FORMER CLEETHORPES COUNCILLOR CALLS FOR GRIMSBY TOWN FC TO APPOINT THE MEN'S GAME'S FIRST WOMAN MANAGER

Emma Hayes - the right woman for Blundell Park?

 Photo: Lee Fraser via Wikimedia Commons

SHOULD  Grimsby Town FC appoint a female manager - the first in the history of the Football League?

Up until a few years ago, such a gambit would have been met with derision. But not now.

For several years, there have been women in charge in  some clubs' boardrooms, and the profile and popularity of the female game has never been higher.

Now, in the wake of this week's departure of Michael Jolley as Mariners boss, one fan has suggested that a woman - specifically Emma Hayes, currently in charge of Chelsea Women FC - should be approached.

Writing in today's edition of the Grimsby Telegraph,  former Cleethorpes councillor Matthew Jason Brown suggests the 43-year-old has the skill, determination  and temperament to fill the vacancy at Blundell Park.

In a well-argued letter, Mr Brown, who was also a Labour parliamentary candidate for Louth & Horncastle in the 2015 General Election, writes: "Her talent could easily be transferred into the men's game.

"Such an appointment might be seen as a gamble or publicity stunt - or being politically correct - but those who have seen her ability knows she has what it takes to have a big impact at a club like Grimsby."

There is no doubt the arrival of a female would generate colossal local, national and international publicity. But the scrutiny - and sense of responsibility - would be intense.  

Would a woman have the motivational skills to inspire winning performances from her team? Everything hinges on results. 

As with anything, you don't know until you try.

In principle at least, the club's shareholder-in-chief, John Fenty, is probably not adverse to the idea of making a female appointment.

He likes radical, refreshing thinkers. Part of the reason for Jolley's appointment was that he was outside the mould. He had worked overseas, in Sweden, and he had professional experience outside football - as a city trader in London.

In the coming days, Mr Fenty will be sifting through  applications. It remains to be seen if Ms Hayes - or any woman - pitches for the job.

* Meanwhile, among men thought (by bookies) to be in the frame are: 

Kevin Nolan
Anthony Limbrick
Danny Butterfield
Robbie Stockdale
Paul Wilkinson

Russ Wilcox

Paul Groves
Craig Disley
Paul Tisdale

Russell Slade
Neil Warnock

Robbie Fowler
Ian Holloway

Pete Wild

Paul Heckingbottom
Nigel Adkins