The Mariners have held preliminary talks with Robbie Fowler about a player/coach role at Blundell Park.

"There is a real chance he'll get an extension at Blackburn," said chairman John Fenty of the former England and Liverpool star, currently on a short-term deal at Ewood Park.

"But if that doesn't happen there is a glimmer of a chance that he might come to Grimsby."

Town boss Mike Newell is the man who has made the unthinkable thinkable. His friendship with Fowler goes back a long way.

"A couple of weeks ago the manager had some discussions with Robbie and then asked me if we could potentially take it forward for Robbie to come in in a playing/coaching capacity," added Fenty.

"In truth we were trying to avoid this becoming a public issue but I think I needed to clarify the situation."