DN35 Jason, Andrew and Debbie Interview

Quoted from DaleH

Debbie is correct. It didn't sit right with anyone really, having to make the decision to train at Market Rasen and host home games at Brigg Town. During the three seasons though that I managed the team, we was stuck between a rock and hard place for facilities, since we came to the party quite late compared to others training in Grimsby/Cleethorpes.

All-weather 3G floodlit pitch space in the evenings is just not accessible in the Grimsby and Cleethorpes areas. For the first two seasons we trained on the very old AstroTurf pitch at Oasis Academy Wintringham. That is a surface that has been in need of replacement for many years, and when it is wet we had to cancel many training sessions. It just wasn't conducive to a decent training facility for the female players, and the risk of injury was a problem too. It is my understanding that there are plans afoot to replace the surface there, and that would be a great solution. In addition, the Grimsby and Cleethorpes area has been approved for investment through the Football Foundation, for a decent number of modern floodlit all-weather pitches. Another positive, in addition of course to the work that Andrew is doing to find GTFC a new modern training facility. So as far as training is concerned, the future looks very promising for a return to the area in the not too distant future. But I did do everything I could before proposing a move to Market Rasen for training. As well as Rasen being a fantastic training venue, it does also have the benefit of being central to most of the women's team, in terms of travelling distance, so that was plus for many, although a bit of a bind for the few from Grimsby that now have a bit of journey to make to Rasen. The longer term plan though under my tenure, was always to get the training back to Grimsby at the earliest opportunity, and I have no reason to believe that is a situation that has changed.

As far as matchdays are concerned, it is a similar position to training. Whereby there wasn't really anywhere local available to provide a good all-round matchday experience. In the earlier days of the formation of the team, we had some discussion with Clee Town about using their stadium, as there was a bit of uncertainty at that time regarding their own women's team. But thankfully their team continued, which is great for the female game, which obviously means they have priority over their facilities. I also tried to engineer a situation where we used Bradley Stadium in Grimsby, by alternating fixtures with Grimsby Borough and ourselves via the league. But sadly, the management there felt that the amount of hammer that pitch already gets because of high use, wouldn't enable a further team to start using it regularly. I believe there are five teams using that facility at present.

Perhaps the most disappointing effort I made was to enter into a dialogue with NELC's Lincs Inspire, regarding the use of the King George V Stadium, as it has a pitch in the middle of the track. A pitch that would have needed some improvement, but may not have been a situation that was insurmountable given some of the resources we could consider offering. But sadly Lincs Inspire had absolutely no appetite of considering allowing us to use this facility, as they close it at weekends as it isn't cost effective to open it. I found that very bizarre, that a local authority weren't looking at weekends as being the time when the local community has its maximum leisure time opportunity, and the place remains closed. They weren't even prepared to enter into a discussion about costs, to explore whether there was a suitable arrangement we could come to to facilitate this whilst making it viable, or able to wash its own face financially.    

Finally of course, the question that was asked more often than not was why we don't play fixtures on Blundell Park. Unfortunately that wasn't something that was acceptable at the time. I do have my views on this based on seeing women's teams play in their men's team stadiums, but unfortunately that was something we just had to accept at the time, and we had to respect that decision.

Brigg Town was the only real alternative for a venue that provides both the players and the supporters with a matchday experience that they deserve. And I have to say that when I contacted them for a discussion, they was extremely accommodating and made us feel very welcome.  

So in summary, Debbie is absolutely correct on the podcast, that it didn't sit well with anyone training at Rasen and playing in Brigg, but I did the best I could to give the players the best that I could. As a fan, I really do hope that there will come a time when the women's team is able to return to Grimsby with the appropriate facilities in place. There are many women's teams, and plenty at levels far higher than us, that are having to train and play outside of their Town or City. I suppose it is where the women's game is still at the moment, and I hope to see that improve as the game continues to develop at a pace.

All the best

Dale

Quoted from MuddyWaters

As you seem to have been having a pop at me in the last few weeks, I’ll just reply by saying that I have indeed offered help in quite a specific area (disability) to the club and have heard nothing for some time.

On reflection, I think it’s time The Old Codger had a bit of a rest. It’s ironic that someone who spent so much time berating the previous regime is now berating anyone who happens to have anything critical to say about the football club now, either on or off the pitch.

For clarity, I’m delighted Fenty has gone and that the club appears to be in safe hands. That should never mean that they are beyond critique however.

For now, adios.

Codger.

Quoted from MuddyWaters

As you seem to have been having a pop at me in the last few weeks, I’ll just reply by saying that I have indeed offered help in quite a specific area (disability) to the club and have heard nothing for some time.

On reflection, I think it’s time The Old Codger had a bit of a rest. It’s ironic that someone who spent so much time berating the previous regime is now berating anyone who happens to have anything critical to say about the football club now, either on or off the pitch.

For clarity, I’m delighted Fenty has gone and that the club appears to be in safe hands. That should never mean that they are beyond critique however.

For now, adios.

Codger.

Quoted from HarrogateMariner

Just listened to the whole podcast, a great listen, well put together. I know everyone is entitled to an opinion, but I just don't get how anyone can question the owners. They come across with intelligence, common sense, humility and have an obvious passion for the club. It means something to them. I would rather have them in charge than some wealthy foreigners even if they spent millions. There is a well thought out plan of how to develop the club, importantly in a way that is substantial. I know we all want success now and I agree that play offs should be the minimum we should be aiming for, but we have a club again we can be proud of. I am not sure what else we can realistically ask for in the relatively short time they have owned the club.

Quoted from chaos33

Over 3 times the wealth of Abramovich and the second richest owner in England?!?! Where’d you hear that nonsense? Abramovich is said to have a net worth of around 15 billion US dollars. The notion that he could be worth almost 50 billion is utterly ludicrous.

Were you being sarcastic?