Cod Head of the Week: John Pakey

Fishy:
Tell us a bit about yourself?

John:
I'm 19 and come from a small village in North Essex. I came to supporting The Mariners because my Dad follows the team.

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

John:
I was about 12. It was Grimsby Reserves against Halifax Town in The Yorkshire Electric Cup. I sat in the Findus Foods Stand as it was then, it must have been 1993 and watched the lads spectacularly draw 0-0.

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

John:
Clive Mendonca, especially his hatrick against Ipswich in 1995. However saying that, if one man ever played consistently well every time in his Grimsby shirt it has to be Davison, and he got my scarf in the playoff final for his heroism.

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

John:
Grimsby 7, Luton 1, I never got to see Ivano Bonetti play and would loved to have watched him. He was a breath of fresh air for the club and seemed to be bringing back a chance for a decent place in the table.

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

John:
Favourite probably has to be Southend, it was kind of unique (in a pit), my least favourite is Portman Road (Ipswich), it doesn't consider that some people may have legs longer than 24 inches, cramped seating that actually hurt towards the end of the match.

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

John:
Best easily has to be the Wembley double season, 1997-1998, worst, last season, the football was painful to watch, Buckley was making us play a boring game that meant no goals, I never saw a shot on goal for over two seasons with Buckley's management.

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

John:
Has to be the Playoff final at Wembley, I went with my Dad, we got there early and enjoyed the atmosphere and build up to the game. The best surprise was when we got out our tickets and went to find our seats. We had been placed right next to the Wembley steps. When Aidy Davison walked down the steps after collecting his medal it was my worn out Grimsby scarf he got hold of. You can see me on the video, for all of a second.

Fishy:
Who is the greatest ever GTFC manager?

John:
Hmm, Buckley had his day, but I think Lenny has started to get me excited about the Mariners like I have never been before, I'm not sure on that one, I haven't seen enough managers to make a good enough decision.

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?

John:
One of the intentions of going to Lincoln University was to go and watch more Grimsby matches, however all my friends support Premiership sides, so trying to get them to come with me is a bit difficult. However usually three or four. When I'm not watching town I'll sit at the BBC website and keep my eye on the score (until I'm disheartend if we go one nil down).

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

John:
4-3-3. Chrichton (it was funny the way he'd wander half way up the pitch and then see him sprint back to the goal mouth when the opposition went on the counter attack), McDermott, Handyside, Rogers (the man bled for Town), Croft, Donovan (1998), Groves, Childs, Woods, Mendonca, Livvo.

Fishy:
Do the rest of your family support the Mariners?

John:
My Dad is a big town fan, and my mother has also been dragged into following the team (she follows teletext every Saturday afternoon trying to see if me and Dad are going to be grumpy later that day).

John Pakey