Lawrence on the Run In

By: Bill Osborne
Date: 04/04/2001

GRIMSBY TOWN boss Lennie Lawrence, looking at the remaining fixtures for Town, declared it as the club's toughest run-in for over 25 years and the hardest he'd ever had as a manager. "Of the run-ins I've had, this would probably be the most difficult," said Lawrence.

"Several times I've been in the situation where the last game has been a relegation or promotion decider and I might have had as hard a run-in as this, but I can't remember one." He told the Grimsby Telegraph..

There are many Grimsby fans who would agree with him, some not old enough to remember the last time we were in such a desperate position and a far from happy Lawrence reviewed the upcoming games and Grimsby's chances of avoiding relegation.

"You never know in football, but my guess is it will be decided in the next four games or, more particularly, in the next two." he said, referring to Tranmere on Saturday followed by Watford. With the home advantage in both these games Town should be looking for maximum points which could bring safety.

"We think it's inconceivable that two wins won't see us safe." said Lawrence. "The thing about it is, by the time we play people, their fate could be decided. "

The Mariners have home games against Fulham and Blackburn and away to Birmingham in the last three games of the season, but by then Lawrence believes that Town's fate will be settled.

"By the time we play Fulham they will be champions and our fate will also have already been decided. When we play Blackburn I expect them to be confirmed as runners-up.

"When it comes to Birmingham I think they'll be in the play-offs and not able to reach that automatic promotion spot. That leaves Tranmere of course, Watford, Sheffield United and West Brom. I don't think West Brom will fall out, they'll be in the play-offs and they'll still be firing."

"The key one, apart from Tranmere and Watford, will be Sheffield United. By the time we play them, they'll either be in contention for the play-offs which will make it harder, or they will be beyond them which will make it slightly easier."

Last night's results did not do Town much harm with Stockport getting a point at Bolton and Huddersfield sharing the points with Crystal Palace thereby failing to overtake the Mariners and emphasising once again how crucial Saturday's game against Tranmere is.

Ticket News

At the Tranmere game on Saturday - "Kids go free" , anywhere in Blundell Park, as long they are accompanied by at least 1 responsible full paying Adult.

Please either get down to the GTFC ticket office ASAP or book by credit card on (01472) 605050. This game, as you are aware, is the classic SIX POINTER and god we need the support of the fans for this one !!!

The club are looking for a 6000+ gate and looking at maybe 1500 free kids coming (hopefully with their parents!)

The offer has also been extended to Tranmere, to encourage their supporters to come to Blundell Park to see their team lose!!

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