2006-2007 Season Review Part 2

By: Sam Kinnaird
Date: 24/05/2007

IN Part One of the season Town stuggled under the out-of-depth management of Graham Rodger. Now with Rodger out of the way, would Grimsby manage to turn things around?

November

Stuart Watkiss took charge of the home defeat (3-1) against MK Dons which left Town deep in the relegation mire. Names such as Neale Cooper, Paul Sturrock, Stan Ternent and Brian Little were linked with the job, but it was Alan Buckley who sensationally became manager for the third time at Blundell Park. Buckley began with a creditable 0-0 draw at Northampton in the FA Cup 1st round, and a 1-1 draw at Wycombe which perhaps Town should have won after Gary Jones put Town ahead late on.

Northampton came to Blundell Park for the replay and won comfortably 2-0, but Town - with new signings Martin Paterson, Peter Till and Anthony Pulis - turned on the style as the Mariners beat Accrington 2-0 at Blundell Park.

December

Town began the month by tying up young strikers Danny North and Andy Taylor to new contracts, but it was on-loan front man Martin Paterson who impressed in a 1-0 win at Barnet. Paterson then scored both goals in a 2-1 win at home to Shrewsbury and was rapidly becoming a fans' favourite at Blundell Park through his hard work and willingness on the pitch.

Neither Patto nor the other players could stop Lincoln City at Sincil Bank as Town were turned over 2-0, although a 2-0 home win over lowly Torquay gave Town some hope of beating the drop. Despite hardly featuring all season, Michael Reddy indicated that he may be willing to withdraw his transfer request and sign a new deal at Blundell Park.

Town then faced in form Hartlepool who were beginning to rocket up the table. The inevitable defeat to bogey side Pools (2-0) and a 3-0 defeat at another bogey side, Stockport County, meant the Mariners ended a hugely disappointing year in 17th place.

January

Fresh optimism for the New Year was swiftly put to bed with a 4-0 home defeat to Rochdale in which former Town defender Simon Ramsden grabbed two goals. It was one of the worst home performances in recent years and Town were on the road to an unwanted record breaking run. A 2-0 home defeat to Chester City, a 2-0 loss at Walsall and a 4-1 loss at Torquay United meant Town had lost seven successive games; Martin Paterson’s late consolation gave little hope for the travelling Mariners faithful who saw Town end the month in second bottom and in real danger of dropping out of the Football League.

Before the Torquay game, planning permission was granted for the new Stadium at the Great Coates Interchange off the A180. With the Conference looming a new stadium looked unnecessary, or did it?

To be continued......

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