Grimsby Town announced their first deadline day signing as midfielder Curtis Thompson – joining on a free transfer from Cheltenham Town and signing an 18-month deal with the Mariners.
The 30-year-old made 22 appearances for the Robins this term after joining from Wycombe Wanderers last summer. Thompson made over 150 appearances for Wycombe, primarily in League One, helping the team gain promotion to the Championship in 2020.
The Football League veteran has also made over 100 appearances for Notts County after coming through Leicester City’s academy, and his introduction will add some much-needed experience to the Grimsby group to try and bring some more stability for David Artell.
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Adding to the central midfield area was a priority for the Mariners after losing Kamil Conteh to Bristol Rovers, and they have got someone in who can fulfil a similar role at least in the short term, but has the versatility to play a few different roles within the midfield.
Speaking about Thompson for the first time, Artell highlighted the player’s defensive qualities as a big reason for the signing, while also noting his “undervalued” ability on the ball.
He said: “We are delighted to get someone of the calibre of Curtis in the building. He should add solidity to transitions, make us harder to beat, and also start the moves off.
“I believe he’s been undervalued in possession at clubs he’s been at, whereas I think he can be a driving force for us. He’s an excellent acquisition and I’m looking forward to working with him. It’s an 18-month deal, his pedigree speaks for itself.
“I’m looking forward to helping him get better. He’s a good bloke, good character and we are all hoping that will help us win games.’’
Artell wants Town to become a possession-focused team, and it is clear he believes Thompson can be a part of helping that continued transition while also improving things in the short term.
Where he will fit in the midfield pecking order at the club remains to be seen, with Artell trialling different variations of a 4-2-3-1 shape in recent weeks, with Thompson expected to take a deep-lying role within midfield based on the Grimsby’s head coach’s description of him.
It is expected to be a busy day of incomings at the club, with a move for Portsmouth left-back Denver Hume said to be close to completion as one of a couple of over deals Town are looking to get over the line before the 11pm deadline.
Original story at https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/
