Mariners appoint Newell

Former Luton and Hartlepool boss handed Grimsby job

Last updated: 6th October 2008

mike newell

Newell: New job

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Grimsby Town have appointed Mike Newell as their new manager.

The Mariners have had a torrid start to the new League Two season and are still without a win after nine games.

Alan Buckley was axed late last month and now Newell has been handed the hot-seat at Blundell Park, agreeing a three-and-half-year contract.

Newell has been out of work since March 2007 when he departed Luton Town, who he had guided to the League One title the season before.

Previously, Newell was in charge at Hartlepool United, who he also gained promotion with.

Bitter taste

Newell, who hit the headlines in January 2006 when he claimed 'bungs' were rife in transfer dealings, admitted that he is only now ready to return to the game following his exit from Luton.

When asked if his return had come out of the blue, Newell told Sky Sports News: "Pretty much, yes.

"I got a phone call from the chief executive a week last Sunday saying the chairman and the directors wanted to speak to me, and that was all I needed.

"If I'm perfectly honest, for 12 months or so there was a little bit of a bitter taste from the way it ended at Luton and the way I was put out of the game.

"I needed to be sure that this was what I wanted to do again, and I think that feeling has only returned in the last month or so."

Grimsby chairman John Fenty added: "The directors are delighted with this appointment of this forward-thinking manager.

"It is now hoped that the fans and everybody associated with the club all get behind him."