Where Are They Now? - Dean Crombie

By: Tony Hamilton
Date: 21/11/2002

TONY Hamilton of The Fishy caught up recently with Dean Crombie to talk to him about his time at Blundell Park and where he is now.

Dean, born in Lincoln, was signed by Grimsby from Lincoln City in 1978 probably due to George Kerr, Lincoln's manager joining up with manager John Newman as first team coach at Grimsby.

Dean quickly became a fans favourite, winning the Fans Player Of The Year Award in season 1979/80, the same season that the Mariners won the division 3 championship. This was also the year Grimsby Town celebrated 100 years of football. Dean was transferred to Bolton Wanderers in 1986 after spending 8 years with the Mariners.

Fishy: What are you doing now in football??

Dean: Working in Bolton Wanderers FC Academy

Fishy: Do you still follow Grimsby Town, or look for their results on a Saturday evening

Dean: I Always look for results of the Mariners

Fishy: Do you keep in touch with any former teammates if so who??

Dean: No, but I usually bump into a few ex players when watching games

Fishy: How did your time at Grimsby compare with that at other clubs?

Dean: Grimsby was a special club and place at the time when I was playing there. The spirit amongst the players was excellent, and the support we received gave the side a lot of confidence

Fishy: Now that you no longer play, have you reverted to being a fan, and who do you support?

Dean: I am not really a fan of any team but obviously my commitments are with Bolton

Fishy: When you played for the Mariners, what game do you most remember and why?

Dean: Everton 0 Grimsby 1. A tremendous effort by both players and supporters

Fishy: What were your favourite and least favourite away grounds?

Dean: Least favourite: Millwall (the old Den) Favourite: Portsmouth

Fishy: What did you think opposing team thought when they cane to Blundell Park??

Dean: It's cold here isn't it, can we go home!! (That was before the kick off)

Fishy: Which opposing teams did you hate playing against and why?

Dean: None really

Fishy: Who was your best manager at Grimsby and generally, and what made them special?

Dean: Best Managers at Grimsby were John Newman and George Kerr. Both were excellent in their own way.

Fishy: After leaving The Mariners what other clubs did you play for??

Dean: Bolton

Fishy: Who was your biggest influence when you were playing??

Dean: My family, George Kerr and Mick Brown whilst at Bolton

Fishy: Which was your favourite position Centre back or left back??

Dean: That's easy Centre Back

Fishy: Can you remember who you made your debut against? (When playing for Grimsby)

Dean: Not sure 1978 is along time ago York or Reading maybe

Fishy: Do you know any of the present staff or players at Grimsby Town if so who??

Dean: John McDermott

Fishy: Which manager brought you to Grimsby Town?

Dean: John Newman

Fishy: Did you ever get sent off playing for Grimsby Town??

Dean: Once versus Watford (Honest I never kicked him ref!) I am still thinking of appealing)

Fishy: Did you ever want to manage a team?

Dean: Yes I would. I have been Assistant manager at Lincoln City and would like to manage or coach at Grimsby Town.

Fishy: Dean, thank you for giving us your time .

Dean: Thank you for asking!

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