Cod Almighty | Diary

Stockport folks are Stopfordians apparently

14 October 2022

You know those people who start talking about Christmas before Halloween, before Bonfire Night, before autumn has really started? Well, Matt Dean at Radio Humberside is already asking about the January transfer window, but received no joy from Paul Hurst. He predictably didn't reveal any targets, confirming that the club are looking, but not who at nor what positions. I suppose it's the nature of the business, having to do your New Year sales planning in October. Isn't it great having a methodical, organised managerial team?

Did I mention Ian Holloway's forthcoming book entitled How to be a Football Manager? No, and I shan't. Write your own jokes please. 

So, Wrexham join Sunderland, Fort William, Macclesfield, West Ham's womens team, and Feyenoord as clubs about whom I've watched a 'fly on the wall' documentary programme. One of those were genuine underdogs. Clue – not the ones with famous Hollywood owners.

Anyhow, it was enjoyable, particularly to see episode 18 of Welcome to Wrexham begin with an articulate piece from our Chair, Jason Stockwood. He hinted at a potential lack of authenticity from owners from elsewhere, lacking a link that home-grown owners have, but it was very subtly done. It gives me a chance to reflect on how Wrexham-born Robbie Savage ended up at Macc, whilst Ryan Reynolds (born Vancouver, Canada) ended up at Wrexham, meaning balance will be restored if a Macclesfield-born celebrity/millionaire takes over at a Vancouver sports team.

That episode is worth a watch for many reasons, though judging from social media activity this week, I reckon a high proportion of Mariners fans have already seen it!

Writing on a Friday gives your Glass-Half-Full Diarist a chance to do some type of pre-game preview. From Paul Hurst's media interview: loanee striker Kiki Simmons is injured, Bryn Morris is a bit less injured than before and Danny Amos, Lewis Richardson and Jordan Cropper are back in training, although none are likely to start.   

So the Mariners squad is largely healthy (less Morris, Scannell, McAtee), hence one or two younger players are about to depart on loan, to join Ollie Battersby at Ilkeston and Jamie Bramwell at Whitby. Previous loan destinations include Bridlington, Scarborough, Cleethorpes, Boston and Darlington, but I am full of cold and offer no insight here, just a list of recent loan beneficiaries.  

Safe journey to those of you travelling to Stockport tomorrow!

UTM