Grimsby Town strengthened their survival hopes with a 1-0 win against promotion-chasing MK Dons in midweek. After being put under intense pressure since replacing Paul Hurst in November, head coach David Artell is beginning to prove his critics wrong.Grimsby have disappointed this season after promising so much in the summer. following a good return to the EFL last season, Paul Hurst was fired following eight losses in their first 16 league games, allowing Artell to take over.With little to no benefit from the former Crewe Alexandra manager’s arrival, the Mariners found themselves looking over their shoulders following a new year in which they conceded five or more goals at home three times during a three-month winless streak. However, following a 5-1 loss at home to fellow strugglers Doncaster Rovers, Grimsby are currently five games unbeaten, with three clean sheets in the process. But what modifications have been critical to this improvement?

Change of PlaystyleArtell is a manager known for his high possession and attractive style of football while at Crewe, where his project resulted in the club’s promotion to League One and a top-half finish in the third tier. Many Mariners fans were interested to see how this football will be adopted on the East Coast. However, it soon became clear that this style was inappropriate for the squad Artell had inherited.Grimsby Town frequently found themselves with high possession percentages but suffering huge defeats. The system was considerably too forward-thinking, leaving the central defenders vulnerable due to disorganisation in the midfield and fullbacks, as well as players who may not be well suited to a possession-based approach.After suffering crushing defeats to Stockport County, Doncaster Rovers, and Walsall, Artell was forced to adjust his strategy in order to avoid relegation to the fifth division.Grimsby have recently adopted a far more direct strategy, attempting to win games through solidarity and pushing the opposition, which appears to be more appropriate for Artell’s inherited group. Their last five games have all been low-scoring contests, but the team has kept three clean sheets and earned nine points despite having less possession than their opponents.Artell gets credit for adapting his play style when appropriate. After recognising that he tried to alter too much too quickly, he has embraced a method that may be unexpected in his managerial experience to meet the situation at hand.
Change of FormationA change in formation has coincided with a shift in approach. Since the crushing defeat against Doncaster, Grimsby Town has frequently lined up in a 5-3-2 formation, which has been critical to their recent defensive improvements. This has allowed for extra bodies at the defence while also guaranteeing that they aren’t overrun in the midfield thanks to Curtis Thompson’s reliable presence.

Furthermore, star scorer Danny Rose has not felt as isolated as he did in the previous 4-3-3 configuration. Grimsby’s leading scorer is an aggressive, tireless, pushing forward who thrives in a strike partnership. Since changing formation, he has frequently been paired up front with Donovan Wilson or Coventry City loanee Justin Obikwu, both strikers forging effective partnerships with Grimsby’s main player.Overall, the formation modification has benefited every facet of the team thus far.

A Consistent Back Five. In this new back-five shape, the most important aspect of their recent defensive success has been an ever-present backline. Throughout the season, there have been numerous questions about certain players’ best positions, most notably Harry Clifton and Toby Mullarkey.

Last year, Clifton had his greatest season in black and white, playing on the left side of Paul Hurst’s 4-4-2. However, he is primarily a central midfielder who has occasionally played fullback. Toby Mullarkey, who spent the majority of his career as a central defender, has evolved into a more forward-thinking right-back since moving to North East Lincolnshire.Grimsby Town have recently used the following back five: Hume, Rodgers, Tharme, Mullarkey, and Clifton.The job of wingback has complemented Clifton’s tireless work ethic, whereas Mullarkey can feel more at ease in his natural position with the security of a back-five if he is to come out of defence.On the opposing wing, January signings Denver Hume and Douglas Tharme have slotted well into this back five, with improvement evident game each game.

January Arrivals.The security net of a mid-season window has proven critical to the team’s recent success under a new manager. After a disappointing February, many Mariners began to distrust the club’s winter window. However, many of the players have recently proven their worth.Curtis Thompson has undoubtedly demonstrated his class. The rough-tackling midfielder has added a nastier edge to the Grimsby Town midfield while also seeming confident on and off the ball. Defensive additions Hume and Tharme have been wise acquisitions to the backline.

Additionally, Justin Obikwu has scored his first two EFL goals in as many games. The 19-year-old signed on loan from Coventry City and has improved with each game.Despite reservations, Grimsby’s January recruits appear to be lot more comfortable in the new approach and structure; they have all been vital assets in this form.Overall, the Mariners still have a long way to go to ensure their safety. However, confidence is rising with a newfound unity and a crushing victory over promotion-chasing MK Dons. With a challenging run of matchups in Gillingham, Wrexham, and Barrow coming up, it will be interesting to see if this unity holds up against a succession of tough opponents.

GET MORE NEWS HERE