Getting To Know

Gill Appleyard – I used to be on the Board and help where I can. This hasn’t been frequent lately but this should change shortly. I am a Life member of the Trust.

Describe yourself in 5 words or less.

When did you first grace Blundell Park?

9^th August 1998 - 0-0 v Ipswich. My first game was the Wembley win against Bournemouth but not wanting to be a glory supporter, I’ve had a season ticket since. I grew up watching Forest and Wednesday but never felt an affinity for either. I married, moved here and was an armchair supporter until Paul surprised me with two Wembley tickets (he’s not a football fan). One game and I’d found my football spiritual home

Some players have bizarre matchday rituals/superstitions. What are yours?

On a Saturday, I try to stay in bed or lounge around until it’s time to put on my shirt (it’s more of an excuse to be lazy than a ritual if I’m honest)! 

What is the funniest thing you have seen/heard at a football match?

At the Liverpool v Chelsea League Cup game in 2000/2001, a streaker ran onto the pitch just before kick off in the second half, took the ball off Zola in the centre circle and dribbled it into Chelsea’s goal in front of the Kop, leaving Babayaro and Desailly standing!  I know these things can sometimes be irritating but the way Zola and others just didn’t know what was happening was so funny.

Have you ever made a fool of yourself whilst supporting The Mariners?

I don’t go to away games so friends keep me in touch via calls and texts. Prior to one game, a friend rang me from the pub to let me know what a great time everyone was having. He mentioned a discussion about the World Cup and how an African nation would win it within the next ten years.  I said, “don’t Brazil count then!” I heard the laughing down the phone  – so glad I wasn’t there!

Just lately I make a fool of myself every Monday returning to work with “plastic” fans saying – “thought you were gonna win this weekend?”!!

Which one football match is the most memorable for you, and why?

Last season’s 5-1 win against Lincoln – mainly because I wasn’t there! After the previous 1-0 home defeat, I’d given my season ticket to my godsons and told them to take a friend as I wasn’t going again until the team showed some fight and spirit – it also cost me a fortune – I gave them the train fare and said that if anyone scored a hat-trick, I’d pay for names/numbers on the backs of shirts for next season – thanks for that Proudlock!!I

In your opinion, how could the matchday experience be improved?

Tolerance. Everyone is entitled to their own way of supporting, whether that be shouting, blowing a trumpet or just sitting quietly. Support in your own way and let other people support in theirs. Don’t have a go – we’re all there for a common purpose – following OUR team.

What do you love most about being a Grimsby supporter?

I am proud to support Grimsby, proud to have a signed shirt on my wall, to drink from my Grimsby Town mug and to wear my colours. Through my (albeit limited now) involvement with the Trust I have met some fantastic people and am proud to call them friends.

And conversely, what do you find most annoying about being a Grimsby supporter?

People criticising the game, manager etc and when you ask them if they go they say “Oh no, I don’t go to Town games, I support Man Utd”. Shut up - how can you offer an opinion if you don’t go!!

If you didn't support The Mariners, how would you spend your Saturday afternoons?

Still watching Soccer Saturday but without the heart in my mouth scenario I go through at the moment during away games or any I can’t get to.

What role do you think Supporters Trusts have in the modern game?

In these days where money is the main motivator in football, Supporter’s Trusts have to be there to champion our cause – without us, there wouldn’t be a club. There are clubs who have lost sight of this and that can only be to the detriment of the game.

How could GTST appeal more to the GTFC supporter base?

Difficult question - I remember the initial meeting when so many people turned up and were all for a Trust but it’s hard keeping momentum going. We’re a “slow burning” trust - John hasn’t pulled the plug and plunged us into the administration nightmare so people think that we don’t need to do anything.  I have no doubt that, should the unthinkable happen, we would burst into life and the Board would be inundated with offers of help and new members but how much do I hope that never happens!!

The FA/FL seem to 'champion' one rule each season. If you were in charge, what rule would you champion and why?

Goal line technology – it works in cricket and barely holds the game up so why not football. Play has barely restarted before the replays are on the TV so let’s give it a trial. It would shut Neil Warnock up too and that can only be a good thing!