Luke Waterfall is an unlikely Grimsby Town hero; he’s featured for all three of Lincolnshire’s Football League clubs but made his name as captain of rivals Lincoln City.

He joined the Imps before Danny Cowley took over and rose to captain, leading them to the National League title in 2017. A year later he had more silverware in his hands as they lifted the EFL Trophy at Wembley.

That made him the most decorated Lincoln City captain of all time and a move to Shrewsbury followed. After a year in League One, he made the switch to Blundell Park, where he’s currently settling in nicely as they mount a promotion push.

Can he win over fans on both sides of the Lincolnshire divide? Our latest spotlight piece looks at his Grimsby career so far to find out.

Waterfall is best described as a ‘no-nonsense’ defender. He heads it away, kicks it away and presents an imposing figure in both boxes. His aerial ability is his key strength as he looks to not only dominate centre forwards, but also provide an outlet going forward from set-pieces.

He’s only played nine times for Grimsby since his move but is already off the mark in terms of goals. He grabbed one of the Mariners’ five against Port Vale as they cemented their promotion credentials.

Sadly, he was cup-tied for the trip to Chelsea in which his side shipped seven, but returned as Michael Jolley’s side grabbed an eye-catching 3-1 win at leaders Exeter City. With Waterfall as the rock upon which a strong side is built, there is real hope that the black and white part of Lincolnshire can join the red and white in League One next season.

Waterfall is certainly strong and has won 82.1% of his defensive duels in Grimsby colours. He’s combative, and that aerial dominance is also showing clearly.

He makes 12.86 aerial duels per game, perhaps facing more bombardment in League Two than he did whilst playing in League One for Shrewsbury. He wins 57.3% of those duels, perhaps a number he’ll be looking to increase as the time goes on. It’s still more than half and given some of the robust forwards he’s facing, it’s a good return if not a sparkling one.

He’s always ready to put his body on the line too, blocking shots and passes. He makes 5.43 interceptions per game, helping keep the opposition at bay.

For a defender, his return at the other end is good as well. He gets 1.04 shots off per game, something that some midfielders would be proud of.

As a threat in both boxes and a man used to winning, Luke Waterfall looks set to help Grimsby to their most credible promotion challenge since returning to the Football League in 2016.

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