Simon Ford on the verge of a return to Grimsby Town

SIMON Ford is set to complete a remarkable return to Grimsby Town today – eight years after leaving the club.

The centre-back is expected to sign a one-year deal with the Mariners following his release by League Two Chesterfield.

And the 30-year-old will be a familiar face to many Town fans, having spent three seasons with the club following his signing from Charlton in the summer of 2001.

More than 70 appearances later and Ford was on the move again, joining Bristol Rovers before stints at Kilmarnock and then the Spireites.

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Ford made his initial return in Town's pre-season friendly at Barton Town Old Boys on Saturday and was back in action last night for the trip to North Ferriby United.

And his performances have impressed Mariners bosses Paul Hurst and Rob Scott, who have moved to snap him up on a permanent deal.

He will provide competition for centre-halves Ian Miller and Shaun Pearson with the kick off to the new Blue Square Bet Premier season now just over a week away.

Ford was in the starting line-up for the friendly at North Ferriby – a match that ended 1-1.

The Mariners started with a mixture of youth and first teamers at Grange Lane, including those who didn't begin the Lincolnshire Senior Cup final triumph at Sincil Bank on Tuesday evening.

Greg Fleming, Bradley Wood, Andi Thanoj, Dayle Southwell and Frankie Artus were all in action.

While last season's top scorer Liam Hearn also made a welcome return alongside Anthony Elding in the Town attack.

However, the number 10 was substituted on 37 minutes as a precautionary measure after taking a kick on his Achilles.

Hearn had already fired the vistors ahead on 26 minutes, with a powerful strike from close range.

But North Ferriby struck just before half-time through Neil Stevens to ensure it ended honours even.