Grimsby Town have pulled off a significant coup with the signing of John Welsh.

The 34-year-old midfielder has joined from Preston North End. This is a major signing that will give the Mariners cause to be optimistic for the season ahead.

Welsh was at Preston for six years that included a stint of captaincy as well as promotion to the Championship via the 2014/2015 play-offs. During that time he established himself as a club legend from his outstanding performance in the Play-Off final. Later seasons has seen his time on the pitch limited as competition for places heated up in the Championship and he was struck by injury. Nonetheless, he is still held in high regard by Preston fans and the club, who provided him with a guard of honour in his final home game.

Welsh provides leadership both on and off the pitch. This comes about through his natural presence, but also through the experience he has gained from playing almost 400 matches across the top four tiers of English football. This means that he offers value in the education he can offer the younger players in the squad.

Last season was a season of stagnation at Blundell Park, yet not exactly regression. The club is now established in League Two. The aim must be to push up the table. Whether this can stretch to a play-off push will be determined by any future business, but the signing of Welsh is a step in the right direction.

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