Even though Grimsby Town lost to now-promoted AFC Wimbledon on the last day of a league two play-off match, they nevertheless had a successful season overall, a far cry from their 2023–2024 relegation difficulties. Numerous players stood out within the group as part of that growth, and as a result, clubs higher up the pyramid will surely have expressed interest in them this summer.
Through astute, all-encompassing recruitment, David Artell assembled a more technically talented team. Over the past 12 months, he has looked to Ireland, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands to acquire value for money, as well as acquiring some underappreciated jewels from the British market.
The Mariners’ fortunes significantly improved as a result, and the former Crewe Alexandra manager will surely be expecting to build on that success with another successful summer window before the 2025–2026 season, which may come with a little higher expectation than in previous years.
It’s still very early, and although supporters are excited to hear about possible new recruits, Blundell Park has been comparatively quiet thus far. But Grimsby has pounced to sign Justin Amaluzor, a former Altrincham attacker, on a two-year contract. The versatile wide winger wants to add some speed, strength, and unpredictability to a Mariners forward line that might have lacked such qualities in the previous game.
However, in addition to seeking improvements, manager Artell will be anxious to retain some of his most important players as their contracts come to an end. But given their current form and room for improvement, this will probably be a challenging challenge.
Four Grimsby players in their early to mid-twenties who might be of interest to others in the coming months are examined here.
George McEachran
24-year-old midfielder George McEachran had a superbly consistent campaign at the heart of the Mariners’ engine room, with much of what made Grimsby tick coming through the former Chelsea youngster.
The deep-lying playmaker, who was released by Swindon Town and arrived on a free transfer last summer, seemed at ease right away. He displayed composure in possession and persistence in the challenge, using his small frame to win numerous aerial and ground duels.
Having played 49 games across all competitions last season, McEachran, who was selected as Mariners’ Player of the Year and was a key component of Grimsby’s winning style, was a member of the England Under-17 team that won the 2017 World Cup in India. His importance to Artell’s team was further demonstrated by the fact that he was much missed on the few times when he was not available.
However, with the potential and time for significant development, and just a year left on his Blundell Park contract, the Mariners could face a tough task holding on to their main man.
Evan Khouri
All-action midfielder Evan Khouri has been with Grimsby for some time now, having come through the youth ranks to make his debut in 2020
Although the left-footed Khouri, who can also play full-back, showed promise, he never fully solidified his position in the team before the 2024–2025 season due to a combination of circumstances and injury issues.
But in 2023, former manager Paul Hurst saw enough to sign the Londoner to a contract that will now expire in a year, and Artell is now regularly getting the most out of the box-to-box operator.
Khouri, who is athletic and physically powerful, has established himself as a vital member of the Mariners’ engine room and is a dependable player who can play both in and out of possession.
The 22-year-old made 51 appearances overall and scored three goals last season, giving him a constant presence in the league.
Despite his relatively young age, the midfield player has proven to be a valuable member of the team and a leader within the squad. He will be aiming to add a little more poise in front of goal, but he frequently finds himself in some nice positions. This summer, Artell hopes to retain the former Spennymoor Town loanee.
Cameron McJannet
Defender Cameron McJannet has been a revelation since his move from Irish top-flight outfit Derry City last year.
The 26-year-old arrived at Blundell Park having played the first half of the season in Ireland, a summer league, and then went on to start the vast majority of games for the Mariners, so it’s understandable that he looked a little jaded towards springtime, but his overall contribution was crucial in achieving manager Artell’s preferred playing style and providing balance on the left side of his Mariners unit. Left-footed center-backs are somewhat rare in comparison to other players and positions, and the former Stoke City youngster’s comfort on the ball and willingness to overlap wing-back Denver Hume has been a useful attacking option that has enhanced the good qualities of his teammates on that flank.
Alongside his ability on the ball, McJannet has shown his combative qualities, too, while his positional sense and reading of the game is, perhaps, worthy of playing at a higher level.
The defender is heading into the final year of his contract, and, given his quality and potential, could well be a target for others.
Jason Dadi Svanthórsson
Icelandic international wide player Svanthórsson also joined the Mariners last summer, leaving native top-flight club Breidablik for an undisclosed fee to ply his trade overseas for the first time in his career.
It seems sense that the 25-year-old started the season a little inconsistently because he had to get used to a new club, nation, culture, and all that goes along with it.
But everyone could see the promise, and after switching to a right-sided wing-back position when Grimsby switched formations halfway through the season, Svanthórsson thrived and established himself as a crucial and dependable member of his team as they fought for a play-off spot.
Technically skilled, the Icelander is at ease cutting inside with his left foot or going to the byline. Over the last two months of the season, visiting scouts will have surely taken notice of the winger-turned-wing-back, who is one of the Mariners’ better dribblers and ball handlers. Artell will be trying to hold onto him through the upcoming season and beyond.
