Grimsby sign teenage trio

Grimsby have made their third signing of the week by recruiting Watford goalkeeper Bradley Hughes.

The 18-year-old played reserve and academy football at Watford and was handed a contract after impressing in a trial.

Grimsby's youth team manager Neil Woods said: "We've had some great reports on him from Watford.

"It was more a case of people in front of him there rather than his ability."

The Mariners had already persuaded 19-year-olds Iain Ward and Chris Bolder to commit to the club by signing one-year deals.

And player-manager Paul Groves is hopeful of securing several out-of-contract players before the start of the new campaign.

Defender Ward made his debut in the final game of last season against Millwall, while utility player Bolder is still awaiting a first-team call.

"Chris Bolder developed as a player last season and earned his place in the first team squad on a number of occasions," said reserve team boss Paul Wilkinson.

"He's hard-working, aggressive, strong and can get from box to box, where he is a threat.

"Wardy is another local lad who developed a little bit later on last season.

"He's a tall, rangy lad who can play in three or four positions, which is one of his strengths."