Cod Almighty | Diary

Petwood and Stockits, they’re two of our own

6 September 2021

Miss Guest Diary writes: I'm not as pessimistic as a native Grimbarian, but following Town for over 30 years has taught me to lower my expectations. So the last 10 days have been a bit discombobulating: two home wins with crowds of over 5,000 at Blundell Park; plus a point and a clean sheet at Stockport with 1,200 Town fans in attendance. Heady stuff!

The last time Town were unbeaten in their first three league games was in the promotion season of 2015-16. That season was also the last time Town came from two goals down to win 4-3, away at Aldershot. The second half of that game was possibly my most exhilarating experience supporting Town, until Saturday. I'm still hoarse from all the shouting.

In recent years the Pontoon has become a rather subdued place. Some games it feels like the crowd has managed little more than the occasional wail of "Maaariners" or a few rounds of "Grimsby till I die". Even last week the noise level was muted, as if we'd forgotten how to get behind the team. Not so on Saturday – we really were the oft-hailed 12th man, singing and cheering and urging the team on until they triumphed.

Coming back from 3-1 down against Barnet shows a determination and commitment from the team not seen at Blundell Park for quite a while – and so early in the season too. I like to think that makes us promotion contenders alongside the likes of Wrexham and Stockport.

Of course, I can't help fearing that the bubble is going to burst soon. That might come next weekend at Torquay, who were top of the division for much of last season and ended up being beaten by Hartlepool in the play-off final. Then again the Gulls haven't had the best of starts this season, losing both of their home games to date. Either way, I won't be there, but I sincerely applaud the fans who will be making the 600-plus mile round trip.

I gave up buying programmes on a regular basis years ago, but that's another thing that seems to have been given a new lease of life by the new regime. The retro covers are great and there is plenty to read. Jack Johnson's interviews with Shaun Pearson and John McAtee have given me an insight into two of this year's key players, and the 'One of Our Own' feature enables us fans to put names to the faces we see around the club. I was even able to spot myself in the crowd shots from the Stockport game.

Finally, those DN35 podcasters have been at it again, with an interview of Petwood and Stockits which ranged over many Town-related topics. These included how they met, what their business backgrounds are, how they have found their first few months in charge and what it feels like as a fan to now be in charge of the club. It was confirmed that plans are afoot to improve both the club shop part of the website and the tannoy at the ground. One question raised was whether there could be a system for fans to pay it forward to buy match tickets for those who might not otherwise be able to afford them. Both Jason and Andrew seemed genuinely impressed – though not really surprised - with the generosity of Town fans and said that it would be explored. Jason also mentioned that he had been interviewed by Gregor Robertson - the resulting article is in today's Times, but unfortunately behind a pay wall. Boo!

Listening to the pride with which Jason, in particular, talks about Grimsby and his roots in the town made me wish, not for the first time, that I had been born there too.