Cod Almighty | Diary
A hotch-potch of Town thoughts
15 July 2021
Oops they did it again. Not a further horror story about Britney's court case but the Bananarama League moving a fixture. I had planned to be sensible and call the league by its proper name from now on but then they go and do something that does nothing for the fans of either club. This time moving Stockport away from August bank holiday Monday with thoughts of a jolly day out, catching up with friends from afar and exiles in the north west to a dreary Tuesday evening with folk deciding if they can get an afternoon off work and would they get home early enough to be capable of much the following day. The explanation is Stockport's Saturday fixture has been moved to a later kick-off time so it can be shown on (fuck) BT Sport. No benefit whatsoever to Town then.
Plenty of notice, so what's the problem you might wonder? There will be a decent number of fans thinking of taking the train because it's direct from Grimsby. Have you ever bought a train ticket at the last minute? Would you have bought it at the last minute if you could have bought it six or more weeks beforehand? If you don't think twice about it, lucky you! Most of us try to spread the cost a bit and definitely buy train tickets as far in advance to get as cheap a deal as possible.
Or maybe I'm just moaning because in my world football is at 3 o'clock on Saturdays and bank holiday afternoons. I'll soon be moaning about unnecessary outings for away/third kits when there isn't a clash. Not really, I couldn't give a stuff. They could play in sky-blue pink as long as the stripes get a decent number of outings. Sky-blue pink is one of those expressions from childhood. Does anyone use it now? Like getting off the ferry and walking along the Land of Green Ginger for a bit of shopping in the metropolis before a visit to Boothferry Park to watch the Mariners. Magical.
Being an exile, I try to keep up with what's happening at Town via the club website and social media. If something's on social media, I'll then look for a bit more detail (fact) but not via the local paper. Have you ever tried to read more than one story online in the Tellywag? What a nightmare of adverts and reloading at the pace of a reluctant snail. It's not really an option. Anyway, I sometimes miss Town stories unless there is a decent amount of comment from fans.
I'm a bit late to the party to welcome our latest two signings. I know, other diaries have already covered them but I did have to smile at Joel Grant. A few fans have moaned at us getting another "senior" striker but bless him, he knows what he's here for: "I am a forward player who likes to attack, create chances and I always like to score goals". Good on you, Joel, do all of that and we will love you. Adam Crookes as a left-back also has definite promise. He came through the Nottingham Forest Academy and Forest fans describe him as a decent left-sided defender, great person and quiet leader. If he lives up to that billing we will be well chuffed. Good luck to them both.
Unfortunately, I'm not going to be able to make it over for Jimmy McKeown's testimonial but it looks like a good afternoon is planned. Happy to donate the price of a couple of tickets if that's possible. Any ideas if that can be done?
Finally, I’m trying very hard not to wade into the debate about naming the boardroom. Why would you name it after a player? Town really haven't been good to many players in the past and whilst we're in a whole new world, it still seems a bit off to me. One comment in response I can wholeheartedly agree with, though - isn't it about time we renamed the main stand the Moore Family Stand. I could get behind that idea! UTM!