Cod Almighty | Diary

Diary - Friday 12 December 2003

12 December 2003

Hello there, it's your regular stand-in diarist here. But today, Matthew, I'm going to be the guest diarist, so I'm all dolled up in a big hat, 'specially. Outside it's raining again - you know that fine rain that really soaks you through. So settle down a minute with me, and let's sort out what's happening, because there seems to be some daft rumours flying around. In descending order of daftness they include a January Boulding transfer to Sunderland, Town signing a striker, and Pouton warming the subs bench this Saturday. Oh, and a few people think that the upcoming AGM will last more than 25 minutes, and that it will be more than the obligatory rubber stamping exercise by the officers of the club.

Out of that lot I'm only interested in Pouton. The way my thinking goes, is that he can't be ready to play (even if he's fit he needs a couple of seasons passing and shooting practice), but he could be very good value on the long coach journey, as a sort of inspirational team jester. The role of jester has been sadly diminished over the past few hundred years. Henry VIII had a great one, called Will Summers, who not only told the jokes, but also formulated policy. He wasn't half as good a King after Summers popped his clogs. That EU crowd meeting up this weekend to discuss the draft constitution could really do with a jester (I would send Austin Mitchell or Dennis Skinner to fill that role). But, on balance, I think our Alan is needed to organise the card game, tell a few jokes, and put the wind up Disco that his place in the team is coming under threat. So I really hope he's on the bus wearing the appropriate GTFC hat.

Speaking of injury returnees, it seems that 'young' Simon Ford is getting dangerously close to match fitness. Pontoon regulars are meeting in the Imp car park at 7pm next Wednesday to practice their chorus ("man on!", "wake up Ford!", etc). Newcomers always welcomed, and refreshments will be served.

But, I hear you sigh, what about tomorrow's big game? Well, in an interview with young Richard Lord, published on the Official Site Mr Groves is his usual self - flirty one minute, and coy the next. Having bumped in to Master Lord myself in the Pontoon the other week, I can see why he has that effect on older men. Anyway, Paul tells him that Marcel Cas is unfit with a sore knee, and that Michael Boulding is fit to play. Quoting from the interview: "Of the striker selection headache facing the manager, Groves continued: "We won't be making any early decisions because that will give them (Bournemouth) a bit of an insight to what we're doing. You try and keep your cards close to your chest. We'll pick the side as and when we get down there." Hey Paul, you seem to be getting muddled with the brag game on the bus, just keep the team sheet in your inside pocket, them Cherries will never find it there.

Before I go, gentle readers, I'd like to respectfully remind you that supporting Grimsby Town is not all about success. In fact, it's got barely anything to do with success. We support them because we love them, not because they're good. And this season is really special, because we never know what will happen from match to match - on our day we are the best in the division. And I've noticed one or two pundits recognising that we are under-achieving lately. So we might be marooned in mid-table obscurity, but we are better than that. And even more importantly those pesky Owls are a couple of places below us. Grimsby Town - until the sky goes out, and the sea stops. That would be my choice for the next Cod Almighty T-shirt. See yer.