Cod Almighty | Diary

Running!!!!

30 June 2023

Hello, let me introduce myself, I am Deano, BOTB's footballing mate, friend and fact checker. Fact checker I hear you say, his diary is actually fact checked? It is by me, so when BOTB comes out with the usual diatribe of "what was the last good thing to come out of Mansfield" or "what in the world did Walsall ever give us" I seek him out on a Monday morning at Bradley and tell him the facts. Grimsby Town legend Craig Disley was born in Mansfield, or Walsall is the birthplace of the one and only Noddy Holder, you know the lead singer of a small band called Slade, who had one or two hits in the 70s. It's called general knowledge, BOTB, and my head is full of it; totally insignificant bits of information that only pop in to your head when people make rash statements or claims.

Anyway, why are we down at Bradley on a Monday morning? Because BOTB and I play walking football, and immediately the Barclays Bank advert from 12 years ago with Chesterfield Old Spireites pops into your head. Let me tell you people it's nothing like that at all; it's more like a geriatric Sunday league division one tournament with around 80 people between the ages of 55 to 75 turning up for an hour's football and then the proverbial piss taking over a cup of coffee in the cafe at Bradley.

The old adage of "from little acorns mighty oaks grow" perfectly sums up walking football in the Grimsby area. In 2012, six people started a session run by Lincs Inspire's Paul Goodhand and from that we now have over 250 people playing at six sessions a week and, like all things nowadays, there are even a couple of sessions for 'the ladies'. Initially the sport was designed to get the older generation out, doing a bit of exercise, and meeting up for a drink and a chat but as it has expanded and people's health and fitness has improved, clubs have been formed and leagues and cup competitions entered into. I myself organise a trip to the Netherlands for the Almelo City Cup which is hosted by Dutch Eredivisie side Heracles Almelo. The Cleethorpes Walkers finished runners up this year and it is by far the best tournament in Europe, not only for the football but for the social side as well.

So if you're interested in coming down and giving it a try, you must. Then imagine the pride as you go into Sports Direct and buy a pair of boots and the sales assistant says "These for your grandson?" and you reply "No, they're for me." You might even get your own back on the tricky little winger who skinned you alive in your 20s when playing in the Sunday League.

I'd just like to thank you for reading this ramble and thank BOTB for encouraging me to have a go. It's not easy, believe me. I don't know how the regular diarists do it week after week. If the feedback's any good then he might let me have a go next close season. 

Oh yeah, don't forget today is the last day for early bird prices on your season tickets, so go and see the lovely Lisa in the ticket office and get yourself sorted.

UTM