Grimsby Town relegated from the Football League
It came after a 3-2 defeat to Exeter City
Grimsby Town have been relegated to the National League, bringing an end a five-year spell in the EFL.
Speaking after their 3-2 defeat to Exeter City which secured the relegation, boss Paul Hurst told the club it's something you never want to experience:
“It’s very quiet in there, as you’d expect, in the dressing room. We’ve said a few things that need to be said.
“The relegation isn’t simply about tonight, let’s not kid ourselves. There’s a frustration about tonight in terms of not being able to take it to Saturday at least and staying in with a fighting chance.
“But overall, like it or not, as a club we haven’t been good enough over the course of a season.
“I think the players on tonight, and the team that’s been representing us more recently, doesn’t deserve what the outcome’s been.
“Unfortunately, it’s over a season. It’s not about two games, or 10 games, or whatever it is. That’s why we are where we’re at."
It has been an unsettled campaign for The Mariners, who dropped into the relegation zone shortly after Paul Hurst returned to replace Ian Holloway on December 30th and, with just four wins in 22 games since, they were unable to escape.
It means Grimsby will play in the National League for the first time since 2015/16, when they were promoted back to the Football League via the play-offs under Hurst.