Cod Almighty | Diary

Diary - Friday 13 February 2004

13 February 2004

"One hundred thousand lemmings can't be wrong". Or so the urban legend says, and the average Town fan seems to be thinking more about a drive out to the Humber Bridge, than a visit to Blundell Park this Saturday. But, just think, there's still well over a season left before we start having to consider life in the Conference. So your Guest Diarist's advice is to keep smiling, and spend the rest of the day practicing "GrahamRodgersblackandwhitearmy". Hmm...the first thing you notice is that his name has the right number of syllables: an omen perhaps? Well it will be if he gets a result tomorrow, you mark my words.

In more normal times I'd be thinking that prospects for points on Saturday were looking optimistic. The Seagulls have an even worse away record than Town this season overall, and have only won 5 out of a possible 21 away since Mr. McGhee took over. They have also got a few injuries, the latest cry-off being influential defensive midfielder (and set piece expert) Paul Watson who has a poorly groin. And jeepers, creepers, keepers Kuipers and Ben Roberts are still definite non-starters. So third choice keeper Stuart Jones will be attracting the Pontoon catcalls. From what I hear the Seagulls fans aren't too keen on him either. John Piercey though is expected back in the side after missing a couple of games. Typically Leon Knight will miss the game after this one following his dismissal in the 2-0 defeat at Luton the other night.

And when you think Brighton this season, you automatically think about Knight. In a sentence, a pint-sized diver who scores goals. Lately he has been forging a partnership up front with Trevor Benjamin on loan from Leicester. Given our defensive frailty (Town have conceded three or more goals on no less than ten occasions this season) the choice of centre halves tomorrow will be crucial. If Crane plays then Knight will get a penalty. Having said that, the ref rumbled our Leon on Tuesday night, as he got his first booking for a dive in the box. If Edwards and Ford play together I think it will be equally scary. Good job I'm not the manager, eh? Still, it could be worse - look at the problems Man Utd are having sorting out their centre-backs!

As for our new strike force, we shall have to see, won't we? I just feel a bit sorry for all the Town kids who are looking for a hero. But I won't go on at you about that today - needs must I suppose. The one thing I do know is that, although Boulding's finishing has been better this season, his electrifying pace has gone, and I reckon the Tykes will be as pleased with him as they were with Kevin Donovan. It won't be long, at this rate, before the hacks refer to him as 'the much-traveled Michael Boulding'.

Thanks to all who proffered advice ahead of our Whitby excursion. However with the benefit of experience I can now give you the real scoop on eating and drinking in that town. The local fishermen drink Sam Smiths at £1.27 a pint in the Jolly Sailors, the Tap and Spile don't keep their ale very well, but there's a good atmosphere with local singers in the Black Horse. The best and cheapest haddock and chips are to be had at Alexander's, and Partner's kippers are bloody lovely. Smashing all round and a thoroughly recommended place for a break. I love the seaside out of season.

If you'd logged in to this page looking for breaking news, well there doesn't really seem to be any. I won't speculate on the manager hunt, because I don't know anything. Someone said Ceefax had reported Carlton Palmer as admitting he'd applied, but I can't find it this morning. The Premiership player signing as promised the other day on the official site hasn't happened yet. Anyway, it's probably only Danny Coyne, so don't get your hopes up too high. It's already half twelve and I can't be arsed to wait for the Telegraph any longer, so you'll have to look yourselves. Keep the faith, see yer.