Cod Almighty | Diary

Diary - Saturday 18 January 2003

18 January 2003

Well, whaddaya know? Town let another two goals in at home, that's what. A double strike from Steve Claridge at Blundell Park ends the Mariners' four-match unbeaten run in the league, with the home strikeforce firing blanks. But Stoke and Bradford lose this afternoon, as did Sheffield Wednesday last night; and though Brighton manage a creditable draw with Portsmouth, the Town are still clinging to that sacred 21st place like an alkie to a can of Special Brew.

John Oster, meanwhile, is dropped from Sunderland's line-up as the Teessiders crash 2-1 at Everton. The wonder winger, who was recently recalled by Howard Wilkinson from a fantastically successful loan spell with the Mariners to add firepower to the goalshy Black Cats line-up, doesn't even make the subs' bench today. Thanks again, Wilko.

Another player who made a big impact for Town while on loan, Andy Todd, has sparked a big row after a barney with Christophe Dugarry. The controversial defender, now with Blackburn, clashed with Birmingham's French forward as the two sides met at Ewood Park, and then tried to kick him up in the air. "It's an outrage for someone to kick out like that and I have never seen anything like that," says Blues boss Steve Bruce, who has seen a thing or two in his time, young fella-me-lad. Earlier in his career Todd left Bolton under a cloud after clashing with a teammate in training; but it is interesting to remember that during his spell with the Mariners last season, when his solidity and class at the back went a long way to keeping the club in Division One, he appeared a model of good conduct. More testimony to Paul Groves' qualities as a coach, perhaps.