Cod Almighty | Diary

Diary - Monday 9 December 2002

9 December 2002

Paul Groves has slammed his players after the narcoleptic defensive performance that handed Walsall three points on Saturday. "It is something that players have to take responsibility for - everybody in that team," says the irate player-manager. "We play as a team, we defend as a team and we have conceded three goals as a team, and disappointingly, against a side that have hardly created any chances."

Today's new injured defenders are captain John McDermott, who was substituted at half time at the Bescot, and loanee Jason Gavin, who has gone back to Middlesbrough to receive treatment on a groin strain. They must be on BUPA or something. Macca has hurt a part called an abductor muscle and is expected to sit out this weekend's trip to Preston.

Having been asked to keep readers abreast of the scoring exploits of Mariners past, the Diary obligingly points out two in the weekend's FA Cup action: one from Bradley Allen, 10 minutes after coming off the bench for his home debut for Bristol Rovers, salvaging a 1-1 draw with Rochdale; and another from the somewhat less lamented Daryl Clare, whose strike in Chester's 3-2 defeat to Morecambe brings his total to seven in six games since the player moved to the Deva Stadium from Boston last month. Maybe Brad will come back if we sign Michael Boulding this week.

A crack team of Cod Almighty investigators has discovered that the real first name of former Town winger Nicky Southall, latterly of Bolton Wanderers, is in fact Leslie. "Never trust a footballer who doesn't use their real name," comments research leader Mark Stilton, citing the irrefutable example of Robin 'Lennie' Lawrence.