Cod Almighty | Diary

Diary - Thursday 31 July 2003

31 July 2003

Hello. The big twister wheel that’s doubling as a guest diarist selector has come to rest with its needle pointing towards London Bridge today. As a result, you’ve got Andy giving you your daily run-down on all GTFC-related news in the continued absence of your regular Diary.

First up is news of last night’s friendly match against Barton. A 3-0 away win to the Mariners keeps the pre-season juggernaut of success rolling on nicely. Jonny Rowan, Chris Hyams and Paolo Castellini were all on the scoresheet as a predominantly young Town side romped home. Groves had a full game, but Crowe, contrary to yesterday's thoughts, did not play. Macca made his bow as manager-for-the-night in the absence of Mr Rodger, who was ill.

Speaking of our experienced full back, as I was, McDermott is set to miss the start of the season with an injury to one of his legs. I’ve heard that those are quite important to professional footballers so it’s probably for the best that he gets it fixed. He will travel to Lilleshall this week to try and get the problem cleared up and as he’s hitching it he may not make it back to Grimsby in time for the flight from Humberside Airport down to Plymouth for the first match.

In further news of the Italians currently training with the squad, the OS drops in a throwaway comment that they probably won’t be staying after all. No reason is given, but Cleethorpes isn’t what it used to be is it?

More squad news with the latest on Clyde Wijnhard, as BBC Humber reports that the manager has spoken to both the player and his agent but still it isn’t clear whether he’ll be turning up for a kick-around tomorrow in the behind-closed-doors match with Middlesbrough. It's like Clive Platt all over again isn't it?

And lastly, the OS appeals for help. More specifically the club is having a re-think about what music they want the players to run out to on match days. It seems that they’ve run out of ideas so are opening the brainstorming exercise to the general public. I’m a bit ambivalent about it all really, but it’s a good job the Diary’s not around or you’d have to put up with one of his tirades on the subject. He’s not a fan of music for that purpose, you see. We’d love to hear your suggestions, serious or otherwise, though. Go on, write in and give the Diary some mail to come back to.

That’s all for now. Bye.