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Fishy:
When did you first start supporting the Mariners, and what was your first game?
Mark:
The first ever game I saw was the 3-1 defeat to Watford in the FA cup in 1984. But I suppose I first got hooked in around 1989, when Town had the great cup run.
Fishy:
Who is the best player you ever saw wearing a Grimsby Town shirt?
Mark:
Without a doubt, it has to be my two heroes Clive "Super Clive" Mendonca and Paul Futcher. I still think that Clive was a £1m player. Probably the best two finds that Buckley had.
Fishy:
If there is one game you were allowed to go back in time and watch what would it be and why?
Mark:
There's many that have been great for me. In recent times it has to be the two Wembley's. Also, the days of the 4th division promotion charge were great. I remember going to Glanford Park on Boxing Day, and Town didn't stop singing throughout the game. Also the return game at BP, and when we beat Lincoln courtesy of Diddy's penalty. I'l never forget the 2-1 victory over Exeter on the last day of the 1992 season either.
Other highlights have been beating Villa away in the cup, Ivano's one man mission at Tranmere and although I was stuck at Tenerife airport at the time, I would have loved to have been at Anfield last when we beat them.
Fishy:
What are your favourite and least favourite away grounds?
Mark:
The worst grounds I can think of are Hartlepool and also Swansea. I have only been once to both of these grounds. At Hartlepool it was absolutely chucking it down, and Swansea we drew 0-0.
My favourite grounds are without a doubt Stamford Bridge and Wembley (can I include that?). Stamford Bridge has turned into an amazing stadium recently. Do I really have to mention that Town are the only team to have played at Wembley more than once and have a 100% record.
Fishy:
What, in your opinion, are GTFC's best and worst seasons since you have been supporting them?
Mark:
I think the best season for me was definitely promotion from the 2nd. That season I didn't miss one home game, and was very fortunate to go to many an away game. Who can forget the 5,000 we took to the last away game at Stoke.
The worst season was without doubt when we were relegated thanks to Mr Scunthorpe United, Brian Laws. he left an impossible task for Kenny Swain.
Fishy:
What is the most eventful day you have ever had in the course of following the Mariners?
Mark:
When we beat Exeter in the last game of the season 2-1 to get promotion into the 2nd as it was at the time. Many celebrations were had, and I ended up going down meggies for the first time at the tender age of 16!
Fishy:
What is the strangest thing you have ever done at a game?
Mark:
It has to be when we beat QPR a couple of seasons ago 1-0 at Loftus Road. a group of mates (Chiff, Didge, Navy Boy, Dave Duff, Wolfie Wright and Johnny "Zulu Army" Ward) had come down for a very alcoholic weekend. After the game Johnny looked very suspicious, and was followed by the police out of the ground, until he walked into a lamppost, and had people all around in fits of laughter. We also met dopey Nigel out of Eastenders on the tube afterwards!!!
I am also one of a few that can also say that they have seen both Paul Futcher and Chima Okorie score for Town.
Fishy:
Who is the greatest ever GTFC manager?
Mark:
I hate to say it but it has to be Alan Buckley. He had a knack of getting the best out of crap players, and finding great players for nothing. Although his personality leaves a lot to be desired.
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?
Mark:
Unfortunately I only get to around a dozen all season nowadays as I live in London. When I can't get to games, I am constantly phoning or texting people trying to find out the score!
Fishy:
Name your all-time starting eleven since you have been watching Town?
Mark:
1. Steve Sherwood
2. John McDermott
3. Paul Agnew
4. Paul Futcher
5. Ian Knight
6. Paul Groves
7. Kevin Donovan
8. Ivano Bonetti
9. Clive Mendonca
10. Jack Lester
11. Shaun Cunnington
Fishy:
Do your children support the Mariners?
Mark:
N/A (as far as I know!!)
Mark Worrall
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