Fenty Fires His Own Salvo!

By: Bill Osborne
Date: 11/04/2005

TOWN'S chairman, John Fenty, responds to criticisms about his social arrangements and reaffirms his version of the Humberside ban agreement.

"It is absolute rubbish that the football League thought that the radio ban should never had been imposed. Again this is mismanagement of information. People should act more responsibly.

Again it is rubbish that the ban, imposed by the board, was because my wealth had been linked with the campaign. It just not the case, it was far more than that. It's about the success of the campaign. The clubs fragile existence cannot tolerate mismanagement of facts or games towards the campaign or the football club.

Let us be straight, if there was nothing wrong then why is there a joint statement, a grievance procedure and a protocol implemented. It is true that the meeting lasted nine hours and took further time to finalise the words of the protocol. Sorry that it was required at all.

It may surprise some that we are fighting for the survival of your football club. As for the cost, the water and juice, sandwiches and room hire was paid for by the BBC.

The boards commitment and continued financial support to this football club is essential. We are all disappointed that the promising start to the season petered out. It doesn't alter the need for all to work together and support all aspects of the football club." END

I was the author of the article that stated "The Football League agreed that the ban on the grounds that Radio Humberside had damaged the campaign was not justified"

In writing articles, which may be deemed as 'controversial' I always follow the practise of the main line media by seeking two separate sources. On this occasion I had three usually reliable sources, each of who confirmed that statement.

However, Mr Fenty says that particular part of the article is not true and, if that is the case, I offer my unequivocal apology to him.

I did not refer to his wealth being an additional reason for the ban.

Mr Fenty has also made a further statement regarding his attendance at a the Frank Worthington evening saying;

"I would like to point out that it just isn't true that I said that I would not be attending the forthcoming Frank Worthington evening. I was asked, by Dave Otter, last Thursday, and I said that my life is 'organised chaos' and I seem to be out every night. However, I have since checked my diary and will be attending."

On his acceptance of an invite to Lucas Radebe's testimonial evening Mr Fenty said:.

"There is speculation stretching to derogatory comments towards myself and Russell Slade for accepting this invitation.

It is sad that our loyalty is questioned. Accepting the invitation was part of a reciprocal arrangement. Dave Mitchell, on behalf of the Leeds supporters, has agreed to hold a celebrity evening on behalf of the Keep the Mariners Afloat campaign.

You never know, we might be able to convert one or two?"

Grimsby Town at heart
your chairman.
Thank you for your support

On this issue Mr Fenty is absolutely correct and has every right to respond to the criticism of him about attending another club's supporters night.

It is not the first time that a GTFC chairman has been criticised for similar actions by people who do not know the reasons behind it.

Dudley Ramsden received a great deal of criticism when he was chairman for not turning up at Blundell Park but instead was seen in the director's box at Chelsea. His commitment to the Mariners was placed in question by the critics who were unaware that Mr Ramsden was in fact in London at a food fair representing Nisa Today's that lasted three days and managed to get a couple of hours clear on the Saturday afternoon to accept a director of Chelsea's invitation to see the game.

In any case, chairman of Grimsby Town or not, John Fenty has the right to make his own choices in what social functions he attends.

Grimsby Town fans cannot complain. John Fenty has been the most accessible chairman this club has had for many a long time.

We may not always agree with what he does or says, that's human nature, but his commitment to the club is unquestionable.

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