FORMER Southend United favourite Bilel Mohsni has joined Grimsby Town.

The 33-year-old, who made 80 appearances between 2010 and 2013, has signed an initial year long deal with the Mariners.

And Grimsby boss Ian Holloway is pleased to have the fiery Frenchman on board. 

"He is my leader, he's my Virgil van Dijk", Holloway told the club's official website.

""He can play anywhere to be honest with you.

"In France they have a sort of hall of fame, where they let anybody without a contract train and play with others and they play against clubs.

"He kept playing, he played nearly 30 games in that environment and he's a wonderful man.

"I've known him for a very very long time, he's a little bit firey I must admit.

"But I've forgiven him and I want him here to help us with our young lads.

"I'm absolutely delighted he's decided to join me, he had other choices but because we were so close last year, he's decided he wanted to come back to me".