David Artell says Grimsby Town are continuing to work behind the scenes as the Mariners enter the final five days of the summer transfer window.
Town welcome Fleetwood Town to Blundell Park on Saturday, with Artell also providing updates on the squad, the latest injury situation, Kristian Catchpole’s first professional contract and former Mariner Denver Hume’s retirement.
Here’s everything the Head Coach had to say ahead of Saturday’s game…
On the latest injury updates
Artell provided an update on Josh Andrews, Jamie Walker and the other members of the squad currently working their way back from injury.
“They’re all getting better,” he said.
“At what rate and how far away, no idea, but Mother Nature’s a good healer. She helps some more than others.
“But yeah, they’re all getting better.”
On new signing Sonny Finch
The Mariners added attacking midfielder Sonny Finch from South Shields earlier this week, with Artell excited about what the 21-year-old can bring to his squad.
“He’s a good player. He’s had a really good upbringing at Middlesbrough and we’ve had some really good feedback from people at Borough.
“He’s bright, he’s quick, scores goals, can play down the middle, off either side. So, he’s got that versatility and we think he’ll improve us.
“He’ll add into that group and hopefully he can score and create goals for us.”
Artell believes supporters can be excited about the potential of the new arrival.
“He’s been very highly rated, so he’s a player that fans can be really excited that we’ve got.
“I’m really looking forward to working with him. He’s come in and he’s quite a quiet lad. I think he’s probably just getting his feet under the table before he shows his true personality.
“But yeah, we’re excited to work with him and see what he can do.”
On Kristian Catchpole’s first professional contract
Young midfielder Kristian Catchpole signed his first professional contract with the Club this week, and Artell believes the 17-year-old has the raw ingredients to develop into an important player.
“I think the lad’s technically good at the minute. He’s got to get better, but he’s technically good at the minute and he’s got some potential.
“We’ve got to be careful. Potential is a dangerous word because we’ve all got potential to be something.
“He’s got a lot to learn still. We’re not expecting much of him in that sense. We’re expecting him to get better and try and work hard and really get the best out of himself every day.”
Artell says Catchpole has shown enough to convince the Club to invest further in his development.
“He’s a young kid, he’s only 17, 18. He’s got a long way to go.
“But we think he’s got enough of the raw ingredients for us to devote more time to him.
“So, we’re delighted he’s agreed and hopefully it’ll be the start of a decent career.”
On the anniversary of the Manchester United victory
It is one year since Town’s memorable Carabao Cup victory over Manchester United, with Artell believing the result changed perceptions of the football club.
“I think it helped the perception of the whole football club worldwide, definitely.
“Whenever you beat someone like Man United, deservedly so, I think people sit up and take notice.
“It wasn’t a fluke. It wasn’t a bad refereeing decision that they got or a wonder strike. It was a well-crafted, well-organised, well-put-together performance that deservedly beat a super club.”
Artell believes the wider impact of the result has continued to be felt.
“It was a special night and people sort of take notice of what you’re doing and what you’re building and how you’re going about your business.
“I do think it changed some people’s perceptions of the football club for the better, and hopefully that’s continued over the last 12 months as well.”
On Elliot Smith’s loan spell
Elliot Smith scored his first goal for Beverley Town this week, and Artell is pleased with the progress being made by the young midfielder during his loan spell.
“That’s why we send him there. He’s played a couple of games already.
“I have to say the manager there, Dave, has been really good. He’s provided really good feedback, and that’s what we want from our clubs.”
Artell says the same approach is being taken with Charlie Elliott at Cleethorpes Town.
“They’re there to learn, get to grips with the men’s game and come back an even better player.
“And that’s why we send them to these football clubs. We’re grateful that they take them and hopefully they do themselves and the football club proud while they’re on loan.”
On Denver Hume’s retirement
Artell also paid tribute to former Mariner Denver Hume following the announcement of his premature retirement from football.
“I had an hour on the phone with him on Tuesday. I think he might be coming to the game Saturday.
“He’s in a good space, certainly compared to when I last spoke to him a few months ago.
“He’s a great bloke. I think he got a lot of stick when he left here, unfairly, and it’s extremely sad what’s happened to him.”
Artell was full of praise for Hume’s professionalism during his time at the Club.
“His standards every day in training were exceptional. He wanted to get better, he was trying to improve every day and he was a real standout professional.
“Those qualities will carry him into any industry he chooses, whether that’s football, a different sport or something other than sport, because not everyone has them.
“He’s more than welcome to come down to the training ground at some point, see some of the lads and have a cup of tea.
“It’s a sad day for him personally, but I’m sure whatever he turns his hand to next, he’ll make a success of it because I know his character.”
On the final days of the transfer window
With the transfer window entering its final days, Artell confirmed that the Club continues to work on potential business.
“We’re trying. Whether that happens or not, I haven’t got a crystal ball, but we’re trying.
“I think overall, it’s been a fairly slow window. So, I can imagine next Monday and Tuesday being a bit of a bun fight.
“But we don’t need to do too much and I think we’ve got our ducks in order in that sense.
“We’ll see what the next five days entail.”
On the challenge of Fleetwood Town
Artell expects Saturday’s visitors to provide one of the Mariners’ toughest tests of the month, with Fleetwood yet to concede a goal this season.
“They’ve got a good coach, a good manager, they’re well organised. I don’t think they’ve conceded a goal yet.
“They’ve got a threat at the other end and they don’t give much up. I think when you’ve got them ingredients, you’re not going to be far away.”
The Head Coach believes Fleetwood have the flexibility to cause problems in different ways.
“They like playing football and they can go direct, which is the ingredients you need in League Two.
“We’ve got to take the game to them and stop them playing.
“We’ve got a tough game on Saturday. We’re going to need everyone, all the crowd, every single player who’s fit and available to step up to the plate because this will probably be our toughest test of the month.”
On Town’s recent record against Fleetwood
Town recorded two 1-0 victories over Fleetwood last season, but Artell expects another difficult contest.
“I think as tough, if not tougher.
“They have improved. We played them in March time and they’ll have had more coaching, all pre-season together.
“They’ll be, like I said, well drilled, well oiled.
“We’ve got to have the answers to their play and we’ve got to have the answers to their defensive play. If we do that, then we’ve got half a chance.
“If we don’t, then it’ll be an extremely tough afternoon for us because they’re a good team.”
On Saturday’s food bank initiative
The Club is partnering with We Are One and The Rock Foundation for a special matchday food bank collection, and Artell believes football clubs have a responsibility to support their communities.
“I think the social responsibility for any football club in their community is huge, whether that’s a giant like Man United or a smaller non-league or lower league club.
“And we’re no different.”
Artell says the growing connection between the Club and its community makes initiatives such as Saturday’s collection particularly important.
“We are one of the same. That’s how important football clubs are.
“So, if we can give a bit back to the local community, to those in real need, then we should do that.
“We’re fully aware of our social responsibility to our community and the wider community, not just Grimsby, but Cleethorpes and the greater north-east area.
“We can bring joy and pain and despair, and we want to try and make people happy. If we can help in any way, then we will obviously try and do that.
“So, it’s a great initiative and one that we’re proud to be part of.”
You can watch David Artell’s full pre-match interview here:
David Artell is sponsored by DH Tuck Accountants.
UTM
