Cod Almighty | Diary

Taking the L but taking the positives

13 November 2024

My first contribution as a VFTF guest diarist was the day after the defeat to Lincoln City in the Football League Trophy. It brings me no pleasure (and no pain - just indifference) to say that today I write the morning after another loss in the same competition. This result signalled our dignified, winless exit at the first hurdle whereas Chesterfield top the group and will now go on to do whatever it is that happens after. As with the new Champions League format, I don't understand the rules anymore and can't be arsed to Google it or ask my mate ChatGPT, which sums it all up.

You won, Chesterfield. Enjoy the money. I hope it makes you very happy.

I made the mistake of watching 30 minutes of the Lincoln game on tele but was gently reminded of the Cod Almighty policy of 'never forgive, never watch'. So last night I enjoyed binge watching Slow Horses rather than the sterile and meaningless game taking place at the SMH Group Stadium. For those who haven't seen it, Gary Oldman plays the miserable and nasty boss of a section of MI5 which is for those who have previously messed up badly but not been sacked. There is a rampant drinking culture and professional standards are often not met. Think the death throes of the Mike Newell GTFC banter era, but infinitely more enjoyable and entertaining to watch.

As usual, I was required to pop out in the evening to collect my daughter from her dance class, so I did take in the last 10 or so minutes of BBC Radio Humberside's commentary. An interesting chat about darts players of yesteryear and Geoff Capes was soon followed by the final whistle and She's Electric being played really loudly. A suitably bizarre way to conclude our involvement in the competition.

There were positives to be had from the defeat – principally the strength of the Mariners in-house production line. There was a first senior goal for the Geordie Cam Gardner which should give him an extra spring in his step and do his confidence the world of good. There were also senior debuts for Sutton-on-Sea's Callum Storr and Louth's Henry Brown. Hull's Seb Auton and London's Evan Khouri were unused subs, but Scunthorpe's Harvey Cribb was introduced on 30 minutes for Curtis Thompson who continues to make gentle, but very welcome, progress from his return from injury. Jordan Davies also managed to play the last 20 minutes or so.

So, this exciting crop of young Grimsby Town talent may not have all been born and raised in Grimsby, but as footballers and as young men they have been coached and nurtured by our football club during perhaps the most difficult part of their lives. Being a teenager is hard enough, but having to deal with the pressure of trying to make a career in football as well is something that must test even the strongest. The fact such a high number seem to be thriving and contributing to the success of our first team is a huge credit to everyone involved.

Neil Woods may not have had the ultimate rizz required to be first team manager, but he is so clearly sigma and is proving to be a proper GigaChad in his current role. Yeah, that's enough of that, sorry I got carried away…

I was lucky enough to be one of the 1,000 or so Grimsby fans at Wimbledon and had a thoroughly lovely time. Catching up with old mates, seeing family who live away but follow Town away, hearing the Aalst lads, the AFCW fan in the white jumper, the cross, the finish, the away end going nuts, the final whistle celebrations, the post-match beers – all combined to make it one of my most enjoyable away days for quite a while. A real reminder of why you bother spending all the money and putting all the miles in. We have been blessed with a fantastic away record so far, but at the risk of sounding spoiled, I dearly hope this continues as a well-deserved reward for our sometimes bonkers but dedicated away following.

Safe travels to those going to Newport. Try and check out the Tiny Rebel brewery if you get the chance, and fingers crossed you get to see Grimsby put on another show and win away.