Grimsby Town signs ex-Blackburn midfielder Zak Gilsenan

Grimsby Town has signed 22-year-old midfielder Zak Gilsenan on a two-year deal after he left Blackburn Rovers at the end of his contract. Gilsenan, who previously spent time in the academies of Barcelona and Liverpool before joining Blackburn's youth setup, made a handful of first-team appearances and scored in the Carabao Cup. The Australian-born player, eligible for the Republic of Ireland, has represented Ireland at under-19 and under-21 levels. Grimsby manager David Artell expressed excitement about Gilsenan's potential and ball skills, noting that the club had been monitoring him for some time. Gilsenan himself is enthusiastic about joining Grimsby and eager to perform in front of the fans. His transfer is seen as a coup for the Mariners, who finished just outside the League Two play-off positions last season.