|
Fishy:
Tell us a bit about yourself.
John:
My name's John Lewis, aka Private Hater I'm 21 years of age, 22 if this is viewed after the 25the of March 2004. I'm currently working on the railway, but on the 1st of June I'll be going into the army.
Fishy:
When did you first start supporting the Mariners, and what was your first game?
John:
I am unsure as to when I first started supporting the Mariners, but it was about 6/7/8 years ago ish. The first match that I have memories of, is one where I was sat in the Pontoon on the fence at the front, for a match against Sheff Utd. Not to sure of the final score.
Fishy:
Who is the best player you ever saw wearing a Grimsby Town shirt?
John:
The best player I have ever seen wearing the famous black and white stripes has to be Andy Todd. The ability he had to distribute the ball, tackle and win headers was superb, he was easily good enough to play in the Prem let alone Div 1.
As for my favourite player in a Town shirt this is a harder decision, but I think I'll have to go for Clive Mendonca.
Fishy:
If there is one game you were allowed to go back in time and watch what would it be and why?
John:
The one game I would have to go and again would be the Liverpool match, just for the shear brilliance and the atmosphere of the match.
Fishy:
What are your favourite and least favourite away grounds?
John:
My least favourite away ground for atmosphere would have to be Hull's new one (nothing to do with jealousy Honest!). But for facilities the worst one I've been to was Colchester, when we went this year. It was appalling, as for my favourite for atmosphere Peterborough was good and it was terracing, which I like a lot. The ground I like the most is Anfield, for the history of the ground and how much it intimidates you as you enter the ground.
Fishy:
What, in your opinion, are GTFC's best and worst seasons since you have been supporting them?
John:
My favourite season being a Town fan would have to be our first season back in Div1 after the two Wembley appearances. When we finished Tenth in the league, it was the first season that I started to go to away matches as well so that added to the experience.
My worst was last season as there appeared to be No commitment or fight within the club. Although this season has been quite hard to endure.
Fishy:
What is the most eventful day you have ever had in the course of following the Mariners?
John:
The most eventful day I've ever had was the second Wembley trip, As it was the beginning of my half term break during my GCSE's at school, we won the match to go back up to Div1. As soon as the match had finished My dad, Step mum, little brother and I hurried as fast as we could to Gatwick airport to catch a flight to Corfu. The first full day there I can remember sat in a pub with loads of Charlton and Sunderland fans watching the Sunderland fan, "Super Clive" score a hatrick for Charlton. On having a full week of getting in at 7am while my parents where getting up, we arrived at the airport only to find that the flight was delayed by x numbers of hours, In the end we arrived back in Grimsby 2 hours before my exam started. It was an easy exam so I slept through the second half.
Fishy:
What is the strangest thing you have ever done at a game?
John:
The strangest thing I have ever done at a game is dressed up as a lady this year for "Ladies Day" - by 'eck it was cold. It was kind of scary as my brother and my uncle seemed to enjoy it too much.
Fishy:
Who is the greatest ever GTFC manager?
John:
The greatest manager I have known while being a Town fan has to be Alan Buckley, as there aren't that may other great managers to choose from.
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?
John:
I go to all home games and most of away games, but then that depends on money and where I'm working.
Fishy:
Name your all-time starting eleven since you have been watching Town?
John:
1. Danny Coyne
2. Macca.
3. Handyside
4. Todd
5. I couldn't think of a decent left back.
6. Oster
7. Coldicott
8. Groves
9. Black
10. Mendonca
11. Kabba
Don't ask for subs as I struggled remembering a first team. My memory isn't my finest quality.
Fishy:
What's the best-ever atmosphere you remember at a home and away game?
John:
The best ever atmosphere that I remember at a home match is when we played Fulham in the play off in Div2 where as far as I can remember Groves scored a header for us to win by one goal. one nil to us I think. I can just remember that the atmosphere was electric. I enjoy going to away matches a lot more than I do home matches as there is usually a good following of Mariners just to have a laugh and a sing-along. One match I can remember is Rotherham last year when Livvo set up Oster in the last minute. All the way through the match the crowd didn't stop singing.
Fishy:
Do your children support the Mariners?
John:
I haven't any kids just yet, but I'm planning on having 11 boys so they all can play for Town. Ok that's a bit greedy. To be honest to have one of my children wearing a Town shirt as a player or a follower then that'll be my proudest day of my life.
John Lewis
| 
