1. The official GTFC website has a mini preview to consider here; http://www.grimsby-townfc.co.uk/news/article/conference-preview-1807491.aspx, whilst our fave GTFC fans blog at TooGoodToGoDown predicts the full Conference Premier table top to bottom and explains why here; http://toogoodtogodown.wordpress.com/2014/08/06/conference-premier-predictions-201415/#more-2932
It is not easy to find decent detailed Conference previews - I found a Lincoln one that is ever-so-slightly anti-GTFC, yet strangely pro-Sam Hatton at http://www.lincoln.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=365411 The Lincoln writer particularly fancies newly promoted Eastleigh, Gateshead, Torquay, Wrexham and maybe Woking.
Most of the bookies are more conservative, fancying relegated Bristol Rovers and usual contenders like, Forest Green, Wrexham, Kidderminster and the Mariners.
What makes Conference predictions so difficult is not knowing how well new signings will settle in, how injuries may affect a season and whether managers will last. For many Mariners fans, our knowledge of other teams is limited to the main contenders, ex-Town players and how poor Lincoln have been in the last couple of seasons. So, I will leave the predictions to a fellow Trust member and occasional blogger Tom Bryan; who has written the rest of today's blog, written just before the current injury crisis.....;
League Winners/Champions: Gateshead
Gary Mills' Gateshead went close last season after ending our own promotion challenge. And I expect them to be serious challengers this year. My alternative tip is Barnet. Martin Allen has made some good signings to add to the decent squad they already had. John Akinde and Charlie Macdonald up front looks a potent strike-force and I believe Bees Manager Allen has the mentality needed to be successful in this league.
Where Town will finish: 3rd
I think Town are set-up to remain consistent with previous years and achieve a place in the play-offs. We've made good additions in wide areas and we remain solid in central defence, but the lack of a prolific goalscorer will prevent the Mariners from winning the title.
Town's Top Scorer: Ross Hannah
I would have been tempted to go for John-Paul Pittman but concerns over his fitness leave me unsure as to how many sustained runs in the starting eleven he will get over the season. He looks to be a real threat with his pace and power, and what possibly gives him an edge on Hamnah is that he looks to be able to create a chance for himself. Hannah is more reliant on service in the 18 yard box, but our improved quality/depth in wide areas should see him get plenty of chances to better his goals tally of last season. If you wan
Town's Key Player: Lennel John-Lewis
I've gone for "The Shop" because as a regular in Hurst's starting XI, if he can improve his goals record it could make all the difference this season. Most fans recognise the good work he does for the team. And the sensible amongst us will realise teams don't often have 2 out-and-out goalscorers in their front two. In the past we've had the likes of Steve Livingstone, who never scored more than 10 goals in a season but played important role for the team and was widely adored by fans. Anyway, if John-Lewis can improve on his 6 league goals of last season, and get to 10-12, it could prove valuable in Town's promotion push.
Key Summer Signing: Scott Brown
The central midfield area has been seen as the area needing improvement for years by GTFC fans. Scott Kerr was a very tactically intelligent player and comfortable on the ball last season. But with his declining fitness we probably signed him a few years too late. Brown looks like a player in a similar mould to Kerr, only much fitter and busier in the middle of the park. In the little I've seen of him so far, he looks very mobile, keen to get on the ball and use it well. He's linked well with other clever players that are clearly on his wavelength, namely Scott Nielson, so I think he's capable of living up to the fans' expectations.
Town's Most Carded Player: Shaun Pearson
Easy choice this one. Shaun Pearson as a regular first choice player should play all the games he is available for. He likes a tackle but unfortunately it is his mouth that gets him the most unnecessary bookings by way of dissent to the referee. Pearson is an excellent defender and we need him available as much possible. So I'm really hoping his suspension that caused him to sit out the decisive 2nd leg of the play-off semi-final has made him realise it is the silly bookings for dissent towards officials that cost him the chance to influence that important game. If Shaun can eradicate this part of his behaviour on the pitch, he could be a future Captain of the club because he already has the leadership qualities required.
Young Player to make an Impact: Paul Walker
The young right back appears physically ready to be thrown in at the deep end already. He didn't look out of place in his appearances last season and right-back is again an area where we don't have an outstanding player for the position so he has every chance of breaking through. His determined style rampaging up and down the right will win him plenty of fans no doubt.
Assist King: Jack Mackreth
I expect the pacey new right winger to make fools of many a left back in the Conference this season. His pace and direct running should get him into plenty of dangerous positions and then it will be down to him to pick out the head of Jon-Lewis, Hannah lurking in front of goal, or Disley arriving late in the box.