Klopp puts Mariners in spotlight

With the eyes of the footballing world on the city before the former Borussia Dortmund manager's expected three-year deal worth £15m was confirmed on Thursday night, the newspaper's award winning website ran the rule over Liverpool's number one Non-League club in case Klopp, pictured, ever decided to visit the Marine Travel Arena to see them in action.

Based on an interview with supporters' club chairman Richard Felton on why he turned his back on the Reds after three decades of supporting them home and away to back the Mariners, the feature includes video and pictures from their recent 3-1 home win over Ilkeston FC in the top flight and interviews with supporters and officials including proud chairman Paul Leary.

He tells the Guardian's readers: “Marine were founded in 1894 and we’ve had the same members structure since, alongside a great history. For instance, the world’s longest serving manager, Roly Howard, worked here. He managed for 33 years and 1,975 games up until his retirement in 2005, which is an incredible record.

“That’s Marine’s strength – the people. We give our lives for the club and stay because of the family friendly nature here.”

The speculation over Klopp's possible installation as the successor to Brendan Rogers certainly paid PR dividends for the Premier Division club's worldwide profile. Millions are expected to have seen and read the story after the Guardian's website officially passed the digital traffic milestone of 120 million unique monthly users earlier this year.

Follow us: @evostikleague on Twitter | The NPL group on Facebook by clicking here: www.facebook.com/groups/TheNPL/