Chasing Rainbows

By: Pat Collins
Date: 13/02/2001

Frustration is a word that all Mariners fans are painfully familiar with, as is disappointment. Unfortunately honeymoon's have a nasty tendency to end and many marriages result in disillusionment.

This brings us neatly to the current position in which Grimsby Town now find themselves. Although the appointment of Lennie Lawrence was hardly greeted by a blasting chorus of trumpets, things had started to look up - gone were the days of pretty passes around the penalty area and signing second-rate rejects from other clubs - ah yes, the dawn of a bright new day.

Unfortunately, we chose to ignore the words of one of the most famous and eminent philosophers of the twentieth-century - Kylie Minogue's oft-recited adage: 'It's Better The Devil You Know'.

Before the gallows are prepared, I am not advocating a return to the days of Alan Buckley, I am merely pointing out that although 'frustration' was a word common to Mariners fans worldwide, 'disillusion' was rarely uttered.

As times both musical and footballing have progressed, we have indeed entered a new era - it could be said that we are indeed beginning to 'Reach For The Stars' - Trevor Benjamin, Phil Jevons - ah, if only.

The problem is that these players will never commit themselves to a club like Grimsby in it's current predicament for reasons too varying and complex to enter into here. Suffice to say it wouldn't take Kylie Minogue to figure it out.

Whilst it's fine to be gazing at the stars from a position firmly entrenched in the gutter, it pays to keep an eye on the passing traffic.

Perhaps Mr Lawrence is currently monitoring the progress of yet another fringe Premiership striker whilst a less familiar name with as yet untapped potential is snapped up by a manager whose thoughts are based in reality.

The suggestion that there are no longer any quality players in the lower divisions is purely nonsensical. From whence did Kevin Phillips spring? Rory Delap? Gareth Barry? I would imagine that at least one member of S-Club 7 would be able to answer such a tricky poser.

All of those players were once 'down there', and they have all been developed by managers who are fully confident in their own abilities. We must assume that Lawrence is both confident and competent - or else abandon all hope ye that enter here.

Not many people will be aware of a York-based band called Shed Seven. Although they never quite scaled the heights of stardom that others achieved, the lasting impression that they will leave on the world of music will be a mournful song depicting a lack of accomplishment entitled 'Chasing Rainbows'.

Ever heard of it Lennie?

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