Cod Almighty | Diary

A cornucopia of riches, elsewhere

4 February 2014

If you did tune in to Talksport for the FA Trophy semi-final draw, you have my deepest sympathy. Counselling is available.

You will also know that we have been drawn against Cambridge, with the first leg at the Abbey Stadium on 15 February. Your Middle-Aged Diary tends to agree with Miss Guest Diary's thoughts on this from yesterday. It is the draw that is most likely to ensure good attendances for all the remaining matches in our cup run, whether that proves to be two or three games. The flip side is that there is bound to be the odd social media posting describing our semi-final as the 'real' final. We must hope that the supporters of Gosport, Aldershot, and Havant & Waterlooville appreciate that all clubs have their share of one-eyed idiots.

Such were the people who believe that Jack Lester never "went down too easily"/"made sure the referee had seen the contact"/dived when he wore the black and white shirt. Despite that, Lester is always a player I had a quiet liking for, cemented by his taking the trouble when he left Blundell Park to take to the messageboards to say goodbye and thanks. That was a novelty 14 years ago.

Having announced his retirement last season, Lester has now joined Gateshead on non-contract terms until the end of the season. In a move that is less New York City than Little Grimsby Town, he joins John Oster at the International Stadium. Rumours that Gary Croft is even now rummaging in the loft for his boots before heading up the A1 are not so much unfounded as totally made up.

I won't keep you too much longer today, as there are exciting things going on elsewhere. Before you think that the idea of a greatest ever Mariners XI is hardly original, read on. Turning that idea into a documentary with footage and interviews gives us something to look forward to as much as we were looking forward to the Macca and Buckley books a few months ago.

Tom Daley may not get shortlisted for that project as our greatest ever goalkeeper, but he may well be a very worthwhile talking head. His memories of playing under Bill Shankly are a delight. Knowing how CA readers like little more than talking goalkeepers, I recommend you get on to the Telegraph site now. That means you miss my pompous reflection that it is a treat to be a Town fan at a time when we are valuing our heritage.