Cod Almighty | Diary

Diary - Wednesday 27 November 2002

27 November 2002

Cod Almighty's unique Fans' Day scheme has received the public support of Mariners chairman Peter Furneaux. The idea is that Town fans themselves will sponsor the Bradford game on New Year's Day and raise money for the club and youth set-up via a great big raffle with some awesome prizes. In last night's Radio Humberside phone-in Furneaux said the club was very grateful for our idea and time. Awww! So hey, buy a ticket, why don't you.

John 'Five Star Fish' Fenty has emerged as the new major shareholder in the club after yesterday's bout of ritual bloodletting in the boardroom. I don't mean that literally. That would be terrible. Fenty's purchase of shares from outgoing directors Colin 'Costcutter' Graves and Dudley 'Son of Ron' Ramsden means he now holds the largest single stake in GTFC. The Diary isn't terribly interested in all the backroom politicking - excepting our hope that shareholder and former chairman Bill Carr will finally agree to the release of hundreds of thousands of pounds' worth of unissued share capital - but is relieved to learn that as the new power behind the throne Mr Fenty is a staunch backer of manager Paul Groves. He also has some inspiring words about light and tunnels, which you can read in the Grimsby Telegraph if you like.

Admirers of Georges Santos' euphemistically-described 'all-action style' will be shoving people's faces in despair at news that talks between him and GTFC appear to have broken down irretrievably. The talented but explosive midfielder, who made big impacts of various kinds in his five October appearances for Town, had been in talks with the club over a new contract; but Paul Groves has decided to cut his losses and look elsewhere, telling today's Grimsby Telegraph: "I thought we were virtually there and sorted at one point, but the goalposts were moved...we can't wait forever." So farewell, Georges. The Diary enjoyed thinking of humorous epithets to describe you.

Non-playing staff at Blundell Park who took pay cuts in the wake of the club's pillage by the brazen whores of Carlton and Granada have now been fully reimbursed. Many employees were hit by controversial wage cuts of up to 20 per cent in the summer, but have now been repaid, according to Town chairman Peter Furneaux.