Cod Almighty | Diary

Diary - Tuesday 30 October 2007

30 October 2007

Over the hills and far away diary here bringing you news of the latest goings on in North Cleethorpes.

Positive John has reacted rather belatedly to Peterborough's admission that they have made an enquiry for Tom Newey. The Chairman today makes it clear on the SNOS that the club is not interested in listening to offers for our favourite little left-back: "As far as we are concerned, it is definitely hands off". The Chairman indicates further that the club is looking to add to the squad not reduce it.

Positive John has not been so quick off the mark as his counterpart at southern club Lincoln City, Steff Wright, who was yesterday so incensed by enquiries made by Posh for midfielder Lee Frecklington, that he intends to report the London Road club to the Football League. "Diabolical," said the Imps chairman to the Lincolnshire Echo, before breaking down in tears.

Tom Newey himself insists that he has not spoken to Peterborough. Newey however concedes that he did pick up a copy of a tabloid on Sunday morning after spotting the headlines "New Look for Posh", only to find out that it was an article about Mrs Beckham getting another makeover for the forthcoming old spice tour.

As reported by the Diary last week, things have been getting exciting in the normally quiet Cumbrian town of Kendal, where the local club managed by little Lee Ashcroft, once of this parish, were looking forward to a draw against Grimsby for the first round proper of the FA Cup. This proved to be a bit forward looking for the former Mariner as his side were dumped out of t'cup by the mighty Altrincham FC. The official Altrincham FC website reports on an altercation between the two managers at the end of the game, claiming that the Alty manager, Graham Heathcote, had to be physically prevented from attacking Ashcroft. It quotes Ashcroft as saying "all I said was that he was behaving like a big-time Charlie and had been all day." Heathcote of course disputes Ashcroft's version of what he said. This will presumably come as no surprise to Lord Buckley, who had what may be described as a love-hate relationship with Ashcroft and who recently told the GET that he was surprised to see him in a management position.

Your diarist had cause to visit Hull recently and admits to be shocked and saddened by the sight of a derelict Boothferry Park just rotting away amongst the houses of Anlaby Rerd or whatever part of Hull it is classed as. That ground has seen some occasions over the years and witnessed some great individual performances such as Mike Lyons trying to play centre-forward. The council feels the same too and has now decided to take action to secure its demolition to save it from the arsonists and vandals. If, the Fentydome project ever comes to fruition, I just hope that somebody demolishes Blundell Park quickly as it would break my heart to see it in the sorry state that Boothferry Park is.

It's good to end on a positive note and hail a Town victory. A Town XI managed to beat Brigg Town 4-3 in a friendly last night suggesting that this non league business might not be all bad. Andy Taylor, Nick Hegarty, Nathan Jarman and young Joe Hutchinson found the net. Danny North, Gary Jones and Peter Bore also played, but couldn't score. Three cheers everyone!