Cod Head of the Week: Mark Standley

Fishy:
Tell us a bit about yourself?

Mark:
I was born in Hainton Avenue, Grimsby, on Boxing Day 1955; (have a town match programme of the same day for interest's sake!). Lived in the area until studies, family, and career pursuits took me to Hull, Scarborough, London, and, finally Cape Town where I have resided since December 1991.

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

Mark:
I think the season of 66-67 when the likes of Doug Collins, Graham Taylor and Dave Worthington were playing - but, the first game I vaguely remember must have been a televised game against Hull City when the cameras were mounted in the corner of the Pontoon and Barrett stands. Spent most of the game walking around the back of the stands because I was too small to see!

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

Mark:
Trevor Whymark

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

Mark:
So many to choose from, but, the Millwall away game in the FA CUP 3rd Round in the eighties sometime. The original scheduled match for the Saturday had been postponed because of a waterlogged pitch; and played the following Tuesday night. As I was living in London at that time it wasn't a problem making the rearranged date. We were dominating proceedings in the first half but nonetheless trailed 1-0 to a Dean Neal goal (who has since died); came out in the second period and put SIX past them!! When the fourth one went-in the usually partisan home-crowd started cheering Town's every touch; it was most bizarre. To cap it all; there was still chance to catch a couple of drinks in the club bar, only to be joined by the town players fresh out of the showers. That night the team included Waters, Batch, Drinkell and the majestic Whymark. Some people say that Town haven't got such a great record playing London teams - but, I recall seeing them bag quite a few goals against them. Another occasion, saw them (again) come from behind to beat Wimbledon 6-3 while still at Plough Lane; Kevin Kilmore hit a memorable hat-trick that rainy day.

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

Mark:
Anfield and Oxford United

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

Mark:
The 1971-72 whilst Lawrie McMenemy was in charge; and the worst when we had to apply for re-election 1968-69 (I think) under Bob Kennedy.

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

Mark:
Watching them beat Everton 1-0 at Goodison Park in the Milk Cup was unbeliveable; but, this has to be eclipsed by the first Wembley appearance in the AutoWindscreen Final. I flew back from South Africa for five days to be there. My sister in Grimsby got me a ticket, posted it to my younger brother in London, I stayed with him the Saturday night, after the game on the Sunday caught the train up to Grimsby, and flew back to Cape Town, and work, the Wednesday afternoon. Wasn't crazy enough to make the Northampton Play-Off final though!

Fishy:
Who is the greatest ever GTFC manager?

Mark:
Of the ones in my time; I couldn't pick between three of them - Lawrie McMenemy, Dave Booth, but, for success it has to be Alan Buckley.

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?

Mark:
Only 2/3 - that's when I spend Xmas and New Year with family in the Grimsby area, as opposed to staying here in South Africa over the festive period. Through SkySports on satellite we might get the occassional live game - or I have to make do with the divisonal round-ups, plus the goals on Sky News or BBCSports News. Catch the full reports of the matches on the Internet at work and from the e-mail messages of the other connected-fans. My Mum sends me over the odd Telegraph as well.

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

Mark:
Batch
McDermott
Croft
Handyside
Wiggington
Cumming
Woodward
Drinkell
Tees
Whymark
Hickman

If you have any, do your children support the Mariners?

We don't yet - but, when we do I can't wait to tell them about the first Wembley appearance. You can rely on their support, be sure about that!

Mark Standley