Slade takes up Grimsby post for fourth job of the season

By Adam Ellis

Grimsby Town have appointed Russell Slade as their new manager following the departure of Marcus Bignot on Monday.

It is Slade’s fourth senior role within football circles this season having begun it as head of football operations at Cardiff City before taking managerial roles at Charlton and Coventry.

This will be the 56-year-old’s second spell in charge of the Mariners and comes eleven years after he guided them to the League Two play-off final, beating rivals Lincoln City in the semis on their way to a defeat at the Millenium Stadium.

A club statement announced: “We are delighted to announce that Russell Slade has been appointed the new Grimsby Town manager.

“Slade will take over first team affairs with immediate effect.

“The new manager will be assisted by former Town, Nottingham Forest and Everton striker Paul Wilkinson.”

Slade has enjoyed successes in prior roles at Yeovil Town, Brighton and Leyton Orient during his career but recent stints with divided clubs Charlton and Coventry saw Slade’s attempts to reverse their slumps fall flat.

After his brushes with controversial owners Roland Duchatelet at The Valley and SISU at the Ricoh Arena, Slade admitted he took his time in accepting the Mariners job but ultimately holds beliefs that they can earn promotion to League One.

“I did think long and hard about it, particularly with past experience. After Coventry City it needed to be the right fit for me.

“It’s a welcome return. We want to improve on last time, that will be the target, and to reach League One next season, that is my ambition.”

“It’s fantastic we are back in League Two, but now we are in a position of what do we do next. That’s why I’m here, to go as far as we can. There’s no question in my mind that this club is big enough and capable enough to play in the level above and it is my business to make sure that happens,” Slade said.

Slade’s first match back in charge of of Grimsby will come in front of a home crowd when they host Cambridge United at Blundell Park on Good Friday.