Grimsby Town fans can go into next season full of optimism under Russell Slade, after what was a bitterly disappointing season last term.

The Mariners, who were tipped as strong favourites to be promoted from League Two at the start of play last year, sacked manager Marcus Bignot in April after he won only nine out of 27 games at the helm, and moved quickly to bring back manager Russell Slade, for his second spell in charge of the football club.

Slade, who had a dismal season himself last term, working at two football clubs with massive unrest behind the scenes in Charlton Athletic and Coventry City, will be looking to start afresh at Blundell Park, and will look forward to a full transfer window, where he will be looking to bring in talent that will ignite a promotion push next term.

The Mariners biggest downfall last season came when the talismanic Omar Bogle departed the club for Championship side Wigan Athletic in January, and the Cleethorpes club haven't really had the opportunity to replace his 22 goals in 44 appearances since.

With the sale of Bogle though, Slade should look to use these funds both wisely, but also to full effect, and after finishing 14th in League Two as well as scoring just 59 goals last season, a new striker is a must.

It may be a controversial one for Grimsby fans, but the player who Russell Slade should look to lure BACK to Blundell Park is none other than Padraig Amond.

Amond was an influential role in Town's promotion from the National League in 2015/16, netting a total of 33 goals in 46 appearances for the club.

Then however, the Irishman left Blundell Park to start a new challenge at Hartlepool United, which is one he may to live to regret following their relegation to the National League on the final day of last season.

Personally, it must have been a pleasing campaign for the 29-year old, who scored 14 goals in an extremely struggling Hartlepool team, and he must feel like he deserves the chance to play in League Two again next season.

A key asset at Victoria Park, Hartlepool may demand a hefty fee from the Mariners, and having already lost talismen Nathan Thomas and Lewis Alessandra to Sheffield United and Notts County respectively, Craig Harrison will want to keep hold of Amond.

However, with the funds from Bogle's sale, Town can definitely lure the prolific striker back to Blundell Park in the summer...

So...What do you think Grimsby fans? Would you want to see Padraig Amond back at Grimsby Town? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!