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Quoted Text

Paul Hurst Statement
STATEMENT RELEASED ON BEHALF OF PAUL HURST:

"It is with deep sadness that I write this after leaving Grimsby Town Football Club. The club has been a big part of my life, as I have spent almost eight and a half years there over two spells.

"People often say that you shouldn’t go back in life but I’m glad I ignored that! Since re-joining the club at the beginning of 2020, it has been mainly a successful time. There has been many highlights and I feel very privileged to have been part of those. It is difficult to enjoy them fully when you are in the job but I am now able to reflect and look back at some incredible moments. On returning to the club I spoke about creating more memories and we certainly did that.

"The play-off campaign which culminated in promotion back to the Football League was the most extraordinary set of games I have ever been involved in. I am not sure many people will ever experience such a dramatic run of games.

"Our first season back in the EFL saw us achieve our best league position in 17 years, finishing in 11th place, this is something I am very proud of. However, that paled into insignificance with our history making FA Cup run. Reaching the quarter-finals of arguably the biggest cup competition in the World was an outstanding achievement from the players. We became only the sixth fourth tier club to reach that stage and the first team in history to beat five teams from higher divisions along the way.

"Those experiences were fantastic but were only made special by sharing them with a number of people, who I would like to thank.

"Firstly, a big thank you to the owners Jason and Andrew. Along with Chief Executive, Debbie Cook, they have given me great support during my tenure and I am thankful for the faith they put in me. As Grimsby Town fans, they have the best interests of the club at heart and will continue to improve it.

"Secondly, I would like to thank the staff, both football and club, that have made the experience both successful and enjoyable. I have to give special mention and thanks to Dave Moore, Steve Croudson, Ben Davies, Shaun Pearson, Greg Howard, Joe Hutchinson, Ben Mortlock, Ollie Howard and Mason Cook for all their hard work, providing much laughter along the way. There are so many other good people at the club and I will miss them.

"To the players, I hope you prove me right and show people that you are a talented squad. I am sure you will climb the table and bring happiness to those that follow you. Also, a special mention to all the players that I have worked with during my time at GTFC. It was a pleasure to be your manager and get to know you all.

"Thank you to the fans who are the constant and make the club what it is. I know how much the club means to its supporters and they make the highs more enjoyable. When I first came back it was during COVID times and playing games with no fans was not an enjoyable experience. I have received some very nice messages from fans which I am very grateful for. We have had some great times together and have memories which will last a lifetime.

"Last but not least, a massive thank you to my assistant Chris Doig. I couldn’t ask for a more dedicated person and he has played a big part in the success we have all enjoyed.

"Now for me it is a time for reflection and to see what the future holds. I am sad to leave but also extremely proud of my time at GTFC. With the help of many of the people I have mentioned, the club has significantly improved since I returned, and I am sure it will continue to do so.

"I will always call myself a Mariner and I wish the club every success in the future. I am sure there will be exciting times ahead. Up The Mariners!"

Whatever your opinion, classy statement. All the best Paul.

Echo those thoughts. Nice statement that he didn’t have to make. Always welcome back as you say, and I’m sure we’ll see him again at BP one day (though not necessarily in the home dugout).

Wish the bloke all the best. Created memories that I’ll take with me to my cold, cold grave.

I know there’s a certain band of supporters that never warmed to PH but, he has given the club far many more highs than some clubs will ever experience.

I hope it works out for him, and CD, in their next venture into football management.

Thankyou

What a thoroughly decent bloke. Not an ounce of bitterness. Sure he'll get another job soon.

I will always remember him fondly for making us a professional outfit again. Gutted it didn't work out for him and us this season.

Written by a true gentleman. Where ever he goes I wish him success and believe Grimsby Town will always be close to him.

Very good statement 👏👏👏👏👏

Thank you paul that was very generous of you. I wish you all the best and like many feel sorry it did not work out for you.we see you soon i am sure you can not keep a good man down . :X

Quoted from grimsby pete

Thank you paul that was very generous of you. I wish you all the best and like many feel sorry it did not work out for you.we will see you soon i am sure you can not keep a good man down . :X

Paul Hurst Statement
STATEMENT RELEASED ON BEHALF OF PAUL HURST:

"It is with deep sadness that I write this after leaving Grimsby Town Football Club. The club has been a big part of my life, as I have spent almost eight and a half years there over two spells.

"People often say that you shouldn’t go back in life but I’m glad I ignored that! Since re-joining the club at the beginning of 2020, it has been mainly a successful time. There has been many highlights and I feel very privileged to have been part of those. It is difficult to enjoy them fully when you are in the job but I am now able to reflect and look back at some incredible moments. On returning to the club I spoke about creating more memories and we certainly did that.

"The play-off campaign which culminated in promotion back to the Football League was the most extraordinary set of games I have ever been involved in. I am not sure many people will ever experience such a dramatic run of games.

"Our first season back in the EFL saw us achieve our best league position in 17 years, finishing in 11th place, this is something I am very proud of. However, that paled into insignificance with our history making FA Cup run. Reaching the quarter-finals of arguably the biggest cup competition in the World was an outstanding achievement from the players. We became only the sixth fourth tier club to reach that stage and the first team in history to beat five teams from higher divisions along the way.

"Those experiences were fantastic but were only made special by sharing them with a number of people, who I would like to thank.

"Firstly, a big thank you to the owners Jason and Andrew. Along with Chief Executive, Debbie Cook, they have given me great support during my tenure and I am thankful for the faith they put in me. As Grimsby Town fans, they have the best interests of the club at heart and will continue to improve it.

"Secondly, I would like to thank the staff, both football and club, that have made the experience both successful and enjoyable. I have to give special mention and thanks to Dave Moore, Steve Croudson, Ben Davies, Shaun Pearson, Greg Howard, Joe Hutchinson, Ben Mortlock, Ollie Howard and Mason Cook for all their hard work, providing much laughter along the way. There are so many other good people at the club and I will miss them.

"To the players, I hope you prove me right and show people that you are a talented squad. I am sure you will climb the table and bring happiness to those that follow you. Also, a special mention to all the players that I have worked with during my time at GTFC. It was a pleasure to be your manager and get to know you all.

"Thank you to the fans who are the constant and make the club what it is. I know how much the club means to its supporters and they make the highs more enjoyable. When I first came back it was during COVID times and playing games with no fans was not an enjoyable experience. I have received some very nice messages from fans which I am very grateful for. We have had some great times together and have memories which will last a lifetime.

"Last but not least, a massive thank you to my assistant Chris Doig. I couldn’t ask for a more dedicated person and he has played a big part in the success we have all enjoyed.

"Now for me it is a time for reflection and to see what the future holds. I am sad to leave but also extremely proud of my time at GTFC. With the help of many of the people I have mentioned, the club has significantly improved since I returned, and I am sure it will continue to do so.

"I will always call myself a Mariner and I wish the club every success in the future. I am sure there will be exciting times ahead. Up The Mariners!"

Brilliant statement from a class bloke such a shame things did not work out this year ultimately he seemed not too sure what the best team was and the constant swapping of the team either bu choice or injury lead to failure . I am sure he will bounce back again and prove his worth elsewhere

Classy until the end.

Such a shame he couldn't get us going this season.

Wow , in this day where loyalty in football is as rare as hens teeth , that is a moving and incredible humbling statement.

It’s a shame he just couldn’t change his defensive mindset and take the handbrake off and go for it in games.

i can only echo the sentiments already expressed. Good luck in the future PH, those play off and FA Cup campaigns have gone down in history

Wow , what a guy. Thanks Paul , great times.

Yeah, what a classy guy, the sort of sentiments in a statement you usually get from a player who has been sold on to a higher club, not from a manager who has just been sacked.

It's been a really disappointing season but those memories from the previous two will truly last a lifetime. Thanks Hursty.

Classy statement, he clearly enjoyed his time here just a shame he was so stuck in his ways. He became so obsessed with not losing and being all defensive the polar opposite happened we ended up leaking goals for fun

In one off must win games like the FA Cup last year & the National League playoff games the season before we were unstoppable, the level of opposition was irrelevant we played on the front foot and took the game to them and just swept sides aside so why so defensive in the league

Can't wait for Paul Hurst III

Thanks Paul

Hoping he gets back in shortly a thoroughly decent chap with not an ounce of malice towards anybody at the club , thanks for some of my best memories watching town paul

Quoted from Yoda

It’s a shame he just couldn’t change his defensive mindset and take the handbrake off and go for it in games.

He's gone and this thread is about his statement which is quite touching and very heartfelt.

Yet you still think it's ok to post something negative without any positives.
Reading through your previous posts it doesn't surprise me but in future try thinking before you type.

Quoted from Yoda

It’s a shame he just couldn’t change his defensive mindset and take the handbrake off and go for it in games.

Why red cross this, some proper sad feckers on this board

I agree with you, i don't understand why he didn't just go for it and set up up to really get at the opposition especially at home

Quoted from Simon

Why red cross this, some proper sad feckers on this board

Because there's a time and a place and this isn't either to be sticking the boot in.

Quoted from 141269

Because there's a time and a place and this isn't either to be sticking the boot in.

Go back and read his post, where was he sticking the boot in all he said was its a shame he didn't let the handbrake off and play a little more open which i agree with or are we no longer allowed an opinion

Quoted from Yoda

It’s a shame he just couldn’t change his defensive mindset and take the handbrake off and go for it in games.

It is a great shame I agree. I can't understand why together the coaching team and manager couldn't understand that playing a lone striker especially at home would not be met with universal approval.

If it worked, with runners getting close to the one striker then great but we never looked comfortable playing that way. Had he gone more attacking he might still be our manager but alas it is all water under the bridge.

A thoroughly decent man who has given us so many happy moments over the years. Wish him and his family well, and look forwarding to seeing what’s next for him.

Quoted from Simon

Go back and read his post, where was he sticking the boot in all he said was its a shame he didn't let the handbrake off and play a little more open which i agree with or are we no longer allowed an opinion

Does it really need saying on a thread discussing Paul's parting statement?
No.
Now go and read all the other posts by Yoda.

Quoted from 141269

Does it really need saying on a thread discussing Paul's parting statement?
No.
Now go and read all the other posts by Yoda.

Go stick your head in the oven

Quoted from Simon

Go stick your head in the oven

^^Yoda Mk 2

Doigy released a statement too.

"grunt grunt wotchasen' al feckin nutya"

Yoda and Simon are the same person. Simon often responds to Yoda's posts.

Classy bloke, always came across well. Very well put statement and I wish him all the best in the future.

A good manager and a thoroughly decent man. Many thanks for the memories you gave us Paul, I wish you good luck in your future endeavours', you will never be forgotten at GTFC. UTM!

Very well written statement. Hope he gets a good job somewhere. I'm still gutted it never worked out this season. He created the best memories I can remember in his time here. Thanks Paul.

Quoted from Cambs Mariner

Yoda and Simon are the same person. Simon often responds to Yoda's posts.

Threads going off on a tangent here but can you show examples where i have "often" responded to Yoda, who for the record i have no idea who it is

Lol me and Simon are not the same person.
In future i’ll pm the voice of reason all my posts just to make sure he agrees with them then if he gives me the green light i’ll post them.

Some members on here are like the East German thought police.

Quoted from Yoda

Lol me and Simon are not the same person.
In future i’ll pm the voice of reason all my posts just to make sure he agrees with them then if he gives me the green light i’ll post them.

Some members on here are like the East German thought police.

I nearly replied to this post but thought better of it ;D

Top bloke. He lasted longer than 95% of other managers across the industry.

Good on you Hursty. Classy. Best of luck with whatever the future holds.

He has closed the chapter himself , probably quicker than him and most of us thought .

I think he himself liked everything about the club and fans as it's an institution similiar to all the values he holds dear .

It's probably a rare thing that a fanbase sticks with a manager so long after such a terrible run and the board gave him every chance .

Good luck Paul , you will be in the novel position of leaving a club with the majority wishing you do well in whatever the future holds .

Thank you for the memories .

A class act that won't be out of work long.

Top man , shame he's not still here.

Fair play to PH for that statement. Promotion, highest finish in how long and quarter finals of the fa cup in a little over two years. Shame this season went pear shaped but leaves with a decent return and best wishes.

Even though I was relieved when he left (On both occasions), I guess that statement reflects the kind of guy he is personally (although I'll never truly know). I think we all saw a different Paul Hurst this time around, a man that was definitely more reflective, considered and who appeared to make more of an effort with "us" supporters. He appears to have integrity and honesty. Seeing him at the last fans forum, I was positively surprised with his candour and dry sense of humour. I think a few warmed to him that evening.

Although personally I believed his tenure had run its course, there is no doubting his successes with two promotions (Including that run of games) and the FA cup run. The camaraderie we felt towards the 2016 winning team, after the bitter defeat by Bristol Rovers the year before, was special and was undoubtedly fostered by Hurst's management style. On reflection, I feel sad that Hurst had to leave after witnessing much of the vitriol towards him after the Doncaster game. Spending so much time applauding the supporters, I guess he new his time was up.

I'm sure as the dust settles and the weeks and months pass, even the most ardent "Hurst Out" supporter will celebrate the fact he has been one of our most successful managers and you could argue he did it both times in difficult circumstances, in the National league and the constraints that brings. I genuinely wish him all the best and hope he can find success, elsewhere, in the future.

He's a fundamentally decent person and I wish him well.

I'm still trying to figure out where it's all gone wrong this season. I understand the decision to change, but I also think this won't be a silver bullet and they're going to have the same problems Hurst had. I think some will need transfer activity (new CB, CM, LB as a minimum).

I have a feeling Hurst will find a job before long and turn a club around. He'll no doubt have learnt some lessons from this bizarre season.

Classy statement. Really sad it came to this.

Hopefully, he will be in the short list for the job (best profile, credentials and experience) - UTM

What a gent.

After x2 promotions & an FA Cup Quarter Final, he should never buy a drink in Cleethorpes again.

… As a tight Yorkie, he’ll appreciate that more than we’ll ever know ;D

Good on you Paul. Nothing lasts forever.

Dunno what to say. I’m at odds with most. I think this has been a disaster. I wish I knew wtf went on after Bradford.

It needed changing, but sorry to see him go, first class guy

Not read the full thread, but wow, absolute class

Class statement from a great bloke

It’s a shame it hasn’t worked this season but Paul gave us all memories that will last a lifetime and supporters of a lot of other teams will never experience.

Wish him all the best in the future

A great statement from a classy guy.

He has given us all some of our most memorable experiences ever, both in 2016 and in the last two seasons. The play off campaign is simply unforgettable. The cup run magical.

Good luck and all the best Paul. Hope it works out for you in your next job.

Quoted from RonMariner

A great statement from a classy guy.

He has given us all some of our most memorable experiences ever, both in 2016 and in the last two seasons. The play off campaign is simply unforgettable. The cup run magical.

Good luck and all the best Paul. Hope it works out for you in your next job.

Yep echo all of that. The run in knockout football from the play offs QF to Brighton was incredible, beaten only by them and Forest, and all were higher league positions / status (maybe not Crewe). Think he’s another promotion from NL in him, (hopefully not Scunny).

Quoted from HertsGTFC

A class act that won't be out of work long.

What makes to think that.

He’s on full money. Garden leave unless he agrees a settlement, and there’s no incentive to do that without a very good wage offer elsewhere.

He didn’t mention all the money gone which I spent so don’t worry you great fans I’ll sit it out with no money because with these great achievements I will soon be in a high paid job.

Simple!!! His Stock is not that great if you do the stats. We can blow smoke up his proverbial all we like, but the probability that we will be paying him for some time to come.

Still I think he knew the problem and would have fixed it in the window, but hey Ho, that’s football you can’t go on a run like that and survive and it’s not his first bad run.