I'm up for it - Woods
Woods was unveiled as Mike Newell's replacement at Blundell Park yesterday on a contract that runs until the end of this season, with the option of an extra year.
And he said it was an honour to be handed the job after six games in caretaker charge.
Woods, who played for the Mariners for eight years and went on to become Youth coach before the latest step-up, said: "It's a great honour.
"I've been at the club in all different areas now.
"I've played and been the Youth coach and it's a proud moment to be named the manager.
"I believe you have to do an apprenticeship in every job you're doing.
"I've done my coaching and management for 10 years now and think I'm ready for the next step.
"I'm delighted. I did take my time after being asked to be the caretaker to throw my hat into the ring.
"I needed to make sure it was something I was capable of doing.
"I have a lot of affection for the club and the town. My kids have been brought up here and the family lives here very happily.
"It's not something I was going to risk without a calculated gamble.
"I'm very confident with the backing of the staff and the board we can turn it around (on the field)."
Chairman John Fenty was also delighted with the appointment and believes the 43 year old has the 'guts' to take on the challenge.
He added: "The board believes Neil Woods certainly has the right qualities.
"He's a modern, fully-qualified coach with contacts and knowledge to acquire quality players – we've seen that already in the four players he has brought in on loan.
"We only need to point to Ryan Bennett, who is a perfect example of that.
"He will restructure the footballing side from top to bottom.
"This is why we chose Neil above all other applicants.
"I would like to put on record our thanks for all of the applicants who wanted to be Grimsby Town's next manager.
"I would like now to ask everybody to unite behind Neil.
"He has demonstrated in the past few weeks he has got the guts to take on such a tall task – and it is a tall task.
"It's going to take time to win the fans over because they are split and we know that.
"When all is said and done, we've made a decision and I really hope everyone gets behind Neil.
"It isn't going to turn around over night because this team wasn't good enough when Neil took over.
"We only have three league wins all season and it's simply not good enough.
"Neil has a heck of a job to do but I believe he has the attributes to do it.
"It's a positive day for the football club."
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