Cod Almighty | Diary

UP THE VARINERS!

2 March 2023

Last night our fantastic club made football history. In defeating Southampton 2-1 at St Mary's, we not only made it into the quarter final of the FA Cup for the first time since 1939, we also became the first team in the competition's 151-year history to knock out five sides from higher divisions in a single season.

We also set a record for the longest time span between quarter final appearances, of 84 years, although your West Yorkshire Diary saw that statistic floating around on social media and nabbed it without verifying it.

And so, the names of all the players and staff involved in these remarkable feats become etched into Mariners folklore. What an achievement that is, and what incredible memories they have created for all of us.

Moments like these are rare, but that's what make them so beautiful. We all know what happened in our 1939 cup run, yet I'm pretty sure the vast majority of you reading this weren't there, or indeed weren't alive, when it occurred.

It's through literature, photography and some flickering Pathé footage that we've been able to keep that story alive. And now we all have our own story to tell; a first-hand account of our great FA Cup run of 2022-23 when we made the last eight. Football moments are like family heirlooms; they get passed down to future generations so they can marvel at our unique triumphs.

Moments like last night, and the celebrations that went into the small hours, allow us to put differences to one side and indulge in pure happiness, together. The club's philosophy is built upon the belief that we are greater together, and it’s true: a football club has the ability to unite whole towns and communities in a way that very little else can. It’s a unique pulling power, and one that’s worth protecting with sensible stewardship.

No flippant remarks today; no snidey comments about famous supporters of Southampton taking one hell of a beating. No chasing down my Saints-supporting former work colleague on social media to gloat, much. No comment on our quarter final draw, or VAR, or goalkeeper cramp. There’s just a big smile on my face (and the face of every other Mariner across the world).

Grimsby Town were ball number one in the quarter final draw. Have we ever been ball number one before? We are quarter finalists — we’re in the last eight! Dare to dream, but this also might be as far as we get. So, enjoy the moment. Relive the moment! Share this moment.

Up the bleedin’ Mariners!