Brian Robinson

By: Rob Sedgwick
Date: 18/06/2000

The following is an interview of Brian Robinson undertaken by The Fishy.

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

Brian:
It's hard to remember exactly but in my head it would be in the late sixties and I have a firm recollection of watching a 2-0 defeat at home to Aldershot during the 68/69 season and my dad says that this is certainly possible. I remember standing in the boys enclosure during the first half and then being let to the Constitutional Avenue corner at half time to join my dad. I also remember spending a lot of time playing tag during the game.

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

Brian:
Clive Mendonca, who can forget the FA-Cup game when we beat Luton 7-1 in the Cup, an absolutely magical performance. Ivano Bonetti probably had the best ball skills of anyone I have ever seen but I never really thought he had enough awareness of other players on the pitch. I also remember Dave Boylen, Matt Tees and Harry Wainman from my earlier days but couldn't actually say how good they were.

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

Brian:
I'd like to go and see 2 games both from the same season, the League Cup game at Blundell park against Norwich in 71/72 and also the last game of the season against Exeter. Norwich I'd like to see again as I was there but hardly saw anything, I was only 10 or 11 at the time and everyone was much taller than me, and the Exeter because everyone says how great it was and for some reason we didn't go.

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

Brian:
Least favourite had to be Wimbledon's old ground at Plough Lane. I saw Town draw 1-1 there in 1984. We stood at the open end in the rain, a thoroughly miserable experience. Favourite ground Anfield, I was a fan of Liverpool as a lad and still look to their results next after Towns and the atmosphere is just incredible, I also recall that they did a decent cup of tea.

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

Brian:
Best season the AWS and promotion winning season. I was at Wembley for the AWS final which was fantastic and I'll never forget the excitement and noise when we scored the golden goal. Unfortunately I was on holiday for the playoff final but managed to watch it on SKY in the cottage we had rented in Wales, I sat there all afternoon like nobby no mates on my own with a 4-pack shouting my head off, good but not as good as being there.
Worst season last relegation to the fourth division.

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

Brian:
Going to Wemberleeeeeeeeeeeee

Fishy:
Who is the greatest ever GTFC manager?

Brian:
Alan Buckley, whilst Big Mac has a great following and undoubtedly is much loved by Town fans I think ABs success on the pitch is unmatched.

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?

Brian:
I live in Nottingham which is only a couple of hours away from Blundell park but home life means I don't get to see as many matches as I would like and I only get to about half a dozen or so a year, three or four at home and a few significant away games i.e. cup games etc. I am usually doing something on Saturday afternoon and am often out so don't get chance to go in the chat room also my kids would never leave me alone long enough to sit at the PC. I try to listen to the radio if I can or else read CEEFAX and the reports from Tony and Sue.

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

Brian:
I'm not sure I could name a full team but my favourite players would be:
Harry Wainman, Peter Handyside, Mark Lever, Richard Smith, Paul Groves, Kevin Donovan, Dave Boylen, Ivano Bonetti, Clive Mendonca, Matt Tees, Tony Ford

Fishy:
Do your children support the Mariners?

Brian:
I have two girls aged 5 and 2 neither of whom show any sign of supporting Town, luckily they also show no sign of supporting Manchester Utd either. Unfortunately I don't think this is likely to change unless Town sign either the Spice Girls or Barbie and start to play in pink, getting rid of the off-side rule and shortening the game to about 10 mins a half would help as well.

Brian Robinson

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