Cod Head of the Week: Les Brechin

Fishy:
Tell us a bit about yourself.

Les:
I am a 45-year-old lifelong Mariners' fan. I have worked for the same firm since leaving school. In early 2008 I was diagnosed with a brain tumour and spent 10 weeks, in 2 spells, in Hull Royal Infirmary having treatment for it to be removed which (maybe a good thing) caused me to miss the JPT Final in 2008. I have also been heavily involved in local Sunday League football for a number of years and I'm currently secretary of SW Steelers in Division 3 of The Grimsby, Cleethorpes & District Sunday Football League.

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

Les:
My sister took me to my first game as my dad died when I was 3. It was the last game of the 71/72 Lawrie Mac Division 4 Championship season and we beat Exeter 3-0 in front of over 22,000 fans.

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

Les:
Super Clive Mendonca

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

Les:
It would be 2 games before I was born when we beat Man Utd away 3-1 on Christmas Day 1933 and then won 7-3 at home on Boxing Day.

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

Les:
Favourite - Anfield, Liverpool. Least - The Shay, Halifax

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

Les:
Best was the double Wembley winning season 97/98, worst was last season, though that could be surpassed this season if results don't pick up.

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

Les:
Carlisle away (early 90's I think). Left in plenty of time but were caught up in a massive traffic jam on the A1. Managed to get off the A1 to try and find an alternative route but got hopelessly lost. Eventually arrived 30 minutes after kick off. On the way home the bloody car broke down and ended up being towed home.

Fishy:
What is the strangest thing you have ever done at a game?

Les:
Went to Turf Moor, Burnley dressed as gorilla on New Year's Eve once and also went to Hartlepool dressed as Sylvester The Cat on New Year's Eve once too.

Fishy:
What is the worst game you've ever been to?

Les:
Grimsby Town 0 Barnet 1. We were shocking and Barnet were only marginally better.

Fishy:
Who is the greatest ever GTFC manager?

Les:
Alan Buckley (MK1 & 2)

Fishy:
What's the most amusing chant you've heard at a game?

Les:
Aldershot fans made me smile the other week. They have an absolutely appalling away record but were winning 2-0 and they were singing...."We're winning way, we're winning awaaaaay, how shit must you be, we're winning away"

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?

Les:
All home games and as many away as I can. I've been to all league games home and away so far this season and one season in the late 80s I actually managed to get to every game home and away.

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

Les:
GK - Nigel Batch
RB - John McDermott
CB - Paul Futcher
CB - Kevin Moore
LB - Bobby Cumming
RM - Tony Ford
CM - Joe Waters
CM - Sean Cunnington
LM - Dave Gilbert
ST - Clive Mendonca
ST - Kevin Drinkell.

Les Brechin