Russ O’Neills successor is former Harrogate Town assistant boss John McDermott.

McDermott, who played solely for Grimsby Town throughout his playing career, which spanned 20 years and just shy of 650 games, stepped down from his position at Harrogate due to ill health, which he is ‘now over’.

After leaving Wetherby Road in January, he linked up with close friend Marcus Newell as Director of Football of The Owls, and has helped them on the road to this years FA Vase Final, which is played this Sunday at Wembley

Also joining the Reds is new investor Lee Mullen, who won the Euromillions back in 2011, and invested in his hometown club of Grimsby 4 years later.

Having donated £10,000 towards the play off final preparations, he then purchased £50,000 of shares in the club, of which he is a supporter. Having been voted onto the board, Lee then became a Director of the club later that year.

However at the start of 2017, a falling out between himself and the club saw him ‘take a back seat’ and begin watching closely local non league side Cleethorpes Town. He then brought in McDermott, who he knew being a fan of Grimsby, as the clubs record appearance maker.

With Harrogate Town making the move to full time, players are expected to arrive at the Impact through John, and join their ex-assistant manager and new investor Mullen ahead of the 2017/18 campaign. Luke Shiels is one of 3 supposedly already signed for the Reds.