The Striker Verdict
By: Paul Holmes
Date: 24/06/2001
IN THE FINAL part of his series evaluating the pluses and minuses that came from last season, Paul Holmes turns his attention to one of the rarest sights in professional football - a Grimsby Town striker.
Steve Livingstone
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Returned to the front line under Lawrence, having spent Buckley's final two seasons as a defender. Another huge fan favourite, Livvo was a major player for the club again this year and his effort against Fulham showed his commitment to the cause. Every striker's ideal partner due to his strength and ability to make space for others. Scored some key goals and was one of the 3 strikers who featured in the 4-3-3 formation in October. Has a gift for turning players brilliantly despite his size and speed. On the occasions when Livvo was injured Town looked absent up front.
Moment of the Season: Finally being returned to his natural role.
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David Nielsen
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Danish striker loaned from FC Copenhagen for 3 months arriving in a blaze of glory. Even before he arrived at the club the anticipation was evident. Nielsen came off the bench for twenty minutes against Huddersfield and instantly made a name for himself. Blistering pace and awesome strength guaranteed his place in the starting line-up against QPR just days later. With town losing 1-0 at half time Town introduced Livvo and went 4-3-3 with Nielsen, Livvo and Allen. The result was instant - Town ran out 3-1 winners with Nielsen scoring one and making the other two. He also celebrated with his trademark somersault. However details of his huge wage demands soon surfaced, a figure of around £6,000 a week was what Nielsen wanted. Town could not afford that. However when an agreement was eventually agreed but the Dane wanted Copenhagen to pay off the remainder of his contract. They refused and the Nielsen saga was over. Nielsen has since ditched his advisers who he admitted wrongly advised him and is now playing for Wimbledon.
Moment of the Season: Volley against West Brom which no keeper in the world would have stopped.
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Bradley Allen
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Another striker who struggled with injuries. Had a good run of form and goals in October and looked set to score at least 15 by the seasons end. However injuries got in the way and Allen enters his final year on his contract knowing that he needs a full season behind him.
Moment of the Season: Delicate lob against West Brom which left the keeper stranded.
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Michael Jeffrey
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Clever striker who was a target for the crowd's anger early in the season, however his quick thinking and a vital goal against Crystal Palace gave him a bit of breathing space. Chances were restricted and could move in the summer.
Moment of the Season: Tackling Donovan before crossing for Campbell to score against Norwich.
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Daryl Clare
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Another season for Clare and another disappointment, despite finishing the previous campaign in good form, he found himself loaned out twice. Returned to play as a sole striker against Huddersfield and he played very well. Never got another real chance and was released in May, despite the club turning down a £50,000 offer just 6 months earlier. Looks set to go to Northampton.
Moment of the Season: Huddersfield away, fought for everything. Still got slated though.
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Jonathan Rowan
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Local lad who made a huge impression on his debut when he scored with virtually his first touch against Wolves. A few bit part roles followed but injuries prevented him from anything else. One for the future and may get his chance in the coming season.
Moment of the Season: Scoring on his debut.
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Luke Cornwall
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Talented striker loaned from Fulham for the big run in. Having had a disappointing start Cornwall fired into life after coming on as a sub against Tranmere. With Town 1-0 down, a saviour arrived. Scoring two goals helped the Mariners win 3-1 in a most definite do-or-die game. That started a crucial run of 3 wins on a row. Without this amazing run the Town faithful would now be set to play in Div 2. Lucas Cornwall we salute you! Ever heard of how Mark Robins once saved Alex Ferguson's job at Man U by scoring in the last minute of a FA Cup tie. Well its fair to say that Cornwall, maybe not alone, saved our Div One status!. Looks set to possibly the join the Mariners in a deal worth around £75,000
Moment of the Season: Super strike in one of the performances of the season against West Brom
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