'He still has something to prove' - Paul Hurst on John McAtee's Grimsby Town future

Despite rumours circulating about John McAtee’s future at Grimsby Town, manager Paul Hurst has remained firm in his stance that the forward is at the right club and still has something to prove with the Mariners.

McAtee is entering the final year of his contract with Town, and his performances last season earned him multiple club awards and a place in the Vanarama National League Team of the Season, which had supporters concerned that clubs from higher up the pyramid could swoop in for his signature.

Despite these claims, Mariners boss Hurst revealed that no clubs had made formal offers for the 22-year-old and believes the player is happy to stay this season. Hurst also touched on the decision to not go through with shoulder surgery for McAtee after he dislocated it in a game late last season.

“In the end, we went against that [surgery], and not because he doesn’t need it or might not in the future; having looked more into it, it is quite normal for players in his situation to not have the operation get by with it.

“They’ll always be a bit of luck attached, but it is like that with anything; you can go into a tackle and turn your ankle or pull a muscle, so we’re aware of the risks involved. He’ll do his strengthening work to try and give it the best chance of it not happening again, he is with us now and training again, so hopefully, he’ll be ready come the start of the season.

“No one has come in with any offers; I’m sure there are people watching him, and some have asked questions, but there is a big difference between that and making a firm bid. “There is no mistaking that we want him here, and John is happy here. We’re all realistic about the situation; if a team came in and they were way up the pyramid, it would be