Grimsby has announced Paul Hurst’s return as a new manager on a three-year contract.
The 46-year-old, along with his assistant Chris Doig, has signed an agreement to upgrade Ian Holloway to the Mariners until June 2023.
Hurst guided Grimsby to the English Football League in 2016, his first leg at the club, which lasted five and a half years, before also taking over Shrewsbury, Ipswich and Scunthorpe.
Hurst, whose new team is third in League 2, told Grimsby’s official website: “It’s a little surreal to be back. It reminds me of a lot of memories.
“It’s still seeing a lot of familiar faces here and I enjoyed it. Few things have changed, many faces remain the same, but it can be positive.
“No one to see the club where you are. There is no doubt that this is a dangerous position.
“There is no point in hiding from this fact and, having played a vital role in helping the club return to the league, I hope I can play an important role in making sure we are there at the end of the season. “
Holloway resigned as boss last week and blamed his departure for the “inappropriate” movements of potential new club owners, led by Tom Shutes, saying they had contacted him on several occasions.
President Philip Day said: “The consortium has been consulted on Paul’s appointment and strongly supports the board’s decision.
“As Paul has identified, it will be to recruit players in the next movement window, I am pleased that the consortium is again concerned about decisions on this issue and we appreciate the additional price this will bring. “