Winger Jordan Maguire-Drew has joined Yeovil Town on a one-month loan from Grimsby Town with a view to signing permanently when the EFL transfer window opens in January.
The 25-year-old, who scored an extra time winner for the Mariners in last season’s National League play-off final, arrives in time to be part of the Glovers’ squad for tomorrow’s FA Trophy tie with Dorking Wanderers.
Announcing his signing, the club said that “personal terms have have been agreed for the player to sign on a permanent contract during the January transfer window, subject to the completion of a satisfactory medical” although Grimsby’s statement only speaks about a loan.
Speaking to the club’s official website, he said: “I’m delighted to be here and looking forward to getting started.
“I know the style of play that the manager wants to play. Yeovil is a big club and it shouldn’t be where it is.”
“I played against (Mark Cooper’s) sides when he was at Forest Green and they played a really good brand of football which suits me down to the ground.”
Maguire-Drew was part of the Dagenham & Redbridge side beaten by Cooper’s Forest Green Rovers in the 2017 National League play-off semi-final. He was also promoted out of this division with Leyton Orient in 2019 and obviously with Grimsby last season.
He added: “It’s a tough league, it’s about being consistent, and the most consistent teams that usually go through. I’m hoping to bring my experience to the team and hopefully change the fortunes.”
Delighted to be here and can’t wait to get going??@YTFC https://t.co/VHWXql9jSd
— JMD (@jmaguiredrew) December 16, 2022
He described himself as a “very creative” left-footed winger who likes to come in from the right side who “likes to create and score a lot of goals” – which sounds just lovely!
He appears to be the the “quality addition” promised by manager Mark Cooper in his pre-match press conference on Thursday.
The Brighton & Hove Albion academy product has not featured for Grimsby since the end of October and has not started a game since a 3-0 win over his hometown club, Crawley Town, at the start of October. He has made ten appearances this season, scoring once.
Cracking player. Given our lack of attacking quality right now I’m surprised we’ve lost him while Richardson is out. #GTFC https://t.co/R6BSLmb6lP
— DN35 Podcast (@DN35GTFC) December 16, 2022
Announcing the transfer, Mariners’ boss Paul Hurst does not mention the possibility of the deal becoming permanent.
He says: “We decided to let Jordan out as, understandably, he’s been a little frustrated with the lack of first team action and wants to play football.
“After giving it a little bit of thought and having him around for the last couple of games, I felt now was the right opportunity for him. Yeovil came up as an option and he was keen to go out and get some game time.
“We’ll obviously watch with interest how Jordan gets on but, for me, it shows he just wants to go and play, and I will never knock a player for that. Hopefully he can get the games that he’s craving.”
Is that a comb over !