Grimsby Town can repeat Amond, Holohan trick by captalising on Shrewsbury Town news: View | OneFootball

Some of Grimsby Town's most important players of recent times have made their name in the League of Ireland before moving on to England, and, in turn, Blundell Park. The likes of Gavan Holohan and Pádraig Amond have made a huge impact, pivotal to some of the Mariners' recent successes. Recently released Shrewsbury Town man Tunmise Sobowale could do likewise, should he join this summer.

As pointed out in a previous article, Grimsby require reinforcements in various areas of the squad ahead of the 2024/25 League Two campaign. No more so than at full-back, with both sides of the backline lacking in numbers following the release of players and the return of mid-season loan additions.

We mentioned Southampton youngster Derrick Abu as a potential loan option to fill the right-sided role. Another exciting possibility would be to bring in 25-year-old Irishman Sobowale, a player with a good mix of experience and potential, having played in his homeland, Spain, and, most recently, League One.

Standing well over six feet tall, Sobowale is a real athlete. Boasting a mix of pace and power, he's an attacking full-back/wing-back that likes to take the initiative and get on the front foot. The Irish defender took part in 29 matches for the third-tier Shrews last season, playing 35 times for the club overall.

Prior to that, the full-back had initially broken through at hometown club Waterford in the League of Ireland, making 83 appearances for the Blues, along with spells with Finn Harps and Athlone Town as well as a season in Spain with Hércules Under-19 side. With 136 senior appearances to his name and now in his mid-20's, it's time for Sobowale to make himself a first-team regular, and Grimsby Town could be the place to fulfill that promise.

Sobowale's statistics show his attacking nature

While he's in his mid-20's, Sobowale is still refining his skill-set, and will be looking to add consistent performances to his obvious potential. He needs to be more decisive when in good positions, be that with his delivery into the box or the taking of opportunities himself.

There's every chance that will come over time, though. He certainly has a genuine attacking nature to his game. Stats provided by @EIREAnalytics show the defender loves having the ball at his feet. A good dribbler who's happy to drive his side up the pitch. Winning many of his duels in both defensive and forward areas, Sobowale isn't shy of having a shot at goal - though perhaps needs to add a clinical edge to his finishing.

The former Waterford man shows solid defensive stats, while looking very assured in possession. His passing is accurate and progressive. Sobowale may still be a work in progress, but he has all the tools to become an accomplished EFL full-back.

Irish connection has paid off for Mariners previously

Some of Grimsby Town's most prominent performers in modern times have got their careers going with spells in the League of Ireland. Most notably, striker Pádraig Amond and influential midfielder Gavan Holohan both made their breakthrough there, for Shamrock Rovers and Drogheda United respectively (though Holohan had brief spells with Hull City and Alfreton Town as a youngster, without making an appearance) before, eventually, making their indelible mark with the Mariners.

The Irish league has proved a good learning curve for promising young players over the years, with many honing their skills and developing their game in the emerald isle, before making the move across to England, Scotland or wider Europe.

While, perhaps, not on the scale of yesteryear, scouts aplenty often pick up bargains in what is a league that perhaps doesn't get the exposure it deserves. It's almost the perfect environment for players aspiring to succeed at higher levels in the UK to give themselves a platform and gain experience. Like the EFL, it's physically demanding, where, while moments of quality make the difference, the ability to compete and win second balls is absolutely crucial.

Sobowale shows how that has been beneficial for him, with strength and aggression defensively and the ability to drive forward and make an attacking impact, too. While he's still very much learning, he could be the man to give Grimsby Town that right-sided impetus.