The Fans Forum

By: Bill Osborne
Date: 12/03/2002

GRIMSBY Town Football Club had a fans forum at Blundell Park tonight with Chairman Peter Furneaux, Paul Groves, Graham Rodger and Macca in the hot seats. This is a collection of answers to some of the questions asked.

Furneaux on Stadium

We are in the process of sorting out the legal agreement on items we have to undertake such as building the roads we said we would, safety factors and rubbish collection after games etc. Each item cause difficulties but we are getting there. We will make a statement as soon as we possibly can.

Groves on Todd

We have permission to keep Todd but we have to bear in mind that it will depend what happens at Charlton. If their situation changes through injury they can call him back.

On Ford and Boulding

Talks are going on with them but others might depend oin what season we are in

New Players

We go as many games as we can looking at players plus we also have some good contacts who also watch out for us.

Macca On Wolves

27,000 sell out could actually work for us but we will be going for it.

Furneaux on Groves.

When we parted company with LL we had no time to find anyone so we chose the person we thought had the support of players and fans. Paul Groves has motivated people all the time he has been here and that is what he is doing now. It was a good decision.

He is doing well but we are always looking for him to do better (laughter)

Groves: Yes the pressure is on me and I am very busy but that is the game.

Furneaux On Season Ticket holders

Yes we have been making offers such as 5 quid a ticket and we realise we have to acknowledge and reward season ticket holders so they will get an offer for Wimbledon game.

Groves on Livvo

He is coming in tomorrow for an assessment. If he has no problems we will up his work rate. If we manage to see him this season it will be a bonus but he is very fit and keen to get back so he may surprise us

Furneaux on Youth Programme

We have youth setup that takes youngsters from aged 10 upwards and it involves about 50 people some full time and some part time. We have to work in accordance with the FA criteria which they change constantly. They do help with fund. But we must now review it and see if we are getting value for money. Should we continue with FA type operation or do it alone using local people.

Even the FA are looking to see if present methods are the right ones. The question is, Is it worth it as it is? FA are talking about reducing funding.

We will always have a youth programme to grow our own but the format we have may change.

Groves on Burnett

He is the most technically gifted player in club.

On relegation

Yes it is tough but we have a chance.

Tim Harvey on visiting Bands.

We are looking to banning them.

Groves on Chapman He has done well but he cannot compete with Gallimore who is keeping him out and Campbell is also having a good run of form.

Furneaux on New Share Issue

It is dead. We were refused so we will not raise it again unless it does get raised elsewhere. We are no longer interested in doing it.

There are no new directors planned and no one has applied.

On Support

We have insufficient support resulting in low income but have been out of first didvision once in last 10 years. Each season we look at income and what fans want etc and budget to keep the clun solvent. The directors have put substantial amount of money in club. I cannot say that someone will come in with 5 million next season.

I asked Sheffield Wednesday Chairman how they could sign million pound players with a 17 million deficit. He said "You may as well go down for 20 million as 17."

That is not our way at Grimsby

On TV Contract 80% goes to 1st division and it would be a problem if they failed to continue. I think they will continue but next time round it will change. Whatever happens we are prepared for it. If TV money goes down we have plans.

Groves on Who Makes Decisions

It is a joint decision during games regarding subs etc.

On Advice

Yes I do talk to Alan Buckley and seek his advice also Ray Hartford. But I make my own decisions.

Offers

There have been no offers for any players including Coyne who we want to keep. Players do not have a clause saying if we go down they can go.

Loans

We have Andy Todd and Pringle loan ends about 5 days before transfer deadline so I can get another loan.

Furneaux On Brian Laws.

Scunthorpe will not sign Jeffrey until Friday but that is silly. Now the news is out other clubs can step in and gazump them. It has happened to us so he needs to consider that.

Finally: Groves also said he wants to play as long as he can END

The above were all taken from scribbled notes as forum went on. Please forgive any errors.