Tom Bollan

By: Rob Sedgwick
Date: 18/06/2000

The following is an interview of Tom Bollan undertaken by The Fishy.

Fishy:
When did you first start supporting the Mariners, and what was your first game?

Tom:
Way back in the early nineties when i was supporting Man U (I know, i was young and impressionable!), my Brother was banging on about Tony Ford and Neil Woods so i decided to visit BP for my first GTFC experience. Back then, i didn't know how good or bad they were or what division they where in but they were playing Leeds in a Pre-Season friendly, when Gordan Strachan was still growing and Brian Deane was at the beginning of his best season.

Fishy:
Who is the best player you ever saw wearing a Grimsby Town shirt?

Tom:
Peter Handyside, total commitment to the club and gives 100% every game. Top Class defender

Fishy:
If there is one game you were allowed to go back in time and watch what would it be and why?

Tom:
The most obvious - The Auto Windscreen Shield Final. I went to both finals but for me, the pure emotion of 35,000 Grimbarians screaming MAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRIINNEEERRS!! in the presence of ex-manager Lawrie McMenemy, while Burnett slammed home 'that corner' straight after Davison had kept us in it at the other end, pure magic.

Fishy:
What are your favourite and least favourite away grounds?

Tom:
Favourite away ground: Stoke city (Britannia)- all clean and new!
Least Favourite: Hull City (Boothferry)- All Yorkshire-like and full of loudmouth cocky fans.

Fishy:
What, in your opinion, are GTFC's best and worst seasons since you have been supporting them?

Tom:
'96/97 was the worst since i've been supporting them, being relegated was no fun at all, especially after watching the incident with the plate of chicken! The loss of Mendonca hit hard as i'd only just met him at an open day about a week before he went!
97/98 was the best of course. Somehow, every game was as exciting as the next, town weren't too scared to try long passes from one wing to the other, nor to have a few shots at goal. Kev Donovan was on fire, Aiden Davison was as solid as a rock and Burnett, well, enough said!

Fishy:
What is the most eventful day you have ever had in the course of following the Mariners?

Tom:
Getting up at 9am to get the bus from Withernsea to Hull, meeting two friends who were going to their first Town game, getting the 909 to GY and having to walk the rest of the way to BP as we didn't know what times the buses ran on. Then came the fun, we walked down corporation road and tried to pass underneath the fly-over at riby square, but ended up on the docks and couldn't get back to were we were supposed to be! We walked along all of the docks, passed loads of tankers and pallets, until a security guard came roaring up the road with a yellow flashing light on the roof. He took our names and addresses and told us to march off the docks immediately. We arived at the ground with ten minutes to kick-off, enjoyed the game then walked back to top town to get the return 909. We got back home at 8pm , slightly knackered and smelling of fish!!

Fishy:
Who is the greatest ever GTFC manager?

Tom:
More because of his future success, but Bill Shankly. A marvellous manager who learnt the ropes beside the Humber

Fishy:
How many games a season do you get to now, and what do you do while Town are playing games that you can't get to?

Tom:
I would say i get to about a quarter of Town's games, mostly home games. During away games, (if i am up at three o'clock in the afternoon!!!!!!!!), i go onto the Fishy Chatroom,- "top quality GTFC site with loads of fun stuff about the mariners!" (can i have my £10 now please Rob?!)

Fishy:
Name your all-time starting eleven since you have been watching Town?

Tom:
Aiden Davison, (G)
Macca (D)
Tony Ford (D)
Woodsey (D)
Peter Handyside (D)
Forrester (M)
Grovesey (M)
Burnett (M)
Black (M)
Bonnetti (F)
Mendonca (F)

Fishy:
Do your children support the Mariners?

Tom:
If i had Kids, they would be named "The Mariners", not just support them!

Tom Bollan

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