Cod Almighty | Diary

From Fleetwood with love

5 November 2020

Trentside Diary writes:

Remember, remember the 5th of November,
Gunpowder, treason and plot.
I see no reason
Why this footy season, should ever be forgot.

Well at least that’s a better start then "Happy lockdown 2 day". There are very few sequels which are better than the original (Godfather 2, Paddington 2?) but we have "elite" football continuing this time so some might argue it will be better. For consistency's sake I hope players will benefit from not having a month-long break but it’s difficult to see if this season/year will ultimately turn out OK or whether clubs will fold due to ongoing playing costs with limited income from fans.

The Fleetwood Town CEO has named six clubs who will "fold without financial support". Apparently eight Football League clubs could not pay wages and tax payments last month. Later in the article he states "Clubs such as Fleetwood, Oldham, Rochdale, Mansfield, Grimsby, Hull – these clubs could be lost for ever". I have no idea how reliable the article is and I read the two comments as separate statements, not that he was naming six clubs who are close to folding. I certainly hope so but read it for yourself.

[The financial report on the official site was issued by the club after this diary was written. It shows Town made an operating profit of £145,660 last season, and states we have no tax arrears. - Eds]

A couple of months ago Town seemed to be hoping that the season would be suspended but we haven't heard that this is likely so I suppose we plough on. It's weird feeling this distant to what’s happening on and off the pitch in November. This is the mid-April with nothing to win or lose feeling.

I was saddened to hear of the death of Matt Tees yesterday. A giant for Town with two prolific stints (1963-1967 and 1971-1973) and a significant contribution to the team who were fourth division champions in 1971-72. It's an often over-used term, but for many Town fans he was a legend and for those who are too young to have seen him play, he is still a notable player from the past. The trust have mentioned a permanent memorial to him at the ground which is an excellent idea. It is something I and many others would happily contribute to. Thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.

Stay home. Stay safe. UTM!