Cod Almighty | Diary

Our Tell is in the building

28 November 2023

Ooooof, and suddenly we have wall-to-wall coverage of our new manager, Our Tell. I was travelling back to Nottingham yesterday, playing clips of interviews and reading out articles and comments. I have to say he seems like a decent appointment. A head coach who is keen to be part of the plan and not just "the" plan is refreshing to hear. Hopefully gone are the days of managers/head coaches thinking it's all about them. Pity we can't say as much about some of the refs. We might have previous managers who we still hold in high esteem and we've had some very different styles but I much prefer those who see themselves as an integral part of the club rather than a gob on a stick. We've had a few of those over the years.

I revelled in a day of clips from the club. It's been a while since we've been able to immerse ourselves in social media, club updates and information focused on us from outside the Mariners bubble. Clips, photos and soundbites flooded my phone yesterday. It was joyous. I know where we are in the table; I know there's a job on; I know we've got to kick on and every other phrase you can drum up but it's great to be looking forward at last. Some of the information that came out made the four-week wait make sense, although for a few it was a catastrophic example of poor organisation. In summary, both sides were interested but had never actually met. The fact that they have given it some proper thought and had a chance to find out more bodes well for a great working partnership. That Shaun and Ben are involved is the icing on the cake and the cherry on top.

Apparently Paul Hurst advised Our Tell to apply for the job, saying "they're good people". Hursty is a good man too. A pity that some supporters never acknowledged that. They will probably be the same ones having a go if we don't win from the off but I'll live in hope that they give us a few weeks. It would be lovely if we saw an immediate improvement in our fortunes, not least tonight at Franchise Scum FC but let's, for once, be patient.

Sadly we saw the loss of El Tel on Sunday. I don't usually follow England other than odd game in the Euros or World Cup. Terry Venables was different. We nearly did it in Euro 96. All of a sudden there was joy, euphoria and belief after not even qualifying for the World Cup two years earlier. I still remember my over-excited son making England flags and running round the house chanting with his mate. El Tel's financial dealings came under question on more than one occasion, other managers may have done as well or better, but he certainly caught the imagination like no other. If Our Tell is half the tactician, we have a treat in store.

UTM!