Rick Sullivan

By: Rob Sedgwick
Date: 18/06/2000

Rick at Lansdowne Road in 1995 after the English Rugby team thumped the Irish

The following is an interview of Rick Sullivan undertaken by The Fishy.

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

Rick:
First real memories are in 1962. First game was Grimsby 2 Sunderland 2 in 1964 - and we got relegated by 0.125 of a goal!

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

Rick:
Probably Matt Tees - although I was in awe of Charlie Wright.

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

Rick:
Grimsby 3 Exeter 0. That night we won the old 4th division with McMenemy as manager. It may not have been as good a game as the night we drew 2 - 2 with West Ham but the 23,000 crowd roared Town to victory in an unforgettable atmosphere.

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

Rick:
Favourite one was Anfield. (We lost 5-0 but the atmosphere was something else).
Least favourite was Ayresome Park - I don't like Teesside much!

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

Rick:
Best has to be when McMenemy took us back up to the old division 3, chiefly because I remember the doom and gloom merchants forecasting re-election after an early reversal against Crewe where Stan Bowles was in top form! The worst was just before that when we had to be re-elected to division 4.

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

Rick:
The day I won a few bob from disgruntled Middlesbrough supporters at the school where I worked. The kids were not amused that day but I was after out 1-0 win in the Cup.

Fishy:
Who is the greatest ever GTFC manager?

Rick:
In terms of my time, it has to be Lawrie McMenemy - but they say a certain Bill Shankley went on to better things!

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?

Rick:
1 - if I'm lucky! My other commitments make it difficult to travel to games. What I do is to keep one ear on the radio and look out for their score first - usually after a rugby game I have been officiating at.

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

Rick:
A toughie - well, Wright, Laws, Don Donovan, Moore(D), Rathbone, Cockerill, Pennington, Tees, Green, Donovan (K), Hill.

Fishy:
Do your children support the Mariners?

Rick:
No - the eldest looks out for Middlesbrough and the youngest isn't bothered (both girls).

Fishy:
Who are your top three keepers, defenders, midfielders and strikers?

Rick:
Keepers: Wright, Teedie, Wainman.
Defenders: Rathbone, Laws, Futcher.
Midfielders: Boylen, Hill, Groves.
Strikers: Tees, Mendonca, Green

Rick Sullivan

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