Lakin in: Grimsby Town's dream XI for next season ft 6 realistic signings | OneFootball

With the opening of the summer transfer window imminent, supporters of Grimsby Town are awaiting news of more incomings as the club begin preparations for the 2024/25 League Two season ahead.

Many fans have their own wishlists in terms of potential transfer targets for the Mariners, and while competition for signings will be as fierce as ever, we've compiled a realistic XI that many Blundell Park regulars may be happy to see boss David Artell assemble.

Grimsby currently have 13 contracted players as we head into mid-June, with midfielder Callum Ainley and full-back Denver Hume yet to confirm their acceptance of the renewed terms offered in recent weeks. Midfielders Harry Clifton and Alex Hunt have moved on to Doncaster Rovers and York City respectively, while right-sided defender Tyrell Warren became Artell's first signing of the summer, penning a two-year deal upon his release from fellow fourth-tier club Barrow.

There is much to do, both on the training ground and in the transfer market, as former Crewe Alexandra manager Artell seeks to put together a squad able to compete more comfortably in what is sure to be another tough, demanding League Two.

With the return to pre-season training and early friendlies on the horizon, the Mariners will be looking to become more active with their recruitment in the coming weeks, and we've compiled what we believe to be an exciting, yet realistic XI - featuring six potential new recruits - that could help the club meet their goal of improvement.

Goalkeeper - Ethan Ross

Having helped his current club Altrincham achieve a National League play-off spot last season, former Stockport County and York City goalkeeper Ethan Ross could be ready for a move back to the EFL.

Now 27 years old, Ross had a good campaign at the J. Davidson Stadium, conceding just 45 goals over his 37 league appearances, keeping 10 clean sheets in the process. Phil Parkinson's side also play a possession-based game, meaning the goalkeeper is comfortable with the ball at his feet, something which Grimsby Town boss Artell would appreciate. Any move would likely require a fee, however, as Ross has a year left on his Robins contract.

According to The Real EFL, the Mariners are looking at a move for backup Lincoln City goalkeeper Jordan Wright. Ross would be a good alternative should that not come to fruition.

Right-back - Tyrell Warren

The 25-year-old defender became the Mariners' first summer acquisition when he agreed a two-year deal earlier this month. A versatile player, Warren is primarily a right-back but is also comfortable operating as a right-sided centre-back, wing-back, or midfielder.

Released by Barrow at the end of the 2023/24 season, Warren is a graduate of the youth system at Manchester United. Following productive spells at Halifax Town and the Bluebirds, his pace, strength and comfort in possession will be a boost for Artell's side next season.

Centre-back - Doug Tharme

Imposing central defender Doug Tharme has proved a very useful addition for Grimsby following his January move from Blackpool. In what was a difficult 2023/24 campaign, Tharme was one of the few positives as, once settled, he helped solidify a struggling Mariners defence.

Birkenhead-born Tharme comes across as a leader, with the 24-year-old decisive in both aerial and ground duels and composed in possession. His long throw is also an asset in terms of attacking threat and getting his side up the pitch.

Centre-back - Andy Smith

Hull City centre-back Andy Smith needs no introduction to fans of Grimsby Town. Having spent a season-and-a-half on loan at Blundell Park over the 2021/22 and 2022/23 campaigns, Smith played a key role in some memorable successes, including promotion from the National League and a once-in-a-generation FA Cup run.

Smith is a classy defender. Competitive in his battles, comfortable in possession, and quick on the recovery, he's also happy to play the left-sided central defender role, and all these attributes make him a potentially enviable option for Grimsby once again – particularly with minutes hard to find at Hull.

Left-back - Joe Newton

Energetic full-back Joe Newton caught the eye as part of a Solihull Moors side that reached the final of both the National League play-offs and the FA Trophy last time out.

The 23-year-old former Coventry City youngster's career seems to be on an upward curve, having joined the Moors from Havant & Waterlooville a year ago. It appears as though Newton's contract is due to expire at the end of the month, and having been awarded a spot in TNT Sports expert summariser Adam Virgo's National League Team of the Season, he represents an exciting potential target for the Mariners.

Central midfielder - Curtis Thompson

Like Tharme, battling midfielder Curtis Thompson made a big impact after joining from Cheltenham Town in January.

The experienced former Notts County and Wycombe Wanderers man brought a calm assurance to a Mariners' midfield in need of his nous, understanding and leadership qualities; attributes that played a major part in Grimsby avoiding relegation as the 30-year-old shielded the backline.

Confident in possession and aggressive in his efforts to regain the ball, Thompson is sure to be an important figure in Artell's engine room next season.

Central midfielder - Ethan Robson

Cultured midfielder Ethan Robson is another former Grimsby loanee, having spent time at Blundell Park five years ago.

The former Sunderland, Dundee, and Blackpool man has just been released by MK Dons, and while there will be no shortage of competition for his signature, he has all the abilities you'd want in a creative presence, something the Mariners will be desperate to add ahead of the new campaign.

Now 27 years old, Robson has great vision and passing ability, his left foot often capable of providing good service to the forward players, both from open play and set pieces.

He's exactly the kind of signing Grimsby Town need to aspire to in order to improve and progress further.

Central midfielder - Charlie Lakin

Released Burton Albion man Charlie Lakin is the complete midfielder at League Two level. Having impressed during a loan spell at Sutton United towards the end of last season, Lakin will have attracted interest.

If the Mariners could land the services of a player capable of dominating the centre of the park, both on and off the ball, while offering a genuine goal threat, having netted eight times in 21 games during his spell at Gander Green Lane, it'll give them every chance of a more successful 2024/25 campaign.

Forward - Charles Vernam

Wide attacker Charles Vernam had an injury-affected campaign last time out upon his return to the Mariners from neighbours Lincoln City.

However, once fully fit in the latter stages of the season, Vernam began to show Grimsby fans the abilities they know he's capable of, his direct running and dribbling often being his side's main creative outlet.

Having also filled in admirably in the wing-back role at times, the tricky player will be hoping to stay fit and have a positive year, both individually and as part of a more successful collective unit.

Forward - Danny Rose

Striker Danny Rose was head and shoulders above many of his colleagues in terms of consistent performance levels last season, earning the former Mansfield Town, Northampton Town, and Stevenage man the club's Player of the Year award.

The 30-year-old was also the club's leading goalscorer, with his work rate and desire equally appreciated by the Grimsby Town supporters. Rose, often captaining the side, leads by example and his success, experience and intelligence are imperative to the Mariners side moving forward.

Forward - Regan Linney

Altrincham have exercised the one-year option on aggressive forward Regan Linney's contract with the Robins, meaning any move for the 27-year-old will require a fee to be paid.

However, that fee could be well worth paying for a player who scores with regularity while also being able to comfortably operate anywhere across the forward line. We highlighted Linney, who has scored 20 goals in his 50 Altrincham appearances thus far, previously as a player, perhaps, ready for a move to the EFL, and as he heads towards the peak years of his career, he'd be a welcome addition to the Blundell Park ranks.