Cod Almighty | Article

by Tom Farmery

12 August 2011

Grimsby Town youngster Sam Mulready believes that, despite being in a "man's world", he is capable of firmly establishing himself at the club.

The 18-year-old striker, who's scored twice in pre-season, spoke exclusively to Cod Almighty ahead of Saturday's season opener against Fleetwood Town at Blundell Park.

Mulready insisted that even though there are five strikers in total competing for places he is more determined than ever to break into Rob Scott and Paul Hurst's starting line-up.

He said: "Hard work is a huge part of my game. If I'm working hard and the managers notice that then I've got a good chance. The managers keep promoting the hard work and Serge [Makofo] is a great example. Last year he didn't look as though he was too bothered, but now he looks the top boy in the team."

It was, incidentally, the managerial duo of Scott and Hurst that handed Mulready his first appearance for the Mariners last season - coming on against Altrincham and then starting at AFC Wimbledon.

During the summer break the youngster signed a six-month deal with Town, and as much as he says it wasn't ideal, Mulready realises what needs to be done if he's to have his contract extended.

"My contract's until the start of January 2012 at the minute and I know if I get a chance then I'll take it. Coming off the bench I feel I'm able to get the odd goal or two, and then who knows what will happen.

"Nothing more has been said. I was told I've got until my deal runs and that's all I know for now. Obviously, as a player, I was hoping for longer but then after seeing some of my mates leave last season you understand football's a tough world to be in - and it's up to me when I get another chance to prove myself," Mulready emphasised.

"I'm not the biggest lad, even though I'm always in the gym, but it's not only about that: it's about your brain and how quick it works"

The Kings Lynn-born player is not the most physical of the Grimsby attack, but he believes that the 28 goals he netted for the youth team, and the fact that last season's top scorer Alan Connell wasn't the strongest, could bode well for his chances.

He said: "I'm not the biggest lad, even though I'm always in the gym, but it's not only about that: it's about your brain and how quick it works. Look at Alan [Connell] for instance: he wasn't the biggest lad but he got hold of the ball well - generally it's more about technique and holding the ball up than anything else."

Nurturing young talent is important for the future generation of any club and with Andi Thanoj and Charlie I'Anson both getting regular opportunities in the first team, Mulready fully appreciates the approach taken by both managers and is ready to take whatever is thrown his way.

"There's a few of us now, Andi [Thanoj] and Charlie [I'Anson] in particular, who have been given huge chances by the managers, and what that says to me is that the managers do give the youth players a chance," said the striker. "And it's exactly that chance that I have to take."