Grimsby Town bosses want 'no mistakes' in transfer market

DUE diligence on Grimsby Town's signings has to be more thorough than ever – and Rob Scott insists: "We don't want any mistakes this year."

The Mariners bosses readily admit that new faces don't always pan-out as they – and the fans – might hope.

But they remain proud of their record in the transfer market since arriving at Blundell Park, and are determined to build on that success this summer.

And, with a reduced squad to work with next season, their dealings will have to be more precise than ever.

"We're patient and happy to be patient in getting the right player at the right cost to us," Scott told the Telegraph.

"We've got to make the right decisions. We don't want to make any mistakes this year although there's always the ones that come up and surprise you – in good ways and bad.

"We'll sit tight, continue to do our due diligence on players and hopefully get the right ones.

"It's very quiet at all levels at the moment, even at the top level.

"The game has changed, even from five or ten years ago when everything was moving pretty quickly.

"The number of players out there dictates that and that's driving the market down a bit, which is good news for us."

So far, only Scott Neilson and Scott Kerr have arrived after a total of 13 players – including five loanees – exited the club at the end of last season.

But with almost two months until the new campaign kicks off, patience remains the watchword for the co-managers.

Scott said: "We have to be brave and keep our cards close to our chests. We don't want to do too much too early in case we get offered some names that we didn't think we could get.

"What we're certainly doing this season is looking at bringing more quality in and hopefully taking it to the next level.

"A lot of people have asked why there was such a 'culling' of the squad, but we have to accept that players were looking to move on, or looking for certain deals.

"What we did have last year was a really good squad – the lads were all honest and hard-working – but we just felt that we could add a little more quality.

"We utilised the loan market well, but we obviously lost those lads and other lads didn't fit into our plans for the upcoming season.

"That's just the way things work in football – things change season upon season."