Cod Almighty | Diary
Diary - Tuesday 18 August 2009
18 August 2009
It's day 2 of the Diary's fantastic new Shut Down The Town campaign and, to be honest, I am a little underwhelmed by your response so far, as it should be quite clear to all right-thinking readers that the only way forward for Grimsby Town Football Club is to close it down immediately. We've tried everything and nothing works, so let's cut our losses and get out now before Notts County have the chance to put 39 goals past us before half time. If you're not yet convinced, just imagine a life without the curse of the Mariners. No more announcements about announcements about the Fentydome. No more of Town's superb new official website giving fans directions to Southport instead of Gainsborough. No more players telling the Grimsby Telegraph they know they're underachieving but they're doing everything they can to turn it round, starting with the very next game. No more messageboard nesbits who want the manager sacked three games into the season, citing Norwich City as an excellent example of a thoughtful and correct way to run a football club. Come on, Town fans - you're not trying! Think about all the other things you could be free of if we Shut Down The Town, and email diary@codalmighty.com to share them with the faithful. Look, I've even made a campaign banner!
John Ellis is one Diary reader who is really not entering into the spirit of the Shut Down The Town campaign, and emailed yesterday to say: "Simple answer; No! What my credentials? Was little boy in record crowd of 31,000+ in 1937. Remember this; Grimsby is community made tough and coherent by adversity. Recall Nunsthorpe school assembly, little boy next to me crying because before he came to school his family had heard of loss of father off coast of Iceland. This kind of experience made the town stick together against all odds, because they knew that as individuals they could not begin to cope with tragedy this scale, and constantly present. GTFC our outward manifestation this community identity and character. Give up? No, never! So what to do? Don't know, other than to point out that players last Saturday let down not only themselves but a fine, brave town of real people. If they are fit to represent us, then tomorrow they will get stuck in out of respect for themselves and us. If they cannot, they must go. Grimsby has never, ever, had room for weaklings. My youth is far behind, and much has happened, but I remain proud of my heritage." Stirring talk, John - many thanks for sharing. Oh, alright then - let's see what happens tonight, shall we?