Cod Almighty | Diary

Gil Scott Herring

28 May 2015

What a difference a day makes, eh.

This time yesterday, Mariners across the land, your North-West Diary included, were mini-fist-pumping at the fact that John-Paul Pittman signed a contract extension at Blundell Park. Great news! Fast forward 24 hours, and the #gtfc hashtag on twitter has transformed into minor pandemonium with rumours – and let's please just emphasise that glorious word, rumours – that some of our players might be going elsewhere.

Gossiping like a gaggle of hairdressers, word has spread that Shaun Pearson might be off to Barnsley. Oh wait, maybe Peterborough. And that Carl Magnay might be going to Hartlepool. And to top that, apparently Wigan Athletic have bid £150,000 for Lenell John-Lewis and the Shop is in pie country today to discuss terms. I need to sit down.

The reaction to these rumours has been mixed, to say the least. Some fans are angry with John Fenty, and some at Paul Hurst, which is just insanity. Personally, I'm not Fenty's biggest fan, but the money and resources he has put into the club can't be disputed. Other fans have been much more level-headed about the situation. Hallelujah!

In an interview with Radio Humberside yesterday Carl Magnay, once again, came across brilliantly and was full of praise for the club and us fans, but spoke with a hint of uncertainty about his future. During the interview the player admitted that he's received offers from Football League clubs, and says his decision will be made within a week.

If the three aforementioned players were to leave for pastures new in the promised land of the Football League, then all we can do is wish them well. They have all been brilliant servants to the club, and have endeared themselves to fans both off and on the pitch. And what more can we really ask? Some seem to forget that football is a career for these people, and they have to make do as best they can to provide for their families and to prolong their careers.

I have no qualms about that whatsoever. Just pride that they once played in the black and white of Grimsby Town. This isn't a goodbye: this is just a thankyou. And a bloody big one!

Away from transfers for a moment, and the club has started to send out season ticket renewal packs to our 2,100 current season ticket holders. That's more than I thought we had! Just a word to say well done to all involved to freeze season ticket prices for the '15-16 season. Wouldn't it be amazing to have 3,000 season ticket holders? It would be brilliant to see what effect a few more contract extensions would make, wouldn't it.

To finish today, congrats to our very own Orphan Boy on their new album Coastal Tones. It's great. Download it. Buy tickets to their gigs. And join the Mariners Trust. It's for the greater good!