By GTFC make first summer signing ahead of highly anticipated return to the EFL
Grimsby Town Football Club have announced their first signing of the summer ahead of their highly anticipated return to the English Football League.
The Mariners proudly confirmed they have signed Niall Maher on a two-year deal from Halifax Town.
The Shaymen’s former captain will bolster Hurst’s back line after an impressive season in the Vanarama National League, a notion evidenced by his place in the League’s Team of the Season!
The 26-year-old spent almost five years with Halifax which included captaining his team during last year’s campaign.
The centre back has enjoyed an illustrious career so far, earning his first professional debut for Bolton Wanderers in 2016, in the Championship at the age of 20!
Niall has also played for sides such as Blackpool, Bury, and Irish side Telford United, before settling down at FC Halifax Town – the defender made over 150 appearances in all competitions for the Shaymen since 2018.
Speaking to Grimsby Town this afternoon, the new Mariner said he was “absolutely delighted” to be joining the club, adding:
“It’s been four and a half years coming, getting back into the Football League. I have spoken to the manager about his intentions and ambitions for next season and it was a no-brainer, we got it over the line very quickly, quicker than I expected!
“I am a ball-playing centre-half. I am very comfortable in possession, I don’t mind defending because that’s my first and foremost job! The fans are going to expect a ball-playing centre-half who is aggressive and can get around the pitch quick and a player with a lot of confidence”.
The talented defender sparked interest from several clubs across the country following his performances last season, but decided to wear the famous black and white stripes following the club’s ambitious goals, which aligned with his own:
” It’s the size of the club. The ambitions and the goals of the club and in myself, it has been a long time coming, I have had opportunities in the past to play in the Football League, but I don’t think it has ever been the right move and after playing against Grimsby last season, the fanbase, the attractive style of play, they always made it a difficult game.
“Obviously seeing the success they had in the Play-offs kind of spurred me on, we both have had successful seasons, me personally and Grimsby Town as a club, so when I spoke to the manager, I kind of said what my ambitions and goals were and we were the same, so it was an absolute no brainer to come here. I want to get my feet under the table here, stamp my authority down on what I can do and how I can help the team and then whether the manager picks me straight away, I will be giving 110% at all times and I cannot wait to build a strong relationship with everyone here.”
Paul Hurst said he was also “delighted” that Niall has joined the club, suggesting it was a “relatively easy” deal to complete.
“I think he is excited about the prospect of joining us and I am delighted to have him on board”, the Town gaffer added.
“Welcome to Blundell Park, Niall!”, GTFC proudly said.
(Image: officialgtfc/ Twitter)
