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Watkiss is the Man!

By: Dave Boylen
Date: 28/07/2006

WE all now know who Graham Rodger's number two is: Stuart Watkiss the former manager of Kidderminster and Mansfield. Watkiss was also a player at Wolves, Crewe, Walsall, Mansfield Town and Hereford before retiring in 1999.

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Believe you me folks this is one of the most important appointments at Town in years. It is so important to get this position dead right, and I can understand why Graham has took his time to name his man.

I was in conversation with Graham recently and we briefly touched on the number two position, without revealing who he had been in contact with, the expectations that the boss had of his number two are very demanding.

The appointment of Stuart Watkiss has now been made and I am sure with the help that Graham will now get off his assistant it will enable Graham to concentrate more on developing the first team squad for the new season.

Due to work commitments and the fact that I am a part time Youth worker which ties me down to working at least two evenings a week, I have not seen any of the pre-season friendlies. Fans who I know that have turned up at Blundell Park tell me that they have been disappointed with the performances. Others have said that we are trying to play more of a football style of play. Well I will accept that, it does not change overnight, when you have been told to hoof the ball down the middle for the last two seasons - please be patient.

I was disgusted at the report I saw in the Telegraph that certain fans booed the lads off the field at one of the pre-season friendlies. I ask you give the lads a chance.

The signing of Peter Beagrie has also caused a lot of discussion with the fans. Although he is in the latter stages of his career, think what a influence he will be in the dressing room. The guy has done it at a very high level, the young lads at the club will learn what football is all about, yet I still hear mutters of discontent from the faithful, let's just see how we start the season. I personally think it will take us a few games for the new set-up of Rodger and his assistant Stuart Watkiss to make an impression at Blundell Park.

The game against Leeds United which is on Monday 31 July at Blundell Park is a testimonial to the fifteen years that Graham Rogers has been with the Mariners, so hopefully there will be a decent turn-out. That will be the first game that I will be able to go to, and I am really looking forward to it, Leeds will I am sure treat the game very seriously and as far has Grimsby are concerned it is the best game of all the friendlies.


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This site is by the fans, for the fans, and we will consider articles on any subject relating to the Mariners whether it be related to current news, a nostalgic look back in the past, a story about a player, a game or games in the past, something about Blundell Park or football in general. Click here to submit your article!


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