Cod Almighty | Article

by Sam Metcalf

14 November 2003

Rumour has it that the Macaroon was actually born halfway up the floodlight between the Pontoon and the Main Stand. Back in the late 60s his mother was 'bringing a bit extra in' by jobbing as a light bulb replacer. She was caught short while heavily pregnant and little John has played for the Mariners ever since.

A lie of course, but this writer can hardly remember going to Blundell Park of a Saturday without McDermott 'patrolling' the right-back slot with his truncheon of a right foot.

Enough of this police talk. All you need to know about John McDermott is that he is worshipped by Town fans and always will be. He is the new old Tony Ford and holds the record for the number of appearances for the Mariners. He scores very infrequently, but when he does, they're usually jolly good goals.

Slowing slightly due to having legs older than a tortoise, McDermott's positional sense and ability to scurry back like a colt in its prime has seen him become one of the best and most respected right-backs outside the Premiership over the years. This may be his last full season, so make the most of him while you can. Then again, it might not. So if he does bugger up, don't feel guilty about shouting at him. Not that he will, of course...