Cod Head of the Week: Simon Lloyd

Fishy:
Tell us a bit about yourself?

Simon:
Although growing up in Kent I have followed the Mariners from early childhood, my grandfather (a lifelong fan) took me to my first game at Gillingham in 1979 when I was 8, we won 1-0. I spent many years being ridiculed at school (and still do now!) for not following Liverpool, Arsenal or Spurs as the others did and remember keeping my books in a sad plastic Mariners holdall from the 70's. The club once arranged for me to meet Chris Nichol at the gates of Charltons' 'Valley' for one game and I then spent the pre-match time in the dressing room with the lads, unfortunately we were stuffed!

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

Simon:
I first started supporting the Mariners when I was 4. I went to see them against Wolves at Blundell Park - we lost 3-1 though.-->

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

Simon:
Best player I ever saw was Tony Ford in his younger days.

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

Simon:
The win at Orient in 1991, it was my 21st birthday on the day, I remember Gary Birtles scoring and the rest was drunkenly blurred.

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

Simon:
Favourite ground is Wembley, cause we always win there, Forest also have a good set-up. Least favourite ground is the Hawthorns - horrible place and home fans!

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

Simon:
Best season - 1998, I remember feeling tears as we walked out the first time at Wembley.
Worst season is this so far - hopefully I shall eat my words [Ed - you did!].

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

Simon:
The Play-off final at Wembley, I caught the 6.00am coach from Bristol with my brother and downed 8 cans of Special Brew each! We found a pub at the end of Wembley Way at lunchtime and everything was going well until some Northampton idiots started trouble. The police got stuck in with horses and the pub was emptied, sobered up by half-time.

Fishy:
Who is the greatest ever GTFC manager?

Simon:
Buckley, enough said!

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?

Simon:
I average between 8 and 15 games over the past 5 years, mainly away games as I do not drive, thankfully the Midlands isn't too far away. When not watching I occasionally play rugby.

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

Simon:
My Best team (very attacking!)
Nigel Batch
John McDermott
Gary Croft
Peter Handyside
Paul Futcher
Ivano Bonetti
Paul Groves
Steve Livingstone
Tony Ford
Paul Wilkinson
Kevin Donovan

Simon Lloyd