Kirk signs: David Artell will be on cloud nine if these things happen at Grimsby Town | OneFootball

David Artell and his staff are diligently working in the background, looking to put together a squad that brings the Grimsby Town faithful a more positive 2024/25 season.

Following a difficult campaign last time out, changes are required, and with many of the Mariners squad having now left the club, the former Gibraltar international defender has plenty of scope to put his stamp on things moving forward.

Former Crewe Alexandra boss Artell replaced Paul Hurst in the Mariners' dugout towards the end of last year, and while initially looking to make stylistic changes, was forced into a more pragmatic approach as he looked to steer his side to League Two safety.

With their place in the Football League secured, the head coach now has the time and space to put his own ideas across. While Grimsby must ensure they get the balance between defensive resilience and creative fluidity right to deal with everything the competitive fourth-tier has to offer, Artell will hope a full pre-season on the training ground combined with acquiring players better suited to a possession-based game will see a productive future at Blundell Park.

Eleven players were released by Grimsby Town recently while long-serving midfielder Harry Clifton opted to join fellow League Two club Doncaster Rovers. Right-back Tyrell Warren has joined on a two-year deal following his release from Barrow, and that's just the start of what is likely to be a busy few months in terms of incomings, and, possibly some outgoings, too.

With that in mind, we've outlined three situations that could have Artell on cloud nine should they play out at Blundell Park...

Sign Charlie Kirk

Winger Charlie Kirk has had a mixed time of it in recent seasons. After bursting onto the scene at Crewe in 2016, the talented attacker stood out as one of the best players in the lower leagues. While subsequent spells at Charlton Athletic, Blackpool, Burton Albion, and, most recently, a return to the Railwayman, perhaps haven't panned out as he'd like, the 26-year-old has plenty of time to kick-start his career and excel from this point.

Perhaps working under the manager who got the best out of him earlier in his career is just what the wideman needs. Artell is that man, and a reinvigorated Charlie Kirk is a real asset to any fourth-tier side, particularly a Grimsby team who need to add flair, pace and ingenuity to their ranks.

Kirk won't be short of options having been released by the Reds following their play-off final defeat. Many a manager will be looking to give the dynamic left-sided player the platform to push on again. Artell's familiarity with the player may just tip the balance in the Mariners' favour.

Extend Danny Rose's contract

Grimsby captain Danny Rose still has a year remaining on his current deal at Blundell Park, but his importance to the Mariners in terms of leadership, experience, work rate, and goals is imperative, and securing the ever-reliable fan's favourite on a longer contract seems a logical move for the Grimsby hierarchy.

The striker was head and shoulders above many of his teammates in terms of performance levels last season, comfortably finishing top-scorer with 15 goals overall. Picking up the club's Player of the Year award, the former Mansfield Town, Northampton Town, and Stevenage man led by example, digging deep in his efforts to keep his side afloat in the EFL.

Rose and his colleagues will be hoping to be competitive at the other end of the table next season. The serial winner (at fourth-tier level) is still well in his prime and looked one of Grimsby's fittest players last year. All things considered, offering Rose an extension to his stay would be a very smart, beneficial choice for the Mariners.

Allow Rekeil Pyke to leave

Versatile forward Rekeil Pyke was brought in last summer by Paul Hurst, signing a two-year deal following his release from Shrewsbury Town. An injury in pre-season didn't help his cause, and while he came back and looked a steady option at times, scoring eight goals in all competitions - including the first of the Artell era in a 1-1 draw at MK Dons - Pyke has gradually drifted out of the first-team picture.

Towards the end of the season, the former Scunthorpe United loanee wasn't making the matchday squad and appeared to have fallen out of favour with the Mariners' boss. His bustling, physical attributes are also, perhaps, not conducive to the possession-based game Artell may look to instill ahead of the new campaign.

Pyke still has a year left on his Grimsby deal, and may yet play a part for the Mariners next season. The forward is capable on his day, but everything seems to point to the likelihood of him not being Artell's first-choice, and for the good of his career, a loan or permanent move may be the best option all-round to free up space for replacements.