HANDYSIDE COMPLETES POTTERS SWITCH

The 27-year-old centre half has spent all of his career at Blundell Park, but has now signed a two-year deal with the Division Two outfit after his contract with The Mariners expired.

He has turned down a new contract with Grimsby, along with several other clubs who were chasing him, to sign for The Potters, leaving the manager Gudjon Thordarson delighted at the signing.

"We're delighted," said Thordarson. "Peter is a quality player - an excellent defender who is also very comfortable on the ball and approaching the peak of his career."

Handyside joins fellow new signings David Rowson and Siarhei Shtaniuk at The Britannia Stadium, as Thordarson continues to build a side capable of challenging for promotion.

Grimsby, meanwhile, have handed a trial to French defender Bertrand Ketchenke, who could be a ready-made replacement for Handyside.

"At the back there is nobody good enough in our price range that we have identified, nobody who looks right for us," said Lawrence.

"The last thing we would do is sign somebody just to fill a gap."