Cod Head of the Week: Simon Stephenson

Fishy:
Tell us a bit about yourself.

Simon:
My name is Simon Stephenson and I was born on 24th Jan 1978. I have been a Mariner since 1991. Living in Cleethorpes I currently work at Tata (Corus) Steel UK in sCunthorpe as a Sales account manager.

Fishy:
If you use our forum what is your username on there.

Simon:
Simariner

Fishy:
When did you first start supporting the Mariners, and what was your first game?

Simon:
The first game I went to was (I think) Huddersfield away in 1991. I think the game ended 1-1 with a late equaliser in the snow. This was the start of a great relationship.

Fishy:
Who is the best player you ever saw wearing a Grimsby Town shirt?

Simon:
Ohh a tough one to choose from. I would have loved to see more of Gary Birtles playing. One player that stands out with his skill and flair is Ivano Bonneti as probably the best player I've seen. But my hero is Super Clive Mendonca.

Fishy:
If there is one game you were allowed to go back in time and watch what would it be and why?

Simon:
The famous 'Anfield' away game. What a way to win a game with Jevons's superb strike against a strong Liverpool team in their own back yard. The atmosphere was incredible!

Fishy:
What are your favourite and least favourite away grounds?

Simon:
Best:(non league ground) - The old Wembley for the good reasons 2 games played and undefeated!!
(league)- Newcastle's St James's Park (or what ever its now called)
Worst: I remember going to York City in 97-98 season. Very cold with no roof and having to pee against a wall. Don't think its changed much!

Fishy:
What, in your opinion, are GTFC's best and worst seasons since you have been supporting them?

Simon:
The 1997-1998 season stands out with the two Wembley outings and good cup runs visiting Anfield and Elland Rd. Think I only missed three games home and away that season with Burnley Away in the Auto Windscreen being the best that year. The worst is of course the relegation from the league. I never thought we would ever fall that low within the footballing leagues.

Fishy:
What is the most eventful day you have ever had in the course of following the Mariners?

Simon:
26th February 2008. Left work at lunch time and left to head to Morecambe for the first leg of the area final of the Johnstones Paint. It was a very windy day and I beat all the bad traffic that we encountered later in the afternoon. The match was a great smash and grab win for GTFC and on the way home we went down a closed M62 which we got through. 10 minutes after we got in when just getting to bed @ 00:56hrs the whole house shook! It was the most unreal feeling ever as we had just felt the tremors from an earthquake. If we had taken the detour around the M62 I would never of witnessed it.

Fishy:
What is the strangest thing you have ever done at a game?

Simon:
The days when GTFC had some pre-match entertainment on the pitch. I got dragged up just before kick-off with a fellow Mariner and two away fans (Sunderland). We had to run from box to box whilst getting changed into some fancy dress wear. I slipped in the Osmand end penalty area and fell on my backside, all the 1000 away fans couldn't help singing 'she fell over' to me. How embarrassing!!!

Fishy:
What is the worst game you've ever been to?

Simon:
2003-2004 GTFC had some heavy away losses, 8-1 at Hartlepool, 5-1 at Port Vale and 6-0 at Oldham. Apart from them it has to be the last league game played at Burton Albion. It wasn't only bad for the result.... As no passion was being given out from the GTFC team, when the ball went out of play for a corner I stupidly went on the pitch and kicked the ball towards the corner flag. At the time it was the biggest cheer from the GTFC fans and I thought nothing more of it. Until a couple of weeks later when I had a knock on the door it then seemed a stupid thing to do. Now I'm having to listen the games via the radio and via the 'Fishy'. Which with the current displays doesn't seem a bad thing.

Fishy:
Who is the greatest ever GTFC manager?

Simon:
Alan Buckley (forgetting the 3rd stint)

Fishy:
What's the most amusing chant you've heard at a game?

Simon:
When Andy Goram played a few games for Sheff Utd he played at Blundell Park wearing 'tights!' He got so much stick from the Pontoon faithful. What we were chanting to him is a bit too explicit to put on here haha.

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?

Simon:
I get to most but only via the Fishy and the radio. I have to admit I have been to watch Grimsby Borough play a few times to get me out of the house before I strangle the girlfriend! Good to see some GTFC rejects playing for the team even though the standard isn't the best its a game of football to watch that i enjoy.

Fishy:
Name your all-time starting eleven since you have been watching Town?

Simon:

Subs: Beasant, Ford, Lever, Birtles, Livvo!!

Simon Stephenson