Cod Almighty | Diary

Tales of the unexpected

27 February 2020

A Fenty proclamation and a fans’ forum in one day. That was unexpected and Trentside Diary is not being ironic here. Maybe there wasn't a long lead-in so we didn't get over-excited, or maybe they wanted to make sure not too many of us turned up. Who knows with this club? Maybe we're just the muppets who continue to pay into the club year in, year out, and don't deserve a little more consideration than a day's notice.

Fenty’s statement suggests he is stepping back, but that doesn’t mean he will no longer be the major shareholder. However much he might think it means he has no conflict of interest, that just isn't true. Stepping back just doesn't go far enough. I can't honestly see him letting others have control of his investment; he says himself that "I'm not looking to lose the shirt off my back".

Fenty, do one job properly, not two half-arsed. Let's be honest, you haven't done one job well yet, so maybe you should concentrate on the council and sell the club. Many of us don't believe that the "tyre-kickers" kicking tyres was the problem, so much as any real intent to sell.

Now we have Philip Day in charge of business on a day-to-day basis. Oh dear. This is the man who said there was no reason why Grimsby Town couldn't return to the second flight within five years. That was in 2017 so we've still got a chance, just. If Fenty doesn't trust Day to look after his shirt, why is the club being saddled with him in a more prominent role?

The forum covered relocation, but there didn't appear to be anything new.

There is the possibility of a new ticketing system – ours is probably as old as the Main Stand.

There was some discussion around club finances, players' wages and possible sanctions when rules are broken. Many genuine fans of lower league clubs would like to see the Football League have more teeth, but that should apply at the outset of a takeover, not just when a club can't pay wages. The focus is on players but in an area like Grimsby and Cleethorpes, most players come from elsewhere and could probably move on. Many of the back-office staff wouldn't have that option if they stop getting paid. Let's think of them as well.

Pyros – just say "No".

We were told season tickets don’t need to go on sale early, but for next season they will. Why next season is different wasn’t explained, but you won't be able to have a physical ticket until they have the new Football League logo. So basically, there will be some money juggling between financial years. I’m happy for new cash to go on a transfer budget for the summer, or player wages, but not into Fenty’s back pocket.

Apparently, there will be some "rebalancing" of prices - which I think will mean that some of us will pay more - and "balancing" of how many season tickets are sold. All that to and fro; it’s a good job we are mariners with sea legs, or we'd be puking over the side by now.

We have some cash for a fan zone. Then there was more "saying little of substance" about the new stadium. Day managed a bit of self-promotion and it was all over.

Did I learn anything new or exciting? No, not really. Did Fenty dazzle us with his sparkling performance and cool, new turtle-neck? What do you think?

UTM! Fenty Out!