Cod Almighty | Diary

Diary - Tuesday 21 May 2013

21 May 2013

Mardy Diary writes: So some proper news at last, and good news it is too - unless you're the worst kind on internet messageboard dribbler. The Supporters' Trust has gained the requisite number of members to trigger a place in the GTFC boardroom. It's released a simple statement so far, with more to follow in the coming weeks.

This is most definitely GOOD NEWS. It means we, as supporters, have proper representation on the board. And although details are sparse at the moment, the trust seems to be suggesting that it will have access to information and decision-making beyond a level usually given to supporters of non-fan-owned clubs.

So, if you want a say in how the club is run and you're not already a member, then now would be a good time to sign up. This is an important first step for supporters and we should support the trust to ensure that fans retain representation at board level into the future.

Also, as we don't currently have a chairman then I presume this role will be rotated among current board members, right?

Anyway, last week we asked you to tell us about players who you thought stood out in poor teams and we've had a grand total of two (well, one and a half) replies - but that's better than nothing.

First up is Paul from the excellent Too Good To Go Down blog, who says: "I always thought Nick Fenton was a quality defender who, unfortunately, played for two seasons in very limited sides. Signed by Graham Rodger, he was a very capable centre-half who struck up a great partnership with Justin Whittle. He popped up with the odd great goal too and I think most fans were surprised when Buckley released him in the summer of 2008. The fact that Fenton has remained a Football League player with Rotherham and Morecambe in the five years that have passed whilst Town slid out of the League speaks volumes. Although I wouldn't advocate re-signing him, having the experience of a Fenton-type player to play alongside Shaun Pearson next season would fit quite nicely and add a bit of guile and know-how."

I think I'd tend to agree with that summary. Although I think what probably contributed to his release was his form towards the end of his last season with us. I remember suddenly being very annoyed by his performances - not because they were that poor, but because by his own standards he seemed to have regressed a bit. I'm not sure what contributed to that, and he may have just wanted out anyway - but certainly prior to that he seemed a solid, dependable centre-half.

Dan Humphrey raises a different point related to last Thursday's diary. He says: "This season's Young Player of the Year was difficult because we ended the season with a young squad. When the squad has numerous young players in their early 20s, many voters might be unsure as to who is/isn't a 'young player'. All relative." True, Dan - it was a very young squad.

He goes on: "Does it have to be a first team regular? Or a youth team product? Would someone early 20s; McKeown, Thomas, Pearson, Cook, John-Lewis be too old? (Not checked their ages.) This year Young Player could have been anyone except Disley, Miller, Hatton, Colbeck or Niven. (Guess Hearn and Hannah too old too.)"

It's a good point. How old can you be to still be considered a young player? Is it just the youngest player? If, say, we had Wrexham's squad with its average age of 39 or whatever, would 28 be considered young? Are there rules? We need rules, goddammit!

Anyway, thanks to those who've written in. Keep them coming to see us safely through the close season - or at least until the end of next month when we will hopefully have some exciting Cod Almighty-related news...