Cod Almighty | Diary

Bubbles

17 September 2020

Trentside Diary writes: Have you bubbled up yet? No, I didn't quite understand that in the Town news either but if you want to you can increase your "bubble" until tomorrow meaning a mate can join your little season ticket group. The club wants you to bubble up as much as you can because the more groups of five or six we can arrange, the fewer gaps there will be between groups in the stands and so we might just squeeze a few more in. Just make sure whoever you invite is a noisy mate who will get behind the team, and is part of your family or a second family to meet the ever more confusing Covid-19 rules. Remember, no mingling with neighbouring groups in the ground.

I understand that the club needs consistency in its income, but fans I have spoken to haven't taken up their season ticket this year because of the "no refund" clause. At a time when finances are tough for many, it is difficult to part with significant cash (£1,400 for our little group) with the possibility that we may not be able to go for most or all of the season. Fingers crossed things pick up and we can get back next year.

At least the test events are taking place this weekend, and chairman Philip Day has explained why the club did not put themselves forward to participate. It would have been great to see some Mariners' fans back in Blundell Park on Saturday but the club isn't yet ready.  On one level does it matter as fans won't be returning for every match but I think it would have made a huge difference to the players on the pitch. Carlisle, Forest Green and Morecambe will welcome up to 1000 fans on Saturday. Jealous? You bet we are.

At least we have a club to look forward to getting back to. I was sad to hear that Macclesfield Town have been wound up. It is not surprising that it has finally happened as it had been pushed back 12 times already but that won’t make it any less devastating for their fans. Yes, they will probably try to reform but it's not going to be easy, especially given the current economic climate. Disappointing for us as it was always a good day out to watch us against the Silkmen.

Meanwhile another fourth division club in peril, Southend, have had their winding up petition adjourned for the fourth time. You can just see it can't you? We'll get to the end of this season and they'll have points deducted that keep the bra–gropers up. Let's get points in the bag on Saturday and be well clear of those particular battles by next spring. UTM