Photo: Jon Corken
Last updated: 18 January, 2026 @ 11:01
Grimsby Town has embraced its fishing heritage by unveiling the football club’s latest signing with a trawler-themed video shot aboard the iconic Ross Tiger.
Fresh from that famous victory over the mighty Manchester United, the League Two side introduced new right-back Neo Eccleston against the backdrop of the Ross Tiger – a 1956-built trawler now preserved as a proud museum ship.
Ross Tiger: The last of Grimsby’s famous trawlers
Once one of 700 vessels that made Grimsby the busiest fishing port in the world, the Ross Tiger is now berthed beside the Fishing Heritage Centre and is thought to be the last surviving example of her kind.
“It was amazing to be a part of this transfer and to show Neo what Grimsby is all about,” said Heritage Centre operations manager Dave Ornsby.
“This is our history. Grimsby was the biggest fishing port in the world at one point. The Ross Tiger is the last of its kind now, at one point there were 700 trawlers like this, so it’s important that we celebrate it.”
Football meets fishing heritage
Watch the unveiling video below!
Red pill or blue pill… it's your choice. #GTFC pic.twitter.com/QPahJ8JLBV
— Grimsby Town F.C. (@officialgtfc) September 1, 2025
For Neo, the visit wasn’t just a history lesson – it was his first taste of what it means to play for a club rooted in the sea, where grit and graft run as deep as the tides.
From net to slab
The Ross Tiger-based unveiling video follows on from another of the club’s seafood-themed announcements.
Earlier in August, midfielder Clarke Oduor was introduced to fans by a video shot at the town’s Premier Seafoods.
As you can see in the video below, Clarke chose a fine selection of mixed fish.
I'll take that one! 🐟#GTFC pic.twitter.com/74njxykRtz
— Grimsby Town F.C. (@officialgtfc) August 26, 2025
Grimsby Town isn’t the only football club with saltwater in its veins. Discover more in our exclusive feature Cod Almighty! Football clubs with fishing in their blood
Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre
If you’d like to soak up that same spirit yourself, the Fishing Heritage Centre is open to visitors year-round.
Alongside the Ross Tiger, current exhibitions include Our Past on Paper and Streets of Grimsby.
Find out more about the Ross Tiger and Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre.
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