Cod Almighty | Diary

Diary - Thursday 24 October 2002

24 October 2002

American trialist Jake Sagare appeared for Town's second string last night in a specially-arranged friendly at neighbouring Brigg Town. Jonny 'Always scores twice for the reserves' Rowan scored twice for the reserves, with strikes from Chris Thompson and hot prospect Joe Lightowler - making the step up from the youth team - completing the 4-0 scoreline. Also on trial was Everton keeper Andy Pettinger, while young midfielder Chris Bolder continued his comeback from injury and Jamie Pollock his interminable quest for match fitness.

Town fans travelling to Wolverhampton this Saturday will not now need an advance ticket. The archetypal midlands sleeping giant had made the match all-ticket but has since announced that it will be possible to pay on the day after all. Would you believe it, eh?

Peter Handyside last night joined the long and illustrious list of former Town players to have found the net this season. Unfortunately for the Stoke City captain, it was Stoke City's net; but as own goals go it was a damn good one. One of the most brilliant defenders ever to grace the black and white stripes, Handyside left Blundell Park on a Bosman in 2001 after being woefully mismanaged by first Brian Laws and then Lennie Lawrence. Last night's slip meant his side went down 2-1 to Sheffield United (for whom Michael Boulding did not score this time).

The last, lingering vestiges of the Grimsby fishing industry could be swept away following a recommendation by EU scientists for a total ban on cod fishing in the North Sea. Their report says a complete moratorium is the only way to head off commercial extinction of the species, but industry figures have complained that the EU data and methodology are flawed, and are calling for the resignation of fisheries minister and Scunny MP Elliot Morley. Seems a bit harsh to blame him for decades of heedless, profit-driven overfishing, though; maybe Brian Laws would do instead.