Cod Almighty | Diary

Diary - Thursday 24 July 2003

24 July 2003

It was one-nil to the Mariners again last night at that KFC Stadium or whatever it's called as Paul Groves' new-look Town team overcame the challenge of their richer but poorer contemporaries from Hull in the well-attended testimonial of Neil Mann, former Tigers midfielder and son of the one-time GTFC assistant boss Arthur. Long sentence, I know, but I'm hurrying today, cos there's an afternoon drinking session to get to. Michael Boulding headed the decisive goal after a deflected free kick from Iain Anderson (if you read the report on Town's website) or Stuart Campbell (according to City's). Incidentally, why are new shiny stadiums always described as "magnificent"? And deflections always "wicked", for that matter?

Paul Groves' interminable quest for a new centre-forward could take a new turn in the next day or two with the arrival of a player on trial. The Town boss has been knocked back by a series of strikers as he seeks a replacement big lumpy bloke following the departure of Steve Livingstone to Carlisle, but BBC Humber reports today that a trialist could be at Blundell Park this weekend, possibly followed by another next week.

Affluent Town fans who missed out in the auction to become a member of the GTFC playing squad next season may be tempted by another great offer from the club - to fly with the team to the opening-day fixture at Plymouth. A hundred and fifty English pounds is the sum that will secure you a place on the Mariners' flight from Humberside Airport - which includes a posh seat at Home Park together with transfers and "full breakfast", which is quite a relief, as the Diary for one finds it particularly annoying when the stewardess brings you a slice of toast that's already been chewed by that scary ADHD kid across the aisle. Book early by emailing commercial@gtfc.co.uk or phone Tony Richardson on 01472 605050, and get the season off to - heh - a flying start!