Grimsby Town Football Club are delighted to announce that Elliot Smith and Alex Graham have accepted their first professional contracts with the Club ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

Forward Elliot Smith signs his first professional deal after progressing through every age group of the Academy system since joining the Mariners at under-8 level.

The South Kelsey-born youngster, who attended Caistor Grammar School, has enjoyed an outstanding campaign for the Youth Team and was recognised with the Under-18s Player of the Season award at the Academy Awards.

A technically gifted attacking player with an eye for goal, Smith has scored more than 20 goals this season and earned his First Team debut earlier in the campaign against Wealdstone in the Emirates FA Cup.

Smith has represented Grimsby Town at every level throughout his development and now takes the next step in his journey by signing professional terms with the Club.

Alex Graham also signs his first professional contract after an impressive rise through the Academy ranks since arriving at Blundell Park as a first-year scholar.

Originally from Durham, Graham previously played for Silksworth FC and County Football, where his performances against Grimsby Town caught the attention of Academy staff.

The defender was invited to trial with the Mariners towards the end of his under-16 season and impressed immediately, including during an Under-18 fixture against Notts County, which led to him being offered his apprenticeship with the Club.

Captain of the Youth Team in his second year as a scholar, Graham has continued to develop into a composed and reliable defender. He made his senior debut earlier this season against Bradford City in the Vertu Trophy and followed that up with another appearance away at Doncaster Rovers in the same competition.

Head Coach, David Artell said:

“Elliot has had a brilliant season and fully deserves this opportunity. He’s been with the Club since he was a young boy and has shown tremendous commitment, quality and consistency throughout his development. His goalscoring record this year has been outstanding and now it’s about continuing that progression in a professional environment.

“Alex has impressed everybody with the way he has adapted since joining the Club. He’s a leader, he’s competitive and he’s shown real maturity both with the Youth Team and when stepping into the First Team environment. We’re excited to continue working with both players and helping them develop further.”

Everyone at Grimsby Town Football Club would like to congratulate Elliot and Alex on signing their first professional contracts and we look forward to supporting them on the next stage of their journeys.

UTM