By Emotional goodbyes following GTFC’s Retained List announcement
Grimsby Town fans and players have expressed emotional responses following Town’s “Retained List” announcement yesterday.
As the 2021/2022 season is officially over, Town gaffer, Paul Hurst, had some incredibly difficult choices to navigate in preparation for life back in League Two!
Speaking to Gi Grimsby News at the Civic Reception on Tuesday 7 June, the Grimsby boss stated he had some tough decisions that needed to be addressed, further suggesting squad retainment was the “hardest” part of his managerial position.
Yesterday afternoon, the club officially published their retained list, which resulted in an array of emotional goodbyes from loanees, a club legend, and fans alike.
GTFC confirmed John McAtee, Shaun Pearson, Jordan Maguire-Drew, Gavan Holohan, David Longe-King, and Max Crocombe are all under contract for the upcoming League Two campaign.
Meanwhile, Oliver Battersby, Luke Waterfall, Michee Efete, Evan Khouri, Daniel Amos, Jordan Cropper, Ben Fox, Harry Clifton, Sean Scannell, and Ryan Taylor have all been offered news contracts!
Sadly, loanees Tristan Abrahams, Emmanuel Dieseruvwe, Arjan Raikhy, Joey Jones, and Andy Smith will depart Grimsby back to their parent clubs.
Lastly, Luis Adlard, Luke Spokes, Scott Burgess, Giles Coke, Adam Crookes, Erico Sousa, Lenell John-Lewis, James McKeown, Daniel Rose, and Max Wright have not been offered a new contract.
The Mariners concluded their announcement with an emotional thank you for players who will be leaving the club:
“We would like to thank those players who are departing the club for their efforts whilst representing Grimsby Town Football Club, helping us achieve our promotion back to the Football League. We would like to wish each of them all the very best for their respective futures”
Fans and players were quick to issue their gratitude to the Grimsby footballing family following the retained list announcement.
Firstly, club legend, James McKeown will leave the Mariners after 11 thrilling years of service – the Irishman issued a heartfelt statement which was met with love and best wishes from players and fans.
“I’m not emotionally stable enough for all the Macca tweets”, added one Mariner.
“The most sincere thanks to James McKeown & Max Wright who have been unbelievable for 10 & 15 years (respectively). Your service will not be forgotten”, added celeb Mariner, Lloyd Griffith.
In his goodbye message to fans, Macca described his stay at the club as an “honour”, adding that it was a “pleasure” to play for Grimsby Town.
This seasons super-sub, Emmanuel Dieseruvwe will also depart the Mariners after being signed on loan from Tranmere Rovers. In a touching message, Mani said:
“My time at the club was short but was most definitely sweet. I’m very glad I had the chance to play a part in helping the club bounce back up to the league and wish the staff, players and fans all the best for the future”
Fans were quick to thank the loanee for his effort this season whilst issuing best wishes for his future endeavours:
“Thank you for all your effort Mani! Memories I will never forget UTM”, said one proud Town supporter.
“Good luck for the future Mani. What you contributed will not be forgotten”, added another.
A massive thank you from Gi Grimsby News to all players who will depart the club! We wish you nothing but the best, thank you!
