Ahead of the Spireites’ return to the Football League and League Two, we are taking a look at all 23 other teams that make up the division.
We are continuing with Grimsby Town:
FACT FILE
Team Name: Grimsby Town Football Club
Nickname: The Mariners
Year Founded: 1878
Stadium: Blundell Park
Capacity: 9,546
2023/24 SEASON
After finishing mid-table in the previous season, Grimsby Town looked to improve in the 2023/24 campaign. Between the start of the season and the end of October, the Mariners only won three league games from their first 16 games. This cost Paul Hurst his job and he was replaced by David Artell in late November – they went three unbeaten during that time. After another three games without defeat, the side saw their good form start to slip. A single win in nine kept Grimsby close to the relegation zone. However, another six-game unbeaten run practically guaranteed safety. Artell’s side finished 21st in the table, seven points relegated Sutton United.
MANAGER
David Artell had a 19-year playing career with his stints at Chester City, Morecambe and Crewe Alexandra being his most notable – as well as making seven appearances for Gibraltar. After finishing his career with Droylsden in January 2017, he immediately began his managerial career with Crewe Alexandra. In 2020, he guided the club to promotion to League One after COVID-19 brought an abrupt end to the season – becoming the first person to win promotion as a player and manager for Crewe. Unfortunately for Artell and his side, they would suffer relegation back to League Two just two years later. His four-and-a-half year stint at the Mornflake Stadium came to an end in April 2022. After spending over 18 months out of management, Artell replaced Paul Hurst as Grimsby Town manager.
KEY PLAYER
In Danny Rose’s first season at Blundell Park, he was shining light in what was a disappointing year for Grimsby Town. The striker is no stranger to scoring goals in League Two and he will be hoping for more the same during the 2024/25 campaign.
Last season in numbers:
Appearances – 41
Goals – 15
Assists – 3
Yellow Cards – 7
Red Cards – 0
Minutes Played – 3,469
PLAYED FOR BOTH
Upon leaving Solihull Moors in January 2017, Akwasi Asante joined League Two side Grimsby Town. Opportunities were few and far between for the attacker as he made nine appearances before the end of the season. After injuries hampered the start of his 2017/18 campaign, he re-joined Solihull Moors on loan. Asante left Grimsby in January 2018 before joining Tamworth.
A scintillating 2019/20 season for Chester and an equally impressive start to the next campaign with Gloucester City opened the chance for Asante to join Chesterfield in November 2020. The striker immediately became a fan favourite, scoring ten times in 24 games. Unfortunately, he suffered an ACL injury in March 2021 – ruling him out for nine months. Upon the Dutchman’s return to action, he got back into the swing of things. However, less opportunities and reoccurring injuries led to Asante’s departure in November 2023 ahead of a move to Darlington.
HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORD
P 93 W 29 D 23 L 41
Chesterfield vs Grimsby Town has always been a game that has delivered in both goals and drama. The Mariners have the better record and have also only lost once in the six meetings.
PREVIOUS GAME
The two sides last met at the SMH Group Stadium in the National League back in April 2022. Chesterfield took an early lead when Laurence Maguire headed home Liam Mandeville’s cross from close-range. Grimsby would respond and find themselves 2-1 up just after the half hour mark; John McAtee and Gavan Holohan both produced thunderous strikes that flew past Scott Loach. The visitors extended their lead in the second half when Harry Clifton’s looping header glanced in off the post. Ryan Taylor added a fourth 12 minutes from time with a slotted effort beyond Loach.
