Cod Head of the Week: Mike Gray

Fishy:
When did you first start supporting the Mariners, and what was your first game?

Mike:
I made my first appearance at Blundell Park in the 1994/1995 season against Derby County.

Fishy:
Who is the best player you ever saw wearing a Grimsby Town shirt?

Mike:
Well there has been many great Town players I have seen. But it must have been Jack Lester. He just pips Mark Lever to the post.

Fishy:
If there is one game you were allowed to go back in time and watch what would it be and why?

Mike:
It would have to be in the 99/00 season when we beat Nottingham Forest 4-3. It was a brilliant game, bit edgy at times but plenty of goals and plenty of action.

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

Mike:
My favourite away ground is The Hawthorns, as we rarely lost to WBA. And my least favourite has to be Glanford Park, as It's like sitting in a couple of bus shelters.

Fishy:
What, in your opinion, are GTFC's best and worst seasons since you have been supporting them?

Mike:
The best season was probably the 1998/1999 season, I really enjoyed myself that year,11th was outstanding for a small club like us. The worst has got to be the 1996/1997 season when we went down.

Fishy:
What is the most eventful day you have ever had in the course of following the Mariners?

Mike:
Probably the Northampton game at Wembley. A drive down from Gainsborough (where I live) to some deserted tube station. Then to the Wembley, and then having to do it all over again.

Fishy:
Who is the greatest ever GTFC manager?

Mike:
I would have said Alan Buckley, but I hated his personality, so I would have to say really either Grovesie or Lennie as I only ever saw Kenny Swain and Brian Laws.

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?

Mike:
I get to over half of the home games each year. Living 30 miles away is difficult when your only 16. When I can't get to a match, I watch Gillette Soccer Saturday, listen to in on Humberside radio or watch the scores go by over the Internet.

Fishy:
Name your all-time starting eleven since you have been watching Town?

Mike:
Coyne,McDermott,Lever,Todd,Gallimore,Oster,Groves,Pouton,Cooke,Lester,Kabba
Subs:Davison,Broomes,Burnett,Mendonca,Boulding

Fishy:
If you have any, do your children support the Mariners?

Mike:
Nope not for at least 10 years yet..

Mike Gray