Grimsby Town blow may force David Artell short-term transfer call, Leeds United could hold answer: View | OneFootball

Curtis Thompson's 10-week injury lay-off has left a large hole in Grimsby Town's midfield, and David Artell may have to bring in a replacement quickly

Highlights

As we head into the 2024/25 EFL season, Grimsby Town's squad is starting to take shape. The season-long loan additions of Brighton & Hove Albion forward Luca Barrington and Wrexham midfielder Jordan Davies over the past week have calmed previously anxious supporters' nerves a little.

However, head coach David Artell is still on the lookout for a couple more recruits before August 30th's transfer deadline, and the lengthy injury sustained by midfield mainstay Curtis Thompson during a recent friendly match may require the Town boss to find a temporary replacement.

Thompson's absence is a huge blow. There's no getting away from the fact that he's made a huge impact since joining from Cheltenham Town in January, and the former Notts County youngster was one of the main reasons the Mariners staved off the threat of relegation back to the National League at the end of a difficult 2023/24 campaign.

Now 30 years old, Thompson is a vastly experienced Football League operator. Spending time in the Championship with Wycombe Wanderers a few years ago, the Mariners relied heavily on the know-how of the holding player, who's just as comfortable in possession as he is at reading the game and winning it back.

Grimsby don't really have a like-for-like replacement for Thompson in their ranks right now, and with the role of protecting the back four and initiating attacks from deep being vital to any side looking to play a passing style, Artell may have to look at bringing in a suitable option to replace the skill-set of their usual engine room anchor, possibly in the way of a loan from higher up the pyramid.

Thompson's deputy needs to be both physically and technically competent

It's unlikely that Grimsby will be able to find someone able to replicate the leadership qualities offered by Thompson. Likewise, finding somebody with a similar level of experience to fit into a fourth-tier budget at this somewhat late stage in the window will be very difficult.

There's every chance that anyone coming in to fill the void left by the former Cheltenham man will be a temporary addition. Perhaps a youngster from a club in a higher division who requires first-team experience is the more realistic option for Artell at this juncture, though there are certain non-negotiable requirements for anyone taking on that holding role.

First and foremost, a consistent level of physicality and tenacity is a prerequisite for League Two football. Winning second balls and protecting the back four are bread-and-butter qualities that often decide which side controls the game. With the Mariners squad lacking height in general, a bigger physical presence would be helpful in dealing with set-pieces and crosses into the penalty box.

The above attributes can't come completely at the expense of technical proficiency, though, particularly in an Artell side that will look to dominate possession when possible. The defensive midfielder will need to be comfortable picking the ball up deep, under pressure, and initiating attacks.

The modern-day academy set-ups of Premier League and Championship sides lends itself to technical excellence more often than not, but the balance has to be right, and any youngster going into the fourth-tier mix will need to be prepared for the fast-paced, battling nature of it.

There's a train of thought that Grimsby require a second, defined holding midfielder in their squad anyway, to assist and replace Thompson when necessary across the whole season. Whether the Mariners boss is of the same opinion and moves for such a player over the coming weeks remains to be seen.

There is an endless amount of young players looking to make their way in the game, and clubs will individually assess whether a loan move to a lower league side is beneficial for a particular player at any given time.

Should his parent club Leeds United be open to the idea, Irish youngster Cian Coleman could be one that Artell looks at bringing in to assist in those defensive midfield duties for his Grimsby side.

Good with both feet, Coleman is approaching his 20th birthday, and possibly at the stage where he needs senior games to help his game develop. Leeds offered him a two-and-a-half-year deal in the early part of 2023, showing their belief in his abilities, and with that deal coming to an end next summer, the West Yorkshire outfit may want to fully assess his current level with an EFL loan at this point.

The former Republic of Ireland Under-18 and Under-19 international has become a regular with Leeds' Under-21 side in the Premier League 2 and is also able to drop into central defence, which would add welcome cover in that area for Artell's men.

The timing appears right for the youngster to be tested at first-team level lower down the pyramid, but it's likely the Grimsby manager has a long list of alternatives to also consider as he looks to soften the blow of Thompson's spell on the sidelines.