Getting To Know..........

Andy Stephenson

Describe yourself in 5 words or less.

Will leave that to others!

When did you first grace Blundell Park?

I think it was around March 1972, we played Darlington.

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

I always assume that Town are going to lose 2-0.  It seems to work – if we do lose it’s not a surprise and if we draw or win it’s an unexpected bonus.

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

Having been exiled in Buckinghamshire for many years, I’ve seen my share of Aylesbury United matches.  At one match many years ago vs Merthyr Tydfil, one of The Ducks supporters left the ground at half time and raced up to the market in town to buy a large number of leeks.  They were handed around the crowd, who duly bombarded the Merthyr winger with them for the entire second half as he ran up and down the pitch.

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

Something I used to say out loud (but have recently reined myself in) – ‘I think Town might just win this one’ 

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

For me, the Bournemouth match at Wembley.  It was a hugely emotional experience, with match being capped off by a superb ending.  Thank you so much Wayne Burnett. 

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

It would be great if the matchday experience could be more like it is at non-league grounds, that is cheaper, friendlier and with better food!  Free beer might also help.

What do you love most about being a Grimsby supporter?

Unfortunately, very little at the moment.  I used to get great satisfaction when ‘little Grimsby’ would regularly upset the ‘big time charlies’ of the championship – what I would give for those days now!

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

I was told I had to keep this down to about 700 words…!

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

Either watching Aylesbury United, or spending more time watching and coaching Athletics.  

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

I think it very much depends on the size of the club, the role that the supporters want / need the Trust to play and the financial / political situation at the club.  I don’t think there is a ‘one size fits all’ model. 

How could GTST appeal more to the GTFC supporter base?

In my view, GTST should focus on trying to do small, easy things which will achieve something that will be recognised by both the club and supporters alike.  The profile of the Trust could also be improved by leafleting at matches (both home and away) to educate the supporters about what the trust is for, what it’s doing and how supporters can get involved and make a difference.

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

To start with, a robust ‘fit and proper persons’ rule. It could only be a good thing to ensure that the likes of Stephen Vaughan at Chester are never allowed to sully the world of football again.  Failing that, any measure which acts against the interests of the ‘big 4’ – in my view if the likes of Moan Utd are objecting to a rule then it’s an indication that the rule is probably a pretty damn good one!