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Fishy:
Tell us a bit about yourself.
Paul:
I'm 25 years old and now living in North Carolina, USA. I've been married for 3 years to my beautiful wife Lisa and have 2 step-children; and I work for one of the country's leading family restaurants.
Fishy:
When did you first start supporting the Mariners, and what was your first game?
Paul:
I first started following the Might Mariners with a passion when I was 6 years old. The first game I remember was when we were in the old Third Division (I think) and we beat York City 2-0 with Cockers grabbing both goals.
Fishy:
Who is the best player you ever saw wearing a Grimsby Town shirt?
Paul:
So many to choose from, but I would have to say Clive Mendonca. Not just for his scoring abilities, but for his overall game. He wasn't just a poacher, but also a hard worker and never stopped running - always gave 110%.
Fishy:
If there is one game you were allowed to go back in time and watch what would it be and why?
Paul:
I was unable to go to the Exeter game when we won 2-1 thanks to John Cockerill. so I would like to go back in time for that one just to savour the whole atmosphere of the day.
Fishy:
What are your favourite and least favourite away grounds?
Paul:
I'd have to say that going to see Town at Sunderland's 'Stadium of Light' was pretty impressive - oh how I wish Town had a ground like that. As for my least favourite away ground - Sincil Bank without a doubt - the place is a shed!
Fishy:
What, in your opinion, are GTFC's best and worst seasons since you have been supporting them?
Paul:
The best has to be without a doubt the season when we went to Wembley twice and came away victorious on both occasions. The worst? Need you ask? Last season was terrible in every aspect.
Fishy:
What is the most eventful day you have ever had in the course of following the Mariners?
Paul:
Both trips to Wembley were very similar. Getting up earlier than I ever have in my life, walking down Grimsby Road and catching one of the hordes of busses that were heading out of town that day, leaving Grimsby and Cleethorpes deserted. The whole atmosphere was magical and very emotional. Ahh..those were the days!!!
Fishy:
What is the strangest thing you have ever done at a game?
Paul:
For some unknown reason when I first started following Town and going to the games I used to sit in the Main Stand. What was I thinking? Needless to say it was long before I moved over to the other side and became a regular in the Ponny.
Fishy:
Who is the greatest ever GTFC manager?
Paul:
Well, since I've been supporting them it has to be Alan Buckley. Not exactly Mr. Personality, but he did the job.
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?
Paul:
Last game I saw Town play was a 2-2 draw at home to Palace in December of 2000, when we came back from 2-0 down. Since then I haven't been home. However, by the power of the wonder that is the Internet I regularly keep up to date with what's happening on down at BP. However, I did just recently have the Wembley games transferred onto VHS to allow me to watch them over here.
Fishy:
Name your all-time starting eleven since you have been watching Town?
Paul:
GK - Aidan Davison (in his first spell at the club)
DR - John McDermott
DL - Gary Croft
DC - Paul Futcher
DC - Peter Handyside
MR - Gary Childs
ML - Dave Gilbert
MC - Alan Pouton
MC - John Cockerill
FC - Clive Mendonca
FC - Jack Lester
Fishy:
What's the best-ever atmosphere you remember at a home and away game?
Paul:
I have 3 that stand out at home. The QPR cup game when we took them to penalties after winning on the night. The Spurs cup game, even though we lost 3-0. But for me the best was when we beat Fulham in the Play Off semi final thanks to Donovan's goal - electric atmosphere.
As for an away game I'll always remember when we played Bolton at their old ground. We took an early lead before they stormed ahead 3-1 and then we grabbed 2 goals in the last 10 minutes. I'll always remember a whole line of Town fans doing the conga and taunting the Bolton faithful.
Fishy:
If you have any, do your children support the Mariners?
Paul:
Yep. He proudly wears the black and white stripes at least once a week in support of the Mighty Mariners.
Paul Forrester
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