We are delighted to welcome former Mariners forward Danny North back to Blundell Park as our Returning Mariner for Saturday’s Sky Bet League Two fixture against Northampton Town.
Supporters inside the stadium will have the opportunity to welcome Danny back to his former home, with the former Town striker set to be presented to the crowd on the pitch at half-time.
A product of Grimsby Town’s youth system, North progressed into the first-team setup at the start of the 2004/05 season under manager Russell Slade, beginning a journey that would see him make his mark in black and white.
He made his professional debut for the Mariners on 5th February 2005, coming off the bench in an away fixture against Bristol Rovers, before continuing to develop as part of the Club’s first-team squad.
North scored his first senior goal for Town against Bristol Rovers in February 2007, helping the Mariners to a memorable 4-3 victory. Under the returning Alan Buckley, he began to establish himself as an important attacking option and continued to make an impression in front of goal.
His progress was rewarded in April 2007 when he scored his first senior hat-trick in a 5-0 victory over Barnet, including a late penalty to complete the treble.
North also etched his name into the Club’s history books in August 2007, scoring Grimsby’s 7,000th goal in all competitions during a League Cup tie against Burnley at Blundell Park.
The forward enjoyed an impressive spell during the 2007/08 campaign, earning the League Two Player of the Month award for January after scoring four goals in five matches. He finished the season as Town’s leading goalscorer, with his performances attracting interest from clubs higher up the football pyramid.
After overcoming fitness and injury setbacks, North continued to feature for the Mariners before departing the Club in February 2010.
Following his time at Blundell Park, he took his career overseas to Ireland, representing St Patrick’s Athletic before joining Sligo Rovers in 2012. He later played for Shamrock Rovers, gaining valuable experience in Irish football.
North subsequently returned to England and continued playing in non-league football, turning out for a number of clubs including Cleethorpes Town, Lincoln United and Barton Town.
Having remained involved in the game since his playing days at Grimsby, North has also moved into coaching and is currently assistant manager at Brigg Town.
Saturday provides a fitting opportunity to welcome Danny back to Blundell Park and celebrate his contribution to the Mariners, from his development through the Club’s youth system to his memorable moments in the first team.
We look forward to welcoming Danny back to his former home and giving supporters the opportunity to show their appreciation for a player who came through the ranks at Grimsby Town and made his mark in black and white.
UTM
