A Grimsby Exile

By: 01472
Date: 06/12/2004

YOU walk into a large room with folding chairs facing each other. A pot of coffee is simmering nicely in the corner. The chairs are filled with people from around the world.

Billo holds these meetings each week in the "fishcake chat room", normally on a Saturday about 3pm (GMT) . Being the new member to the this group I stand from my seat and announce myself.

"Hello I'm 01472 and I am a Grimsby Exile!"

Back in the real world most people who are Exiles are in different towns and countries, but I stand for a different type of exile: an exile who lives IN Grimsby! Up to last season I would normally be found wearing my shirt sitting in the Pontoon moaning and cheering my way through the season.

With my bud John (aka Yorkie/Private hater) we enjoyed and many good and bad times. I was there at both Wembley's. I was there at the last two Anfield trips. I was there at Wolves a couple of years ago when we pulled off a shock win. I was there at Rotherham when Oster scored a last minute winner. I was there at Plymouth for the first game of the season. I even have the misfortune to say I was there at Hartlepool. Needless to say I was at Blundell Park every Saturday I wasn't at work - until this season.

Since the last ball was kicked at Tranmere I have bought myself my first house with my fiancee and we are happy. The fact is neither of us pull in that much money and one of the things that I had to give up to afford moving is the football. I have so far been to one game this season, that being Cheltenham where I experienced what most people have been saying on here all season: playing well one half and losing it in the next.

So for the next year or so (I hope) I will be sat here at my computer on a Saturday in the chat room listening to the game on the radio. I know I speak for a large group of people around Grimsby who want to go watch but for one reason or another can't.

I haven't got a point to this but I just wanted to let everyone know that even though the attendance is down there are people who want to fill the seats. They just can't afford to be there.

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