TWO former Grimsby Town marksmen have thrown their support behind plans for a new stadium for the club.
Jack Lester and Micky Boulding – who played over 150 league games for the Mariners combined – both returned to Blundell Park earlier in the week.
But while playing in the Chairman's Challenge on Monday night brought back fond memories, they believe a move is vital as Town look to a positive future.
Lester told the Telegraph: "It's worked for nearly all the clubs that have moved.
"But they spoke about it when I played here, and that must be 20 years ago!
"It would be useful for the club – given the facilities that come with a new stadium.
"And the gates usually go up as well.
"I was at Chesterfield when they moved from Saltergate, and that was a massive boost to the club.
"Our gates doubled and the revenues went up – and they are now playing in a higher league.
"For them it's been a massive success.
"You always hope that it would bring that same success back to Grimsby.
"A new stadium might just be the kick-start they need to move back up through the leagues."
Lester was at Chesterfield when the club moved away from Saltergate in 2010 – and the Spireites have since gone on to earn promotion from League Two.
Meanwhile, across the bridge at Premier League Hull City, the switch from Boothferry Park co-incided with one of the most successful spells in the club's history.
Since 2002, the Tigers have been morphed from Football League basement boys to top- flight regulars.
Steve Bruce and co scaled even greater heights last term, reaching the FA Cup Final and earning a European place.
Of course, a new stadium does not guarantee success, but another ex-striker insists the Mariners must be willing to move with the times.
Boulding added: "I think moving to a new stadium would be absolutely great for the club.
"You have to be progressive in modern football.
"I was taking to John Fenty about it – he is a great guy, and has stuck by Grimsby all these years.
"He is the right person, and has got the right philosophy to help the club.
"If the fans are patient, and they get the new stadium and are progressive, they will do well.
"I think the main thing is you have got to keep moving forward – you can't stand still in this game.
"Football doesn't wait for anybody, and it doesn't take any prisoners either."
