Manager Reveals New Faces Could Start At Norwich

By: Richard Lord
Date: 05/04/2002

GRIMSBY Town boss Paul Groves will be forced to make changes in the starting line-up for the clash at Norwich City. Bradley Allen and Stuart Campbell look likely to sit out, and top scorer Michael Boulding is a doubt.

Speaking to the Grimsby Telegraph Groves said: "Bradley is almost definitely out. He pulled up in training and it seems like a slight strain. Michael is also a doubt with Stuart and we'll have to make a late decision on both. But that will give an opportunity to other people to come in and show what they can do."

Paul Robinson, the striker on loan from Wimbledon, may be given his chance in the absence of Allen - if the former QPR and Charlton marksman doesn't make it. Groves continued: "Paul Robinson has shown a sharpness and a hunger and he may well get an opportunity. With Stuart struggling it also brings in Terry Cooke. It means they can stake a claim.

"We're bringing in players with a hunger and, like Paul and Terry, they're either looking for a new contract here or looking to get in the shop window." Groves assured that Phil Jevons isn't a forgotten man. "Jevvo is still a part of the squad. He's still in our thinking and in and around the squad. We haven't forgotten about him and he looks sharp in training."

Turning his thoughts to the difficult run-in, Groves added: "We've got three difficult games left and we can't get worried about what others are doing. The majority of teams are fighting for something and with three points to win there's a lot at stake in every game.

"We can't do anything about what the other teams do. They don't interest me at all because it's all down to our performances and results. It's hard to put a definite target on a points tally. Going into the Norwich game we'll be happy with a point."

The good news from last night was that Crewe were beaten 2-0 at Wimbledon, which means the Railwaymen are now two points behind the Mariners with just one game in hand. And with Rotherham having to travel across to Gresty Road on the last day of the season, one of the two teams could have their fate sealed on April 21.

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