The Fishy - Grimsby Town FC

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The Midfield Verdict

By: Paul Holmes
Date: 17/06/2001

IN THE THIRD of his series evaluating the pluses and minuses that came from last season, Paul Holmes turns his attention to the centre of the park - an area in which the Town squad was 'blessed' with the largest quantity of players.

Kevin Donovan

Kevin Donovan

A frustrating winger who at times returned to his former glories but that was only on rare occasions. The 29-year-old Wembley hero has incredible ability to unlock defences but rarely used his gift. Donovan scored some important goals, especially the last minute equaliser against Stockport. Often played in the 'hole' which he prefers but seems more effective wide. Out of contract in the summer and looks set to join Barnsley, the Halifax-born midfielder made unprofessional comments after the last game to a local radio station.

Moment of the Season: Solo goal against Fulham.

Stuart Campbell

Stuart Campbell

Utility midfielder who was loaned from Leicester in September, originally for a month. After impressing in the first month Lawrence managed to secure his services till the end of the season. Massive fan favourite who loves to run at players, played most of the season on the left wing despite been right footed. Scored two goals, although he really should have scored more. Campbell signed for the Mariners for a fee of £200,000 last month. The coming season will see Campbell playing down the right following the expected departure of Kev Donovan.

Moment of the Season: Breaking his Mariners duck against Forest.

Kingsley Black

Kingsley Black

Left winger who played a few games in the 'hole' at the beginning of the season. Spent a loan spell at Lincoln, from which he returned injured and spent the remainder of the season in the reserves. In the reserves he mainly played in as a central midfielder, after quickly settling he become a major goal scorer and played some great football. Despite efforts by Lawrence to retain Kingsley's services for another year, the allure of first team football attracted him to rejoin former boos Alan Buckley at Lincoln.

Moment of the Season: Rediscovering his touch in the reserves.

Stacy Coldicott

Stacy Coldicott

Tough tackling midfielder who did well to make so many appearances with strong competition all season long in Coldicott's area of the park. Always gives 110% and first in for every tackle. Lacks attacking play and his passing could be better. However his work in the engine room was vital this year, never more so than in the 1-0 victory against West Brom at the Hawthorns, in April. Scored a very important, yet scrappy, goal against Watford to win the game.

Moment of the Season: WBA away when he bossed Sneekes off the pitch.

Neil Murray

Neil Murray

Scottish defensive midfielder who despite being born north of the border counted as a foreigner as he was loaned from German side Mainz 05!! Small battler who never had a real chance to shine. Made a vital mistake against Wolves away before contracting a rare blood disorder which meant he went back to Germany.

Moment of the Season: Can say he played in the famous black and white stripes.

Alan Pouton

Alan Pouton

Cult hero the previous season who was a virtual spectator up until March. Injuries kept him in Paul Mitchell's physio room for long spells. First real spell in the side came after the Birmingham home game when after replacing the injured Wayne Burnett, Pouton bossed the Brum midfield before firing in the equaliser from the penalty spot. After the game Lawrence described him as 'Roy of the Rovers'. Played a huge part in the run in.

Moment of the Season: I would say the Birmingham game but, I've gone for when he offered every West Brom fan a fight after we beat them 1-0.

Wayne Burnett

Wayne Burnett

Burnett was another fan favourite who was in and out of the team due to injury. However this was one of the Londoner's better season with regards to appearances. Classy passer of the ball who at times looks as if he should be in the Premier League. Scored vital equaliser against Stockport on Boxing Day.

Moment of the Season: Unstoppable shot against Stockport.

Menno Willems

Menno Willems

Dutch Midfielder who was originally loaned from Vitesse Armhan before signing for £150k. Willems made his full debut against Crystal Palace as a centre back - a truly shocking debut. To be fair he was playing out of position and it was his powerful free kick which led to Kev Donovan's last gasp equaliser. Subsequently the Dutchman was drafted into central midfield where he came into his element with his tough tackling, powerful shots and good passing skills. Despite a good start Menno faded as the season wore on, the effects of the full Dutch season before joining Town began to show and Lennie gave Menno the chance to return to Holland to witness the birth of his child. On his return he struggled to find a place in the team until the final few games. Decided to dye his hair purple for the Birmingham game which was, well let's say it was different.

Moment of the Season: Scoring against Preston from an impossible angle, and almost breaking the keeper's fingers.

Andy Smith

Andy Smith

Young right-sided midfielder who was given a three month contract by Alan Buckley at the beginning of the season, later to be extended to the end of the season. Very slight player and not an individual performer but very good team player. Never given a first team opportunity. Released by Lawrence and is fully expected to go to Lincoln where Buckley will no doubt sign players with whom he has previously worked.

Moment of the Season: Another one who can say I played for Grimsby.

Adam Buckley

Adam Buckley

Son of the former manager who failed to break into the first team this year. Played some good stuff in the reserves but is expected to join his father at Lincoln.

Moment of the Season: Broke a seat in the Osmand once, in a reserve game. (Well I can't think of anything else).


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