Cod Almighty | Diary

Boy, oh boy, oh Boyd

10 September 2020

Trentside Diary writes: Still buzzing from Louis Boyd's goal on Tuesday? I am. Pity it was in the competition that shall not be watched but I'm so pleased for him and Neil Woods. What a debut. Can you imagine him walking into school yesterday morning? He'd be entitled to a bit of a swagger.

Ian Holloway stated in May last year that he wanted a project where he could bring on young players and develop a team. Since then he's joined Town and it looks like he's putting it into practice. I can't ever see us being a rich club and while the repercussions of Covid might have left hundreds of players without clubs for now, I can't see us in the mix for paying significant sums for proven players any time soon. What better basis for future success than home grown talent? I dream of the late 1970s team with the quality of the Moore brothers, Kevin Drinkell and Tony Ford. Wouldn't that be something?

That said, there are some interesting players not in contract yet. Who wouldn't be thrilled to see Omar Bogle back in a Town kit? The idea bubbled up as a joke but has become the rumour that refuses to die. As a 27 year old, his career has stumbled since he left us: he's only scored 14 goals in 76 appearances elsewhere. I'm sure Omar enjoyed his time at Town but I can't imagine that he would want to drop down two leagues. That said, if offers don't come in from elsewhere, who knows? At least he knows the reception he would get from fans, or he would if they could be there.

In news away from Town, did you see that Hector Bellerin has become the second largest shareholder at Forest Green Rovers with the intention of furthering an environmental agenda in football? They are not my favourite club but it is a coup for them, ahead of us in many ways. Granted Vince has pots of cash to throw around but any developments that lead the way in making football sustainable has to be a good thing.

And finally, the announcement yesterday from the incompetent in charge, otherwise known as the prime minister, suggests that there could be a delay in allowing fans back into stadiums. The plan for a return at the beginning of October looks increasingly unlikely. That will be a blow to fans who had hoped to be there. If there are season ticket holders who haven't yet renewed before Friday's deadline it might affect their decision and in that case the club's finances. I can understand the club wanting to have some stability in finances for the season but the fixed price irrespective of the number of games you can actually attend is tough. I can't think of any other place where it would be considered acceptable. Let's hope the date for renewed attendance isn't pushed too far back and the Mighty Mariners have their 12th man.

UTM