I write this at the end of what has
been one of the most eventful weeks in Grimsby Town’s recent history.After a performance against Rochdale that
provided some chinks of light at the end of a very long and dark tunnel, who
would have thought that a few short days later Town would have parted company
with not only the manager, but the team captain also?
News of Mike Newell’s dismissal started
to filter through last Sunday evening, accompanied by the obligatory rumours
and conjecture.It was, naturally, the
dominant talking point across the various GTFC related news channels, with GTST
being contacted by most of the local media for comment.Many supporters, myself included, felt that
the timing was strange given the unequivocal public backing that Mike Newell
had received from John Fenty only days before.For me though, the overwhelming feeling was one of disappointment given
that in Mike Newell, I felt that we finally had a manager who could take the
club forwards. I know that I'm not alone there, and whilst I would like to
thank Mike for his work over the last 12 months (especially in keeping GTFC in
the league last season), it's important that we now look forwards rather than
dwell on the past.
And looking forwards means giving our
full support to Caretaker Manager Neil Woods.Neil’s relationship with Grimsby Town stretches back almost 20 years,
and since 2003 he has occupied the role of Youth Team Manager.Since taking on that role, the Youth Team
have enjoyed increased success, both in terms of results and producing players who
have gone on to first team success (without a doubt the most important function
of any Youth Setup).Last season saw the
Youth Team challenging for the title in the Puma Youth Alliance North East
League, reaching the semi-finals of the Midland Floodlit Youth Cup and, last
but not least, lifting the Puma Youth Alliance Cup.In addition, this season has seen the
promotion of Josh Fuller and Bradley Wood to the first team, the latter in
particular impressing with some assured performances.
In my opinion, it is imperative that
everyone connected with the football club gives Neil Woods absolute and
unwavering support over the coming weeks.And by everyone, I mean the board, players and fans alike.
If there was ever a time for everyone
to work together for a common good, now is it.
As if the managerial upheaval was not
enough for one week, Friday saw Ryan Bennett complete a move to
Peterborough.The rumour mill went into
overdrive for the second time in a week, with many fans unhappy at what they
viewed as the club’s decision to 'cash in' on a player who appears to have
avoided the criticism that has been levelled at pretty much every other area of
the club.The fact remains that Ryan was
a constant member of the team that now lies second from bottom of the football
league, and whilst he has mostly performed consistently well since his
promotion to the first team he cannot be absolved of any responsibility for the
situation we find ourselves in.The move
to a higher league can only be beneficial to Ryan at this stage of his playing
career, and irrespective of who instigated the move I believe that all GTFC
fans wish Ryan nothing but the best for the remainder of his playing career.
What also needs to be remembered is
that the confirmed transfer fee - in the region of £500k - is by far and away
the most substantial sum that GTFC have received for a player for a very long
time and, although it will be 'drip fed' into the club, will help to maintain
financial stability for a few years.
Meanwhile the re-invigorated GTST board
has met on a number of occasions and started work on a number of projects
intended to both improve communication with members and non-members alike and
provide improved membership benefits.A
number of exciting projects have been discussed, and my hope is that with the
skills that the new board members bring, we will at last be in a position to
see some of these through to completion.I am also keen to maintain the excellent working relationship that my predecessor
Dave Otter established with John Fenty and, to that end, have already had a
constructive meeting with John and other GTFC representatives.
Finally, my thanks go to Jon Spurr and
other representatives of 'The Fishy' who last week presented GTST with a cheque
for £275.This represented funds raised
from the successful Grimsby vs Lincoln fans matches played last season.
Emma Blackbourn – GTST Chair
The views expressed above are my own,
and are in no way intended to represent the views of the GTST membership as a
whole.
