Cod Head of the Week: Kerry William Purcell

Fishy:
Tell us a bit about yourself?

William:
I was born in Cleethorpes in 1971. Until leaving Cleethorpes in 1991 to go to University in London, I lived for twenty years in Blundell Avenue - where my family still live. Growing up so close to Blundell Park I had no choice over what team I supported (unlike today's kids who seem to choose a club like a pair of trainers or jeans). After moving around a bit, I am now based in Brighton where I am a freelance writer.

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

William:
My dad took me to my first game in 1978 when I was only 7.

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

William:
Joe Waters.

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

William:
It would have to be Town's 0 -1 win against Everton in the Milk Cup. I remember Nigel Batch pulling off saves left, right, and centre throughout the whole game. I was standing in the bottom half of the away end. My friend had just gone to buy a hot Bovril and when he came back we had just got a free kick outside the Everton box. When Wilkinson headed the ball into the back of the net, everyone went mental and my friend tried to hold onto his cup, then he gave up and just threw it on the floor and joined in. I'll never forget the silence around Goodison Park. The only down side was the heavy handed treatment by the police outside the ground.

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

William:
My least favourite would have to be Scarborough F.C. I remember watching town on a wet Saturday afternoon. The away end was just a few concrete steps, surrounded by a grass bank and no roof - miserable! The most memorable would probably have to be Elland Road. As I was only used to nothing greater than 6,000 gates, I was overawed by the level of noise generated by the crowd.

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

William:
Best: Buckley's second time as manager.
Worst: The nightmare that was M. Lyons (enough said).

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

William:
That was probably when I ran out as the mascot for Town against Cambridge United on 29 November, 1980. It was when Town used to run out and form a line in the centre circle and wave to the crowd before the game. They then used to kick the ball up the field towards the Pontoon end for the mascot to shoot into the goal. On that wet and muddy day I ran after the ball and kicked it, but it got stuck on the goal line. The whole of the Pontoon went 'Ohhhh'. I eventually kicked it into the back of the net, and the crowd cheered. I must have been a lucky mascot because we won 3-1.

Fishy:
Who is the greatest ever GTFC manager?

William:
It would probably have to be Alan Buckley.

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?

William:
Unfortunately it's only a couple of times a year, usually boxing day. On match days I listen to Radio 5 Live, Radio Humberside (through Mariners.net), and read the match review on The Fishy site. My parents also send me the Sports Telegraph every week.

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

William:
Coyne, Cummings, Brolly, Drinkell, Mendonca, Ford, Waters, Wilkinson, Kevin Moore, Groves, Burnett.

Fishy:
do your children support the Mariners?

William:
My daughter Isabella is only nine months old. She doesn't know it yet, but she's a passionate GTFC fan.

Kerry William Purcell