Grimsby Town manager thanks fans and club after father's death

David Artell said he was grateful for the "love and support that was shown to me personally"

Grimsby Town manager David Artell has thanked the club's coaching staff and the fans for their support following the death of his father last week.

Artell said he was grateful for the "love and support that was shown to me personally".

The Mariners' manager said Saturday's game against Newport County had been "tough".

He said his mother and other family members would be supporting him at Tuesday's match at Harrogate.

'Football doesn't stop'

"I'm grateful for all that, the support," he said.

"Both the owners have reached out, as you would imagine, and others connected to the football club and obviously the fans as well.

"So it's been really nice. I just wish it didn't have to happen really."

Artell said that the League Two side's co-head coach Ben Davies and assistant manager Shaun Pearson had helped out by handling press conferences and other duties.

"It just all helps," he said.

"It just reduces the burden in what is a pretty stressful job, so I can spend a bit more time with loved ones really.

"So I'm grateful for all that."

Artell's family will be at Tuesday night's match against Harrogate Town

He said his mother, sister, nephew and uncle wanted to make the trip to watch the Mariners play Harrogate Town.

"Football doesn't stop," he said.

"It doesn't stop for anyone, so I have to get on with it.

"That's what my old man would have wanted".