Imminent Signings

By: Rob Sedgwick
Date: 15/11/2000

Town boss Lennie Lawrence is hoping to complete his dealings in the transfer market by Christmas at the latest, and preferably by the end of November. Knut Anders Fostervold is likely to be the first of three or four acquisitions, hopefully joining the club by the weekend.

Fostervold's Norwegian club Molde and the Mariners look to have finally agreed on a package which will initially bring the left-sided defender on loan to Blundell Park for three months, with Lawrence insisting on his "try then buy" policy, whereas the Norwegians had wanted to sell the player straight away. Lawrence is looking to bring at least two or three more players in to join the first team squad in order to provide cover for injuries and keep team selection pressure up in all areas of the pitch. Consequently, in the next few days and weeks, the string of mainly overseas players arriving for a trial with Grimsby looks to continue. On-going negotiations with FC Copenhagen and Leicester City respectively over loan players David Nielsen and Stuart Campbell are taking place in efforts to extend the pair's short-term involvement with the Mariners, at the very least. In the case of Campbell, Town boss Lawrence is believed to be trying to secure a loan extension for the rest of the season. Campbell is keen to stay with Grimsby saying: "It's up to the two managers and a lot depends on what Peter Taylor wants to do about me. With the likes of Muzzy Izzet, Neil Lennon and Robbie Savage in there, my chances are going to be limited at Leicester." The Nielsen deal will hopefully be tied up shortly, provided the Danish striker and the Mariners can agree personal terms. Grimsby have agreed a transfer fee for Nielsen with his Copenhagen club. Nielsen, who became an instant crowd favourite with the Grimsby fans, if all goes to plan, may be signing for the Mariners in the next few days. Meanwhile Lennie Lawrence has dismissed claims that Portsmouth are to make a bid for Town central defender Peter Handyside, saying that he has received no contact with anyone from Fratton Park. Handyside, who will be available as a "Bosman" in the summer, will not be going anywhere, despite speculative stories in the Grimsby press.

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