GRIMSBY Town owners Jason Stockwood and Andrew Pettit bid a fond farewell to the National League by declaring the best of Non-League as “equivalent” to League Two.
The duo took over at Blundell Park following relegation from the EFL a year ago and have been credited with reinstating a feelgood factor.
They were rewarded with a rollercoaster ride to promotion, watching the Mariners come back from behind to win all three play-off matches after extra-time, including last Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Solihull Moors in the Promotion Final.
However, Stockwood insisted: “We were not scared of not getting straight back.
“We are building something for the long term, to be sustainable on and off the pitch, with our core values and how we want to see the club r e p r esented in the community.
“ We were not worried about it.
“We thought we could get out but another year inthe National League would not have scared us.
“We would have been preparedred to keep improving and backing Paul (Hurst, manager)ager) to keepdoing the greatjobhe has done.
“This was not all or nothing for us. We are delighted to go up but, at the same time, this is a great league with some competitive teams.”
Pettit added: “We know it is a very difficult league to get out of.
“To do it at the first attempt, having gone through three play-off games, is testament to Paul and the players.
“They have been amazing and, from our perspective, we have to make sure we build on this and build a sustainable squad to push on for next season.
“The football in the National League, certainly in the top half, is equivalent to League Two in our view.
“Seeing the likes of Stockport, Wrexham, Notts County and Grimsby in this division shows the strength.
“The media coverage is better in the National League than in League Two, in my view.
“It is very strong compared with the coverage the lower divisions get inthe EFL.
“From that perspective it has been good.
“We havehad great exposurethrough the three play-off games and that in itselfhas been arealfillip for the town.”
