Cod Almighty | Diary
No, not him - his brother
14 July 2016
Devon Diary writes: Another day, another pre-season defeat to a lesser club. This time we're waking up to the news that we have been knocked out of the Lincs Senior Cup by the Daniels of Stamford and we should count ourselves lucky that Shaun Harvey's next set of proposed changes to the League don't come into effect until next season; otherwise these two consecutive friendly losses would see us docked two actual points. Bastard.
Want to know more about last night's slip-up? You could do worse than read this report in the Telegraph because reporter James Findlater actually went to the game and everything. But for those looking for something shorter and with less than 14 (count 'em) intrusive ads: Andy Warrington played in goal; Dizza and Shaun played too; Stamford; were tall and Harry Clifton scored our goal.
We all know (we do, don't we?) that pre-season results don't count for too much, especially when we're playing consecutive games and Hurstses is having to split his squad in two and chuck in a couple of the yoof to make up the numbers. Last season we seemingly won the league in pre-season before drawing away at Kidderminster on day one when it seemed the Harriers hadn't got the Conference memo requesting that they roll over for us.
Dig back a few years and see how we tonked Winterton by 12 goals before going on to get ourselves relegated. See? It means less than nowt in the grand scheme of things so let's not worry too much just yet, especially as we have another couple of games this week.
The big talking point in North East Lincs and various outliers this week is of course Pokemon Go the gaffer's search for a striker or two. Lenny's injury appears to have put paid to the return of the king – a move that would have scratched the target man itch which has clearly been nagging at Hurstses for a year or so. Radio Humberside reported last night that the two clubs had done a deal before the Shop picked up said injury in a meaningless friendly against Caldicot Town. Which obviously begs the question why the Shop would have been playing in such a game if a deal had been done. It's hard to tell with Hursts's transfers though, as they're often so far under the radar as to need a tunnel digging.
Previous linkees Moses Emmanuel and Reuben Reid might have summat sorted out: a trial with Gillingham and maybe a move to Shrewsbury, respectively. Either man would have been a good fit for us as goalscorers, although not really ticking Paul's target man box. But let's wait and see. As we learned in the Telegraph at the weekend, there are players becoming available all the time.
The latest names in the hat? Try these: The other Pogba at Partick Thistle; Young Greg Luer at 'Ull and the slightly too old Yakubu. Keep your eyes peeled and spread a rumour if you see anyone resembling a footballer heading down Grimsby Road. Failing that, why not apply for the job yourself?
In the meantime, let's wish Lenny all the best. Whether we wanted to see him return or not, nobody would wish an injury on any player. It's a short career and in the lower leagues players aren't exactly earning millions. A long period out, especially after a lengthy injury last season, could have a huge impact on LJL's future. Yeah, it might seem funny to say you're glad he's crocked as we've had a lucky let-off, but really? Remember the effort he put in for us and the goals he scored and then think about how his style of holding the ball up and bringing the rest of the team into the attack. Now imagine that with Bogle running on to it. Get well soon, fella.
Last night at 10:57 the GTFC speculation/rumour mill went into near meltdown as flying former winger/barber Nathan Arnold tweeted a single word. That's right, a single word. That word was contemplating.
Now, whatever it was he was contemplating, we don't know for sure. But many of us hoped Nath is revisiting his contract offer with Town, or maybe we have made him an improved offer. Of course, he could have been contemplating an offer from Lincoln. Or simply deciding on whether to have a late-night Youngs fish finger sarnie or not. Maybe cheese on toast.
Does it count as a return if he has only been out of contract a few weeks and not actually signed for anyone? Would the wannabe frontman fit in with the new team? Do we want him back/to stay? My answer to all three questions is yes – and to shed further light on things, a late-night fish finger sarnie is the food of kings.
Hold your horses, we have news! Next Wednesday's game against Rotherham is off as they're all crocked following a tour of Poland. I know. Not what you were waiting for, is it? On that note, I'm off in the vain hope that submitting this early will trigger a signing. Up the Mariners, of course.