Grimsby Town's defence ready for promotion challenge

"OUR aim isn't to have the best defensive record in the league again next season – it is to get promoted."

That's the message from Grimsby Town's Shaun Pearson following the arrival of fellow centre-half Clayton McDonald last week.

With trialist Chris Doig also appearing to be on the verge of a deal, the Mariners have three centre- backs to choose from ahead of this evening's friendly at North Ferriby.

Paul Bignot's arrival last week provides further competition across the back four.

And Pearson believes everything is in place for Town to once again boast the Conference's meanest defence – having conceded just 38 league goals last season.

"It's great to see some new faces come in," he told the Telegraph. "We've got real competition across the back now.

"Early doors, there was only myself, Sam (Hatton) and Aswad (Thomas), so having these lads onboard will only push us on.

"Hopefully we can be as tight defensively, if not tighter, than we were last season. That could depend on how we play. Last season we weren't quite as offensive as we might be this time around.

"Our defensive record is massively important to me and I take great pride in every clean sheet.

"Ultimately, it's all about winning, though.

"As much as we want to be tight defensively, promotion is the one and only aim."

McDonald, right, made his Town debut against a Hull City XI on Friday evening, and Pearson has been impressed by the 6ft 6in defender.

"Clayton is obviously a big lad and should be a great addition," he added.

"Hopefully we can use his size and strength to our advantage at both ends of the field – you wouldn't think he's going to lose much in the air!

"He looks pretty mobile as well and if he wasn't a top player the gaffers wouldn't have brought him in."

Pearson has played alongside Doig throughout pre-season, and is benefiting from the former Nottingham Forest man's know-how.

He explained: "Doigy, being left-footed, brings some good balance, so that will definitely help out. He is a really calming influence and has some fantastic experience from the big clubs he's been at.

"I'm always looking to learn things and it's a great opportunity to do that with someone who has played at a higher level.

"Both Doigy and Clayton seem like top blokes and I can't wait to work with them."