ECHOSPORT talks to Grimsby Live reporter Elliott Jackson ahead of Friday's match with Southend United.

Southend fans will be wondering why Grimsby are doing so much better than them this season after Blues finished higher than them in League Two. What do you feel this has been down to and has much changed at the club since last season which has resulted in the good start?

"The change in ownership has played a massive role. New owners, Jason Stockwood and Andrew Pettit, have given new life to the club and changed the atmosphere entirely.

"There were 15 new summer signings as well and most have been a success. Paul Hurst is a manager with great pedigree and now, with his own squad, that is starting to impact results.

"Town are probably in the best shape off the field in a long time. It feels like a new era."

How much has the manager played a part in things?

"Hurst has done well so far. His contacts definitely helped with recruitment in the summer and he's arguably managing below his true level.

"He has a refreshing honesty in post-match assessments and has high expectations of his players. Nonetheless, he's also capable of coaxing the best from individuals with his man-management style."

Grimsby have been beaten in their last four games. Is that just a blip or cause for concern?

"In truth, I think it is a blip. They can have no complaints at losing three of those games, although the defeat to Notts County was a freak result in a game they dominated.

"Goals are the concern with top-scorer John McAtee still sidelined. He is also their most creative player and it's still unclear who will step up in his absence.

"Three of those four defeats were 1-0 so they are not giving lots away defensively, though they were vulnerable from set-pieces in defeat at Wealdstone and Aldershot."

Who would you say is the dangerman?

"If fit, it would be McAtee. He's sidelined so I'd say Harry Clifton, who has scored four goals this term. He'll either play in an advanced midfield position or on the left-wing.

"His energy on and off the ball is infectious. As a boyhood Mariner, he wears his heart on his sleeve on the pitch."

What’s the team news?

"McAtee, Joel Grant, Max Wright and Sean Scannell are injured. There is also another phantom injury to a first-team player but Hurst wouldn't reveal their identity, not wanting to alert Southend.

Otherwise, Hurst has a full squad to pick from.