Cod Almighty | Diary

Christmas lights on the dustbin lorry

3 December 2020

Trentside Diary writes: 3 December already. Jesus, where did that go? It's nearly mid-winter festival of Yule. We know where it went really: lost to a pesky virus and a track-and-trace system that didn't improve our lot. Anyway, I'm looking out of my window at a dustbin lorry with a sprinkling of Christmas lights so I suppose I had better get with the spirit of the season, a Tier Two window at that so at least I can go to the pub later.

What's Santa bringing you? The best present would be for Blundell Park to be able to welcome back 2,000 home fans. Even for those who cannot be there, a crowd will add a bit of atmosphere even on iFollow. That depends on the next review of who has been naughty or nice, aka the government's Covid assessment. I've been checking the numbers nearly as avidly as I check my phone if I can't be at a match, and it's probably just as bad for my mental health. Infection rates are improving but we don't know what magic trigger will open up the world of wonderment that is live football. It's about as clear as a Holloway press conference. Just be good for goodness sake so we can get back to footy. If not you're on the naughty step.

For us oldies, it's probably our shared history that keeps us going through these bleak times. We have seen a few seasons or matches that defined that period of our lives and will live with us forever. Even the youngsters can still just about conjure up our last trip to our away ground in London in what has been the bleakest period in our history. In the last couple of decades, we have only aspired to mediocrity. The worst politicians make wild promises they hope you won't remember. Second division in five years? Yeah right. That would take investment, commitment and talent.

I'm the first to admit that the last few years have tested my passion and that is probably true of many of you. I've seen long term fans drift away never to come back. Some will shout "They weren’t a proper fan then" but we know that's not true. "With such cynicism why do you still go?" you ask: links to the past, family no longer with us, a deep-seated love for Grimsby Town Football Club though we despair at the current ownership. I will hang onto those links with everything I've got, however low Fenty has dragged us. There will be many of you the same. And hope.

I hope that Holloway can fulfil his promise. I hope for a new, decent, enlightened owner. I dream of a fan-owned club. The flicker of hope that is in part kept alight by the wonderful clips, articles and snippets posted by "On this GTFC day" (I am in awe of the commitment he gives to this). This really is a time for football and family. let's hope the stars align and the powers that be agree.

Is your tree up yet? Me neither but I'm off to open my advent calendar.

UTM! Fenty Out!