But I felt the right thing to do this week was to stay quiet, on my previous blog about Dale Ladson out of respect for Grimsby Town Football Club and Chairman John Fenty…Today that all changes!

By Jonathan Spurr

Due to the pure length of this it will be split into three parts the second part will feature next week!

 I was just listening to a Busted masterpiece by Scott Mills. He wanted to play the whole Busted album but after four songs was forced to pull it off air and play normal crap music by the producers.

Why am I even mentioning Scott Mills when I’m meant to be doing a blog on the club I love? Well it rings in to an extent with this blog, last week (http://amixofgoodies.wordpress.com/2009/11/27/club-take-one-step-forward-but-five-steps-back/)

I wrote a piece surrounding Dale Ladson and to say it got a bit of a bad feedback is a bit of understatement. Some people agreed in full with it and some hated it and said I shouldn’t be commenting on things to do with the club, but I’m a paying fan surely I’m allowed an opinion on my football club.

I spend well in excess of 70% of my disposable income on GTFC whether it be at Blundell Park or travelling the length of the country watching the team I love year in year out. Which works out at well over £7k a year, surely I can air my opinion? It seems not.

Ever heard that saying when you’re digging yourself into a hole, stop digging? Sure you have! Well my ranting about Dale Ladson got me into some serious trouble with the hierarchy at GTFC with John Fenty demanding an apology and a retraction of the blog, which I refused simply because it was my opinion based on facts which I presented in the blog.

The problem was that these facts were rebuffed as not being true by John Fenty until I presented my phone bill to show I did infact receive a text message at 13.12pm regarding Neil Woods’ appointment as manager.

One of the emails John Fenty sent me regarded the time Dale said he had sent the text messages out, he also expressed how I had got things wrong and wanted a statement of apology.

I advised John I would not be retracting my blog at that time due to me receiving said text.

So where does that leave us? Well, John Fenty rightly defended a “senior member of staff” to his full capable abilities and pulled a meeting between Tom (UTM Editor) and I, it also included other members of the GTFC back room staff over my refusal to apologise. Should I have apologised?

No I don’t think I should simply because what I said was my opinion, which I firmly believe was right. I can confirm the club did send out texts at 1.15pm confirming the appointment, Dale Ladson or someone else at Grimsby Town did say we were playing Bradford three days after we played them, this was followed by Rochdale the day after instead of Macclesfield.

Someone at the club did recycle an old article saying John Fenty would be releasing a statement about the search for a new manager. Someone at the club did announce the youth team were playing at Lincoln when in fact they were playing at home. Dale Ladson then decided to threaten to ban me from all communication with the club.

In an email from Dale Ladson he declared that my posts were not constructive and are also very negative. And if I continued in this manner, he [Dale] would have no alternative but to ignore all of my correspondents.

Now my posts on the official message board were outlined in the previous blog – link at the top, I agree it wasn’t constructive – the first one, the second one outlining the mistakes was, but it seems because I criticised the club personnel it wasn’t allowed.

End of part one! Check back for part two on Monday, when a lot more is revealed.

As always I will be hoping for three points today at home to Dagenham and Redbridge which will hopefully see the start to a season turnaround.

 UTM!

Please note this blog is copyrighted to Jonathan Spurr and the UTM website administration, it may not be re-produced, copied, printed or quoted in parts or in whole without prior permission from Jonathan Spurr or UTM website administration.

The opinions are those of Jonathan Spurr and where possible facts have been proved, further evidence  is available on request. From either I – Lordsommet@hotmail.co.uk or website Editor Tom Farmery – no1mariner@hotmail.com please email for further information.

But because I am very awkward I’m going to re-write them all and feature all three in one plus a bit more.

By Jon Spurr

Now over the past two weeks I’ve been having a few problems at work and because of that I decided just in future to go in and do my job then go home – simple seems the case – seems not in reality.

Now because I chose to do this and therefore cutting the chitchat and the loving/laughing/piss-taking Jon that I normally am, I’ve been a silent, closed and work focused Jon.

Today I was asked to go upstairs into a little training room – to most staff though it’s the bollocking room, I knew I had done naff all wrong so wasn’t quite sure what I was being dragged up for. Was it for me not talking?  

I’m not going to go into details, simply because I don’t think I’m allowed, last thing I want is to give Morrisons a reason to discipline me – they seem to enjoy doing that – all I will say is the “meeting” ending badly with me disagreeing to most things said. I’m paid to work not be a friend or to talk.

I asked for people to leave me alone some weeks ago given some other problems going on, I didn’t want the intrusion or the questions – it’s my business not other members of staff’s and given I didn’t want the whole store knowing, I really did choose wisely who I told.

No one as it seems in that wonderful shop knows how to keep their mouth shut!

On Sunday it’s our staff Christmas party, normally I love these types of events but this year I’ve decided to not to go. Not only do I not feel part of the team anymore but I no longer feel as if I should even be there at all. I really don’t know why I feel like this, I actually used to love doing the job and still enjoy it to a degree, I just don’t like the staff who are meant to be colleagues and/or friends!

I asked for a transfer not long ago to the Grimsby store and this was refused in principle for one reason or another until January, so come January the 10^th I will be requesting a transfer and I will be getting a transfer whether it means going via Grimsby store, Lincoln store or head office.

Now I was going to do a review of Cheryl Cole’s album this week – 3 words. A good friend of mine – Adam loves her obsessively, scary obsessively, his MSN display picture is of her.

He constantly quotes his Facebook status as lines of her songs but doesn’t like football one bit, I think he’s weird for not liking football but at the same time I will always have time for him given he’s a good mate of mine. It’s just his opinion something we all should be able to express freely!

Now I don’t like Cheryl or her music to a certain extent. For those who have me as a friend on Facebook (facebook.co.uk/lordsommet) you will know I really don’t like her. I don’t like the way she dresses, which sometimes is similar to the way a whore looks on the X-Factor show. Or her incapability to sing a song on her own in tune without sound effects added on, I really don’t know where my hatred for her came from but it is definitely there.

Now the review:

There is only one song on the album I like after being advised to listen to it by Adam. It’s called Parachute, if you haven’t heard it listen to it. Don’t buy the album, just go on YouTube it’s free. My verdict: Bin the album.

Now I could keep going on but I’ve probably already destroyed any friendship I have left with Adam, so sorry Adam, just my opinion as you know I don’t like her.

Last week my blog caused a lot of upset and for that I want to extend my personal apologies to Grimsby Town Football Club and in particular Dale Ladson. The way I described what I did was wrong and for that I am sorry. My intentions were plain and simple – to highlight a problem that needed dealing with off the pitch and in my opinion it was and possibly still is a big problem.

This blog is that of the opinion of the writer and all content is copyrighted to him and the UTM website administration. It is not to be copied in part or in full, reproduced or printed without prior consent of the writer or the UTM website administration.

To put UTM’s criticism in perspective, past articles which have been published by Dale Ladson had factual and misleading errors. These mistakes still have not been acknowledged by the club which has caused emotions to run high recently.

By Tom Farmery

UTM however would like to take this opportunity to apologise to Dale Ladson, it seems he is doing his job to the best of his ability, and he must be congratulated for his efforts.

Alike any football club, Grimsby Town is in the public domain therefore it is consistently subject to scrutiny. If John Fenty cannot accept criticism that is well thought out and researched then how is anyone inside of the club expected to change their ways as well.

He is no doubt  going to protect his employees, but surely mistakes that are noticed by seemingly everyone and which are not at all noticed by the club can only have a bad impact overall.

There are six unofficial Grimsby Town websites including UTM, this surely must ring pragmatical alarm bells. It is down right obvious that if supporters feel they are not getting sufficient information from the direct source then they will create their own news and write passionately about the club they love.

There have been some claims that, what UTM did last week, turned into a vendetta against Dale Ladson. UTM’s claims were all backed up with referrable information which suggests our criticisms were infact nothing but ‘healthy journalism’.

Given the situation the team currently find theirselves in, 23rd in the Coca Cola Football League Two, the future is bleak. Optimism is never far from the lips and with the departure of Brian Stein and the appointment of Chris Casper. It does seem that steps have already been taken in the right direction by recently attributed manager Neil Woods.

Stein rarely showed a presence on the touchline and his coaching methods were often far from desired. Before Stein, Stuart Watkiss partnered Mike Newell. It was Watkiss who was often seen instructing players on the touchline, showing a brave face when everyone was just about ready to submerge into the Blue Square Premier.

So much has happened since then and the team have alot of work to do if they are to avoid relegation this season. But with Chris Casper now alongside Woods on hand to offer new advice and different training methods the ingredients may just have been found before it is too late.

UTM would like to point out that we cannot guarantee the club will not succumb to criticism in the near future. It is simply up to Mr Fenty and his staff to ensure this scrutiny is kept to a minimum.

Moving on to a more black and white future – UTM

Radio Humberside announced the new manager as Woods at 12pm and rather than do anything about this, the club stayed silent. So the news was out in the open three hours before it should have been.

So there is your step forward!

Now for the five, yes FIVE steps back!

Most who read this blog, would have seen Tom’s article yesterday regarding Dale Ladson’s gigantic cock-up yesterday saying that Town were searching for a new manager and that a statement would be released soon, this was for an article three weeks ago but Dale just recycled the article without editing it.

Now I wasn’t going to go on too much about Dale this week even though alot has happened simply because a meeting will be held between myself, John Fenty (Chairman) Dave Smith (Commercial manager) Emma Blackborne (Trust Chairwoman) and of course Dale Ladson. This meeting is regarding my continued “attacks on Dale” more to the point over this post on the official message board : http://s2.excoboard.com/exco/thread.php?forumid=45999&threadid=2138931 this link takes you to an unofficial board given Dale removed it from the SNOS.

I complained regarding the thread being removed and made the thread non-swearing and a fair constructive complaint to be told “your concerns have been noted” which just wound me up even more, nothing about an apology for doing a shit job nor was the article changed.

So I complained again and later that night I was threatened with being banned from the club via emails and on the SNOS. Well me being me, complained to John Fenty, and a meeting has been proposed which I shall try and get off work today, otherwise I will try to re-arrange it for the game after.

Meeting with fans and trying to sort out this mess is vital, the public relations is a shambles but back to the point. The only reason I have revealed all is because this morning while checking my emails I received the following message:

“Jon, I see that you are still continuing with the snide remarks about me. Perhaps we should meet to discuss your personal issues with myself.”

Dale Ladson

GTFC Media Manager”

My reply was pretty simple:

“Dale,

I haven’t made one snide remark to you since the other day; I haven’t replied once to the numerous threads about your gigantic cock up yesterday, stating John was going to make a statement with regards to his search for a new manager.

Please if you feel I have, point it out.

With regards to a meeting with you, I would be delighted to attend, I don’t hide behind a keyboard and will say things to people’s faces especially when they are as bad as the mistakes you have made.

Jon”

Other bits have been deleted due to the sensitivity of the email.

Now I don’t hide behind a keyboard, The club know who I am from my charity events so I will go to speak with Dale and see what he has to say, especially given I haven’t made any public snide remarks, until now since Monday.

Maybe he saw the site yesterday and presumed I did it? Nope that was Tom; he has it in for you as well Dale. He has saved numerous print screens which demonstrate the level of ineptitude you currently possess and will publish them on the site tomorrow.

The problem with Dale simply isn’t going to go away nor will it be swept under the carpet, the internet is a wonderful place, when you use it properly!

I’ll keep you all updated but no doubt a week will pass and more will happen….Oh I forgot to add we played Bratfurd and lost 3-0 there’s my match report for you!

Next up... Lincoln City at Sincil Bank

However both teams have  not had a pleasant start to the season, and now that it is late November rapid progress is certainly what both sets of fans are calling out for if their club is to avoid relegation this campaign.

The Mariners go into the game tomorrow with six players out of action due to injury, meaning a makeshift team will look to do the job as best as they can. Nathan Jarman is still out of action for another three weeks with a problem foot. Adam Proudlock is out with a suspect ankle, he is expected to resume training in under a week and should make a full return after another three weeks of rehabilitation.

Central Defender Rob Atkinson also is kept out of the starting eleven with a strained groin. It will be another week before he even thinks about returning to the field. The injury has come at a time when Atkinson is also serving a three match ban.

Bradley Wood will possibly make a return to the starting line up after he was kept out of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy match against Leeds United and also the League Two match against Northampton Town. Standard right back Robbie Stockdale is getting ever closer to a return but still has four weeks until he returns to full fitness as consequence of a hernia.

Caretaker boss Neil Woods has been rather quick this past week to bring in two players who will potentially start in the game tomorrow. Nicky Featherstone comes to the Mariners on loan from Hull City. He has only ever made eight appearances for the Tigers but feels he can make a difference in the current Grimsby side.

Featherstone plays primarily as a striker however he is versatile and can play on either the left or right flank if needed. His stay at Blundell Park will only last one month initially however if he impresses the management staff, he will possibly move to the club on a season long loan.

The second piece of business done this week comes in the form of another forward, Michael Coulson. Coulson comes straight from Barnsley however he started his career at Scarborough making 44 appearances and scoring just under 10 goals.

Ever since 2006, the Yorkshire born lad has been on the sidelines at Oakwell only playing 16 matches. He is only five feet seven inches which could hinder him in aerial situations yet the 21 year old will be looking to score a goal on his debut tomorrow using his poachers ability.

When Grimsby last played Lincoln at Sincil Bank the match ended 1-1 and was not a game filled with passion of which is usually expected at derby matches. Tomorrow could, and may well be totally different. Both teams are not in the greatest of positions which should see a true, determined and gritty scrap.

The bookmakers have made Lincoln as favourites to win the game 1-0, but this should only act as an incentive for the Grimsby players to really show their passionate fans what such a fixture equally means to them.

The importance of any derby match is huge, whether it be the Manchester derby, the Milan or Madrid derby each fixture always promises a great atmosphere. This is can always be assumed at either Sincil Bank or Blundell Park where more tickets than usual are snapped up days before the match itself.

Grimsby will certainly need to work hard, and with the addition of the two new loanees a win could be on the cards. Also with the interviews for the manager’s job ending today, the new manager could be announced possibly after the match tomorrow or infact on Monday. By looking at the signings made, it is quite interesting to notice that maybe these players have been brought in under the influence of the new manager.

Russell Slade, who had a managerial spell at Scarborough, knows Michael Coulson on a personal level so this really does make minds think possibly whether Slade has already been appointed and has begun pulling the strings. Only time will tell.

                                                         Colgan

Wood                      Linwood                    Lancashire               McCrory

Bore                        Boshell                       Sweeney                Featherstone

                                     Coulson               Conlon

UTM Prediction: Lincoln City 0 – Grimsby Town 1

Any local derby can become tight and inactive, this could be possibly one of the most boring matches ever played between the two clubs unless it becomes a passionate affair. However all this game could need is one goal to seal it.  UTM is tipping Grimsby to win as they look to gain consistency and stability for the foreseeable future until a new manager is realised.

Adie Bell, the Linc’s sports editor caught up with Imps manager Chris Sutton to get his views on the local derby and how Lincoln have prepared for the derby.

Click the link below to access the full interview

http://thelinc.co.uk/2009/11/imps-manager-sutton-selection-headache-ahead-of-derby-clash/

I already have my tickets sorted so I wanted to get the tickets for people who wouldn’t normally go. It may persuade them to come back again if we play well – I’m already signed up to Bet 365 so I emailed Dale to ask about the offer and whether  it applies for existing customers – the email I got back was simply ‘No it doesn’t – Dale Ladson’.

Nice and short Dale, you sure you are right about that or like your other articles are you in fact wrong? I have sent an email off to Bet 365 to enquire why it’s for new customers only, considering I deposit £20 a month to my account.

Anyway back to the reason I’m doing this ‘special blog’ – It is because its derby weekend this week. The big one, Lincoln City vs Grimsby Town, I was at work last night doing a night shift and as usual I wore my Mariners shirt and people asked me why I was wearing it? My reply being, “It’s derby weekend” the reply I got shocked me, “So it’s not important”. Erm yes, yes it is and this is why.

A 5-1 victory be great, however simply a win is more realistic at this current time - Photo: Tom Farmery

The derby gives both teams a chance to give their fans some pride and gloating rights over each other it always used to be the most anticipated the match for many and for me it still is. Now for the past 3 and half years all us Grimsby fans have had to listen to is “5-0, 5-0” “Centre circle” simply because on March 25^th 2006 we lost 5-0 and Russell Slade who (coincidently is in the line for the manager’s job), gave a team talk on the pitch at half time.

Last season Grimsby finally got some pride back over their local rivals beating them 5-1 in what can only be described as a horror show for the Imps. Grimsby now have to go and repeat that in Lincoln’s backyard this weekend for Town fans to have full gloating rights.

This Saturday’s game does have more importance than just gloating rights and self pride it is a 6 pointer. Yes it is only November but both teams are in dire trouble at the wrong end of the table, so for both it’s a highly important game.

The Grimsby players also have an added element – as mentioned in my last blog – Poojah’s online rant which featured on ‘The Fishy’ regarding the players this week has featured in most daily papers and now has over 150 thousand views. So 90% of football fans in the UK will be looking out for our result. The country is watching you and hoping you win please don’t let the Town faithful down!

When Grimsby walk out at Sincil Bank tomorrow afternoon, win, lose or draw I will be happy if the players give it their all. If they play to around their 100% ability and show some pride while wearing the shirt and I will be happy this weekend. I want to see 110% full pride in the shirt and a win or at least a draw minimum. That’s just to keep me happy, a defeat and I’ll probably be suicidal – I live in Lincoln so I have to put up with more abuse than most other Grimsby fans!

Lucky enough for me I’m going to a concert straight after the game so either way I’ll be able to celebrate in style or drown my sorrows in the comfort of music and company I actually like.

Prices:

Co-op Stand

Adult – £18

Concession Students/OAPS - £12

Children – £6

GoCar Stand

Adults – £16

Concessions Students/ OAPS – £10

Children – £6

The fixture usually attracts a much bigger attendance than usual which overall can lead to rival fans clashing inside and outside the football ground.

UTM Editor Tom Farmery caught up with PC Andy Pearson the Football Intelligence Officer for Lincolnshire Police, to discuss what measures will be taken to prevent any type of disorder this Saturday.

Click below for the full interview.