Elliott Hewitt says he is glad to be heading back to the Football League after admitting his disappointment at Notts County’s relegation last season.
The midfielder has signed for League Two side Grimsby Town after his release from the Magpies who could not commit to offering him fresh terms because of the club’s financial position.
Hewitt has signed a two-year deal with the Mariners and will be hoping for a much better season next term after missing Notts’ run-in because of a knee injury.
He had to watch from the sidelines as the club slipped into the National League on the final day due to a 3-1 defeat at Swindon.
But the former Ipswich Town midfielder, who can also play in defence, is relishing the chance of a fresh start which awaits him at Blundell Park.
“I’m buzzing to be here,” he said.
“I spoke to the manager at the end of last season and he gave me his thoughts on what he wants to do this season.
“It excited me and it’s something I wanted to do.
“Being in the Football League is a big thing. It was obviously disappointing last season, for the team at Notts County and myself personally.”
Hewitt spent four years at Meadow Lane after signing on a free transfer under Ricardo Moniz in the summer of 2015.
He made more than 150 appearances for the club during that time scoring eight league goals in the process.
Last season he played 30 games and scored in a victory over Crewe and in a 1-1 draw against Carlisle United at Meadow Lane.
Hewitt said he had spoken to Magpies striker Kristian Dennis about what Grimsby could offer with the forward having spent time on loan at the Mariners last season.
He is part of what has been a series of impressive moves by Grimsby so far during the window with the Mariners having signed strikers Matt Green and James Hanson.
Hewitt said he was excited by what the season holds.
“Everything drew me here.
“I spoke to Denno (Kristian Dennis), who was here last year.
“He said it was a good place to play and I also know Hess (Jake Hessenthaler). He said nothing but good things about the place.
“The fans seem to get behind the players. It’s an old school ground and I like that. Hopefully we can just get the place rocking again, and get everyone behind us.
“With the lads that are already here, and the signings the gaffer has made, I don’t see why we can’t go for it. But you have to take each game as it comes.”
