Grimsby chairman John Fenty has issued a statement defending the club's policy following their poor start to the season, and warns of looming financial problems. The statement starts with a refreshing admission: "The Club's Chairman and Manager have been coming under mounting criticism, which is the fans prerogative and goes with the territory."
The open and honest statement continues: "Fans want us to sign players and get wins. It might surprise some but the Board are fans too and want the same. We are trying desperately hard to achieve this, but we need a break, a bit of luck and a few scruffy goals wouldn't go amiss to go with our good performances."
Fenty, however, warns that finances at the club are in a dire position: "The Club requires a substantial financial injection within the next two months, in excess of two hundred thousand pounds, to pay its way. So far home attendances have been below budget and if this trend continues, even that amount of money will not be enough to see us through to the end of the season.
"We also have approximately three hundred and fifty thousand pounds to find over the next two years to pay off the tax debt baggage from the past."
The statement ends with an open plea for fresh blood, and money, in the boardroom: "The Board have never been shy of opening the door to new potential Board members. This has been well publicised. There simply is not a stampede looking to take over the Grimsby Town Football Club or join the Board of Directors. If you are out there and can make a difference, the Club needs you and your support! Contact the Chairman."