|
Fishy:
Tell us a bit about yourself.
Chris:
I'm 35, married with no kids and I live in a former pit village outside of Barnsley. I'm a police officer for South Yorks, working in the Sheffield Central district of Attercliffe.
Fishy:
When did you first start supporting the Mariners, and what was your first game?
Chris:
I started watching Town from being 7, I think my first match was v Darlington in '76, I think we won, and I know my grandad took me. All I can remember is running around the Osmond Stand all game.
Fishy:
Who is the best player you ever saw wearing a Grimsby Town shirt?
Chris:
Futcher was incredibly consistent, but I remember Nigel Batch being superb. I was lucky enough to spend two seasons opening the batting with him for Holton-le-Clay and he was an unbelievable wicket keeper, too.
Fishy:
If there is one game you were allowed to go back in time and watch what would it be and why?
Chris:
The FA cup semi final, v Wolves I think, at Old Trafford in the 30's. It was a record attendance at the ground for years, and my grandmother went. She and my grandad encouraged my support of Town. If I'm not mistaken it was the game where our keeper was injured in the days of no subs, and we got stuffed 5-0.
Fishy:
What are your favourite and least favourite away grounds?
Chris:
Favourite would probably be Goodison Park in the 80's. The away end was like a bear pit and when we beat them in 84 it was an electric night. Although very intimidating. Least favourite would be Glanford Park. Completely without character.
Fishy:
What, in your opinion, are GTFC's best and worst seasons since you have been supporting them?
Chris:
Best would be the double Wembley year. And the season after that was great. Worst would be relegation under Lyons. Precipitated an agonising slide, similar to this one.
Fishy:
What is the most eventful day you have ever had in the course of following the Mariners?
Chris:
Well, the weekend of the second Wembley visit, my brothers and I went to watch the cricket one dayer at Old Trafford v Sth Africa on the Saturday then we stayed over night in Manchester before bimbling down to London to win again at Wembley! Happy days. I also remember travelling on a coach to Everton when Wilkie scored in the last minute and having our bus bricked in by local scousers.
Fishy:
What is the strangest thing you have ever done at a game?
Chris:
Shouldn't really declare this in my present position but a friend, who will remain anonymous, and I used to walk through the players entrance two hours before kick off and hide in the loo's in the Main Stand until the gates opened, then slip into the players lounge for a few beers. Never got caught.
Fishy:
What is the worst game you've ever been to?
Chris:
All time would be Hull v West Ham when Les Thompson (of Cleethorpes) played for Hull. Early 90's. Worst Town game would be the last match under Lyons when he played himself up front and left Welsh international Ian Walsh on the bench. Think it was 2-2 but not enough to stay up.
Fishy:
What's the most amusing chant you've heard at a game?
Chris:
I used to sit in the Lower Smiths with a mate who used to shout "HI HO" like the Seven Dwarfs whenever a small full back came near to the touchline, which always went down well.
Fishy:
Who is the greatest ever GTFC manager?
Chris:
Has to be Buckley. I know Lawrie Mac was well thought of by older fans and George Kerr had great personality, but success in football is measured by silverware or promotions. I'd have Buckley back tomorrow.
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?
Chris:
About half a dozen. I try to get to the away games that are near me as well as home games, but come match day if I'm not on normal duty I'm working at Bramall Lane as part of a protected serial (in riot gear).
Fishy:
Name your all-time starting eleven since you have been watching Town?
Chris:
Batch, McDermott, Cummings, Futcher, Handyside, Gilbert, Tony Ford, Burnett, Cockerill, Mendonca, Rees.
Subs: Davison, Lester, Croft, Drinkell, Lever.
Fishy:
What's the best-ever atmosphere you remember at a home and away game?
Chris:
Home would be v Everton in 78 when Mike Brolly scored both. Only young but it was mainly standing and with over 20000 in the ground it was captivating. Away game is most definitely Burnley in the 2nd leg of the Auto Windscreen area final. 3000 fans who sang all the way through. When Donovan belted in the second my brother and his best mate hugged me as I was finally going to see Town at Wembley. They both knew they would be at sea for the final, but they were so happy for me. Quite selfless and very emotional.
Fishy:
If you have any, do your children support the Mariners?
Chris:
No kids, but if I do they will.
Chris Borum
| 
