Grimsby Town secure late deadline day deals

Grimsby Town secure late deadline day deals

Grimsby Town left it late to secure the signings of Alex Hunt, Lewis Richardson and Keyendrah Simmonds on deadline day. 

Midfielder Hunt, who enjoyed a successful loan spell with Town last season, has joined on a three-year deal from Sheffield Wednesday for an undisclosed fee.

The 22-year-old made 19 appearances in all competitions for the Mariners last season, scoring one goal before joining Oldham Athletic for the remainder of the 2021/22 campaign. 

Hunt said he was “absolutely over the moon” to finally get the deal done after much speculation. 

“It’s been in the pipeline for a long time and it has been stressful getting it over the line in the end, but I can’t wait to put on the shirt again and get going,” he added. 

Meanwhile, the loan signings of strikers Richardson and Simmonds from Burnley and Birmingham City will add some much-needed competition up front. 

Town boss Paul Hurst was desperate to add to his forward options after his side scored just four goals in their opening five League Two matches. 

Richardson penned a three-year deal at Burnley last summer following a successful spell in the club’s academy. 

The 19-year-old scored five goals on his U-18’s debut at the age of 15 and also registered a hat-trick on his first game for the U-23s. 

The youngster made his Premier League debut against Tottenham Hotspur in February 2021, setting a record as the club’s youngest Premier League debutant. 

Following his signing, Hurst said: “I think he is someone who can bring us something different in our attacking parts of the pitch and, hopefully, he can create some goals for us in his time with us.” 

Simmonds progressed through the academy system at Premier League champions Manchester City, before signing a two-and-a-half year contract at Birmingham City in February 2021. 

The 21-year-old made his senior debut for the Blues on the final day of the 2021/22 season away at Blackburn Rovers. 

He also has international experience after representing England at both U-15 and U-18 age groups. 

Speaking about the new arrival, Hurst said: “He is quite a versatile player in the final third of the pitch so we will get him in and see where we can utilise him best. 

“But he is certainly a player who is very creative, very skilful and he can create and score goals, hopefully for us.”