 In stepped Mike Newell as his replacement, and despite Grimsby's ongoing poor luck in the League, Jarman soon found himself a first team regular, this was mainly down to the release of want-away striker Martin Butler and on-going fitness problems with Danny North.This enabled Nathan to hold down a regular place in the first team squad, partnering fellow youngster Peter Bore up front for several weeks.Nathan scored his first league goal for Grimsby in the club's 2–0 away win over his former club Bury.