Cod Almighty | Postbag

Postbag: we'll get them in singles

31 January 2010

The postbag, small but perfectly formed.

You could help it grow.

Blooming

Sir,

I just found a book dated Christmas 1951 titled The Burt Williams all stars football book. In the chapter "On the way to the top" is Jim Bloomer. The narrative goes like this: "Grimsby Town had a desperate need for a centre-forward and Jim Bloomer, an almost forgotten reserve, was surprised when the manager picked him to lead the attack. In his first senior game he scored all four against Southampton, and a fortnight later did the hat-trick against Brentford".

Bloomer is quoted "I wasn't much good as a goalkeeper when at school so I had to try other positions. Fullback at Strathclyde, centre-half for his army united and outside-right for Hull". No transfer is quoted but it is claimed it was little more than the ferry ticket from Hull.

The question is, is there a forgotten centre-forward in the ranks today who could put seven goals in in two matches?

from Keith Falla

Letters Ed responds: Forgotten forward? With the size of our squad (Its rumoured the players wear name badges), one is bound to have slipped off unnoticed for a quick fag behind the bike sheds.

Grimsby delicacies

In reply to Ian Jackson's email (in the postbag of 18/1/10) my family always has Pork Pie and pickles for breakfast on Christmas Day.

You can still get savoury duck from some of the traditional local butchers too.

I live in Manchester now but a bun is still a bun to me!!

Cheers and lets hope Town's form has improved before my forthcoming annual trip to Rochdale. It would be nice to see us win there for a change.

from Richard Huntley

Letters Ed responds: Enjoy that trip while you can, Richard. Lets hope a pre-match pint in the Cemetery Inn won't seem apposite.

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