Clarke Oduor’s Grimsby in line for promotion in England
By Luke Oluoch, May 3, 2026Harambee Stars and Grimsby Town FC winger Clarke Oduor has secured a passage to the potential promotion to the English League One after ending the league among the top seven teams.
The Mariners under coach David Artnell drew Tranmere Rovers, home to another Kenyan international, Zech Obiero, 1-1 in their final league match to secure the last playoff spot on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Oduor came off the bench to play the final 25 minutes of the encounter, where Junior Armaluzor scored the opener for the club.
While the results sealed the spot for the visitors, it also proved crucial for the home team, who survived relegation from the division by two points after results elsewhere also went in their favour.
Action now shifts to the decisive off-season promotion semifinal playoff, according to the schedule released by the club on Sunday, May 3, 2026.
Playoff semis schedule
The Mariners will have the honours of kicking off the playoff semifinal at home against Salford City.
Town will welcome Salford at Blundell Park on Sunday, May 10, 2026, for the first encounter.
The away leg will take place on Friday, May 15, 2026, to determine who proceeds to the final playoffs and contest the chance for promotion to League One.
Home support
The club has since urged its supporters to keep in mind the date and rally support for the team.
“We look forward to seeing a packed Blundell Park backing the Mariners in this huge Play-Off clash,” the club statement read.
Oduor has played a crucial role for the team’s success in the campaign while leveraging his versatile nature. The Kenyan can feature as either a left-sided midfielder or defender.
His impressive club run also saw him earn a return to the national team, Harambee Stars, after being called up by coach Benni McCarthy during the past international window.
He went on to feature for the Kenyan national team, Harambee Stars, in the concluded FIFA friendlies, where Kenya finished in third.