Make Or Break Season Ahead!

By: Tony Hamilton
Date: 15/05/2003

PETER Furneaux revealed today in the Grimsby Evening Telegraph that Paul Groves had been handed enough cash to "sign" 10 players. This is a bold step by the Mariners board to try to get Town back to the 1st Division and next season could be a make or break attempt to achieve this.

With Town having twelve players still under contract, Groves will use this to keep the players he wants and to help him sign up others he has in mind.

"We have given Paul what we feel is a lot of money. He will say it is not enough, but managers say that whatever they are given," said Peter Furneaux.

"The money has come from the board and we feel that now is the time to start being upbeat about the new season. More money could be available if the fans buy the shares that are available now."

One player Groves might have his eye on is Preston's Michael Keane who has recently been linked to the Mariners. Another one could be Andy Dawson of Scunthorpe Utd who is also interesting Hull City. Today, reports indicated that Groves monitoring the situation of the 24-year-old player.

Irons Manager Brian Laws said; "I am aware of rumours that are circulating but as far as I am concerned there is no substance to them. I really do not know where they have come from. Hull City are a club who have been linked with a lot of good players and Andy Dawson is a good player.

"He is one of our players out of contract this summer, but we have put a good offer on the table to him to stay with us next season. I expect to be talking to him again early next week. I have a good open relationship with Andy. He has certainly not come to tell me of any decision to move anywhere."

But with hundreds of players being without clubs this summer, the Mariners will be very reluctant to pay transfer fees. Groves will have to balance his war chest and decide how much of this he will offer Georges Santos to stay at Blundell Park for next season. It now seems that John McDermott will leave the club after 16 years and apply his trade across the water at Hull City next season, and another big earner will leave the football club soon.

Meanwhile Mr Furneaux will be meeting with Phil Jevons to sort his future out at Grimsby. Jevons is not only on a big basic wage but also substantial appearance money. And, on top of that, every time he plays a further wad of cash has to wing its way to Goodison Park.

"Basically, we can't afford to play him, said the chairman. We shall be talking to him, his agent and Everton to see what can be done. If he wants to progress his playing career he has to get real."

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