Last week, Gainsborough Trinity bolstered their ranks with the addition of two new signings.
Grimsby Town academy product Edwin Essel has become the latest fresh name to join the Holy Blues squad. He has been training with the club, and has played pre-season games this summer, including against Scunthorpe United.
The 20-year-old left the Mariners this summer, after spending loan spells at Grimsby Borough, Cleethorpes Town and Guiseley, during his stay at the club.
Gainsborough manager Russ Wilcox said: “I’ve liked him. I wanted him to come in earlier in pre-season, but he’s tried his hand at a National League side. They didn’t take him, so I’ve been back on for the phone and brought him in. I thought he did well against Scunthorpe, but I’d seen enough of him, as I’d watched him a lot in his youth days at Grimsby.
“I’ve had good feedback off Neil Woods the Academy Manager there, so it was a no brainer. He gives us that pace in the forward areas.”
Cody Collins Return Confirmed:
Defender Cody Collins has officially re-joined the Holy Blues, after spending the pre-season campaign with Russ Wilcox’s side.
The 19-year-old, originally spent a one-month loan spell at Gainsborough in 2022, under the managerial reign of Neal Bishop. He through the ranks at Mansfield Town, and has also spent time at two other EFL clubs: Hull City and Barnsley.
However, a long period on the sidelines due to a knee injury stunted his progress. He came on as a late substitute in Trinity’s final outing of the last term, in the home game against Radcliffe.
Collins is now back in North Lincolnshire, ahead of the upcoming Northern Premier League season.
He said: “It has taken a bit of time to get done, but I kind of knew in June. I’ve had conversations with Russ throughout the Summer – and I’ve never thought about going anywhere else. Obviously, I was with Tadcaster last year and other clubs in that league were interested, but after speaking to Russ, there was only one choice to make.”
Next up for Gainsborough is the visit of Boston United in a friendly on Saturday, August 3.
Feature Image Credit: Bryan Pye