Fowler holds talks with Grimsby

Fowler has won 26 caps for England

Grimsby chairman John Fenty says the Mariners have held provisional talks with former England star Robbie Fowler about a possible player-coach role.

The 33-year-old striker is currently at Blackburn on a three-month "pay-as-you-play" contract which expires at the end of December.

"There is a real chance he'll get an extension at Blackburn," said Fenty.

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

The former Liverpool and Leeds forward spent last season with Cardiff and was in the squad that reached the FA Cup final.

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But Fowler, who has a long-standing friendship with Mariners boss Mike Newell, has no previous coaching experience

"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."

Fowler is the fourth highest goalscorer in Premier League history, with 161 goals in the top flight to his name.

Grimsby are 22nd in the League Two table, with only Bournemouth and Luton beneath them.