Grimsby suffered the heartache of losing in the play-off final last year when a Steve Guinan goal ensured Cheltenham reached League One at their expense. Manager Russell Slade left in the immediate aftermath as well and is now in charge at Yeovil. Half a dozen of the Mariners' first team regulars have also departed Blundell Park, so it is a step into the unknown for new manager Graham Rodger this season. Last year’s number two has stepped into the hot seat and can still call on his experienced captain Justin Whittle. The 35-year-old centre half is now in his third season at Grimsby and is looking forward to repeating and bettering last year’s escapades.Whittle has turned back the clock this summer after spending a week in basic Army training with his fellow team-mates as part of their pre-season preparations. He spent three years in the Army before Lou Macari took him to Celtic. He has since plied his trade at Stoke and Hull before moving on to Blundell Park in 2004. Givemefootball's Ian Clarkson caught up with Whittle on the eve of the season for his thoughts on their chances this season.
Q:IT HAS BEEN A SUMMER OF UPHEAVAL SINCE THE PLAY-OFF FINAL HASN’T IT?
A:I suppose it was a strange feeling to turn up for pre-season training and Russell Slade not be there. However, as the gaffer was assistant manager last year, it hasn't been a huge upheaval. We all knew what he did last season and he has carried on in that vein. For me personally, there have been no big changes. Any hangover that was lingering after the play-off final defeat has now gone.
Q:WERE YOU SURPRISED THAT RUSSELL SLADE MOVED TO YEOVIL?
A:I was surprised that Russell left. He had been offered a contract earlier in the season by the chairman but hadn't signed it, so there was always a possibility that he might leave. It was unfortunate that he left but you have to move on as things like that always happen in football.
Q:WHAT ARE THE EXPECTATIONS FOR THIS SEASON?
A:No-one really expected us to be challenging at the start of the season so, despite the fact we lost in the play-off final, it was a decent campaign for us. People will compare last season with this so I am sure our supporters will be expecting us to be competing at the top end of the table again. It is going to be extremely tough this year, as a few teams have spent reasonable money for this level.
Q:PRE-SEASON WAS A BLAST FROM THE PAST FOR YOU WASN’T IT?
A:We went to an Army/RAF base in Bury St Edmunds. It brought back memories for me as I had some good times in the Army and the training was just as hard as I remembered. We were running with Army boots and helmets and we did a week of basic training. That involves carrying logs and negotiating assault courses and such like. It was good for team bonding and helped us get to know our new team-mates.
Q:HAVE YOU NOTICED MUCH DIFFERENCE TO LAST SEASON?
A:There have been changes from last year, as the new gaffer has bought in Stuart Watkiss as his number two. We have also lost five or six key players from last year. Rob Jones has gone to Hibernian whilst Jean Paul Kamudimba and Steve Mildenhall have followed Russell to Yeovil, whilst Andy Parkinson has gone to Notts County. It will be important that we get off to a good start and maybe add one or two more players before the transfer window closes. However, we have added Peter Beagrie to the squad and he is still very fit for his age. He has still got the same tricks as well and you can't stop him!
Q:CAN YOU GO ONE BETTER AND FINISH IN THE TOP THREE THIS SEASON?
A:We need to try and aim for the play-offs firstly but, as I mentioned earlier, it is a tough league this year with the teams coming down appearing to have spent money. If we add a couple more players to our squad it will help us but at this level, it is hard to gauge how you are going to do. However, our aim will be to try and get promotion this season along with every other club in the division.
Q:A LOCAL DERBY AGAINST BOSTON ON THE OPENING DAY OF THE SEASON – IS THAT THE START YOU WANTED?
A:We are really looking forward to it. A local derby for your first game adds extra spice and they are always physical encounters. No-one wants to make any mistakes in a derby and being the first game of the season, there is that extra edge.
