By Grimsby sign promising Hull defender Andy Smith on loan
Paul Hurst has made his second signing of the day and third of the January transfer window, bringing in young Hull City defender Andy Smith on loan.
The 20-year-old joins on a youth loan until the end of the season, pending National League approval.
A club statement read: “Grimsby Town Football Club are pleased to announce the signing of Hull City centre-back, Andy Smith on a youth loan until the end of the season, subject to National League approval.”
He has spent the first half of this season on loan at Salford City, but has been recalled for his move to Blundell Park after only making four appearances for the Ammies.
Smith has been with The Tigers since the age of eight, before being given the captain’s armband for the u18’s before signing a new deal until the 2023.
Speaking to GTTV, the young defender said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be here, Grimsby is such a massive club, definitely not where we should be in the football pyramid.
“Salford was a good experience. I didn’t quite get the minutes that I was after but going and experiencing a bit of men’s football on my first loan has just done me wonders. Like I said I wasn’t getting the minutes that I wanted at Salford so hopefully coming here I can maybe do that and get some men’s football under my belt.
“I am an honest defender. I like to tackle, I like to block balls and hopefully, I can bring my passing game, I quite enjoy playing out from the back so hopefully, I can bring some of that to the team.”
Paul Hurst also spoke to GTTV, saying: “Andy was one that we were looking at, to be honest early in pre-season but he ended up moving to Salford, so I kept an eye on him, spoke to Gary Bowyer over there on his progress and although he hasn’t had a load of game time, I have kept my eye on him and he has always been on my list of possibles and obviously from a location point of view, it’s great.
“He is in the mould of new young centre-halves who are wanting to come out with the ball, he is good on the ball, can hit some nice passes, diagonals and balls in for attacking players. I like what I have seen, we have brought him in and he will add competition so I am pleased that he has come in and can show people what he can do”.
Smith fills the hole in the Mariners’ defence after Ryley Towler was recalled by Bristol City.
He could be among three debutants for Saturday’s match against Altrincham, after Scott Burgess and Danny Amos joined from Port Vale on deals until the end of the season.
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