THE chance to jump on board and ignite Grimsby Town's promotion charge was just too good for either Christian Jolley or Gregor Robertson to refuse.
Paul Hurst welcomed both players to the club yesterday, as the Mariners signalled their ongoing Conference ambitions with a double signing.
Jolley and Robertson – who both signed deals until the end of the season – are now expected to be part of the matchday squad at Eastleigh (7.45pm).
But while a double Town debut could be just around the corner, both men are excited by the bigger picture at Blundell Park.
Jolley, 26, who was released by League Two side Newport last week, said: "Grimsby are in a great position to get promoted, and I want to be a part of that.
"I'm glad to have finally got the move sorted, and I just want to hit the ground running with some performances for the team.
"At this stage, the club have got a great foundation – we just have to take it game by game and put pressure on the teams around us.
"Eastleigh are having a great season, with good backing and good players.
"But going down to their place tonight, we have to stand our ground and make sure they recognise us as a good team.
"Hopefully I can get some minutes, but the boys have been doing well – and it's always tough getting into a winning team."
While forward Jolley will add to Town's attacking options, Robertson – formerly of Nottingham Forest, Rotherham and most recently Northampton Town – bolsters a defensive line-up currently missing the absent Aswad Thomas.
Given Robertson's link with Hurst – and assistant Chris Doig – the switch to Blundell Park is a seemingly natural one.
It meant the 31-year-old Scot had to drop out of the Football League for the first time in his career, but he plans to use that as motivation.
Robertson added: "I want to help Grimsby get promoted, and it's clear that is everyone's aim here.
"I've played with Chris (Doig) and Paul (Hurst), so I know them both as good football people.
"They got in touch with me and, once it became apparent I wasn't going to get much more football at Northampton, it seemed like a good opportunity for me.
"Grimsby one of the best and biggest clubs in this league.
"In an ideal world, I want to come here to play games and help the club get promoted.
"We want to be back in the Football League next season, and hopefully I can deliver help the club to deliver that aim.
"Obviously, dropping from the league was something for me to think about.
"But I know the club is in a really good position, and to be a part of that was very exciting – hopefully we can go on and do it."
Yesterday's double swoop was the culmination of a busy January transfer window for Hurst and Town – although the boss hasn't ruled out bringing in more new faces to the club.
But for now, he is delighted to have completed his pursuit of Jolley, while making sure there are enough options in defence in the absence of Thomas.
Hurst told the Telegraph: "Christian can play in the wide positions and down the middle, in either one of the formations we have used this season.
"He has got pace about him, and is a player we have admired for a while now.
"When Newport went up from this league, Christian showed great form and get a lot of goals for them – he is a big threat and hopefully we can get him back up to that.
"We want to build up his confidence, and bring out those positive things in his game that we know he's got.
"Gregor is a really experienced player, and can play in a several positions as well.
"He is a left-back primarily, but he can also play one up in midfield, or as a centre-back – he will give us that natural balance."
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