Dean Henderson’s UEFA Europa Conference League triumph with Crystal Palace on Wednesday night added another remarkable chapter to a small but prestigious piece of Grimsby Town history.

By captaining Palace to a 1-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig, the former Mariners goalkeeper became the latest player with Grimsby Town connections to experience success on the European stage.

In fact, four players to have represented the Mariners have now either won a major UEFA competition or been part of a victorious squad in a European final. From European Cups and UEFA Super Cups to the Europa League and UEFA Conference League, Grimsby Town can proudly point to players whose careers have included both Blundell Park and continental success.

Dean Henderson – UEFA Europa Conference League

Henderson’s rise to the top of the game has been one of English football’s standout success stories in recent years. After joining Grimsby Town on loan from Manchester United during the 2016/17 season, the goalkeeper initially had to wait patiently for his opportunity before eventually breaking into the side under Marcus Bignot.

Once given his chance, Henderson quickly impressed, making seven appearances and keeping four clean sheets before being recalled by Manchester United. It may only have been a brief spell on the east coast, but Henderson has repeatedly spoken about how important his time at Blundell Park proved in his development.

“When I was at Grimsby, that was when it clicked,” Henderson later reflected when discussing the early stages of his career.

Since then, the goalkeeper has gone on to establish himself in the Premier League and on the international stage with England, representing Sheffield United, Manchester United, Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace. Now, after lifting the FA Cup and Community Shield with Palace in 2025 and being appointed club captain earlier this year, Henderson has added European silverware to his growing list of achievements after leading the Eagles to UEFA Conference League glory.

Garry Birtles – Double European Cup Winner

Long before Henderson’s success, another future Mariner had already conquered Europe’s biggest stage. Garry Birtles remains one of the most decorated players ever to pull on a Grimsby Town shirt thanks to his extraordinary achievements with Brian Clough’s legendary Nottingham Forest side.

After joining Forest from non-league Long Eaton United, Birtles became a key figure in one of English football’s greatest ever success stories. He helped Forest win back-to-back European Cups in 1979 and 1980, defeating Malmö FF and Hamburg in successive finals, while also lifting the UEFA Super Cup.

Birtles even scored against holders Liverpool during Forest’s famous 1978/79 European campaign and went on to become a regular goalscorer at the highest level before later signing for Manchester United. Towards the end of his playing career, Birtles arrived at Blundell Park and helped the Mariners secure successive promotions, adding valuable experience and quality to the squad.

His name remains firmly associated with one of the greatest eras any English club has ever enjoyed in European football.

Neil Webb – European Success with Manchester United

Another former Mariner to achieve continental success was ex-England midfielder Neil Webb. Widely regarded as one of the finest midfielders of his generation, Webb enjoyed a hugely successful career with Portsmouth, Nottingham Forest and Manchester United, earning 26 England caps and representing his country at the 1990 World Cup.

After joining Manchester United in 1989, Webb helped the club win the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup in 1991 before also lifting the UEFA Super Cup later that year. Although injuries disrupted parts of his Old Trafford career, Webb remained an influential figure during an important period for the club under Sir Alex Ferguson.

He later joined Grimsby Town during the 1996/97 season, bringing vast top-level experience to Blundell Park before retiring from professional football shortly afterwards.

George McEachran – Europa League Winner with Chelsea

Outgoing Mariners midfielder George McEachran also has a European honour on his CV.

A product of Chelsea’s academy system, McEachran was named among the substitutes for the Blues during their 2019 UEFA Europa League Final victory over Arsenal in Baku. Chelsea ran out 4-1 winners to lift the trophy, with McEachran part of the matchday squad during the triumph before later gaining experience on loan in the Netherlands with SC Cambuur and MVV Maastricht.

The midfielder joined Grimsby Town in the summer of 2024 and quickly became an influential figure at Blundell Park, earning the club’s Player of the Season award during the 2024/25 campaign.

An Honourable Mention

While he never lifted a European trophy itself, there is also an honourable mention for cult hero Ivano Bonetti.

The Italian midfielder arrived at Blundell Park in 1995 with a glittering pedigree that included winning the Intercontinental Cup and Serie A title with Juventus, as well as reaching a European Cup final with U.C. Sampdoria. Bonetti’s flair, charisma and unforgettable impact made him one of the most iconic overseas players ever to represent the Mariners, cementing his legendary status among Town supporters.

A Proud Connection

From the European Cup to the UEFA Conference League, Grimsby Town’s history continues to be linked with players who have experienced success on some of football’s grandest stages.

Whether it was Garry Birtles helping Nottingham Forest conquer Europe, Neil Webb lifting continental honours with Manchester United, George McEachran being part of Chelsea’s Europa League-winning squad, or Dean Henderson captaining Crystal Palace to their first-ever European title, each player’s journey has included a chapter at Blundell Park.

And with Henderson now adding his name to that distinguished list, another piece of European football history carries a black and white connection.

UTM