New Grimsby Town signing James Tilley says manager Ian Holloway played a ‘big part’ in his transfer to Blundell Park.

The attacking midfielder signed an initial 18-month deal with Town, as he made the move from Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion, earlier today.

And a special home visit from Ian Holloway to Tilley’s parents helped him make his decision to join the Mariners, the 21-year-old has revealed.

Speaking exclusively on iFollow Mariners, he said: “I’m definitely really happy to get it over the line – when the opportunity came around I jumped at it straight away.

“It’s a good opportunity for me to come and play at a big club, with a lot of fans, so I’m really looking forward to get going.

“I wasn’t there when he visited my home – I had a game so I was in Yeovil, but he went to meet my Mum and Dad at my house.

“Everything he had to say was really positive – he has big ambitions for the club.

“He said the way he wants to play football, and that it would suit me, and he really wanted to get me up here.

“So as soon as I heard back from my Mum and Dad I set my sights on coming here straight away.

“He definitely played a big part in me coming here – he was really keen to get me in so straight away that made my mind up, and I’m really happy to be here now.”

And Tilley, who has made 21 appearances on loan at National League side Yeovil Town this season, says his preferred positions are on the wing or in the number 10 role.

He said: “Either just behind the striker or on either wing – they’re my most effective positions.

“I’m quite a creative player and I’ll create chances for the strikers and other players around me.

“I can create chances and provide assists, and dribbling is probably my main attribute.

“And hopefully I can also chip in with a few goals during my time here as well.

“I just want to win as many games as possible for the team, and hopefully play a lot of the games.”