In a shock move to fans of the Mariners, Grimsby Town manager Michael Jolley is set to leave his post at Blundell Park.
A string of poor results and performances, which has seen the Mariners plummet from around the play-off picture to near the foot of League Two has prompted the move, but things have also been unravelling behind the scenes for the former AFC Eskikstuna boss.
Things started to turn at half-time of the 4-0 home defeat to Leyton Orient on Saturday 19 October.
One of our team was on hand when a fan confronted Jolley at the half-time whistle, questioning why 17-year-old Mattie Pollock, who had impressed the Blundell Park faithful with his performances so far this season, was deemed only good enough for a place on the bench for the game against Orient.
Jolley reacted angrily to the encounter, and was last seen being pulled down the Blundell Park tunnel by his assistant, Anthony Limbrick.
That afternoon’s controversy didn’t end there though. After the 4-0 defeat, local press contacts have reported that a visibly irate Jolley stormed into his post-match press conference and embarked on an expletive-fuelled tirade, bemoaning the club’s playing budget, as well as the level of questioning he was receiving from the press.
The public nature of this outburst meant that the Mariners’ Board were soon made aware of proceedings.
This, coupled with a downturn in the club’s fortunes since an excellent start to the season has prompted change at Blundell Park.
Up The Mariners 
I write to express my deepest sadness at the sacking of Michael Jolly from his role as club manager. Whilst I was never a huge fan, I did think he was doing ok and the recent sacking was for at this time. Indeed his recent summer signings appear to have done quite well. The timing appears very odd and one wonders if something has gone on behind the scenes.
As fans we must unite behind Anthony Limbrik as he takes over as Caretaker Manager. It would also appear prudent for the club to conduct a root and branch review of how the club operates at a footballing level. Is it time, due to the significant turnover of Managers since we got back into the football league, to look at having a Director of Football/Technical Director to ensure a ten year philosophy and stratergy followed and appoint a Head Coach? While a root and branch review of footballing operations takes place it may be worth appointing a tried and tested person who knows the club inside and out to hold the fort until the end of the season. Maybe bring back Alan Buckley (Acting Manager) and John Cockerill (acting Assistant Manager) to take the club through until May with the rest of the current coaching team. Then appoint a new, young fresh face for the start of next year.
I very much hope we will have a diverse look at potential managers. Names that come to mind are: Emma Hayes (Chelsea Womanโs), Andy Cole (assistant to Sol Campbell), Darren Fletcher (ex Stoke Player), Nick Cushing (Man City Womanโs), Jack Lester Craig Disley, John McDermott or even Danny Collins.
We now must move on and support the lads. UTM
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