Cod Head of the Week: Bev Altoft

Fishy:
Tell us a bit about yourself.

Bev:
Bev Altoft (also known as Jonesy, prior to that was missjones) aged 36, live in Great Coates

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

Bev:
I'm a relative newbie to footie - I only started going to games last September but soon got bit by the bug, can't stay away now!! First game was Chesterfield at home, we won 4-0.

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

Bev:
Best player to wear a town shirt? Hmmm, not seen that many to choose from really, considering this is my first season, but would have to say Rankin. Now if you'd asked me the worst one, that would have been dead easy......

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

Bev:
Barnsley!!! The atmosphere was electric, never experienced anything like it, before or since!

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

Bev:
Was impressed with QPR's ground, the facilities for away fans were great and the food good and reasonably priced too. As for the worst - Colchester made BP look like Nou Camp!

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

Bev:
Can't answer that as this is my first season! I'll always remember it though, for lots of reasons that I'll keep to myself!

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

Bev:
The first Peterborough away game (FA Cup 2nd round) sticks in my memory, if only because we went on the train and almost got thrown off on the way home for refusing to move out of first class!! The train was packed and there was nowhere for us to even stand, let alone sit, therefore around 10 of us fans sat in first class cos it was virtually empty, so it was a bit ridiculous of the jobsworth guard to say the least!

Fishy:
Who is the greatest ever GTFC manager?

Bev:
Only seen Grovesie, Rodger & Law in charge, and I've got to say, out the three of them I would have to pick Rodger. I have a lot of respect for Groves though - it's a shame how he left after the years of loyal service he put in.

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?

Bev:
I've been to every home game since I started going back in September and only missed 5 away games, mainly due to finances/distance. On the occasions I didn't go I listened in on the radio, but have to say I don't like it - I never know where to look!! Next year I'm hoping to go to them all!

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

Bev:

Fishy:
What's the best-ever atmosphere you remember at a home and away game?

Bev:
Home game - Barnsley 6-1 without a doubt! Closely followed by knocking QPR out the FA Cup in the first round.
Away game - Oldham strangely enough when we lost 6-0. You would have expected the atmosphere to be awful, but it wasn't - we made the best of it! It was almost like a mini fishie meet - there was quite a crowd of us. And Pouts was in the crowd too....

Fishy:
Do your children support the Mariners?

Bev:
I've 2 children, a 12 yr old daughter and a 10 yr old son who are both ardent fans too!! They go to the home games with their dad who lives near Leeds while me and my partner (JTB) take them to away games. It costs me a small fortune supporting town - over £200 a month I would say by the time I've forked out for tickets, travel, pies, shirts etc so I'm looking forward to saving some dosh over the summer....

Bev Altoft