MARINERS Trust chairman Chris Parker has called on Grimsby Town to create a 'siege mentality' after the apparent departure of joint boss Rob Scott.
Parker admits he was as shocked as anyone to hear that Paul Hurst was to take sole control at Blundell Park – seemingly confirming that Scott had left the club.
He, like many, was left to speculate as to the reasons behind the announcement, which came as the Mariners prepared for this afternoon's clash at Luton (5.30pm).
And Parker believes fans and players have two choices at Kenilworth Road – let off the field matters drag them down, or unite together and fight in what he acknowledges are difficult circumstances.
"I knew absolutely nothing of this – I think it took us all completely by surprise," he told the Telegraph.
"Certainly with this afternoon's game, it could go one of two ways.
"It will either bring everyone together and make them say 'it's us against them and it's backs against the wall time – let's all unite together'.
"Or it will be a case of 'woe is me' everyone will have their chins on their chest and we'll get steamrollered.
"It certainly asks a big question of the players – hopefully they'll respond as fans will want them to."
Scott's apparent departure means that this afternoon's clash with the Hatters will be Hurst's first as a sole manager.
And Parker believes it is crucial, at this stage in the season, that the Mariners keep pace with the rest of their Conference rivals – despite the distraction of the current situation.
He continued: "Without knowing all the ins and outs of it, we don't truly know why it's happened.
"Although it is early in the season, the next few weeks are really going to shape it for us. We don't want to be playing catch-up.
"You want to maintain yourselves at least within striking distance.
"So as chairman of the Mariners Trust, I'd call on players and fans to unite together and create a siege mentality and do everything they possibly can to ensure that, whoever is in charge, we maintain ourselves within touching distance so that we can kick on when things settle down.
"None of us know where it's going or why it's happened, but it's a vital time.
"We cannot surrender the season in the first week of September."
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