Josh Andrews’ new manager is confident he can get goals out of the striker after a tough two-and-a-half seasons with Gillingham.
The Gills had been unable to unlock Andrews’ potential during his time at the club and opted to release him this summer.
Andrews, who stands at 6ft 4in tall, was a physical presence for the Gills but was unable to make the kind of impact expected after joining for a fee from Birmingham City in February 2024.
Grimsby Town – who lost in the semi-finals of the League Two play-offs at the end of the season – have snapped up the striker on a free and their manager thinks they can get a lot more out of him.
“He isn’t half a handful,” said their boss David Artell. “He’s got all the attributes to be a real top striker.
“We believe we’ll get the best out of him.
“One thing we do is create plenty of big chances. We created the most out of anyone in the league last season and we’re hopeful that with the plethora of talent we have available at that end of the pitch, we’ll score lots of goals. We think Josh will be able to do that.”
Grimsby topped the expected goals (xG) stats in League Two for the 2025/26 season, averaged the most shots on target in the division and ranked first in big chances created.
They also did better than most for touches in the box and corners won, and Andrews will hope those team stats will mean he gets more opportunities to prove he can be more than just a handful to mark.
His 11 yellow cards and ranking as the fourth-most frequent offender for fouls committed in the division pointed to a frustrating season for the big man. but it’s a new beginning up north.
Andrews, speaking to the club after a tour of his new surroundings in Cleethorpes, said: “The way [the manager] wanted me was important, knowing I would be valued at this club, that was a big part, and it’s a club that’s clearly on the up.
“They got into the play-offs and were unfortunate not to make the final and even go up. Hopefully, we can build on that this season.
“I haven’t had a promotion on my CV yet; it is something I am really chasing, and this is a good opportunity to get that done.
“Another big reason for me wanting to come was that the gaffer has a track record of improving players, and being 24, I still have a lot to learn in my career and hopefully under Artell, I can improve on that.
“The gaffer told me 5,800 season tickets [had been] sold so far, that’s immense. I can clearly see that the town is massively behind the club, and I can’t wait to get going.”
The Gills have looked to bolster their own striker force with Andrews gone, recently announcing the arrival of big striker Will Goodwin after his release from Oxford United.
