Alan Nocker

By: Rob Sedgwick
Date: 18/06/2000

The following is an interview of Alan Nocker undertaken by The Fishy.

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

Alan:
1967 on arriving as a 7 year old from Glasgow

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

Alan:
Matt Tees

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

Alan:
3-0 v Exeter to win championship under McMenemy followed closely by Wembley twice and the Burnley semi-final.

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

Alan:
My least favourite is Huddersfield's old ground (Leeds Road). I went by train from Hull where I was living at the time to a night match on my own. Stood in the open end in pouring rain. Lost 2-0 one an own goal by an ex-Huddersfield player, Handley or something like it. After the game I made my way to the station where I was surrounded by three skinheads innocently asking if I was from Grimsby. Somehow recovering my childhood Glaswegian I said no as I headed into the nearest pub door where I realised afterwards I spent my bus fare on a pint. Which meant I had a five mile walk home in the rain. Great stuff.
My favourite ground is Anfield where, despite losing 5-0, the bloke I was sitting next to was a pub owner and after the match he took me and my pals into several pubs where he knew the owner and we didn't have to pay for anything. He also said Town were the best team outside the 1st division he'd seen at Anfield.

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

Alan:
The best season has to be Wembley twice and promotion (97-98). The worst is definitely the Mick Lyons era.

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

Alan:
Wembley the first time.

Fishy:
Who is the greatest ever GTFC manager?

Alan:
In my time it has to be Buckley who has resurrected the team twice and brought them great successes.

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?

Alan:
Peru is too far away but I return every two years for a couple of months and don't miss them then. I listen to World service of the BBC and check out soccernet.com on match days. Then I call my dad, a season ticket holder, to see how it went.

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

Alan:
Davison, Cummings, K Moore, Handyside, Futcher, Waters, Groves, Hickman, Brace, Tees, Bonetti

Fishy:
Do your children support the Mariners?

Alan:
I don't have any yet but I would hope so.

Alan Nocker

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