Cod Almighty | Diary

Diary - Thursday 28 June 2012

28 June 2012

Miss Guest Diary writes: So the SNOS has told us that the grass is growing at Blundell Park and that the revenues from season ticket sales are also growing. We can see for ourselves that the squad is growing, albeit rather slowly. What doesn't seem to be growing is my desire to renew the season ticket. Maybe that will change on Monday when the fixture list for next season is released.

Traditionally, that is when my partner and I sit down with the calendar and work out which away games we might attend, and maybe plan a long weekend or two somewhere we haven't been before. Last season we ventured to Forest Green and Fleetwood; the footballing fortunes were mixed but other parts of the trips were enjoyable. Looking at the new teams in the Conference Premier, I'm not enthused by the prospect of a weekend in Nuneaton, Woking or Greater Manchester. I think I'll wait and see who Town get in one of the knockout competitions.

I did feel a little excited about the Aswad Thomas rumours mentioned by yesterday's diarist when I checked him out in Tony Butcher's report of the Braintree game. He received several positive mentions and was described as both "admirable" and as Hearn's "nemesis". Players have to be well above average to get praise from Cod Almighty's curmudgeonly match reporter, so let's hope, for once, the messageboard nesbits have got it right.

There's no official news about Thomas or any other possible signings. Instead Shorty confines himself to telling the Telegraph that, despite Louie Soares' "difficult start", his "fantastic ability" will make him an important player for Town next season. Hmm, I'm willing to be convinced but have seen nothing to get excited about yet.

I thought that getting a sight of the team in the Mariners Player footage of the first day's training might enthuse me but, alas, it didn't. Much of the film is taken up with the players being instructed by a young woman on how to lift a metal bar or jump on and off a step, during which they stand around looking bored and uninterested. Oh well, early days I suppose.

In a desperate search for something to be positive about, I visited the Mariners Trust website to see what they are up to. Unfortunately, or possibly wisely, the trust seems to have taken the summer off. Maybe the Cod Almighty diary should have done the same.

At least Spain won the first Euro 2012 semi-final. I'm no fan of Spanish football but, without Torres on the pitch, they all have fairly sensible hair. And who didn't find it hilarious that Ronaldo wasn't able to take a penalty kick. Schadenfreude - that's the way forward.