Hello one and all, I’m penning this by way of an introduction so that to you get to know me, one of the new Trust Board members.
I’m Craig Nuttall, or ‘Nutty’ to most and can be found lurking on twitter under the pseudonym @casual_golfer. Hopefully some of you will know me from both home and away games; or my previous role of running the Grimsby Town fans team – the Internet Mariners.
For those that don’t know me am fast approaching a milestone of being around for 30 years; over half of them supporting the Mariners. Currently employed by the local authority and have been for about 8 years. Aside from obviously enjoying football I am a keen golfer, play in the local darts league, and, can be found fairly regularly propping up the bar in the Blundell Park Hotel. In addition to the Mariners I also watch England home and away (albeit the FA occasionally arranges such matches to clash).
I say above that I enjoy football; well that’s not strictly true. I don’t really like football – playing is fine – but the modern game isn’t for me. I don’t like television companies having the right to switch matches, or sponsors effecting kits, or filthy rich chairmen changing clubs identities. I don’t like being told when and where I can have a pint before, during, or after a game. I don’t like multi-million pound earning footballers happily sitting in reserve teams or being so inaccessible to the supporter. I know there’s exceptions to that stereotype but football is so up its own arse I hope those at the top implode.
I also don’t like people attempting to support a team they have no affinity with or those that prefer to watch ex-pros watching the games on a Saturday afternoon. I don’t like expensive match tickets either or the thought of the 39th game or B leagues.
Now you may be wondering why this grumpy bastard with such a dislike for the game has volunteered to sit on the Trust Board? Well a lot of what I mention above, I believe, can be changed. Individually I wouldn’t have much chance but collectively, us supporters, can influence certain things. Now that is where organisations like Mariners Trust, Supporters Direct, Football Supporters Federation, STAND, and Heavy Hands Empty Seats can all unite supporters for the good of the game.
As a supporter I want to represent the supporters, and the Trust does that and will continue to do so. As much as I may dislike modern football and some of the individuals and groups involved – and you may think I’m another number who parts with my hard earned cash to watch matches, particularly England – nothing can beat the excitement or the unpredictability of the beautiful game. Rooney’s second in Glasgow the other night was fantastic, not just for the intricate movement and passing leading up to it, but being able to silence the home crowd just after they thought they had a chance of salvaging something from the game. The FA Cup run last year, Jevons at Anfield, Downey at Wrexham in 2005, Fleming at Cheltenham in 2004, and, even Disley last season at Gateshead. In the grand scheme of things all those games and goals were fruitless and didn’t lift trophies but they were all special moments.
Older Mariners will remember Wilkinson at Goodison or Chima at Prenton Park. For every Burton Albion there is an Exeter. But in addition to memories and a sense of pride something else makes football special; and to me that is sharing it with special, like minded individuals – like you reading this.
And together we can make a difference and also ensure that in the future there will be a Grimsby Town goal at Wembley, Old Trafford, or, Aggborough for our children and grandchildren. I’ve been to some interesting places and met some great people courtesy of Grimsby Town and England – long may that continue.