Cod Head of the Week: Ian Blakemore

Fishy:
Tell us a bit about yourself?

Ian:
My name is Ian Blakemore. I'm 20 years old and currently in my 2nd year at Lincoln University. I'm mad on Town. Any arguments at home started because I'd want to watch Town instead of visiting relatives in Chesterfield. I've missed 2 games in 3 and a half years home and away. I hate missing games - I get irritable and unbearable.

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

Ian:
My first game was against Chesterfield (unfortunately I was born there) about 12 years ago in the old Fourth Division. I started to keep an eye on the results in 1988.

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

Ian:
For me Paul Futcher and Danny Coyne are for that place. Futch was hard as nails and played with his heart! Danny simply saved us in most games the last two seasons, you can see it hurts him when we concede

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

Ian:
7-1 mauling of Luton. We hammered them and Bonetti summed up a defenders day by knocking him out from a free kick.

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

Ian:
Fave: Ewood park. Worst : Kennilworth Road, I'm only 5ft 4 in but the leg room took the mick.

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

Ian:
Only one season was so disappointing 96-97. 1998 was most memorable for obvious reasons.

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

Ian:
Traveling to Wimbledon the season before last. We ended up on M26, nearly ran out of fuel. Stewards sent us around the ground to get in. We got there two mins before half time finally to see the Dons go 2-1 up and I was nearly thrown out for my upset reaction (stewards felt sorry for me thank God). Nielsen equalised and me and 2 mates were on television hugging Nielsen when he scored.

Fishy:
Who is the greatest ever GTFC manager?

Ian:
Buckley for his achievements but not for his attitude - a very bitter man especially the things he said in The Lincoln Echo!

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?

Ian:
Haven't missed an away game in 3 and a half years. Missed a couple of home games for reasons out of control.

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

Ian:

Fishy:
If you have any, do your children support the Mariners?

Ian:
Me and my girlfriend and her dad aim to make a Mariner of her 16 month old son.

Fishy:
Silliest thing ever done at a match?

Ian:
Both were at Portsmouth. The first time I got on TV with my shirt off showing support against their Chairman. I don't have a great figure, so it put people off their Sunday dinner! The second was beating the wall up with Harry Haddock when Coyne was sent off. Soccer AM & look North apparently took the mick and thought it was funny.

Ian Blakemore