Cod Almighty | Diary

It's not goodbye, just see you later.

28 July 2022

Mr Target Demographic writes: My apologies for the sombre tone of today's diary, when we should be celebrating the the return of League football, but it just struck me that this weekend’s game could be the last Town game I see for a while. I'm down in London for a couple of weeks after the O's game. Then, after going off to university in September, I'll miss the majority of games. This will be the first season of my life where I don't attend at least 90 per cent of all home games.

I'm almost glad it is now though, because with the new owners running things and the positive vibe around the club, which only seems to keep growing and growing, I feel almost safe leaving. Whereas under Fenty I would have worried, now I know our club is in the hands of people who are capable, strong and genuinely listen.

It's still a shame as with the belief around the club then something magical could happen again this season. So I'll try my hardest to make it back for the big games like Bradford, Stockport and Gillingham but if you don't mind, I'll leave it to the rest of you to take down Harrogate and such.

I think the real hardship this season won't be missing out on the games so much as my dad's attempts to convince one of my younger sisters, or anyone for that matter, to go with him. With the Women's Euros taking off, perhaps he won't find it so difficult. Still, if you see a middle-aged man sat alone in the Main Stand with a KitKat and a coffee, spare a little prayer for him on my behalf.

That is not to say that come 3 pm on a Saturday you won't find me at some football ground. No, I will most certainly keep watching, analysing and judging, while having no ability myself. However, it will never quite feel the same as watching Town don the black and white stripes and singing at the top of my lungs "Paul Hurst's black 'n' white army!".

Of course many Town fans support the club from cities far and wide. In fact I'd say the majority of fans live outside Grimsby itself. So maybe I won't feel so out of place, and like I'm cheating, if I go and watch a game at Bramall Lane or St James Park. At least Newcastle play in black and white. Maybe if I sit far enough away behind a red post that says "no smoking" and squint it will feel like home.