The Fishy - Grimsby Town FC

Question of the Week

Who will go down?







 

Success Or Failure?

By: Jason Ives
Date: 03/08/2004

WITH the dawn of a new season upon us, and a new era at the club set to begin, it seems Town fans are split as to what will be seen as success or failure.

Home > Features > 2004 Features > Success Or Failure?


A new chairman, new manager and nearly a new side - those that asked for a clean sweep throughout the club have certainly got their wish, although when Town plumped for Slade not everyone was happy. Some saw it as getting someone who hasn't achieved anything, others as the club simply operating within their financial restraints and going about things prudently.

The playing staff has been completely overhauled - the 'god/prima donna' (depending on which side of the fence you're on) Jevons has departed, the under achieving Campbell, the 'weighty' pair of Anderson and Barnard gone, the lackadaisical Ford...the list is endless - all headed out of BP under the title 'failures' having dragged the club to it's present level.

These have been replaced by Slade's giants...a team full of height and muscle, evidently the aim is to make the opposition submit to a barrage of set pieces whilst being tighter at the back. Mixed with this new found height is the pace of Parkinson, who on first impressions could be Town's best acquisition for a while and key figure if Town are to do well. Michael Reddy has ability, but also a history of injury problems which has seen his pre-season not even get going yet - the jury is out on him thus far, but Town hopefully won't have someone who can only be fit for half a season. The final piece of the jigsaw is yet to be fitted - the target man.

The next few months will tell if Town are on the right track. However, this could be the most important period in Town's history for a while. If they continue as the last two seasons then the Conference and possibly a part-time run club is our future. If, however, Town can start off well, be near the top/play offs come Christmas then some 'stay away' support may return, the possibility of the new ground venture will once again be highlighted. What better time to attract sponsors/get support than when you're riding high?? Another lacklustre season and that 'dream' will have a job of becoming reality.

So, there we have it...nine months of football, but possibly one of Town's most important. You can be sure it'll have it's up's and down's, twists and turns...but hopefully it will see Town doing better. Personally I'd settle for around mid table, slightly higher...the play-offs? Others may see that as failure altogether, not accepting anything other than an immediate return to 'League 1'.

One thing will remain though whatever happens.we'll still all have that nervous feeling on a Saturday morning, wondering what lies in store come 3pm that day. We'll all experience the high's of a win, the low's of a defeat, the continual put downs of the press because it's JUST Grimsby ...the euphoria of our team proving them wrong! Why do we do it??? Because we're Mariners through and through...always have been and always will be .....Good luck boys!! And to all supporters...let's sit back and enjoy the ride...(hopefully!!!!!!)


Did you know that Cod Almighty has got its hands on a new medium-sized, GTFC home kit signed by a myriad of the club's players. You know the shirt: one of those sexy Nike numbers. If you click HERE you will see how you can own it and at the same time time help a very worthy cause!


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