The Diary

Cod Almighty | Diary

He'd two-foot his own mum

26 June 2018

Devon Diary writes: Hard times. Grimsby Town are having to sell another of the club's pool tables. But if it means we can continue signing players of the quality of yesterday's midfield haul, then carry on!

Do you want to know how to predict when Town are about to make a signing? What does 'imminent' actually mean? It's after the Cod Almighty diary goes live.

After we were teased with the now obligatory video trailer earlier in the day, the first new arrival was Jake Hessenthaler, son of Andy, A young sitting midfielder (in agent speak) who has five years' experience in the third division for Gillingham. "Energy in abundance", apparently. "Comfortable on the ball and reads the game well. Does the things that supporters don't notice in a player and has great experience for a young lad." Smashing.

As if that weren't good enough, Town then blew us away with the announcement of John Welsh, recently of second-flight Preston North End. With the bulk of his career higher up the league, Welsh brings bags of experience and is also the sort of player we've sorely missed in recent seasons.

Oof! The praise from Preston fans is unanimous, which is quite unusual in an age when it's de rigueur for fans to slag off any player who leaves their club. Even Preston police love John Welsh! We've bagged a good 'un. 

What stood out for me yesterday was that neither of these players had been linked with us, nor had they played in Sweden, and so it put to bed any lingering worries that Michael Jolley might not have the contacts in the game to bring players to Cleethorpes.

Sandwiched between the signings was the news that Town had withdrawn their contract offer to Luke Summerfield. It's been an up-and-down couple of seasons for Lukey but one thing you can't deny is that he has worked hard and got stuck in when many around him frankly didn't look interested. Let's wish him luck at Macclesfield where he is bound to end up next season.

Also yesterday we learned that Sam Kelly has signed for Scottish Premier side Hamilton Academical. Good for him. It didn't work out here for whatever reason, but let's not question his ability. He might actually be a decent player but like many others last year was bogged down by the Russell Slade shit-show. Good luck to him.

It's the sunshine. It makes me all happy and positive. 

We now have a decent-looking squad and are waiting only for news of young Ahkeem Rose. That offer is still on the table (publicly at least) and as it hasn't been withdrawn we can only presume that Town still want him and are confident that he will sign. Six defenders, seven midfielders and five forwards. Tidy.

We still only have one keeper but it's early doors and I'm sure that will be addressed in the next week or so. Maybe this is the lean, mean squad we've wished for. Quality rather than quantity; team spirit and togetherness and genuine competition for places, rather than a matchday 18 and then another 15 that Slade brought in on impulse? Buckley-esque? We know Jolley spoke to Sir Alan while studying for his coaching badges so maybe this is something he picked up?

Oh, the World Cup. VAR is still shit, of course, but isn't it exciting? Enjoy the Belgium game but remember – drink responsibly! And by "responsibly", I mean to actually drink your pint rather than chuck it in the air because someone is pointing a phone at you and you think it might go viral. Just watch the bloody game!