Grimsby Town currently sit in the middle of the table in EFL League Two so far this campaign, with them positioned 12th on 45 points.
Now, with the remainder of the season coming up, Grimsby Town will be looking to climb up the table and potentially launch a pursuit for the playoffs within the remainder of the season.
Ahead of their next fixture against Wolves in the FA Cup on the 15th of February, I sat down with Chris Kelly to talk all things Mariners in a Grimsby Town interview.
Before we start, I would like to thank Grimsby Town fan Chris for taking part in this Grimsby Town interview.
His responses were informative and aim to give you an insight into Grimsby as a club currently.
“It’s been another decent season on the whole, so far.
“We started very strongly, though, perhaps, it’s fair to say our Cup exploits took their toll on us in the latter part of 2025, where we had a very poor run, despite performances being decent in the main.
“We have got back on track of late and pushed ourselves back into the play-off race. Lots of sides are in that battle, however, and I’d class us as outsiders at this point.”
“My thoughts are still very much the same. We are a capable side at this level, with play-offs a definite possibility.
“But there’s very little between most sides in the top 15 or 16, and another dip in form will prove costly to our chances.
“We’re strengthening on and off the pitch all the time, however, so hopefully that will lead to success, be that this season or in the future.”
“We’ve had plenty of players excel this season.
“Charles Vernam has been a real creative presence on the left.
“Harvey Rodgers has been very consistent at right-back, while the addition of goalkeeper Jackson Smith has been paramount to our recent return to form, keeping multiple clean sheets and bringing an assurance to a defence that had previously looked a little jittery.”
“Jaze Kabia has probably surprised me the most this season.
“The forward joined from National League South champions Truro City over the summer and has made the jump in levels seamlessly.
“He’s scored 14 goals in all competitions at the time of writing, and has had a heavy workload due to injuries to our fellow attackers.
“Now playing in a slightly wider role following the arrival of Andy Cook, Kabia has shown his ability to adapt and flourish, and was rumoured to have already attracted interest from League One clubs last month.”
“We’ve had a great time in cup competitions this season.
“Knocking Manchester United out of the Carabao Cup was a very special night, once-in-a-lifetime stuff.
“An enjoyable night at Hillsborough followed, before we were well beaten by a classy Brentford outfit in the Fourth Round.
“At the time of writing, we’re still in the FA Cup and will be facing Premier League opposition once again as Wolves visit in the Fourth Round.
“We’ve had some kind draws in previous rounds, where we’ve faced non-league opposition at home at every stage.”
Do you think your manager, David Artell, has done a good job this season, and why?
“Artell has carried on the progress made over recent times.
“He improves players on the training ground, and continues to build a squad stronger in depth and quality than we’ve had in the past two decades.
“There’s no guarantees in football, but it does feel that Artell and the club are a really good fit for one another for a successful future.”
Have your owners supported your team enough this season?
“Our owners are a breath of fresh air.
“Always happy to support the manager in the transfer market whenever possible, they continue to evolve the club as a whole in a positive fashion.
“Their innovative approach to data and investment has enabled us to put together a very competitive squad and made the move to Blundell Park a more attractive option to potential new recruits.”
Which position has been the most beneficial to your side this season?
“There’s many areas that have proved important for us over the campaign as a whole.
“Our depth in wide areas and midfield has allowed us to become a creative force competing on multiple fronts.
“However, as mentioned previously, the January loan addition of Jackson Smith (from Barnsley) in goal has brought the most benefit.
“Previous number one Christy Pym had become error-prone, costing us points and lacking in confidence, which had a knock-on effect on the back line in front of him.
Smith has been superb, and it would be great to see him make the move more permanent in the summer.”
Which position do you feel has held your team back the most this campaign?
“Aside from the aforementioned goalkeeper situation, it’s perhaps our previous lack of options up front that had held us back a little.
“Cameron Gardner’s untimely injury didn’t help. Nor did Danny Rose’s (now at Barrow) persistent fitness issues over the first half of the season.
“With Jude Soonsup-Bell taking time to get up to speed, it left Jaze Kabia to plough a lone furrow too often in the winter months.
“Kabia did brilliantly, but we lacked options.
“The issue has been addressed now with the January signings of Andy Cook and Tyrell Sellars-Fleming from Bradford and Hull, respectively, along with the imminent return of Gardner.”
What do you believe to be a realistic aspiration for your team in the closing stages of the season?
“Realistically, another top 10 finish would be a good season.
“The play-offs are a possibility, however, and given our strength in depth throughout the squad and our January additions, there’s reason for optimism going into the final stretch.”
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