Grimsby sign Oliver Lancashire and release four players

Oliver Lancashire has picked up three red cards in just 20 league starts

Grimsby have shaped up for their bid to stay in the League by bringing in Southampton defender Oliver Lancashire, while allowing four players to leave.

After being sent off on his home debut, Lancashire, 21, spent two months on loan at Blundell Park before Christmas.

He played 10 games before being recalled by Saints for FA Cup duty.

But Chesterfield-bound Danny Boshell, defenders Jamie Clarke and Matt Heywood and striker Danny North have had their contracts cancelled by mutual consent.

The Mariners stand five points adrift of safety, having played more games than their relegation rivals.

But the trimming of their wage bill has helped boss Neil Woods add new players before the close of Monday's transfer window.

Grimsby have now made six loan signings during January, three of them midfielders.

Portsmouth's Paris Cowan-Hall has been joined by Charlton Athletic's Dean Sinclair and an extension of fellow midfielder Nicky Featherstone's deal from Hull City.

Grimsby have also signed strikers Ashley Chambers from Leicester City and Lee Peacock from Swindon Town.

Clarke and Boshell, who has now signed for Chesterfield, have both been released having failed to figure since Woods was confirmed as replacement for the sacked Mike Newell in November.

Heywood, an Alan Buckley signing in the summer of 2008, has played just once this season.

North rose through the youth ranks at Blundell Park and made 100 appearances for them.