Cod Almighty | Article

by Sarah Mann-Needs

14 May 2016

In a week of reflection I want to tell you what my fortnightly pilgrimage to the hallowed BP and what this trip to Wembley mean to me.

Town have been in my blood for most of my life. I can regale you with being squashed in the Harrington open corner when Mike Brolly set the seal on my love for my team. We've had some good times, we've had bad, life has moved on and loved ones have sadly been lost along the way.

Most memories of time and events have a constant thread. Northampton Town with "Lionel Ritchie" as a steward. The Millennium Stadium and Mighty parting the sea of Town fans as we milled around beforehand. My older son being a mascot against Chelsea and Ruud Gullit refusing to have his photo taken. And on Sunday 15 May, younger son has his 18th birthday.

He attended his first match in 2003 and has never seen a promotion – only what seemed the gradual death throes of a proud old beast from a former era. I joke that encouraging my religion in my children is tantamount to abuse and should probably be reported to the authorities – but wait: we are proud and we take pleasure in small moments of sheer joy.

Exiled in Nottingham, my only contact with Grimsby news is online and the depressing sniping does little to recommend the area. If North East Lincolnshire could bottle the eternal hope that constitutes being a Town fan, the whole area would be booming.

So I love my club and rejoice in the enthusiasm of the true fans. I celebrate those who understand that negativity actually is not supporting the players. If the miserable old git who sits behind me goes online, please shut up or just move seats. I'm sick of hearing you! I am proud to tell people I'm a Town fan and anyone who doubts the commitment of the team, just rewatch Dis get something in his eye at Braintree.

So this weekend we make that journey again. Maps have been studied and tube stations checked. Surely we must have played at new Wembley more than most teams – has anyone checked?

I believe! I believe that this team can do it! I will be in the singing section and will be the best 12th man I can be. I want us to right the pain of the last 18 years for my sons and for my Town. No disrespect to the clubs in the Conference, but we're bigger and better than this. I believe we can do it – and Notts Mariner the younger is going to have the best 18th birthday ever!