Ex-Rangers defender Bilel Mohsni and non-league starlet Ira Jackson became the Mariners’ first summer arrivals on Tuesday, so where do they fit into Ian Holloway’s team?
Jackson to emulate Bogle at Town?
Grimsby Town fans have long-awaited news regarding squad improvements, and they were promised just that by Holloway last week as the squad returned to training.
Young forward Jackson was training amongst the returning Grimsby players and made enough of an impression to his new manager to secure a two-year deal.
The 23-year-old scored directly contributed to 35 goals in 36 starts (26 goals and nine assists) for Isthmian League club Folkstone Invicta and comes in as a much-needed replacement for Charles Vernam.
Whether Jackson comes in as a regular starter for next season remains to be seen, with the jump from level seven to level four of the English football pyramid likely to take some adjustment for the new arrival.
A return of fan favourite striker Omar Bogle was ruled out by Holloway last week but in Jackson, they have secured a player with similar qualities, with his clinical finishing, pace and power likely to serve him well at his new club.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Jackson was also full of admiration for his new manager, explaining just how influential he was in making the move up to Grimsby.
"I think he was pretty much 95% of the influence in me coming here, to be honest," said Jackson.
"As soon as I heard that Ian Holloway was interested in me as a player and some of the stuff he was saying to me and my Dad about me as a player and what I could potentially go on to do, it was like a godsend, it's a perfect opportunity to come work under a manager with Premier League experience and I want to push on.
“It's about taking this opportunity well and I want to thank God for this opportunity to progress in my career.”
“He is my leader, he’s my Virgil Van Dijk”
Those were the words of the Mariners boss, speaking about his new centre-back Mohsni, who arrives at the club with a wealth of experience.
The 33-year-old Tunisia international has agreed to an initial one-year deal and returns to England after spells in his native France and Greece.
His arrival gives Holloway plenty of options at centre back with Mattie Pollock, Luke Waterfall and Ludvig Ohman all having been retained for next season.
One of Mohsni’s stand-out qualities as a defender is his goal-scoring ability, scoring 11 goals for Rangers in the season which they won the League One title in Scotland, as well as 18 goals for Southend United over a three-year spell. His ability to contribute in this way makes him a versatile player and a great addition to Holloway’s squad.
"He can play anywhere, to be honest with you,” the Grimsby manager added.
“In France, they have a sort of hall of fame, where they let anybody without a contract train and play with others and they play against clubs.
"He kept playing, he played nearly 30 games in that environment and he's a wonderful man, I've known him for a very very long time, he's a little bit firey I must admit, but I've forgiven him and I want him here to help us with our young lads.
“I'm absolutely delighted he's decided to join me, he had other choices but because we were so close last year, he's decided he wanted to come back to me.” [via gtfc.co.uk]
