with whatever way the wind is blowing on here.

Quoted from 2578

There is a big strong forward  at barrow just the type the tinkerman is after, he's banging them in, maybe Hurst should look at him instead of bringing in an inexperienced kid.

I'll give you big, but I don't remember him being that strong.

Quoted from 2578

There is a big strong forward  at barrow just the type the tinkerman is after, he's banging them in, maybe Hurst should look at him instead of bringing in an inexperienced kid.

Is this the same forward that no other team in this league thought worthy of a contract, sorry to say I think he has now found his level

I also think Hurst only had Jennings and Bogle ln mind and when they didn't come off it was back to the drawing board.

I don't know anything about the new striker and I certainly hope he does well during his time here even if he's cover until JP returns.

Anyway talking about unknown players out of all the strikers we have can anyone put there hands up and say they knew them before they signed I.e.

Tony Rees (I never heard of him but was awesome at holding the ball up and bringing others into play with his death flicks)

Neil Woods (never heard of him but scored some very important goals for town and one of my favourite strikers)

Clive Mendonca (ok i heard of him before he signed for us.  Was top scorer for Rotherham before signing for Sheff Utd)

Gary Jones (I remember him from his days at Notts Forest or was it Tranmere)

Michael Reddy (remembered him from his sunderland days)

Michael Jeffrey (nope never heard of him)

Lee Ashcroft (nope never heard of him)

Garry Birtles (well of course nuff said)

Laurens Ten Heuval (erm who)

Mikael Antonio Currier (never heard of him)

Bradley Allen ( yep heard of him mainly due to his brothers)

Jamie Forrester (never heard of him)

Martin Paterson (never heard of him)

Martin Butler (yeah heard of him during his Cambridge days the c#@k)

Michael Boulding (never heard of him)

David Nielson (never heard of him)

Liam Hearn (never heard of him)

Lee Peacock (remembered him from his Bristol City days)

Please feel free to add any you didnt know.

Quoted from grimsby pete

After thinking about this, why does Hurst think this lad will do a job for us at 19,

12 games early this year for Stockport on loan and scored 1 goal,

BUT

He does not have the confidence in Walker and Winfarrah enough to give them a run in  the team.

Think our Manager basis his youth policy on the Alan Hanson maxim of "You'll never win anything with kids"

Is it just strikers? How many of our signings generally is anyone that familiar with? The vast majority I have to look up to see who they are.

Quoted from GrimRob

Is it just strikers? How many of our signings generally is anyone that familiar with? The vast majority I have to look up to see who they are.

Same here Rob unless they've played against us.

Quoted from Meza

   Agree with you apart from the following,.

Michael Jeffrey (nope never heard of him) I wish we still had never heard of him.

Lee Ashcroft  I followed WBA a bit when Buckley went there, funny but Buckley did not rate Ashcroft enough to give him too many games Then he paid £500,000 for him, YES GRIMSBY PAID £500,000

Neil Woods Living in Suffolk knew from his Ipswich days.

David Nielson  My wife's cousin was his school teacher in Skagen Denmark, Just before we signed him he scored a hat trick for Copenhagen who's manager was Roy Hodgson, We were on holiday in Denmark at the time and our cousin told us he taught him at school, I said " is he related" as my wife's family name is Neilson, no he replied he was black and adopted by a Danish family, I spoke to David at the side of the pitch when we played Norwich in the league and told him I was related to hid old school teacher in Skagen, A short while after he had left us he was on holiday in Skagen and when he saw his old teacher he said " who was that old git at Grimsby who said he was related to you .  ;D ;D
.

?

Quoted from Abdul19

I'll give you big, but I don't remember him being that strong.

Big(ish), a bit half-arsed and gasping for breath for most of last season.

Quoted from headingly_mariner

To be fair, these recent seasons are the first time we have had any continuity with the squad for years, there haven't been that many changes and i stand by his signings being good.

I realise you don't see many games and I imagine that is why your opinion seems to go along with whatever way the wind is blowing on here.

I think if you count the new players we have signed this season it is 7 plus loan signings which takes it to over 10,

Plus if you read all my posts ( which you seem to do ) you will find I have my own mind and I say what I think,

I have often stood up to the ones calling Fenty  and I have not called for Hurst to be sacked just yet I said , give him 4 more games then look where we are,

I am sorry if my views to not agree with yours but it's better than putting my head in the sand like you.

Quoted from grimsby pete

I think if you count the new players we have signed this season it is 7 plus loan signings which takes it to over 10,

Plus if you read all my posts ( which you seem to do ) you will find I have my own mind and I say what I think,

I have often stood up to the ones calling Fenty  and I have not called for Hurst to be sacked just yet I said , give him 4 more games then look where we are,

I am sorry if my views to not agree with yours but it's better than putting my head in the sand like you.

Why is his head in the sand? We've signed 6 players this season and had 4 loan players which isn't that many really, especially compared to previous seasons. There are 10 senior pro's remaining from last season which if you think squads aren't that big down here, that's quite a lot.

Quoted from Meza

Mikael Antonio Currier (never heard of him)

I remember him being shit but scoring against us a couple of weeks before we signed him!

Quoted from mariner91

Why is his head in the sand? We've signed 6 players this season and had 4 loan players which isn't that many really, especially compared to previous seasons. There are 10 senior pro's remaining from last season which if you think squads aren't that big down here, that's quite a lot.

I was counting Arnold as a signing because he is here for the season and his contract at Cambridge ends at the end of the season,

Plus we have had Connell so that makes 11, what  I was trying to say is its too many, if you have got the basis of a good side 3 or 4 new faces does not take too long to settle in  unlike if you have 10 or 11 and that's not counting the 3 youth lads that have moved up to the 1st team squad.

My views are not his and they are not yours as you too seem to pick on them from time to time but that's what a forum is all about,

I was just stating that all is not right with the squad at the moment because of Hurst;s inability to sign us a striker that will get us out of this league, The comment about head in the sand is the thinking that everything is ok and it will all turn out ok in the end,

I have nearly always been positive on here but from time to time things have needed to be said and I have said them,

That is not swaying with the general feeling on here but the way I see things at the time, I will always be supportive of the club that I  have loved since 1955 so I think that proves something apart that I am an old git.

Quoted from grimsby pete

I was counting Arnold as a signing because he is here for the season and his contract at Cambridge ends at the end of the season,

Plus we have had Connell so that makes 11, what  I was trying to say is its too many, if you have got the basis of a good side 3 or 4 new faces does not take too long to settle in  unlike if you have 10 or 11 and that's not counting the 3 youth lads that have moved up to the 1st team squad.

My views are not his and they are not yours as you too seem to pick on them from time to time but that's what a forum is all about,

I was just stating that all is not right with the squad at the moment because of Hurst;s inability to sign us a striker that will get us out of this league, The comment about head in the sand is the thinking that everything is ok and it will all turn out ok in the end,

I have nearly always been positive on here but from time to time things have needed to be said and I have said them,

That is not swaying with the general feeling on here but the way I see things at the time, I will always be supportive of the club that I  have loved since 1955 so I think that proves something apart that I am an old git.

My head isn't in the sand, I have actually seen these players play, the signings he has made are good and are a real improvement on last season, we have a small squad that is at the minute being massively affected by injuries, we clearly don't have the budget to be the runaway team in this league and because of that numerous injuries really damage us. Not being able to sign the striker we want was probably a budget issue, if you're willing to shell out a good transfer fee and a top wage for this level you will get your man. You only have to look at previous league winners who splashed cash on a striker, players like Tubbs, Vardy and gray.

I've not got my head in the sand but I think your view and others is lacking an understanding of the situation we are in, it's easy to blame the manager and it's even easier to do that from a far.  

I think a lot of the debate (some of which turns in to arguments)on the board about strikers or other issues is borne out of frustration about the last few years, whatevever the rights or wrongs are.  It is obvious to me that 99% of people who take the time to post care very much about GTFC, and as always people will have differing views.
We are where we are, so how can we expect to know many players who sign?, unless they are past it ex league players going the wrong way (and we've had a few of them)
When we beat Crawley 0-1 in our first Conference game with that Lee Peacock free kick I never imagined we would still be down here now  :-/, but we need to stick together in the hope that we will rise again.
I really feel for the younger fans who've never seen much of our better days, you would have to be 25+ to remember some of the great times many of us wax lyrical about on the fishy.

Quoted from headingly_mariner

My head isn't in the sand, I have actually seen these players play, the signings he has made are good and are a real improvement on last season, we have a small squad that is at the minute being massively affected by injuries, we clearly don't have the budget to be the runaway team in this league and because of that numerous injuries really damage us. Not being able to sign the striker we want was probably a budget issue, if you're willing to shell out a good transfer fee and a top wage for this level you will get your man. You only have to look at previous league winners who splashed cash on a striker, players like Tubbs, Vardy and gray.

I've not got my head in the sand but I think your view and others is lacking an understanding of the situation we are in, it's easy to blame the manager and it's even easier to do that from a far.  

OK I will except you do not have your head in the sand if you except I do not sway with the general feeling on here. :P

I will see for myself how good we are soon, I except on paper we have got a better squad but we are still 13 th in the league,

I hope to see you at Dartford, Braintee or a home game of which I will make before Christmas,

I might even buy you a pint in the Imp,

At the end of the day we all want Town to do well.

Quoted from headingly_mariner

My head isn't in the sand, I have actually seen these players play, the signings he has made are good and are a real improvement on last season, we have a small squad that is at the minute being massively affected by injuries, we clearly don't have the budget to be the runaway team in this league and because of that numerous injuries really damage us. Not being able to sign the striker we want was probably a budget issue, if you're willing to shell out a good transfer fee and a top wage for this level you will get your man. You only have to look at previous league winners who splashed cash on a striker, players like Tubbs, Vardy and gray.

I've not got my head in the sand but I think your view and others is lacking an understanding of the situation we are in, it's easy to blame the manager and it's even easier to do that from a far.  

What you say is true apart from the last bit. ;)

The buck stops with the manager who had the chance to add a good striker to his squad but failed to do so despite JF saying the finance was there.

It strikes me that it is a bit pointless spending cash on building a decent squad as he has done and then not being prepared to push the boat out to finish it off. What we have is a squad that might get us somewhere near the play offs. With a good quality striker on top we would have a squad to challenge at the top of the league. Seems false economy doesn't it? Worse than that, it seems like it is already too late to do anything about it because those decent strikers are now tied up in contracts with other clubs, some of which are our direct rivals for promotion.

So yes, I do blame the manager. He has not had good luck with injuries as you say but his biggest problems are of his own making.

Quoted from TheRonRaffertyFanClub

What you say is true apart from the last bit. ;)

The buck stops with the manager who had the chance to add a good striker to his squad but failed to do so despite JF saying the finance was there.

It strikes me that it is a bit pointless spending cash on building a decent squad as he has done and then not being prepared to push the boat out to finish it off. What we have is a squad that might get us somewhere near the play offs. With a good quality striker on top we would have a squad to challenge at the top of the league. Seems false economy doesn't it? Worse than that, it seems like it is already too late to do anything about it because those decent strikers are now tied up in contracts with other clubs, some of which are our direct rivals for promotion.

So yes, I do blame the manager. He has not had good luck with injuries as you say but his biggest problems are of his own making.

I agree we have had plenty of time from the seasons end till now to have brought in another striker, I am assuming that PH thought that what we have would be OK with loans where necessary to challenge for the title (at least I hope that was his ambition),  now with injuries it looks like in hindsight he should have been bolder on the transfer front especially having got rid of Cook and Southwell, nothing to do with luck or finances (Wrexam) lets hope that Oates will do the business for us and stay awhile

Quoted from grimsby pete

I was counting Arnold as a signing because he is here for the season and his contract at Cambridge ends at the end of the season,

Plus we have had Connell so that makes 11, what  I was trying to say is its too many, if you have got the basis of a good side 3 or 4 new faces does not take too long to settle in  unlike if you have 10 or 11 and that's not counting the 3 youth lads that have moved up to the 1st team squad.

My views are not his and they are not yours as you too seem to pick on them from time to time but that's what a forum is all about,

I was just stating that all is not right with the squad at the moment because of Hurst;s inability to sign us a striker that will get us out of this league, The comment about head in the sand is the thinking that everything is ok and it will all turn out ok in the end,

I have nearly always been positive on here but from time to time things have needed to be said and I have said them,

That is not swaying with the general feeling on here but the way I see things at the time, I will always be supportive of the club that I  have loved since 1955 so I think that proves something apart that I am an old git.

Good on you Pete, keep your opinions and don't be swayed , just as others keep to theirs and won't be swayed.

Quoted from Garth

I agree we have had plenty of time from the seasons end till now to have brought in another striker, I am assuming that PH thought that what we have would be OK with loans where necessary to challenge for the title (at least I hope that was his ambition),  now with injuries it looks like in hindsight he should have been bolder on the transfer front especially having got rid of Cook and Southwell, nothing to do with luck or finances (Wrexam) lets hope that Oates will do the business for us and stay awhile

I don't know Garth. I do hope Oates is the man to spark us up front but, even if he is, how long could we keep him and what then? We saw what happened in a different position when Pond left. Loans are OK short term and I suspect that's what this is. But then we are back to the 3 strikers again. As manager, PH will certainly know all this and it is down to him to signify his ambitions isn't it?

Quoted from MuddyWaters

Don't know what a lot of very players are but the best way to get players to Grimsby is to pay them more than other clubs. It's not the most palatable scenario, but I really believe that you need to spend your way out of this league.

But where does the money come from to " spend your way out of this league"? Ask JF to put more of his money into the club but as a gift ? Find somebody else with " bottomless pockets " to donate their money into the club as a gift? The whole idea of loans to the club either benign or otherwise seems to be a complete no-no with the fans. Yet these same fans at any sign of the club not achieving the levels that they demand, threaten to stop attending until things improve. These fans moan about paying £18 to watch non-league football but fully expect some moneyed person to give tens of thousands of pounds of their own money to the club so that these self same fans can hopefully watch league football. I want success for my club but I am also a realist and realise that wealthy benefactors to prop up a football club at this level in this area is really not going to happen. Clubs like Crawley, Fleetwood and Cambridge have been quoted where men have heavily invested but these have been gambles , as indeed most investment in lower league clubs is . Also the expectations of these clubs may not have been so high as our own with the possible exception of Cambridge who have experienced league status.

Quoted from MuddyWaters

Don't know what a lot of very players are but the best way to get players to Grimsby is to pay them more than other clubs. It's not the most palatable scenario, but I really believe that you need to spend your way out of this league.

But where does the money come from to " spend your way out of this league"? Ask JF to put more of his money into the club but as a gift ? Find somebody else with " bottomless pockets " to donate their money into the club as a gift? The whole idea of loans to the club either benign or otherwise seems to be a complete no-no with the fans. Yet these same fans at any sign of the club not achieving the levels that they demand, threaten to stop attending until things improve. These fans moan about paying £18 to watch non-league football but fully expect some moneyed person to give tens of thousands of pounds of their own money to the club so that these self same fans can hopefully watch league football. I want success for my club but I am also a realist and realise that wealthy benefactors to prop up a football club at this level in this area is really not going to happen. Clubs like Crawley, Fleetwood and Cambridge have been quoted where men have heavily invested but these have been gambles , as indeed most investment in lower league clubs is . Also the expectations of these clubs may not have been so high as our own with the possible exception of Cambridge who have experienced league status.

Quoted from TheRonRaffertyFanClub

That has always been true to a degree. That was why at one time the club owned several houses for players and their families. It was why Would and Wilkinson used to find work for some players in the close season. There were and are lots of ways the club has enticed players to come including new kitchens!

I am talking about the recent past, in fact the very recent past when JF was talking about exciting signings. Now I would be the first to admit we have signed some fair players for this year but the key positions up front are still a problem. Even with all 3 strikers fit it is still a problem. Perhaps some players feel this is a graveyard for strikers. After all, even Hannah's goals dried up alarmingly after we signed him.

Paddy Hamilton also found jobs for players during the summer. I think this " work programme " was more down to bolstering players wages during the summer when their earning dropped due to not playing as opposed to " enticing " players to come to GTFC.

Quoted from rancido

But where does the money come from to " spend your way out of this league"? Ask JF to put more of his money into the club but as a gift ? .

As I understand it, from the statements of JF in the press and on here some weeks ago, we had money for a quality striker signing. Why that fell through only the management  knows, but it obviously did and we have bumbled along with 2 strikers and a good but injury prone stopgap.

The manager and the team and the supporters have been left with a good squad but without the finishing touch that could turn it into a top one. Let's hope Oates goes some way towards filling the vacancy.

Quoted from TheRonRaffertyFanClub

Apparently scored a few at youth level. Soon knock that idea out of him here. ;)

The signings are what you would expect. Unknown, cheap and possibly cheerful. Might even get a game.

[/b]I am sure Kidderminster are quaking at the thought of Oates as the latest of our big spending signings[b]. But who knows, we could get a point there and everyone will be happy.

I'm saying nothing. ;)

Great start for the young lad,

Keep it up Rhys .

Quoted from grimsby pete

After thinking about this, why does Hurst think this lad will do a job for us at 19,

12 games early this year for Stockport on loan and scored 1 goal,

BUT

He does not have the confidence in Walker and Winfarrah enough to give them a run in  the team.

You thought wrong Pete  8)

Then again that could be his only goal!!

Quoted from GyMariner

You thought wrong Pete  8)

Then again that could be his only goal!!

I am pleased for the lad and I hope it continues,

If he does the business lets hope we can keep him longer,

Then like you said , it might be his only goal,

I hope not.

Anybody else hear the interview with Oates on Blunderside? He sounds like the Yorkshireman's Yorkshireman. Apparently, he 'striked' his shot and was pleased to see it went in!

Good start for the lad, though.

1- 0, Rhys scored, great day for his first appearance, should give him confidence, after they were roughing him up a bit !

As Tondeur said on his commentary, welcome to the Conference, Rhys !!

So, onwards and upwards to the next game!

Quoted from Grimal

I'm saying nothing. ;)

I will. ;)

Very pleased for the lad. Should give him confidence.

Now what happens? Does the lad start next time? Will Hurst persist with a 9 man deep defence and an outlet ball that Hannah would need a stepladder to reach like we did for over an hour today? Or will he risk Oates and have us play the pressing attacking game he says he wants to see?

Look out for the next exciting instalment. ;)

Quoted from rancido

But where does the money come from to " spend your way out of this league"? Ask JF to put more of his money into the club but as a gift ? Find somebody else with " bottomless pockets " to donate their money into the club as a gift? The whole idea of loans to the club either benign or otherwise seems to be a complete no-no with the fans. Yet these same fans at any sign of the club not achieving the levels that they demand, threaten to stop attending until things improve. These fans moan about paying £18 to watch non-league football but fully expect some moneyed person to give tens of thousands of pounds of their own money to the club so that these self same fans can hopefully watch league football. I want success for my club but I am also a realist and realise that wealthy benefactors to prop up a football club at this level in this area is really not going to happen. Clubs like Crawley, Fleetwood and Cambridge have been quoted where men have heavily invested but these have been gambles , as indeed most investment in lower league clubs is . Also the expectations of these clubs may not have been so high as our own with the possible exception of Cambridge who have experienced league status.

Thanks for bringing some reality to this fantasy land of bottomless funding "pits"....

Quoted from jonnyboy82

probably wont get a game but an extra player I suppose.

No drivel being posted here then? A fine turn and finish on debut from the young man

Quoted from TheRonRaffertyFanClub

I will. ;)

Very pleased for the lad. Should give him confidence.

Now what happens? Does the lad start next time? Will Hurst persist with a 9 man deep defence and an outlet ball that Hannah would need a stepladder to reach like we did for over an hour today? Or will he risk Oates and have us play the pressing attacking game he says he wants to see?

Look out for the next exciting instalment. ;)


I think that enough excitement for one day Ron  , lets go back to the home .

Quoted from TheRonRaffertyFanClub

I will. ;)

Very pleased for the lad. Should give him confidence.

Now what happens? Does the lad start next time? Will Hurst persist with a 9 man deep defence and an outlet ball that Hannah would need a stepladder to reach like we did for over an hour today? Or will he risk Oates and have us play the pressing attacking game he says he wants to see?

Look out for the next exciting instalment. ;)

I can only assume you got your views on the game from the radio. If not then I apologise in advance but to say Town played high ball to Hannah for an hour (if that is what you mean by needing a stepladder) is entirely untrue. Hannah received the ball on several occasions to his feet-admittedly with his back to goal but was easily muscled out of it. For me he "goes to ground" far too easily. Referees in this league are not interested. Actually on reflection the highest ball we played all day was Hannahs cross when in acres of space that hit the middle tier of the side stand without bouncing.... We tried to use some width-especially down the left in the second half but were let down by the final ball usually from the otherwise excellent Magnay.