Cod Almighty | Article
by Lucy Stocks
19 December 2024
Mr Target Demographic Diary, also known as Charlie Cross turns 21 on the 19th of December. The perfect opportunity for his mum, Lucy, to share her pride and remind us what a special treasure the game of football is.
Mr Target Demographic Diary, also known as Charlie Cross, has been going to watch Town since he debuted at Blundell Park at barely six months old. Yes, he was asleep and wrapped in many blankets, but it's never too soon to learn how unforgiving the Findus Stand is on a Tuesday night.
After that baptism of ice, Charlie has lived and breathed Grimsby Town without question ever since, following his team home and away. With a season ticket always top of his birthday/Christmas list there was also the thrill of setting foot on the Blundell Park turf for his 10th birthday.
The proudest team mascot for a 3-1 win over Kidderminster, he even got to hold the hand of the Mighty Mariner himself!
Charlie has always loved football and although he wasn't destined to follow up the mascot appearance by pulling on the Town shirt for real, he has continued to play, driven by what can only be described as absolute love for the game.
It's this love that has helped shape him as a person, giving proper substance to the sometimes misused adage that football is more than a game, it's a way of life. It has given my son the best life skills and deeper understanding of how to be a great human being. Since moving to Newcastle for university two years ago, he not only started his own football team, but created a league for all of those who wanted to play but didn't make the university team.
As player/manager Charlie conducts his player signings with a contract handshake, suited and booted, with man of the match and player of the season presentations treated with similar attention to detail. Picture the charm and innocence of small children playing house but it's a group of teenage boys and their football team!
His knowledge of the game across all leagues is second to none, with players, managers, transfers, statistics more than just a passion but part of his dream to become a sports journalist. Unbeknownst to me, Charlie when aged 17 entered a competition to become a diarist for Cod Almighty and won with his ‘New Icons, Old Legends’ article.
He has continued to write for Cod Almighty despite being busy at university studying for his degree in history, enjoying the university social life, having a job, and finding time for a girlfriend - I can barely find the energy to fold and put away the washing after a day's work, let alone a full social calendar, studying, lectures, organising a football team, and of course travelling around the country to support his first love, Town! I once asked if his father was bringing him to a long distance away game. Charlie replied that he was going on his own, based on the knowledge that once you are there, you are never alone. Following Town welcomes you as part of the Mariners family.
It's that theme again: football is more than a game. It is commitment, bringing a sense of purpose and belonging. It makes you deal with emotions of disappointment and frustration whilst giving complete joy and elation in return, if not always in equal measure. It can bring confidence and strength, a focus, structure and escapism.
Then there's the pride and conviction to stand up for your first love. When your local pub is a Lincoln City dwelling, it takes courage as a teenager to roll up in your Town shirt and take all that is coming your way with humility and grace, whether revelling in a win or congratulating rivals when due. Charlie has earned great respect from locals and equally loyal Lincoln fans, because football at its best is an international language, be it fabulous witty exchanges to unlikely connections and discussion between all ages without prejudice.
Thank you Grimsby Town FC, you have shaped my very soon to be 21-year-old son into a truly wonderful young man. You have been a wonderful parent, mentor and family member alongside us throughout Charlie's life. Long may it continue – from a young boy who was never without his Town shirt to a young man who is still never without his favourite shirt. UTM.