Grimsby Town: January recruits have solved two-fold issue that could be key to safety - View | OneFootball

With less than three weeks of the regular League Two season remaining, Grimsby Town are still scrapping for points in their quest for Football League survival, but they have undoubtedly benefitted from the signings of Doug Tharme and Curtis Thompson, both of whom were brought in by manager David Artell in the January transfer window, adding much-needed physicality and leadership qualities to a Mariners side perhaps missing that streetwise edge previously.

It's largely been a season to forget for Grimsby fans. A steady start quickly turned into a tough slog that has seen the Mariners struggle at the wrong end of the table throughout and still looking for points in their attempts to remain in the fourth-tier. Both previous boss Paul Hurst and his November replacement David Artell have struggled to get a consistent tune out of the squad, though Artell's new year acquisitions could prove crucial when it comes to the crunch.

Over the course of January, Grimsby added striker Justin Obikwu, attacking midfielder Harry Wood and full-back Liam Smith on loan from Coventry City, Hull City and Cheltenham Town respectively, while left-sided defender Denver Hume, battling midfielder Curtis Thompson and central defender Doug Tharme joined on a more permanent basis from League One sides Portsmouth, Cheltenham and Blackpool; and while all have played their part over the last few months, the latter two in particular have proved to be very astute and important additions.

It's fair to say 24-year-old centre-back Tharme has had a somewhat nomadic start to his career, having spent time at the likes of Wrexham, Connah's Quay Nomads, Southport and Accrington Stanley prior to joining Grimsby for an undisclosed fee from the Tangerines at the start of the year. However, having scored on his debut in a 2-1 home defeat to Tranmere Rovers, the big defender has gradually settled into the side, adding a real physical presence at the heart of the Mariners defence, and a sense of composure that was perhaps previously lacking in a struggling Grimsby backline.

Experienced, battle-hardened midfielder Curtis Thompson is arguably an even more important signing. The tenacious former Notts County and Wycome Wanderers man, brought in to replace Kamil Conteh following his move to League One Bristol Rovers, has given the Mariners engine room a real boost in terms of nous, his experience and reading of the game allowing him to assess situations quickly and act decisively at key moments; while his guidance of those around him has been helpful overall.

Although Grimsby have still found things tough going with Tharme and Thompson in the side, the pair have made a notable, positive difference, with the skill-sets they offer having been largely absent in the Mariners side before their arrival, and all associated with the Blundell Park side are hoping they'll prove pivotal in the continued battle for safety.

Grimsby signings have improved teammates' performances

At every level, a reliable, commanding spine in a side is a vital part of its make-up. With Tharme, Thompson, and the ever-reliable striker Danny Rose, who has by far been Grimsby's standout performer this season, the Mariners now have that. The continued fitness and inclusion of the trio is imperative for the end-of-season run-in, particularly with some tough away games on the horizon.

Something else that has been very noticeable in recent times, is the improvement in performances of other members of Artell's squad since Tharme and Thompson came in. The change to a 3-5-2 formation is also a factor in this, but it's noticeable how the likes of defenders Harvey Rodgers and Toby Mullarkey and midfielders Kieran Green and Jamie Andrews (on loan from West Bromwich Albion) have looked far more steady and effectual since the arrival of the duo.

While there have still been some disappointing and disjointed displays in recent months, the side have, on the whole, generally looked calmer and more streetwise, showing less naivety at crucial stages and breaking up the game when necessary when, perhaps, they wouldn't have in the past.

Grimsby still to fully utilise huge advantage

As well as being a solid, no-nonsense defender, Doug Tharme possesses a very long-throw, though Artell's men are still to make full use of what is a huge asset. Despite putting numerous throws into opponents' penalty-box, often right into the six-yard box and on top of the goalkeeper, Grimsby have rarely won the first or second balls to create opportunities, and with the likes of Rodgers, Mullarkey and Rose in the mix, this is frustrating to the coaching staff, players and supporters alike.

Where Tharme's throw-ins have been beneficial, however, is in clearing the ball from defensive positions and getting the Mariners up the pitch into opposing territory with more ease. This certainly helps relieve pressure, particularly when Grimsby are leading and looking to run the clock down.

While Artell will be hoping his side can fully maximise the benefits of Doug Tharme's long-throws in upcoming games, there is little doubt his January recruitment and the additions of the defender and Thompson have improved his side and given the Mariners a better chance in their battle to stay up.