Grimsby Town part company with manager Paul Hurst
His assistant Chris Doig has also left the club
Last updated 28th Oct 2023
Grimsby Town manager Paul Hurst has left the club.
A statement on their website has confirmed that Hurst and his assistant Chris Doig are no longer in their roles.
It follows a disappointing run of results this season.
Today's one nil defeat at local rivals Doncaster Rovers was their 4th loss in a row - a run which now sees them 4th from bottom, two places and 4 points from the relegation zone.
Having been out of the league twice in the last 15 years and then been promoted back no doubt the owners are desperate to ensure the Mariners don't drop out a third time.
It’s time to embark on the next phase of the club’s development
Here's the full text of the statement on the club's website:
Jason Stockwood, GTFC’s Chair, stated:
“It is with sadness and disappointment that we’ve reached this point. Since May 2021, we’ve had a positive relationship with Paul and Chris."
"We’re proud of our achievements under their leadership: our promotion from the National League, the historic FA Cup run, and attaining our highest league position in 17 years."
"However, it’s time to embark on the next phase of the club’s development.”
“We’re grateful for their hard work and wish them future success. They are an indelible part of our history and will always be welcome at Blundell Park.”
Hurst took the Mariners to promotion twice
It's likely the decision by Stockwood and Petit was taken with a very heavy heart.
Paul Hurst has guided the club to major success and was well liked by fans.
However with results not being what was hoped for this season the tough decision has now been taken and the search begins for a new Grimsby Town manager.
Hurst arrived at Blundell Park in 2011 as co manager alongside Rob Scott.
The pair took the job after a spell at Boston United.
However Scott moved on leaving Hurst in sole charge.
Then in 2016 he led them to promotion via the national league play offs where they overcame Forest Green in the final.
That led to Paul Hurst becoming a league manager, however he would soon move on.
He found an offer to manage Shrewsbury too tempting and said goodbye to Grimsby.
Without him Town seemed to lose their way.
In 2021 the Mariners were once again facing relegation.
This season saw some early positives but it wasn't to last.
Jobs elsewhere hadn't worked out for Hurst and he made a return to Blundell Park as boss.
However he wasn't unable to save them and once again they fell into the National League.
There were encouraging signs that they might make a quick return but in the end the club were happy just to have made the play offs.
They were far from favourites but a remarkable run of results saw them gain promotion.
Each time they'd gone behind only to win - they were dubbed "comeback kings".
Having escaped non league football the Mariners had a decent season in league 2 but it was the FA cup that saw a remarkable run which led to a quarter final with premier league Brighton earlier this year.
This season saw some early positives but recent results have been below par.
Mariner's fans will be disappointed to see Hurst go but a new chapter in the club's history is just about to start.