Cod Almighty | Diary

Diary - Monday 29 March 2004

29 March 2004

This column often takes longest to write on the days when there is nothing to put in it, but besides having a shedload of work to do and a driving lesson this afternoon, I feel like I need a week in hospital, so let's not muck about today. Not much gets past Nicky Law - which is more than can be said for Aidan Davison and Alan Fettis - and sure enough, the Bouncer has been quick to identify the problems that beset his new team. The Telegraph headline Law slams shoddy Mariners defending pretty much nails it, though the Diary cannot help but wonder why, of the manager's four hasty pre-deadline signings, only Paul Warhurst can play at the back (and even then, some would say, only nominally). In case you didn't notice, Hull's John Anderson, who looked like the right stuff but not even three weeks ago rejected a loan move to the south bank, signed a permanent deal with Bristol Rovers on transfer deadline day, becoming the second player this month to choose the West Country's third division strugglers ahead of North East Lincolnshire's Theatre of Doom. Hey ho.

Staying with the Mariners' defensive woes, Darren Barnard begins a two-match suspension this weekend, while Young Greg received an injury at Saltergate and Craig Armstrong isn't allowed to play against Sheffield Wednesday - leaving Town a bit short in the left-back berth. For this weekend's visit of the Twit-a-Woos, Law may find himself forced into the bizarre and desperate measure of allowing Town's best defender into the vicinity of the dressing room - although to him Mike Edwards is probably just the singer out of Jesus Jones.

The Diary has just enough energy to mention that this afternoon is your final call to grab tickets for GTFC's Grand National draw thing, in which you can win 2,000 quid if you are lucky. Cod Almighty has so far shifted 27 of the 50 tickets placed in its care by the club, and readers have just a final few hours to snap up the rest and reveal who it is on the Blue Peter-style totaliser. Go on, you know you want to.

Today's final word goes to Paul Thundercliffe, who wishes to share his joy at the first goal for the Mariners' inspirational and highly committed new captain, who has signed a contract keeping him at Blundell Park for all of the next seven games. Paul observes: "It said on the official site that Lawrence became the '111th player to score on their Town debut'. Is that just this season?"