 He was unable to establish himself in the first team at the beginning of the 2006–07 season and joined League Two side Grimsby Town in September 2006 on a one-month loan.He made only one appearance as a substitute and was recalled by Southend with manager Steve Tilson explaining, "James was there for two matches and only played about 20 minutes We wanted him to get games and that wasn't happening, so he has come back to us now.