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Fishy:
Tell us a bit about yourself.
Adam:
I'm Adam Swallow, a 22-year-old Grimbarian. I finished university two years ago and currently work as a retail manager in Freshney Place. I'm doing that whilst I wait for John Tondeur to give up his spot on Humberside, so I can replace him (somehow I can't see that happening!).
Fishy:
When did you first start supporting the Mariners, and what was your first game?
Adam:
My first game was in 1989 (I think!) against Wrexham at BP, with my Uncle and Grandad. As I recall we dominated the game and Gary Birtles scored a hat-trick in a 5-1 victory. From that day I was hooked. A good first game I reckon!
Fishy:
Who is the best player you ever saw wearing a Grimsby Town shirt?
Adam:
I don't think I could name one in particular, but Mendonca was a class act and as a young town fan in the 90's he was (and still is) a bit of a ledge! I used to enjoy watching Oster when he was here the first time and when on loan a few seasons back. He got us ticking and created something out of nothing. I would say Alan Pouton was another favourite because, although he wasn't the most skillfull of players, he had sheer determination and grit and you almost felt like he'd bleed for the club (something which is hard to come by nowadays).
Fishy:
If there is one game you were allowed to go back in time and watch what would it be and why?
Adam:
It's a close one between the two Wembley appearances and the 2-1 victory at Anfield a few seasons back, but I think the latter is more memorable, because Liverpool were so diffcult to beat at home, they were the cup holders and especially for that goal from Jevons (it seemed like slow motion as it left his foot to hitting the net). It must have been good because that's the only game I've got my beer gut out for!
Fishy:
What are your favourite and least favourite away grounds?
Adam:
I would say Macclesfield the other week was probably the worst, and the best would probably be Rotherham, simply because of the atmosphere and some fond memories of Tuesday away nights there a few years ago.
Fishy:
What, in your opinion, are GTFC's best and worst seasons since you have been supporting them?
Adam:
The best obviously has to be the season we were promoted from the second to the first via the play-offs, and the worst has to be last season, because of the sheer expectation at the start of the season, to being hit with the reality of playing Third Divsion football again by the end of it. I felt so deflated and didn't want to talk to anyone for days afterwards.
Fishy:
What is the worst game you've ever been to?
Adam:
One that does stick out in my mind was a few years back at home to Forest and we lost 3 or 4-0 I think. Myself and a friend, were so disgusted with the performance that we started chanting "we are s**t" - I know, I know, not a great way to show your support, but sometimes you just have to let off steam and that was my way of doing it.
Fishy:
Who is the greatest ever GTFC manager?
Adam:
To be fair I've only ever known one successful Town manager in my time as a Town fan and that was Buckley. However I'm sure Lawrie Mac was a top manager in his day.
Fishy:
How many games a season do you get to now, and what do you do while Town are playing games that you can't get to?
Adam:
I get to about 15 games a season nowadays. Unfortunately because of my job,
it's difficult to get every Saturday off, although if I could, I would be a season ticket holder.
Fishy:
Name your all-time starting eleven since you have been watching Town?
Adam:
Coyne, Macca, Croft (why is it a good left back is so hard to come across from the 90's?), Futcher, Handyside, Groves, Pouton, Oster, Gilbert, Mendonca, Kabba.
Fishy:
What's the best-ever atmosphere you remember at a home and away game?
Adam:
At home, I remember being in the Pontoon last season when we beat Luton 3-2, when Simon Ford scored a header in the last minute. The atmosphere was electric and everyone was on their feet singing and chanting, it made the hair on the back of my neck stand on end. Away I would say Rotherham two seasons ago, when John Oster scored that peach in the last minute; everyone went wild and because we were in the relegation zone, the win meant so much to our survival hopes.
Adam Swallow
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