Pre-Match Chat: Grimsby Town Fanfile Interview

Around 10 to 15 years as I used to go to games as a kid with my family, but wasn't really fully fledged it until I grew up.

After keeping us up and building a much stronger team than the one he inherited, I believe we have certainly got the right man for the job (Mike Newell), due to his contacts and past records with other clubs (all be it he isn't popular due to the corruption scandal at Luton!)

Clive Mendonca as he was the greatest striker we've ever had, and a class above anything we have had for a long time.

Although winning the play-off and Auto-Windscreen Shield in 1998 was without a doubt our most successful period, I was only six years old so I haven't really got very clear memories of it all, so considering that, it was probably our 2-1 win at Anfield in 2001/02.

We came back from a goal down in extra time, to score two in the last eight minutes, with the winner being one of the most spectacular goals Town will ever score, in the 120^th minute to make it even more dramatic!

Get rid of a certain few players who have shown over a number of years that they clearly aren't good enough, sign another central midfielder, and place a standing section in the Pontoon Stand to add to the atmosphere.

Generally mixed expectations.  Many feel that after our in-form finish last season, we will push on this season and get promoted but others feel we will settle for a mid-table finish and push on next season after steadying the ship, but most just want to see some solidarity and improvement.

The best would have to be Peterborough.  Although nowhere near the best looking, the terrace behind the goal really made for a good atmosphere between home and away fans, due to the way it was so compact and tight, and avoided the usual problem with stewards about standing up and was always a ground I looked forward to visiting. 

The worst would have to be Chesterfield.  Not only was the terrace open, which completely destroyed any hopes of a good atmosphere, but the whole ground in general was extremely untidy; especially the toilets which were simply, not toilets, just a wall with a drain at the bottom, again open air. This generally didn't make the Ground one to remember for the right reasons.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Those Toilets are quite comical!

Well the memories of Prenton Park aren't happy ones at all as we were relegated there a few years ago, but generally a nice tidy ground with all things considered, with a good crowd and game.

First choices would have to be the teams who missed out last season such as Bury, Shrewsbury and Rotherham, then of course there's Notts County who have recently been taken over, which rather cheats the whole spirit of football but will make them a strong force, I'd also expect at least one of the relegated teams to be strong next season and possibly even ourselves if we make one or two more signings. 

So my prediction would be Bury, Notts County, Northampton and either Rotherham, Bradford Shrewsbury or us through the Playoffs.  Relegation seems to be a more straightforward pick but football is never that way. However, due to the financial trouble they find themselves in, I don't fancy Accrington Stanley's chances next season and see them likely to go down, along with either Barnet or Macclesfield.

Given the vast improvements at the end of last season, followed up with the six or seven signings made through the summer, I think we've got the right Manager and people in place to really challenge this year, and will be brave and predict a nerve-wrecking playoff finish in 6^th place.

Only three memories really stand out about Tranmere, being our relegation there, losing a home game with the last kick of the game one season ago and last seasons Carling cup first round, which somehow managed to be drawn again this season.

The general impression I get is a well run club, with fans who must have a lot of local dedication given the very much football-oriented area that nearby Liverpool is, so very positive views about the Club in general, and of course Bas Savage's famous Moonwalk is always one to watch on Soccer AM!

Adam Proudlock also had a loan spell at Rovers a number of years ago and failed to impress.  How has he been at Grimsby up to now?

Prouds has done well considering the limited time on the pitch given the competition for a place upfront.  One of our three or four strikers who could be put on the pitch and fans would be confident he could get us a goal or two.  He isn't scared to speak his mind to Referees mind.

Peter Sweeney, ex-Leeds central midfielder who was influential in our relegation battle last season.  He knows what is happening around him all the time and can pick a pass out from almost anywhere on the park.  He knows where the net is too!

Im going to stick my neck out and predict a narrow 1-0 win for the Mariners on the night!