Grimsby Town: New signing Sam Hatton attracted by Mariners' ambition

NEW signing Sam Hatton says that Grimsby Town's ambition for success was the main factor in his move to Blundell Park.

The former AFC Wimbledon defender has signed a two-year deal with the Mariners and says he was attracted to the club because of its hunger for promotion for next season.

Hatton, who was the Dons' record appearance holder, would have had a host of potential suitors after his surprise release last month.

But the size and stature of Town appealed to him – and the deal was sealed once he heard of interest from joint managers Rob Scott and Paul Hurst.

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Hatton told the Telegraph: "The managers said that they've seen me play in during my time at Wimbledon and that they were keen to sign me so as soon as they got in touch, I was equally keen to sign for them.

"It is a fair distance from where I lived, but the size of the club is a huge draw for players. It was the ambition that they have to get out of this league is what attracted me to Grimsby; that's what I like about this club.

"It is obvious that this is a big club with a great fan base and one that is making a real push for promotion this year so I'm delighted to be part of that."

Hatton played over 40 League Two games for the Dons last season and was an integral part of three of the club's promotion-winning sides, including the team that secured Wimbledon's promotion to the Football League in 2011 – a season which saw the him named as the supporters' player of the year.

He becomes the Mariners' third signing of the summer, following the capture of former Barrow forward Andy Cook and winger Joe Colbeck.

Hatton is eager to start pre-season training on Wednesday and get to know his new team-mates before what he hopes will be a successful season.

The 24-year-old went on: "I can't wait to get started.

"It was a poor end to the season at Wimbledon last year and we weren't really playing for anything.

"It has been a long summer as well so I'm really keen to get started with this club.

"My aim now is to break my way into the team, get games under my belt, win as many of them as we can and get promotion out of this league.

"I played a lot of games for Wimbledon and have been there for a long time.

"I have good memories of my time there but I felt as if it was time for me to leave.

"I'm pleased to be here at Grimsby and I'm looking forward to the new challenge ahead."