Groves Named as New Town Boss

By: Rob Sedgwick
Date: 28/12/2001

CLUB SKIPPER Paul Groves has been named as Lennie Lawrence's successor following the departure of the 54-year-old Town manager this morning. Groves, who has no managerial experience, has spent the bulk of his career with the Mariners in two spells, sandwiched by a disastrous 2 year period at WBA.

Groves almost left Grimsby in the summer to join former Grimsby boss Alan Buckley at Lincoln City as his number two, but was persuaded to stay at Blundell Park when the extra responsibility of a part-time coaching role was offered to him.

The Derby-born central defender is one of the most popular players at the club, but with the attacking midfielder turned centre back's playing career coming to an end, the Mariners' club captain has ventured into (for him) the unknown territory of football management.

Groves has been presented with the daunting task of keeping Grimsby Town in the First Division as his first yardstick of success in the managerial game. If he achieves that goal then Grovesy will be the toast of Grimsby, but if he fails financial calamity faces the Mariners.

Groves captained Grimsby during their annum mirabilis of 1998, when the club made two victorious appearances at Wembley (below) and gained promotion to Division One at the first time of asking following the previous year's relegation under Brian Laws and Kenny Swain.

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