David Artell must add this one thing to make Grimsby Town even better next season | OneFootball

Grimsby suffered with injuries in the attacking department last season, and must add pace alongside Danny Rose to progress again next time around.

David Artell transformed Grimsby Town from a side that narrowly avoided relegation from the EFL in 2023/24 to one that came very close to achieving a play-off spot the following campaign. However, while the Blundell Park outfit can be pleased with their development over the last 12 months, they'll be keen to kick-on again next year, and in order to do that, further clever recruitment over the summer will be key.

In a previous article, we looked at how and why the Mariners will need to improve defensively if they are to make the jump from top seven nearly men into genuine promotion candidates. However, that isn't the only area that requires attention, with captain Danny Rose needing more varied and reliable support at the sharp end if Artell's men are to go from strength to strength in the coming season(s).

Grimsby undoubtedly looked more of an attacking threat overall than in previous EFL campaigns, with the likes of forward-thinking full-back Denver Hume having an inspired year in terms of providing assists from the left flank, Jason Dadi Svanthórsson's rapid improvement on the opposite side, and energetic midfielder Kieran Green coming on leaps and bounds under the stewardship of Artell, with the former Crewe Alexandra boss turning the hardworking battler into a technically sufficient, all-action attacking engine room talisman who has struck up a great relationship with Rose in opposing territory.

Add in some memorable, if a little sporadic, moments of class from loanees Jayden Luker, Jordan Davies, Luca Barrington, and Justin Obikwu, and it's easy to see why the Mariners looked a much better outfit for much of the 2024/25 season.

Grimsby must add pace and power in forward areas to get the best out of their squad

Seasoned striker Rose was again Mr Reliable as the focal point of the Mariners attack, once more finishing as the club's leading scorer with 14 goals across the campaign.

Rose is a vital member of Artell's side, not just in terms of finding the net, but for his workrate, leadership qualities, ability to draw fouls and relieve pressure on his teammates, and defensive acumen at set-pieces.

The former Mansfield Town and Stevenage forward certainly profited from the rare occasions Justin Obikwu, borrowed for the season from Coventry City, partnered him in attack, however, with the duo's partnership fleetingly flourishing and providing Artell with a blueprint to aspire to more regularly in the future.

Obikwu, who also spent some time on loan at Blundell Park in the second half of 2023/24, had a frustrating, injury-hit campaign, but when the 21-year-old was fit and available, he looked a real threat, scoring seven goals in 19 appearances, and forming a nicely balanced partnership with his skipper.

The loan player's pace running in behind opposing backlines and ability to run the channels complimented the nous and penalty box prowess of Rose, and it was noticeable how much better the Mariners looked with the two working in unison.

It's not just Rose who benefits from having a pacy, powerful option alongside him. Having that threat over the top means opposing sides are less willing to press the Mariners so intensely, something that happened a lot towards the end of the season as rival coaches looked to squeeze the Mariners' ball-playing midfielders and wing-backs high up, limiting their impact on the game.

The likes of George McEachran, Evan Khouri, Cameron McJannett, Géza Dávid Turi, Svanthórsson, and Hume are all technically gifted footballers who can hurt opponents when afforded time on the ball, and having speed and mobility in attacking areas more regularly will maximise their abilities, giving Artell's side a more consistent, well-rounded threat with which to hurt their rivals.

Persistent injuries and lack of Grimsby depth can't be repeated next season

Grimsby were blighted by injuries across much of their recent League Two campaign, making their play-off push all the more impressive.

Early season absentees in midfield and a string of fitness issues in attacking areas throughout limited Artell's options, and left Rose with a substantial workload as the lone striker on many occasions.

While the likes of Barrington and Luker helped fill the void as makeshift forwards, the constant unavailability of many others was a contributing factor in why the Mariners ran out of steam a little towards the business end of proceedings.

Obikwu was joined on the treatment table by fellow forwards Donovan Wilson, Cameron Gardner, and Rekeil Pyke (who finished the campaign on loan with National League outfit Eastleigh), along with wide attacker Charles Vernam for long periods of the season, leaving Artell with few options to change things up in an offensive sense.

With all the loanees now having returned to their respective parent clubs, and Wilson and Pyke released, the Grimsby boss has the opportunity to correct that by bringing in the depth and variety required at the sharp end to further succeed.

At least two, and possibly more forward players of differing attributes will likely be on Grimsby's shopping list this summer, be that on loan or on a permanent basis. Artell will be looking for pace and physicality to spur his side on. Equally important will be player availability and luck with injuries, something that evaded the Mariners last time out and proved costly in the final reckoning.