Sunderland defender becomes a Mariner

Young Sunderland defender Simon Ramsden has signed for League One side Grimsby Town FC today.

Ramsden, 23, passed a medical yesterday and has signed a one year deal with Russell Slade's team.

The Bishop Auckland-born player was signed by Peter Reid in August 2001 but made only a single start for the senior team, coming on as an 89th minute substitution in our 4th round defeat of Ipswich in January. He was on loan at Notts County for the entire 2002/03 season.

Ramsden said how pleased he is to have signed for the Mariners. "I'm delighted about it, to be honest.

"Grimsby had shown a lot of interest. I came down and was really impressed with what I saw - I signed without hesitation!

"I'm really impressed with the gaffer; he doesn't want to be in this division, we're looking to get out straight away."