SHAUN PEARSON has left Wrexham to re-join former club Grimsby Town.

The 32-year-old, who has been captain since arriving at The Racecourse in the summer of 2017, was offered a new contract by the Reds for the 2021/22 season and terms had been agreed with the centre-back.

However, with Pearson set to put pen to paper on Tuesday afternoon, he informed the club that he had received another offer from the Mariners.

With his wife and her family from Grimsby, and with her family still based there, Pearson subsequently elected to return to Blundell Park where he has signed a two-year-deal.

Explaining the last-minute u-turn, influential skipper Pearson told the official club website: “Tuesday morning I woke up expecting to negotiate a new deal with Wrexham; we talked and I came to an agreement with Shaun Harvey and was going to come back in to sign it that afternoon.

“I was planning to come back at 4pm, but then just past 3pm I got a phone call from Grimsby. I phoned Shaun and asked for time to think about it and listen to the offer.

“A lot of other clubs I wouldn’t have been interested. Not being disrespectful to other clubs but we’re settled here, we’re happy here – family life, kids in school etc.

“If the documentary shows what I think it will show, people will see how happy we are in Wrexham, but if there was one club who was going to pull on my heartstrings it was definitely Grimsby Town.

“I felt I couldn’t turn down the opportunity to return to Grimsby.”

Pearson, immediately installed as club captain when he signed for Wrexham, finished his first campaign as Player of the Season and he went on to make 132 league appearances in four seasons for the Reds

A foot injury meant he only made 15 league appearances in 2020-21 but he loved his time at the club and rejoins a Grimsby side who was relegated from the Football League this season.

“It definitely has been crazy at times, but I’ve loved every minute of it – not just playing for the Football Club but living in the town as well. I’ve made friends here that will be friends for life," said Pearson.

“We’re super-excited to go back to Grimsby, but at the same time to leave everything we’ve got here, we’ll be very sad to go.

“The Chester away game was obviously the stand-out but also the home game against Tranmere when we drew 2-2 – it wasn’t a win but that was among the best I’ve felt at the Racecourse. The place was rocking, with both sets of fans.

“I’d like to think I’ve given everything I can for this football club. Unfortunately it’s not been enough to get the promotion we all wanted but I would like to wish the club all the best for next season - except for the two games we play against each other!”

Pearson might be back at Grimsby, who he previously spent six seasons from 2011-17, but he believes the future is bright for Wrexham who were taken over by Holywood stars Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds in February..

“Wrexham are at the start of something potentially absolutely massive," added Pearson.

“If they get it right, it could really take off and I’d say to the fans to enjoy the ride. From what we know, it’s going to be a wonderful place and I’m sure they’ll bring in a good level of player with the backing they now have.

“As I’ve said, apart from when they play Grimsby Town, I hope it will be us as a top two and if we both go up that would be best-case scenario.”