Cod Almighty | Diary

Ignore the man who looks like he gropes people on buses

17 April 2025

Your Guest Diarist has awoken to learn the National Lookalike Day is approaching. I have been accused (if accused is the right word) of having two doppelgängers in recent years; first it was Jerry Dammers, then it was Jackson Lamb. I was raised on a diet of broken biscuits and Compass House shoe leather burgers. Self care was low on the agenda so I wear these badges with pride. To be associated with musical genius and superlative acting will do me. I used to walk into a room and wonder if people liked me. Much better to look around and wonder if you like them.

Anyone who claims to know how the fourth division promotion race will end up is a better man than me. The run in is going to be fascinating. Town remain plucky outsiders but anything, anything is possible. I just hope that the run-in ride is tumultuously exciting and that our boys give everything right to the very last whistle. Whatever happens, and despite the dull uninspiring patches, this has been a good season. We have learned to love some good young players and their time here will not be forgotten.

This Twitter post sums up where we are, and where we can be, optimistically yet realistically. Whenever I am asked to define Grimsby Town's true position I have always said that we are a mid-table third division club with a small but intensely loyal following. The chances of us prospering as a second division club in anywhere except a parallel universe are ridiculously small. Third division football on a regular basis is possible, though maybe not next season. I am not convinced this squad can win regularly against better opposition yet. But they are improving. I am sure Mr Artell is a good coach and makes players better. And he is pragmatic enough to quietly ditch tactics when they do not work. He will do for me.

Ticket sales are healthy for tomorrows so-called grudge game with Swindon. But the only revenge we want is for them beating us in the reverse fixture. It would be nice if Holloway returned his share certificate to the club with an apology. But dream on you stupid old man it would be easier to explain Norway to a dog than teach ethics and morals to Ian Holloway. Better to hope that Danny stays fit and available. Enjoy yer Easter. See yer.