Cod Almighty | Diary

That's (not) entertainment

16 October 2017

Trentside Diary writes: I can't help but feel that we're scratching around for something interesting to write about, and to distract ourselves from the distinct lack of enthusiasm around the team and Blundell Park. Even a venture on to Twitter for #gtfc doesn't bring up much excitement from Town fans.

We're enjoying reminiscing about the best ever (read "our favourite") goal for Town and each one conjures up a joyous moment in time. For me, however many amazing/impressive/scrappy/barely competent goals I have seen over the years, the one that felt best at the time, and may never be beaten was that goal by Nathan Arnold. Nothing can beat that for the sheer release of emotion at that time.

My ringtone will be familiar to many Town fans. John Tondeur with those immortal words: "Arnold, Arnold, That's it! That's it! He's sealed it! Grimsby Town are back in the Football League. Just a minute to go and Nathan Arnold makes it 3-1. Look at the scenes behind the goal. Look at the relief. The agony is finally over..." When my phone rang in the ladies at Blundell Park, the queue was very impressed, but it does get a few puzzled comments elsewhere. Those words never fail to take me back for a few seconds and I always have to pause before answering the phone so that I can hear most of John's words.

I am worried that we seem to be desperately lacking in ideas. We've lost our oomph. We're a boring team with many journeyman players and as fans we are struggling to feel the love. I'm still struggling to accept that Slade is our manager. I have a sneaking feeling that this level of mediocrity is what Fenty is happy to settle for.

Can you imagine the interview to appoint the new manager?

"So Russ, tell me about all the successes in your career since you were last at Blundell Park?"

"Well John, as you know I nearly got you promoted but it didn't work out. Then I was at Yeovil for a while and I nearly got them promoted but it didn't work out. And then I went to Brighton and I kept them up but they sacked me because it didn't work out...”

You get the picture.

In his previous incarnation we had loyalty with McDermott, a well organised back four with Whittle, and the abilities of Gary Croft, Gary Jones, Michael Reddy, JPKK. We now have Slades mk II: a journeyman manager in an uninspiring league of dull teams.

According to Slades mk II it's not always possible to be entertained. I get that. If we come up against an in-form Spurs or Newcastle as we did under Slades mk I then the bus may have to be put into neutral if not parked. Derbies are usually tense but we didn't inspire against Lincoln. Against Crawley we were poor. We never got going. We're a team lacking intensity, pace and a plan B.

We need new investment and new ideas. My plan to win the Euromillions didn't work and I can't see another Operation Promotion working – at the moment they'd probably just fritter the money away. So what would you do win the fans back for this season or, even better, for the long term?