Jumping To Conclusions!

By: Bill Osborne
Date: 13/05/2004

AS we all know, the board are looking at who is going to be the next manager. Some folk have already assumed that it will be Alan Buckley because of the comments made by club chairman, Peter Furneaux.

So what did he say on Radio Humberside last night?

"What we need to do is regroup and get a new manager in who we can get behind and believe in. We are not discounting anyone, but we need get someone in who we can believe in. This won't be everybody's choice but it never is, as you well know. But it's essential we get the right person"

When asked if he knew who he wanted in as the new manager he replied "Yes!"

When asked if he would say who it was, he said "No!"

So listening to that interview, I can see no indication that he is referring to Alan Buckley. We should not jump to conclusions!

But what if it was Buckley?

I have read the comments made by people who are looking at this likelihood and many are talking of staying away or not renewing their season ticket if he turns out to be the choice.

Now speaking as one of those 'dimwitted fans who wanted Buckley out" referred to in David Wilkinson's article I can only say that in hindsight, it looks like Buckley would have been a better choice than some we have seen in the chair.

Lennie Lawrence (my favourite), Paul Groves, Graham Rodger and Nicky Law.

That is not to say I am in favour of bringing him back. But whoever the new manager is, Buckley included, I think we have a duty to support him regardless of the past, because he will be our manager, managing our team, in our town.

Because whatever your personal views are, that is what being a football fan is all about.

If you say you will not support either him or the club because he is the manager, then cross yourself off that ever- diminishing list of 'true' supporters.

I assure you, no single decision, no single appointment, no single incident will ever make my support of the Mariners waver. It may make my support of the manager or board waver, but never the Mariners! And I am not alone in that.

Alan Readman said in his article

"Put in simple terms we share an allegiance to a football club. But it goes far deeper than mere interest in a game or even loyalty to a team. It's part of us, rooted in our minds, engrained in our lives. We might try, but we can't lose it. Nor can we explain it. Beyond the fact that we were born and bred in Grimsby, of course. And no matter what, no matter where you go, that is something you can never escape. Believe me!"

He says it so much better than me.

Be assured. If Mr Buckley is appointed, I fully expect him to be just as grumpy, and just as arrogant as he was before. But I also expect him to be just as good as he was before, and before you all jump on me for that statement, I suggest you look back at what he achieved for us.

(I have already taken into account the views expressed that football has changed since Buckley was here and he has not kept up with those changes. I do not believe that either.)

I am not a Buckley fan believe me. I was very vociferous in my calls of "Buckley Out." But by golly, I wish he had been in charge over the last 3 seasons and I never thought that I would ever have to eat my words and say that!

I know one thing about Buckley and that is that he believes every team should play 'football'. The ball on the ground and playing how it should be played.

Had we played in that fashion over the last 3 seasons, I would not need to be writing this piece!

I would go a step further. If I had a choice between Buckley and Rodger, Buckley would win hands down!

But even this board wouldn't think of appointing Rodger would they? I certainly hope not. But if they do, despite my own feelings about him, I will support him until he shows he is not the right man.

It cannot be any other way.

On the other hand, I hear Mickey Lyons might be in the frame!

I'll get me coat!

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