josh andrews has joined Grimsby Town on a free transfer after leaving Gillingham, and the striker has signed a two-year contract. The move gives Grimsby another attacking option ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Blundell Park Deal
Andrews is 24 and stands 6ft 5in, with over 100 senior appearances behind him. His route to Blundell Park has taken him through 15 years at Birmingham City, loan spells with Harrogate Town, Rochdale, Doncaster Rovers and Accrington Stanley, and a permanent move to Gillingham in February 2024.
He made 54 appearances for Gillingham. Grimsby have not bought in a raw project; they have taken in a forward who has already spent time across League Two and has a record that stretches beyond one short burst of form.
Artell’s Accrington View
David Artell said Grimsby first became aware of Andrews from his time at Accrington, where he had a productive spell in the 2023/24 campaign. Artell also said Andrews “will provide great competition at the top end of the pitch,” which points to a squad move built around pressure for places rather than a guaranteed starting spot.
That is the main wrinkle in the deal. Andrews arrives as a new attacking addition, but nothing in the move itself says whether he walks straight into the side or has to force his way in. Grimsby have added height, experience and another forward option; the rest depends on how quickly he fits into the group.
Andrews on Grimsby Town
Andrews said, “I’m delighted to be here. As soon as I spoke to the gaffer and heard about the ambitions of the club, it was something I wanted to be part of. The club is clearly moving in the right direction and after coming so close last season, so hopefully we can build on that and have another successful year.
“The support here is incredible, the town is right behind the club, and I can’t wait to get out in front of the fans and get started.” For Grimsby, that is the next useful sign: a new striker talking like someone already focused on Blundell Park and the 2026/27 season, not someone arriving to find his feet slowly.
