Cod Almighty | Diary
Think I prefer a bit shabby to high gloss
19 March 2024
I made the trip to Bethlehem Street on Friday to see the exhibition of Jim Connor's work at Our Big Picture. What a pleasure that was. Jim has been a contributor to the matchday programme and Sing When We're Fishing fanzine and it brought back so many memories of players and events in the last few decades. The exhibition is there until 28th March and well worth a visit if you have the time.
There's a big game on Saturday in case you haven't noticed. Another tough one for us, but aren't they all until we're mathematically safe. There is unlikely to be any Hollywood glamour but maybe we can mix it up and spoil their day. There are plenty of Town fans wanting to be there and not that many seats left so if you have a season ticket and cannot be there, don't forget to release your seat.
Talking of Hollywood Wrexham, I was listening to breakfast radio this morning. It was one of those programmes with a presenter and two sidekicks who are there to chip in with comments as well as the news and sport. The news person spoke about having watched Welcome to Wrexham and travelling from the south east as a family to watch the game last Saturday. There was chat about how lovely it was and they got to talk to Paul Mullin and Ollie Palmer. I'm glad I wasn't drinking a coffee because I think I would have spat it out. They then added how lovely the owners have made it and "Awww shucks, ain't it quaint".
Not sure what I would call it. The Disneyfication of football? I have no problem with Disney in its place but not with football please. I don't begrudge the true Wrexham fans their success, they had so many years in the doldrums. If it was Town I know deep down I would be thinking "the success is lovely but it's going to end one day. Hope we manage to keep going and don't crash". That was basically what a Wrexham fan was saying to us when the Hollywood pair took over.
The radio presenters were also thinking that UK sport needs a 'Kiss Cam' in the crowd. NO, just NO. You might think I'm miserable but I just love the authenticity of lower league football. Yes it can be scruffy, shabby and need cleaner toilets but it is real. I enjoy going to watch Mr Trentside's team who are in the top tier. The facilities are just a lot more swish and the tickets considerably more expensive. People pay a fortune for 'genuine experiences'. Why not just go to watch your local club.
Nine games to go. I have to be honest and say here that I really won't be sorry to see the end of this season. It has felt the most challenging for a while. Obviously I desperately want us to stay up but will say nothing more as I don't want to anger the football gods. And of course by the end of May I will be frustrated with no Saturday football and will be keen for the new season to start. It's the hope that gets you.
Hang in there Mariners!