Cod Almighty | Diary

To the right, to the right, To the left, to the left, Now kick, now kick, now kick, now kick

2 May 2023

Well, here we are in May. A season limping towards its end. On Saturday we started well enough, like an enthusiastic dad with a project to start, but it soon became a familiar shuffle. Deep down we knew it was never going to be. A solid season back in the league and the most solid in many a year. Trentside Diary is not knocking it. Many of us are ready for a break, I certainly am, if only from the monotony of the A46 quite so often.

Can you imagine when you were sixteen, being told you had to stay on at school for another two days, whether you liked it or not? The players are weary and that bloody poncing about in gold coaches means that they have to wait two more days before they can hit the beach or wherever they might be going. Interesting that the top division is still playing on Saturday at 3pm; it's only us serfs lower down who have to move. However, the team play next Monday (rolls eyes at the ridiculousness of it) let’s give them a positive send off as it’s the last time we’ll see a few of them no doubt. Anyway, enough of wishing my life away.

The last two Tuesdays I’ve had a game to mention but not tonight. Tonight, there are the first two of the conference play-off games. I am surprised how soon after the final games of the season they are. Last year we played our final game on 15th May away at Eastleigh and the first play-off game was on 23rd.

First two up tonight are Barnet and Boreham Wood, followed tomorrow by Woking and Bromley. A quartet of delight for the southern exiles. Whoever wins those games go on to play Notts County or Chesterfield respectively. Have to say I'm hoping for either of those two to go up. I could say “proper” clubs but being honest it’s because they are both decent away days for me and many others. I don’t envy the fans of the teams involved. Getting out of non-league is an absolute nightmare and I remember the whole playoff period last year, from the concluding league game to several hours after the final, being in a state of constant agitation. Think I’m probably only just getting over that feeling of stress followed by disbelief, then joy. To be fair I’m still getting over Disley having something in his eye at Braintree. Let’s never go there again.

Town have introduced a system to allow new 2023/24 season ticket holders to buy at the early bird rate and state their preference for the seats they would like if they become available. There are season tickets given up for all sorts of reasons every year. An old chap who sits near me has said he won’t renew as he can no longer get to games and finances are definitely tight for many. I heard someone at the last home game telling a mate he probably wouldn’t renew. As he’s one of the perpetual moaners (but not a bitter knitter) on social media, I think it's a probably a permanent mindset for some, and yet still they come back. I’m pleased that they do. It’s probably the outlet they need for their moaning. Just don’t let it become personal. If at all possible, try not to sit near me. UTM!