Cod Almighty | Diary

Diary - Wednesday 31 October 2007

31 October 2007

If there remains an ounce of comic or polemical potential left in Town's bid to relocate to Great Coates, it has, frankly, escaped middle aged diary, so let me just relay the news that the planning application for the new stadium will not be called in by the Government Office for Yorkshire and the Humber. In a statement on the official website, John Fenty admits that a call-in might have ended the process given the costs involved in defending the application. He goes on that approval by NE Lincolnshire Council is a formality, and the biggest obstacle now is attracting some shops to make the development commercially viable. He signs off with a cheery "Its black and white. The future's bright", echoing the slogan of a well known mobile phone service and thus, subliminally, perhaps hoping to associate the statement with happier times ("What about the orange?"), after admitting that making a go of things at the club has not been easy lately.

Fenty might take encouragement from the fact that, our disappointing start to the season notwithstanding, we are still involved in three cup competitions. Looking ahead to the FA Cup first round tie, to be played (strangely enough) at 3.00 on Saturday 10 November, Carlisle manager John Ward has made clear the respect with which the name of Grimsby Town is held, suggesting it is a relief they have avoided "one of these tricky non-league clubs". "Town slash paint prices" is the headline for the exciting news that the Mariners are entering the discount DIY retail market...; or possibly that you can get in to our associate members cup game against Doncaster on 13 November without paying too much. Finally, tonight, Ryan Bennett has been given permission to turn out in the FA Youth Cup tie with Tranmere, at Blundell Park. The match kicks off at 7.00, with admission to the Main Stand £2 for adults and £1 for concessions. Well worth a couple of hours of your time.