Cod Almighty | Diary

Regeneraton not degeneration

8 April 2019

Many of us surround ourselves with things we love or need, or both. A wall of protection against the wider world.

It doesn't matter what. For many it's family. Just as many are closer to friends, some of us gain strength from our loyal pets, or just pleasure from our fiercely independent moggie. At times in our busy lives we could really do without whatever duty is expected to maintain that relationship but deep down we enjoy the rituals of get-togethers, being pestered for a walk or just to fill a bowl. Ultimately these things give us strength and have a place in our hearts, the significance of which is only truly known when they are no longer with us.

For some of us, our football club is also that significant in our lives, hardwired into our DNA. It can raise us to exalted highs or plunge us into the depths of despair. We make friendships with like-minded fans and - for better or worse - we become part of a tribe. We have our rituals and routines around match day. At this point of a season which is crawling towards nothingness, our motivation to drag ourselves down to Blundell Park is distinctly lacking but we still do our duty, hoping for a moment of genius and three points.

But one thing a football club can do is regenerate itself, somewhat Dr Who-like. And with that regeneration comes positives for those around it.

We were lucky enough to attend the Spurs v Palace match, the first proper game in the new Tottenham Hotspur stadium. While I'm a Mariner by birth, my other half has adopted the Mariners but, being from that area of the world, the club he has always followed is the cocky cockerels.

Walking down Tottenham High Road is not a lot different to a walk down Freemo. It is shabby, scruffy, just with slightly fewer boarded-up shops. The new stadium really is just like something that has landed from outer space. It is stunning and much thought has been given to what it is like for fans. Designed to fit into a tight space, you are closer to the pitch than you would expect in a modern stadium and the south stand is a wall of noise.

You wouldn't call this place soulless. Yes there were some detractors before it was built but most fans and neighbours have got behind the scheme and are pleased that it will create local investment and there will be money spent locally on match days.

It really made me think about Town relocating to Freemo. What a boost it would be to local shops and pubs and generally to the area. The Peabung would do a roaring trade. We don't have the money of a first division club but something on a smaller scale, built with a bit of thought and style, with decent facilities would surely encourage a few more occasional visitors. You won’t increase the number of diehards, or those who go when they can, but you might well encourage a few of those that wonder why on earth you would pay good money to go to Blundell Park when you can watch football on the telly.

I've never favoured Great Coates or Peakes Parkway: what on earth is around there for fans? But Freemo could work for the club and for the town. It might not fit with Fenty's politics but with Freemo being the 25th most deprived ward out of nearly 33,000 in England any investment in this area, followed by fans spending money, has got to be good.

I was disappointed with our performance - particularly the second half - on Saturday. I'd like to see us building for next season. If we want to look like a team that's looking to the future, genuine investment and progress towards a new ground would help in our discussions with potential new players. UTM!