Bancroft sets sail for Blundell Park as new CEO

The head of women’s football at Manchester United is set to become Grimsby Town’s new CEO.

Polly Bancroft replaces Debbie Cook, who left Blundell Park earlier this month. Bancroft has been with Manchester United since October 2022.

Before joining United, Bancroft was women’s team general manager at Brighton & Hove Albion, director of the women’s team at Nottingham Forest and also held roles with UEFA and the FA.

Mariners chair Jason Stockwood said: “We are absolutely thrilled for Polly to be joining us. There was a tremendous amount of interest in the role and to have someone of Polly’s calibre and background join us is a real testament to how the club is regarded. We look forward to welcoming Polly and her family to the area and for her starting once the WSL season has concluded. We’d also like to thank Dave Slemen and the team at EPP who helped us conduct the search.”

Town’s new CEO will oversee all aspects of the club, including the men’s, women’s and Academy teams and commercial activities.

Adam Smith will continue in his role as interim CEO until the end of the season and revert back to club secretary once Bancroft takes up her new position.

The Mariners currently sit 22nd in League Two, just six points above the relegation trapdoor, after a dire run of form. They face a trip to Morecambe this Saturday in the latest instalment of their battle to avoid the dreaded drop into non-league for the third time in less than 15 years.