Grimsby Town: Criticism motivated players in promotion battle, says boss Paul Hurst

Paul Hurst joined Grimsby in 2011 with Rob Scott, before taking over as sole manager in 2014

Grimsby Town manager Paul Hurst has said that criticism spurred his players on to secure promotion to League Two.

Town beat Forest Green Rovers 3-1 in Sunday's National League promotion final to return to the Football League after a six-year absence.

"Everyone wants a piece of you but there are some people, they'll know who they are, who have been out of order," Hurst told BBC Radio Humberside.

"I should thank them - it has been used as motivation to prove people wrong."

The Mariners reached the play-offs for four consecutive seasons after being relegated in 2010 and have made the final twice - losing to Bristol Rovers on penalties last May.

Omar Bogle's brace and Nathan Arnold's injury-time goal at Wembley saw Grimsby beat a Forest Green side who had finished nine points above them in the league.

"I have not really doubted myself but I have questioned the enjoyment of the job at times," Hurst added.

"I'm not a quitter but it took a while to get over last year and it hurt like hell. I know what everyone wants at the club and it was a day like Sunday.

"I would like to think I'm a winner so far and those players, rightly so, will go down in the club's history."

Grimsby will return to Wembley on 22 May to face FC Halifax Town in the FA Trophy final.