Cod Almighty | Diary

Diary - Thursday 7 July 2005

7 July 2005

For Grimsby Town FC the Terry Fleming era is over. The Mariners' combative central midfielder, described by Russell Slade at one point last season as the first name on his teamsheet, has rejected what were presumably significantly reduced new terms in favour of a one-year deal with Kidderminster, just relegated to the Conference. The player brought with him what might euphemistically be described as a colourful past, and his contribution to the GTFC cause during his one season at Blundell Park was neither so minor as his detractors in the stands insisted nor so great as to warrant Slade's lavish plaudit. The Diary awaits comment from the Black Zidane Appreciation Society, but in the meantime fair play and good luck to Fleming, because whether he could pass a ball or not he at least played, in general, like he gave a stuff, and these days that counts for a lot.

Down in Cambridgeshire the remaining players continue to be put through their paces by some maniac in camouflage gear. From the looks of the latest photograph, he is about to scream blue murder at two members of the squad in a desperate, homophobic bid to stop them holding hands. Relaxed Russ, who seems to be greatly enjoying the week's activities in the capacity of a spectator, has taken the opportunity to comment on his ongoing player search: "We are still looking for that two or three players. There is plenty of time; we don't need to rush." A week ago it was three or four players, so maybe Ciaran Toner has done pretty well already, although the Diary gathers that he may need to be kept apart from Jermaine Palmer. Anyway, Russ is right that we don't need to rush. Why write off next season now when you can write it off in a month's time?