Jordan Cook in line for Mariners debut

Posted Thursday, August 02, 2018 by PA

New signing Jordan Cook could make his debut for Grimsby against Forest Green after recovering from illness.

But the Mariners will be without fellow new recruit Elliott Whitehouse, who is set to miss the majority of the season after rupturing a cruciate knee ligament, and Harry Cardwell (foot), who is expected to return to training in a couple of weeks.

Summer signing John Welsh will captain the team, and the returning Charles Vernam and Louis Robles will hope to add a goal threat.

The fixture is a repeat of the final match of last season, when a hat-trick from JJ Hooper earned the points for Grimsby.

Forest Green will begin their second campaign in the Football League with a much-changed squad.

Manager Mark Cooper has been busy in the transfer market, bringing in 12 new players and seeing 16 leave.

Cooper has targeted an improved defensive record and hopes his most recent signing, Paul Digby, can help shore things up after arriving from Mansfield.

After netting 25 goals last season, striker Christian Doidge is reportedly attracting interest but Cooper insisted this week there has so far been no approach.