Cod Almighty | Diary

Diary - Friday 15 August 2008

15 August 2008

London-based Mariners had better turn up to see their team tomorrow in what promises to be an interesting match in Brentford. The Bees have signed no fewer than 12 players to start the season and results have not gone their way in the opening two matches. Despite, this rookie manager Andy Scott has told his official site: "I believe that we can play a passing game in this league and still be successful." Well, we'll see about that, won't we?

Meanwhile, your Guest Diarist learns from Mariners World, Grimsby manager Lord Alan Buckley has again admitted he hasn't a clue about his upcoming opposition to his looming interviewer on the now-you-have-to-pay-for-it-again weekly preview. Luckily his scouts have left a report on his desk and he might get time to have a quick gander at it sometime today, one hopes. Buckley explained that Stockdale will not be asked to struggle on through a third match in a week but will be given a rest to let his calf injury settle down. For once Buckley made it immediately plain who would replace him: Ryan Bennett. Buckley has also told the Telegraph that the promising young defender has no chance currently of displacing either of the strapping centre-halves signed in the summer in their current run of form.

Buckley went on to profess himself happy with the pairing of Butler and Taylor up front: "Butts has led the line great for us and deserved a couple of goals in his performances. He's been outstanding - especially the way he has taken the brunt of the physical side. Andy has come on alongside him in the last few games too. I felt his ability to hold on to the ball was good against Tranmere and we have tried to instil that in him. Over the past 18 months or so, we have worked with him to make him aware how he can play a part by keeping the ball. That pair has looked promising and, while they play like that, they deserve their places."

Pete Green's mate Chris Stride has helpfully dropped us an email containing a pithy appraisal of Town trialist Nicky Nicolau or Nic-Nic as he is inevitably known: "Nic Nic is an OK left-back or left midfielder, with a penchant for wearing a vest to show off his tan... might get a bit cold up north. Squad player who always gives his best - sign him." Heggaaarty with a tan then.

And one-time Cod Almighty contributor Richard Lord has also been in touch: "In the light of Town's impressive win over Tranmere in the League Cup it got me thinking... we're not bad at beating teams from a higher division under Buckley, are we? My instinct tells me that we've beaten more teams from a higher division in cup competitions than we've lost against teams in lower divisions. Then again, my instinct told me that we'd lose 2-0 on Tuesday so it's not the most reliable source of information. Is there anyone out there who has the time and inclination to prove I'm right?" Well, if there is, Richard, it is not your Guest Diarist, mate. Can anyone out there be arsed?

Durham Diary has sent us a great photo and says: "Given our lowly status, I feel we give far too little credence to non-League football. These guys have made their message clear, but are they on Sky Sports News? Are they bollocks, but they should be! Thankfully, we never have to send this message to our sensational keeper, but still worth bearing in mind." That made me snort with mirth all right! See yer.