McAtee is that; a sophisticated game-changer who uses the fervour of a boisterous audience to quickly decide a match’s fate.
There are several reasons why John McAtee might be considered Grimsby Town’s most significant recent acquisition, which I will attempt to elucidate. It was well known that the forward had real ability and potential when he signed from nearby rivals Scunthorpe United for a sum determined by a tribunal ahead to the 2021–2022 season, but it’s possible that he was searching for the stability and foundation that would have allowed his abilities to show more consistently.
Over the course of the next two seasons, the Mariners and McAtee achieved arguably more than they could have imagined from a deal that was incredibly beneficial to all involved. In a way, the timing was advantageous. Even though Grimsby had been relegated the previous spring and were about to play in the Non-League once more, the town’s supporters were filled with optimism and excitement because new owners Jason Stockwood and Andrew Pettit had given the once-stagnant club new life.
Nearly everything came together with the signing of McAtee, excellent season ticket sales, and a dominating start to the 2021–2022 National League season. McAtee needed to feel important and like a vital component of something, and the fans needed a talisman on the pitch to energise them. The man in charge, as it were. It was evident what kind of person he was. He was a match-winner, a game-changer, and a difference maker, but he also had a work ethic and edge that won over fans of all ages. He also fit in well with a recently assembled team that was full of intelligence and character.
Throughout the season, McAtee demonstrated his indispensable nature to a Mariners team that depended on his vision and brilliance to break through dense defences. The forward, who is most comfortable playing as a “second striker” or number 10, has established himself as one of the best players in the league and has scored significant goals at crucial moments. McAtee’s heroic play-off campaign, which saw him score crucial goals against Wrexham and Solihull Moors, inspired the Mariners to victory. The live wire attacker went on to win Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year, which speaks much about his impact as Ryan Taylor, the seasoned target man, served as his foil.
After the unavoidable festivities and a brief summer vacation, Grimsby Town’s personnel and athletes focused on their 2022–2023 Football League comeback. But as the start of the season drew nearer, rumours of a transfer to Luton Town, a Championship team at the time, began to circulate. The move eventually materialised in early August 2022, but McAtee would be promptly loaned back to the Mariners for the duration of the campaign.
McAtee may not have had the best season in 2022–2023 because of a shoulder issue that would require surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation period. He was trying to get back to playing his best after a lengthy layoff. Even yet, the exuberant forward occasionally shown his undeniable class as he contributed to Grimsby’s famous FA Cup run and strong League Two campaign before returning to parent club Luton Town as the season drew to a close.
Before the close of the 2023 summer transfer window, McAtee joined League One club Barnsley on loan for the season. Back to full fitness, the forward has flourished once again. Showcasing his talents at a higher level, McAtee has scored some fantastic goals, whilst also being back to his creative best in a Tykes shirt, excelling alongside the likes of Sam Cosgrove and Devante Cole to form one of the more potent attacking units in the third tier.
It’s certainly been a move that’s worked out for all concerned. The attacker had impressed sufficiently enough to attract interest from Championship clubs in January, though McAtee opted to see the season out in South Yorkshire as Barnsley push for promotion to the second tier themselves. The fact he has swiftly succeeded at Oakwell is evidence of his continued evolution and refinement as he matures as a player. Proving he is able to effect, change and win games regularly at a higher standard against better quality opponents stands the former Mariner in good stead in terms of his future and aspirations. As with his time at Blundell Park, McAtee seems to have made himself a major part of things at Barnsley, forming a connection with the club and becoming a favourite among the supporters.
Football is very much a game of variables, often largely dependent on timing and opportunity. Now entering his mid-twenties, McAtee will hope to have those factors in his favour when he returns to Luton in the summer. He certainly has the quality to grasp that chance should it arise. A lot could depend on which division the Hatters find themselves in next season, and the direction they wish to take upon that. However, if they maintain their strategy of giving opportunities to hungry players that have succeeded lower down the footballing pyramid, then McAtee has to come into contention.
The physical, pacy attributes of a Hatters attack containing the likes of Carlton Morris, Elijah Adebayo, Chiedozie Ogbene and Cauley Woodrow could certainly be complimented by a McAtee type player that can drop deep and link the play, offering the vision and calmness to produce and supply at key times in the heat of battle. It appears to be an option that is gaining credence as time goes on.
The scouts who were impressed enough to purchase the attacking player from Grimsby Town initially will have noted his successful step-up to League One level. His continued progression will have caught the eye, as will his determination and desire to better himself. Players who can decide and dictate matches are always in demand, at all levels. McAtee is that, a classy game-changer who feeds off the energy of a vociferous crowd to determine the outcome of a match in an instant, and he has every attribute necessary to light up Kenilworth Road in the near future.
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