Cod Almighty | Diary

The one where I avoid a tragic Boss Drum joke

19 May 2016

Devon Diary writes: Last night I went and played five-a-side with Chudleigh Unathletic, a bunch of over-35s who "still think they're Pele". I pitched up in a Town shirt, natch, and had to put up with all the usual comments, including "I thought it was Newcastle" from a guy in an Arsenal '92-93 away shirt. Apparently we're coming out of the woodwork since Sunday! I took it on the chin and congratulated Arsenal on their Women's FA Cup win – something I'd hate to see overshadowed by our successes.

Anyway, the upshot of it is that they had heard of Amond and been wondering if one their teams would take a punt on him for next season. They were also glad to see Town back in the League – even the Blades fan.

But while we're on the up, spare a thought for Halifax. After over a hundred years of lower-league football it's kind of sad to see them relegated from the Conference after just three seasons. It's been a harrowing season for them. One of the few high points was their home win over us; another, getting the occasional mainstream media mention because they had Jamie Vardy on the books a few years back.

It means nowt now though, and after Sunday they've got nothing but a season in the Conference North to look forward to. All of this will matter not a jot to Paul Hurst and his team; they'll have nothing on their minds other than winning the Trophy and finishing the season on a double high. Losing at the Shay in February was perhaps the lowest point of our season and this is a perfect opportunity to make amends for it. Dare we hope for a repeat of the home fixture? 

The more observant among you will note that I just wrote 'Paul Hurst and his team' rather than the team. Many of the moments, memories, photos, videos and interviews we're seeing this week show just how tight the bond is between the players and the management. It's been a joy to behold. The dressing room scenes at Braintree and Wembley; the camaraderie on display on the bus; Bogle running to the gaffer after scoring; and even ex-players joining the team or just turning up to watch the game. How many teams collectively know Ottowan's D.I.S.C.O.?

This summer, like last, we'll see a few players leave but with the gaffer staying we have a good chance of hanging on to the players we want to retain – and to attract a few more for a tilt at the fourth division. It's interesting to see that our odds for both winning the league and gaining promotion are shorter than Cheltenham's. 

Like last week, there's not much news in the run-in to Sunday other than Omar Bogle being called up for next month's England C fixture against Slovakia to be held at, er... Sutton United. It's Omar's last chance too, as from this point on he won't be eligible for this level and will have to settle for the full England squad. It's also good to see former Mariner Dayle Southwell getting a call-up.

Elsewhere, Podge popped down to Stamford Bridge to pick up the Non League Paper's Player of the Year award - well done, sir, totally deserved!

Now, get packing for Sunday but don't forget to tune in tomorrow for what will be Retro Diary's final rallying call of the '15-16 season. Last Friday's was perfect and set the tone for one of the greatest days in the club's recent history. Read it again if you need a reminder. 

How did the five-a-side go? I think Alan Buckley once said not to leave anything out on the pitch, and because of this I'll be popping back later today to pick up my lungs. The last time I played any sport regularly it was the other type of football where you pick up the ball, have a fight and any kicking is just showing off. That was a while ago though, so I disguised the stitch by volunteering for a stint in goal. Tactical genius, me.

Up the Mariners!