Can Neil Woods steer Grimsby to League Two survival
Ever since Ru sell Slades Grimsby Town side lost 1-0 to Cheltenham Town Jake Arrieta Jersey in the 2006 League Two Play Off final, the North East Lincolnshire side has been on a downward spiral that may well see them playing in the Blue Square Premier in 2010.Following Graham Rodger and Alan Buckleys failures to prevent the club from slipping towards the relegation zone, former Luton manager Mike Newell was appointed. Newell succe sfully led the Mariners away from relegation during the 2008/09 campaign. However, a poor start during thecurrent season has seen Newell meet the same fate as his predece sors.A lengthy search for a new manager ensued with names such as Paul Jewell, Ru Zach Eflin Jersey sell Slade andGary Brabin bandied about. However, the board controversially chose youth team and caretakermanager Neil Woods to fill the post on a permenant basis.Neil Woods - will he prove his doubters wrong?Since Mike Newells departure, Woodshas not had the immediate impact he would have wished for in caretaker charge. A 3-1 defeat away to league leaders Bournemouth in his first match in charge was hardly surprising before a 95th minute Barry Conlon goal earned a 2-2 drawat home tomid table Accrington. However, a 2-0 home defeat against minnows Bath City in the FA Cup had supporters lambasting the team and even calling for a new permenant manager as soon as po sible Jim Bunning Jersey .Further 0-0 draws to fellow strugglers Northampton and Lincoln did little tostrengthen his claim for the full time job. Neverthele s, despite not yet winning a game in charge, Woods was granted the managers job.A large majority of supporters have already criticised this decision. Many feel that the club needs a fresh face to make an impact on the existing group of underperforming players. Woods is not known as a major motivator. In fact, the general view is that he is the nice guy of the club and will struggled to command an already split dre sing room. Some fans have already alluded to some strange selection choices with goal shy duoAdrian Forbes and Danny North leading the line whilst top league goalscorer Barry Conlon warms the bench.Barry Conlon - will he get a chance under Woods?Alternatively, a section of supporters are pleased with Woods appointment. As the youth team manager for six years, Woods has progre sed Peter Bore and Danny North to the first team whilst generally being succe sful in his stint in charge. Robin Roberts Jersey Although managers are predominately judged via their results on the pitch, Woods proposal to restructure the club from top to bottom has been met with agreement from a majority of supporters who are disheartened by the unstable reputation the club is gaining.A 0-0 draw away to Macclesfield in Woods first full game in charge signalled Scott Kingery Jersey a small step on a very long road for the Mariners. The team are currently sitting in 23rd position with only 14 points gained from 19 matches. It is relatively clear that Woods will not be able to achieve succe s over night. The real question is whether the board will have the patience to stick with a man who wishes to slowly but surely turn the club around.