Grimsby defender Atkinson could miss start of season

Atkinson initially joined Grimsby on-loan before making the move permanent in 2009.

Grimsby Town defender Rob Atkinson is a big injury worry ahead of the start of the new season.

The 23-year-old centre-half may require surgery on a groin injury, which has kept him sidelined this pre-season.

Mariners manager Neil Woods told BBC Radio Humberside: "He'll go to see a renowned specialist in this field in Manchester on Thursday.

"We'll have a better idea after that as to whether or not he needs an operation on it."

Atkinson was part of the side that suffered relegation from League Two last season.

However, the former Barnsley trainee is seen as an integral part of Grimsby's defence as they look to return to the Football League at the first time of asking.

And Woods says there is still a chance Atkinson will be fit for the opening day trip to Crawley if surgery is not required.

"If everything goes well, we expect to have him back within 3-4 weeks.

"It's very doubtful but if the surgeon looks at him and says he doesn't need the procedure, then great. Then we can move things on a little bit quicker than we can at the moment."