Oh My Lord!

By: Jon Mjedsson
Date: 01/04/2002

GRIMSBY TOWN today broke the news of a last minute signing that was not announced for legal reasons, but was completed in the eleventh hour on March 28th to secure the services of an ex-Alloa Athletic apprentice.

Grimsby College student and current Electronic Fishcake writer Richard Lord has signed a two-year-deal with the Mariners after he impressed during a trial game at Blundell Park. It now means that the 19-year-old will be sacrificing a possible career in football journalism to play the game.

The signing was unveiled today despite the deal being completed three days ago owing to The Fishy webmaster, Rob Sedgwick, disagreeing on the compensation terms offered for Richard's release. After protracted negotiations the Fishy eventually accepted an offer of £10,000 from GTFC.

"When I was younger I trained in the Alloa Athletic youth team," explained Lord. "I only ever made one appearance, and that was coming on as a sub against Arbroath early last season.

"I was then released by the club due to financial reasons and so I made my way back to Grimsby, and chose to study journalism at the College." Despite his short spell at Alloa, the Grimsby Town season ticket holder is Cleethorpes born and bred.

"Grimsby then offered me a trial and they contacted my old club Alloa. The management team were happy with what they saw in training and it went from there really."

"I've spent the best part of the last year finishing my A-levels and beginning the course at College, as well as writing for the web site. I've written breaking news about the players and the club, and now I'll be the one they're writing about!"

The former Alloa trainee will be hoping to sell his season ticket in the Pontoon for a more involved role on the pitch. Lord continued "Hopefully I will get a chance before the end of the season to show the fans what I can do. I feel as though I have lots of goals in me, and I'm still young and I'll continue to learn."

The young striker is highly regarded at Recreation Park, and is said to be a very pacy and tricky player. "I'm best with the ball at my feet. I've seen how we play from the stands so I know what the team and the fans want to see.

"It's a dream come true to be able to play alongside the players I've been writing about. I'd like to thank The Fishy for publishing my work, but they now understand that I'm needed elsewhere. I only hope Dr Fishy will be kind to me!"

The short match report of the Sheffield Wednesday game later today will be Lord's last piece for the website before he leaves to meet up with the rest of the squad. The 5 foot 10 inch striker will be given squad number 34 and could feature in the Burnley fixture at Blundell Park.

"I'll probably be given a start in the Reserves," said Lord "If things go well I'd like to feature in possibly the Norwich match but the game against Burnley looks likeliest."

Mr Bill Osborne, owner of the Fishy said, "We are very sorry to lose Richard but sorrier still to lose Rob, our Webmaster, who has not been seen since the club paid the 10,000 compensation."

It is understood that Interpol are making enquiries with the immigration authorities in Rio De Janeiro where Mr. Sedgwick's uncle once lived.

Jon Mjedsson will be replacing Richard Lord on the Fishy's reporting team.

Richard Lord Fact File:

Age: 19
Height: 5'10''
Weight: 70 kg
Position: Striker
Former Clubs: Alloa (1 appearance, 5 goals)

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