Grimsby Town have confirmed that goalkeeper Max Crocombe will leave the club this summer after turning down a new contract with the club. With his current deal at the club set to run out at the end of the month, Paul Hurst wanted to keep the 29-year-old on board, offering him renewed terms, but Crocombe has decided to explore options elsewhere.
The New Zealander played every single minute of the Mariner’s 22/23 campaign, with 59 games with 19 clean sheets kept in all competitions as he helped Town to a top-half finish in League Two and an FA Cup quarter-final appearance.
Crocombe initially signed for Grimsby in the summer of 2021, coming in as a backup to then-number-one, James McKeown, but went on to claim the starting spot in the middle of the season, making 30 appearances in his debut campaign as the Mariners won promotion from the National League.
Overall, the two parties go their separate ways on good terms, with the club giving Crocombe the platform to increase his profile and improve his game massively, and at the same time, the goalkeeper’s performances have undoubtedly played a big role in the team’s recent success.
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He will leave the club shortly after regaining his place in the New Zealand squad, five years after his first call-up, which is a clear marker of the progress he has made with the Mariners.
Crocombe penned an emotional leaving statement, saying: “I had a good chat with the manager and it’s nice that I’m able to leave on good terms. It’s been a great environment to play my football over the last two seasons and it’s been an absolutely amazing ride.
“When I signed, I don’t think anyone would have predicted how much success we were going to have as a Club during that time. It was amazing to play my small part in those achievements.
“I want to thank everyone for their support during my time with the Club. My teammates, who I created such great bonds with. The staff, who have been brilliant from top to bottom – the gaffer, Doigy, Greg Howard, Steve Croudson, Jason, Andrew and Debbie and everyone else behind the scenes. And finally, the supporters, who have followed us up and down the country to support their team. They are a credit to themselves and the town.
“I’d like to wish the Club the very best of luck for the future. Grimsby Town will always hold a special place in my heart.”
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