PAUL Hurst has paid tribute to Grimsby Town's supporters who made the 480-mile round trip to Newport for Sunday's play-off defeat.
The Mariners had almost 700 fans in attendance in South Wales for what ultimately turned out to be a disappointing day.
But the travelling Town faithful were in good voice and on best behaviour despite the end result.
Joint boss Hurst remarked: "The fans were fantastic, weren't they?
"It was difficult to hear them from where we were because of the Newport fans right behind us.
"But we could see our fans singing and it's a long way to go on a Sunday, especially with work the next day.
"We obviously thank them greatly. They stood and waited right until the end, which is greatly appreciated because it's very easy to walk off when things aren't going your way."
The co-manager also urged the club's phenomenal support to join his players in returning refreshed for another promotion charge in two months' time.
"They'll have a bit of time off and in a few weeks time when we're all missing it and looking forward to getting back into pre-season, I'm sure they'll be back to cheer us on again," he added.
