New signing Paul Bignot targets Grimsby Town promotion push

PAUL Bignot is determined to do all his talking about Grimsby Town's promotion hopes where it matters most – on the pitch.

As reported online at www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk, the defender completed a one-year deal with the Mariners yesterday.

The former Blackpool man went straight into the action, making his Blundell Park debut in last night's friendly 2-0 defeat against Bradford City.

After impressing Town's bosses in Saturday's Lincolnshire Senior Cup defeat at Scunthorpe, a permanent deal was put on the table this week.

And the 27-year-old said accepting that offer was a 'no-brainer', having listened to Rob Scott and Paul Hurst's vision for the club.

"You hear people saying teams like Grimsby shouldn't be in this league, but I'm not going to be giving it that chat," he told the Telegraph.

"I'm just here to work hard – obviously I want to get back into the Football League and I know Grimsby want to get back in the Football League.

"So we've got to do our talking on the pitch.

"I liked what both of the bosses had to say about next season. They're singing off the same hymn sheet and want to achieve the same things.

"I want to be onboard with what they're doing – that's why I chose to sign here."

Explaining how the move came about, the ex-Newport County and Kidderminster player continued: "The gaffers invited me down a couple of weeks ago.

"They said they knew all about me and wanted to have a closer look and give me a chance to have a look at the club as well. So I came in and trained, and played against Scunthorpe at the weekend.

"They said they liked what they saw, but they needed to see me a game situation before they could put a deal on the table."

With trialist Chris Doig again in action last night – and seemingly in line for a deal – the Mariners' co-managers suddenly have much stronger defensive resources at their disposal. And Bignot's versatility won't do any harm either.

"Right-back is my strongest position but throughout my career I've played left-back for Crewe quite a few times and played centre-half a few times for Newport and Plymouth," he said.