Grimsby Town announced through its official channels that Richard O'Donnell has joined the club on a seven-day emergency loan from Derby County. The transfer was necessitated by first-choice goalkeeper Christy Pym receiving a red card during a match against Chesterfield, which resulted in the inexperienced Charlie Casper replacing him. English media reported that the transfer is permitted outside the transfer window because the 20-year-old Casper has never started a professional match. Grimsby signed an experienced goalkeeper to prevent Casper from having to start the upcoming Saturday match against Swindon Town. For that game, local media expect the 37-year-old O'Donnell to be in the starting lineup.