Where Are They Now? - Gary Childs

By: Tony Hamilton
Date: 15/12/2002

TONY Hamilton of The Fishy caught up recently with Gary Childs to talk to him about his time at Blundell Park and where he is now.

A small, flying winner who signed for Town from Birmingham 1989. Childs was a typical Buckley player in size, but more than made up for that with his no-nonsense style and gutsy teamwork. Childs was normally Town's first choice winger, but he had to battle with Tommy Watson for the number 7 shirt, usually culminating in him making nearly 30 appearances a season. Childs was released after the 1996/97 relegation season and now coaches young children to play football and is an analyser on BBC Radio Humberside.

Fishy:
What are you doing in football?

Gary:
Coaching for Grimsby Town, and Grimsby College.

Fishy:
Do you still follow Grimsby Town, or look for their results on a Saturday evening?

Gary:
Yes, I still watch as many as I can.

Fishy:
Do you keep in touch with any of your ex-team mates if so who?

Gary:
Yes, I still work with many of them at Grimsby Town:Paul Groves,Graham Rodger,Neil Woods John McDermott and Livvo.

Fishy:
How did your time at Grimsby Town compare with that at other clubs?

Gary:
Enjoyed it the most, had the longest time here and with some success as well.

Fishy:
Now that you no longer play, have you become a fan, and whom do you support?

Gary:
Yes, Grimsby Town and Birmingham City.

Fishy:
When you played for the Mariners, what game do you remember the most and why?

Gary:
Probably v Hull City in the Cup because it meant a lot to the fans and I scored the winner!

Fishy:
What were you favourite and least favourite away grounds?

Gary:
Favourite-Anfield Least favourite-Cambridge United.

Fishy:
What did you think opposing teams thought when they came to Blundell Park?

Gary:
It's cold and wet and we're going to lose.

Fishy:
Which teams did you hate playing against and why?

Gary:
Cambridge because they just booted it and Portsmouth because we always lost at Fratton Park.

Fishy:
Who was your best manager A)At Grimsby, B) generally and what made them special?

Gary:
A)Alan Buckley at Grimsby because he wanted to play football and B) Ron Atkinson at WBA just for sheer presence.

Fishy:
After leaving the Mariners which other club(s) did you play for?

Gary:
I was Player/Manager at Wishbech.

Fishy:
Who was the biggest influence when you were playing?

Gary:
Alan Buckley.

Fishy:
When you were at Grimsby Town, what was the most serious injury you had?

Gary:
A blood clot on my tendon in my ankle.I was out on and off for six months.

Fishy:
Can you remember who you made your debut against?

Gary:
Cambridge United at home.

Fishy:
Do you know any of the present staff or players at Grimsby Town?

Gary:
Yes Graham Rodger, Paul Groves, Neil Woods and most of the players as I see then most days.

Fishy:
Which manager brought you to Blundell Park?

Gary:
Alan Buckley.

Fishy:
Did you ever get sent off playing for Grimsby Town?

Gary:
Yes, I'm ashamed to say.

Fishy:
Have you ever thought of becoming a manager??

Gary:
I manage the Youth teams but I am happy to leave the pro's to Graham Rodger and The Gaffer Paul Groves, hats off to them.

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