Sue Firth
Fishy:
When did you first start supporting the Mariners, and what was your first game?
Sue:
My first game was away to Southend at the end of April 1990 - we won 2-0 but I didn't actually see either of the goals. We were seated on the side near the halfway line, behind the director's box. As the play got towards the goals, everyone stood up and I, being inexperienced as a football watcher and a bit slow off the mark, stayed sitting down and missed all the action.
Fishy:
Who is the best player you ever saw wearing a Grimsby Town shirt?
Sue:
It's got to be Wayne Burnett. It's official - Wayne is wonderful.
Fishy:
If there is one game you were allowed to go back in time and watch what would it be and why?
Sue:
Away to Leyton Orient in the 90/91 season. Gary Birtles, my first town favourite, scored - I did not go to the game because I had a cold. I was a soft southerner in those days. I never did see him score for Town.
Fishy:
What are your favourite and least favourite away grounds?
Sue:
My favourite was Bristol Rovers when they used to play in Bath. Beautiful view of the city and the Somerset countryside from the terrace and good results there too. My least favourite is Shrewsbury - it must have the worst ladies' toilets in the football league. When we drew into Shrewsbury station on the train, I mistook the ground for a railway siding.
Fishy:
What is the most eventful day you have ever had in the course of following the Mariners?
Sue:
Away to West Ham in 1993. It was a mid-week evening game and we had the day off work. During the afternoon we saw a film in London followed by a Mexican meal. Big mistake. I was ill during the first half AND Dave Gilbert missed a penalty - though we couldn't actually see because the Town fans were squashed up in a corner behind a high fence. Amazingly, I managed to persuade Tony to take me home at half time - the first and last time he has left a match before the final whistle. Town lost 2-1 apparently.
Fishy:
Who is the greatest ever GTFC manager?
Sue:
Having only been a supporter since 1990, I have only known two managers - so there's really no contest.
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?
Sue:
About 35 in recent seasons. When I can't get to a match I go shopping, of course. I may be a Town fan, but I'm still a woman.
Fishy:
Name your all-time starting eleven since you have been watching Town?
Sue:
GK Davison
LB Croft
RB McDermott
CB Futcher
CB Handyside
LM Gilbert
CM Burnett
CM Groves
RM Childs
CF Mendonca
I would have had Livvo, but he got sent off!
Fishy:
What was the worse game you have attended?
Sue:
There's so many to choose from. It could be Bolton away in September 96 (1-6), Crystal Palace, any year in the 90s, Swindon away in 98/99 (0-2) season, which was so tedious I wanted to leave at half time. No, it's got to be Tranmere away last October (2-3). Freezing cold Tuesday night with Coyne playing like he was still on Tranmere's books and Challinor, the long throw specialist, hurling the ball towards the Town goal like a rocket every couple of minutes.
Fishy:
Who are the worst players you have seen Town buy or use?
Sue:
Tony Daws, Murray Jones, Tommy Widdrington, Andy Love, Mark Flatts, Ian Hamilton.
Fishy:
What was your most memorable match and why?
Sue:
Away to Ipswich in April 1991. A 0-0 draw. Ipswich needed to win to clinch the championship (I think) but Town needed the points to stay up. Ipswich thought we were just going to roll over - but for once we didn't. It was incredibly exciting. That was the day I realised I was really a Town supporter, not just along for the ride.
Sue Firth
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