Grimsby Borough make statement signing as new forward arrives
Grimsby Borough have announced the signing of forward Dayle Southwell following his exit from Gainsborough Trinity.
Southwell spent last season with the Step 3 Holy Blues, scoring once in 11 appearances.
His last game for the club came in mid-September, and Gainsborough confirmed in their recent retained list that they had opted against offering Southwell a deal for next season.
Southwell started his career at hometown club Grimsby Town, spending three seasons with the Mariners.
His greatest success in front of goal came at Boston United, where he scored 52 goals in 74 appearances between 2014-16.
He went on to earn a move to Football League side Wycombe Wanderers but struggled to earn a spot in the Chairboys' starting XI.
Since leaving Wycombe, he has gone on to represent numerous clubs over the last six years, including Guiseley, FC Halifax Town, King's Lynn Town and Alfreton Town.
It was following his release from Alfreton that Southwell made his move to Gainsborough, joining the club ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.
“I'm delighted to be joining the club," the 31-year-old said following the move.
"After speaking to the manager, it was clear what the ambitions of the club are, and that is something I want to be a part of.
"The club sounds like it's going in the right direction, and I can't wait to get going and meet the lads.”
The Wilderness Boys will be hoping for an improved showing in 2025/26 after finishing 17th in the NPL East Division last season.
Grimsby Borough manager Dan Barrett said that they had "been monitoring Dayle's situation for some time" in the hopes of tempting him to the Bradley Football Development Centre, admitting that the "ambitions aligned" between player and club.
Barrett added: "He has the professional mindset and fits the criteria of what the management team are looking for in order to rebuild.
"It goes without saying we didn't score enough goals last season, and we believe Dayle can come in and add to the teams tally in both goals and assists.
"Things are now really beginning to piece together, and we hope to add further signings this week.”
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