Grimsby Town should sign 30-year-old - he solves three-fold issue for David Artell | OneFootball

The Welshman, who is a free agent, would be a sensible signing for a Grimsby side still looking to strengthen in certain areas.

Grimsby Town have already done much of their summer recruitment, with seven new arrivals at Blundell Park in recent weeks and months. The likes of Christy Pym, Jamie Walker, and Jayden Sweeney have been brought in by David Artell in an attempt to build on a strong campaign last time out, but there remains work to do in certain areas.

The Mariners still require at least one more forward to compete with the likes of Danny Rose, Cameron Gardner, and Jaze Kabia, a recent acquisition from National League South champions Truro City.

Whether that comes in the shape of a loan signing or another permanent capture remains to be seen, though Grimsby also need some defensive reinforcements, too, with a central defender and a right-back likely to remain of interest to Artell before the closure of the window at the end of August.

The Mariners may also be looking for one more defensively minded midfielder to compliment the likes of George McEachran, Evan Khouri, and Géza Dávid Turi in the engine room.

There's one free agent available that could cover all three of those aforementioned defensive roles, with former Salford City and Newport County man Liam Shephard yet to join a new club.

Shephard's experience and adaptability make him an ideal candidate for Grimsby

The 30-year-old came through the ranks at Swansea City in 2014, before spending three separate loan spells with Yeovil Town over the following three years.

Peterborough United swooped to take Shephard to London Road on a permanent basis in the summer of 2017, though he'd only have one year with the Posh before leaving for Forest Green Rovers.

After a little over two years with the Gloucestershire outfit, the versatile defender left and signed for Newport County in 2020. A year later, however, Shephard was on the move again, joining Salford City, where he'd spend the next four years prior to his recent release.

The South Wales native is a seasoned campaigner at League Two level, having amassed well over 200 appearances in the fourth-tier, along with gaining some experience in League One, too, over the past ten years.

Comfortable in possession, combative in the challenge, and possessing good positional sense, Shephard's experience, combined with his ability to operate in multiple roles, could make him a shrewd target for Artell and Grimsby.

Shephard impressed against Grimsby last season

Shephard was one of Salford's most impressive performers as he and his teammates won 1-0 at Blundell Park towards the end of last season.

In a game of few chances, the former Swansea youngster stood out with his ability to pick up second balls, draw fouls, and keep possession.

Coming out of defence to great effect to both regain loose balls or start attacking movements, Shephard's performance was simple, but hugely effective, and his attributes would almost certainly suit an Artell side looking to move the ball quickly.

Whether the Pentre-born man is on the Mariners' radar remains to be seen, and they may be looking for a little more height and presence to work alongside their current defenders. However, the seasoned professional would certainly cover a few bases, should he make the move to Grimsby in the near future.