Cod Head of the Week: Michael Yarborough

Fishy:
Tell us a bit about yourself.

Michael:
My name is Michael Yarborough. I live in Whitley Bay and support GTFC because of strong family links to Grimsby. I'm 16 years old have a dream to play for GTFC or even just a trial, but I'd be quite happy writing for Town as a journalist

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

Michael:
I started supporting Town when I was about 8 years old as I got a Grimsby shirt off my auntie when I once went to visit our family there.

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

Michael:
The best town player I've ever seen play in black and white for the Mariners is Clive Mendonca. He was just an exceptional player who had an eye for goal.

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

Michael:
The game I'd go back in time to see was the Wembley final against Northampton when we got promoted back to Division One as it was a great day for the Town fans at Wembley.

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

Michael:
My favourite away ground is St James Park as the Newcastle fans are an excellent bunch of supporters. My least favourite away ground well was Boothferry Park - it was a complete dump.

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

Michael:
GTFC's best season was the promotion year of 97-98, when we went to Wembley twice. The worst was last season getting relegated

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

Michael:
The most eventful day of supporting Town was actually not long ago on Nov 29th when we played Tranmere. I got to get some autographs of the players and got interviewed for the Grimsby Telegraph also.

Fishy:
What is the strangest thing you have ever done at a game?

Michael:
I don't think I've ever really done anything strange at a football match yet

Fishy:
Who is the greatest ever GTFC manager?

Michael:
The best ever GTFC manager was Alan Buckley getting us promoted in what was a fine season, though I also think Paul Groves is good - he just needs a better chairmen behind him.

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?

Michael:
I'd say I only get to two maybe three games a season as I live in Newcastle. The remaining games I sit at home on the edge of my seat waiting for a Town breakthrough.

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

Michael:
Davison McDermott Santos Handyside Barnard Oster Pouton Groves (before managerial days) Boulding Lester Mendonca.

Fishy:
What's the best-ever atmosphere you remember at a home and away game?

Michael:
The best ever home atmosphere was probably when we beat Fulham as they were flying high that season when we first escaped relegation. The worst could be a handful from relegation last season.

Fishy:
Do your children support the Mariners?

Michael:
I don't have any children but if I do have any they will be Town fans like myself.

Fishy:
What's your prediction for this season

Michael:
I don't think we'll go straight up but I think maybe next season we will.

Fishy:
What are your hopes for the future?

Michael:
When I look at the paper results and if GTFC are at home I check the score but then look at the attendance and I'm disappointed at the lack of support for GTFC from the local people of Grimsby. We are the pride of Lincolnshire and are a famous place in England for are food distribution. Wouldn't it be great to restore our football status as famous again too, bring on a new stadium for GTFC and more support from the people in Grimsby.

Michael Yarborough