DN35 Jason, Andrew and Debbie Interview

Apologies for adding this here but I thought some might miss it if not.

Our interview with Jason Andrew and Debbie is now available to download.
iTunes: [url]https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dn35/id1079983916?i=1000546940790[/url]
Spotify: [url]https://open.spotify.com/episode/5lu5yO7oLZd5ZodXQWi04z?si=Dw2OarZjTEaDgNw4N1pCOw[/url]
YouTube: [url]https://youtu.be/UR9fRdiya54[/url]
Web: [url]https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-wwuj9-116ea28[/url]

A splendid podcast to listen to, that is very enlightening and also so positive. I truly hope that it inspires everyone else, in the same way that it does me, that our club is in great hands.

I am very grateful to Jason for his kind words on the podcast, regarding me, my involvement with the women's team since I launched the idea with the help of the club three years ago, and his disappointment regarding my resignation.

I am also grateful to those that have expressed concern regarding my resignation, and that it hasn't been announced on the clubs official website or social media streams. It means a lot to know that people do care. Whether that is care for my well-being, or care for women's football in general at the club  I hope that Jason's explanation in the podcast, explaining that the women's team is owned by the Grimsby Town Sports & Education Trust (Community Department), and not GTFC, goes some way to explaining why the club wasn't in a position to announce my resignation. This was a matter for the Community Trust to deal with as it saw fit.

Finally, I can assure you that my resignation was in no part as a result of a fall out with anyone at Grimsby Town Football Club. The relationship there is still solid, and I continue to support the club as a fan and lifelong Trust member, and I am very excited about the future for our football club. Furthermore, in respect of the women's team operating under the Community Department, I have immense respect for every player that I worked with during three seasons. They are superb people, and I hope that their efforts on the pitch results in further success, and that women's football in Grimsby can go from strength to strength.

Best wishes and regards

Dale

#UTM

An excellent Podcast, well done to all involved.

Why would people red cross that, great pod cast, honest questions/replies what more do you want?

Quoted from Simon

Why would people red cross that, great pod cast, honest questions/replies what more do you want?

I think the people red crossing are close to those who they have criticised in the past.

Quoted from Simon

Why would people red cross that?

Fenty fan club and their tears for their fallen hero.

Currently listening so may add more later but refreshing to hear Debbie say it doesn't sit right with her that the Womens team train in Market Rasen and play in Brigg.

I didn't know they trained in Market Rasen and I did find the move to Brigg a bit odd.

Really enjoyed doing this pod. Great to be able to do it face to face too, so thanks for Jason, Andrew and Debbie for giving up their time after the game on Monday. Thanks to Alex too who puts in all the hard work putting the pod together and publishing it.

They want to have an open and regular dialogue with the fans, do not see what Town fan in their right mind can fault that. All they emphasised is that things are done in the right way, and people are respectful, even in criticism - but we all do that anyway when posting messages on forums or social media don't we? UTM

Jason inviting people to suggest names for stands etc if that is what they want to do.

Can we have the John Fenty Urinals in the Main Stand and replace them 25 year old targets with his face?

I suspect those red crossing are the ones who can't manage to engage in a respectful way. Thought the podcast was excellent and we are extremely lucky to have the owners that we do.

Quoted from jamesgtfc

Jason inviting people to suggest names for stands etc if that is what they want to do.

Can we have the John Fenty Urinals in the Main Stand and replace them 25 year old targets with his face?

Or a quote with JF face in the urinal with quote saying

"we p1ss on your fish"

Quoted from jamesgtfc

Can we have the John Fenty Urinals in the Main Stand and replace them 25 year old targets with his face?

That’s a ridiculous idea.


The queues are long enough as it is. !!

Fenty’s been taking the urine for years, we can give him more!

Seriously though, cracking pod guys, always worth a listen and breaks up my long journeys in the car! Just a quick question from me, I sometimes struggle with the sound quality at times, and whilst I fully appreciate that you probably do this voluntarily off your own back with limited equipment, is there a way that the club, the trust or even the fishy could raise a few quid to give you guys some more equipment or facilities or anything that you think you need? Please don’t see this as criticism as that’s certainly not the intention.

Quoted from jamesgtfc

Currently listening so may add more later but refreshing to hear Debbie say it doesn't sit right with her that the Womens team train in Market Rasen and play in Brigg.

I didn't know they trained in Market Rasen and I did find the move to Brigg a bit odd.

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

Enjoyed it. Thanks!

Quoted from jimgtfc

Fenty’s been taking the urine for years, we can give him more!

Seriously though, cracking pod guys, always worth a listen and breaks up my long journeys in the car! Just a quick question from me, I sometimes struggle with the sound quality at times, and whilst I fully appreciate that you probably do this voluntarily off your own back with limited equipment, is there a way that the club, the trust or even the fishy could raise a few quid to give you guys some more equipment or facilities or anything that you think you need? Please don’t see this as criticism as that’s certainly not the intention.

i agree Jim - great podcast ,but even though i have the volume up to max it is a struggle to follow at times

PS Fenners - is it ok to PM with you with a couple of questions for next time? Had missed the opportunity to put forward th equestions this time round

Excellent podcast, and I too am grateful that we now have competent, passionate, committed owners. I thought the remarks about those who try to engage with them on social media in an abusive/negative/entitled/angry way were telling and it made me embarrassed and ashamed in equal measure. I hope they can disregard the idiots and see how the normal, intelligent passionate fans are absolutely buying in to the vision, which requires balance, patience and rationality.

Excellent podcast and some very good points made about how angry people get when they have a platform for their outrage.

As Jason said, if you don't like what's happening, then engage and get involved. Stop shouting negatively from the sidelines. As he said, he's learned that being positive and hands on has got him much further in life than being angry did.

Quoted from chaos33

Excellent podcast, and I too am grateful that we now have competent, passionate, committed owners. I thought the remarks about those who try to engage with them on social media in an abusive/negative/entitled/angry way were telling and it made me embarrassed and ashamed in equal measure. I hope they can disregard the idiots and see how the normal, intelligent passionate fans are absolutely buying in to the vision, which requires balance, patience and rationality.

Got to laugh.

Tell people not to be abusive and then call them idiots. 🤔

Quoted from ginnywings

Excellent podcast and some very good points made about how angry people get when they have a platform for their outrage.

As Jason said, if you don't like what's happening, then engage and get involved. Stop shouting negatively from the sidelines. As he said, he's learned that being positive and hands on has got him much further in life than being angry did.

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 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

Am surprised that there was nowhere available. What sort of facilities were needed? Am sure that places like lucarlys, Bradley, Grimsby rugby club,  were deemed not appropriate due to league standard or something. Maybe am just playing devils advocate but what did brigg town have that somewhere closer like blossom way or Louth town didn’t?  Even cleethorpes or Grimsby cricket clubs?

Was cheapside not an option at any point?

I have just listened to the podcast and found it very good to listen to. 1878 are positive and optimistic about what they want to do within a structure they have given themselves. No false promises and it's nice to know a new training ground is now being negotiated, where ever the location is.

The fact that they want loan players to take the message back that Grimsby is a good place to go to emphasises the change in which the new setup wants to operate.

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.

I must say I have been quite surprised by your stance toward the new owners as someone who was a long time critic of the old regime.

Maybe you thought they would solve all the problems overnight and we would win the league by Christmas. I didn't and don't think that, but I do believe, like you, the club is in much better hands and given time we will come to a much better place.

I'm sorry if you feel that I have been berating you or anyone else who is critical of the club, but I would say that I'm merely expressing my opinion, which is the purpose of a forum is it not? If it has come across as any different to you and others, then it wasn't my intention and has been duly noted.

For the record, I have always held you in high regard as a poster on here and someone who's views mostly aligned with my own.

Finally, I would say the forum is a better place with you than without you, so don't stay away.

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.

I'm sorry to read that you want to have a break, I don't always agree with you but value your opinions.

Few points from the podcast.
The difference between this lot n fenty/knight is night n day (if you will pardon the pun)
This is a long term project and we need to try n  stop looking at next saturday and try and look forward 6/12 months etc (look how much better generally the club is 12 months on)
Sounds like the training ground and new disabled facilities have taken a step forward
Pettit said again that they wanted to sign players on longer contracts, and not have this constant 12 month churn
They seem baffled by the football industry.lots of surprisingly good cooperation, advice and help, but they cant get their heads round how the players ,coaches, staff etc are treated like serfs/ chattels and not as valued employees, like their people in normal business are treated
The fact that they are having exit interviews and are listening to the players, and want to treat them correctly, as valued employees, will bear fruit sooner than we might expect.the football business is a small one and tight knit and word will very soon get round

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.

I can't believe nobody has mentioned Stockwood is the second richest owner in England, behind the new Newcastle owners and with over 3x the wealth of Abramovich.

Allegedly.

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?

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.

I think the issue is that for many a fan, whether it’s ignorance or blindness, they simply don’t think anything else is important other than the team/results.

In the main, that’s not wrong but football and running a football club is well beyond that these days…

They’re a breath of fresh air and no doubt will make mistakes and ultimately decisions we don’t all like but the difference so far is clarity and openness. They’ve clearly got a plan and for a long time that is something the club didn’t have. Perhaps that plan isn’t focused on what many think isn’t the right stuff and it should solely be focused on creating a winning side but anyone half sensible realises training facilities, treatment of staff, branding of club etc are all integral to creating a sustainable football club, one that is ready for the future.

I’m disappointed they didn’t do the interview perched on the edge of a snooker table though…

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?

I suggest you listen to the podcast as Jason discussed his alleged wealth...

I listened and yes he did mention that his wife had said to him that she’d heard he’d got £32 billion and this was obviously an amusing story.

Then I read your post which didn’t seem to be presented in such a way as to be pertaining to those remarks. This has obviously led to my misunderstanding of your subtext. Probably some sort of emoji use would have avoided that.

Quoted from chaos33

I listened and yes he did mention that his wife had said to him that she’d heard he’d got £32 billion and this was obviously an amusing story.

Then I read your post which didn’t seem to be presented in such a way as to be pertaining to those remarks. This has obviously led to my misunderstanding of your subtext. Probably some sort of emoji use would have avoided that.

The article I read had PIF as being worth £320bn, Sheikh Mansour £23.6bn and values Abramovich at £9.6bn so I really don't understand why we couldn't push the boat out for Tshimanga.

😉

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

I've taken my time replying to this as it's a very insightful post which got a gold star from me and I'm glad you've outed yourself.

Firstly, I can't imagine the frustration you must have felt being knocked back on every option locally, including an athletics stadium that doesn't make money because it doesn't invest in equipment or even open.

I don't know what the stadium requirements are for the level our womens team plays at but what you've highlighted there shows what 1878 are up against with these new training ground plans. They are keeping it all quiet and rightly so but if they pull it off, it will be an amazing achievement.

Your comment on location is an interesting one and so many teams in the mens game do it but you do lose that sense of community in my opinion as players have no reason to live in an area they work in once a fortnight. If you have a youth academy producing local players in the first team it's a massive kick in the teeth for them too but I also see what benefits it can bring.

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.

Bit over sensitive old boy, Ginnys point was quite amusing.

Quoted from jamesgtfc

The article I read had PIF as being worth £320bn, Sheikh Mansour £23.6bn and values Abramovich at £9.6bn so I really don't understand why we couldn't push the boat out for Tshimanga.

😉

What’s PIF, and what article did you read?

Quoted from jamesgtfc

I can't believe nobody has mentioned Stockwood is the second richest owner in England, behind the new Newcastle owners and with over 3x the wealth of Abramovich.

Allegedly.

It’s all crypto currency’s though.
So I think that today he’s worth £3.45.  

Quoted from jamesgtfc

I've taken my time replying to this as it's a very insightful post which got a gold star from me and I'm glad you've outed yourself.

Firstly, I can't imagine the frustration you must have felt being knocked back on every option locally, including an athletics stadium that doesn't make money because it doesn't invest in equipment or even open.

I don't know what the stadium requirements are for the level our womens team plays at but what you've highlighted there shows what 1878 are up against with these new training ground plans. They are keeping it all quiet and rightly so but if they pull it off, it will be an amazing achievement.

Your comment on location is an interesting one and so many teams in the men's game do it but you do lose that sense of community in my opinion as players have no reason to live in an area they work in once a fortnight. If you have a youth academy producing local players in the first team it's a massive kick in the teeth for them too but I also see what benefits it can bring.

Thank you James for your kind words and appreciation.

Not sure what you mean by "outed myself". I was a member of the Fishy for many years as a fan, prior to becoming the manager of the women's team. I merely came away from being on this message board, as the club didn't think it was appropriate for a manager to be on here, and I tended to agree with them on that if I am honest. I did maintain my Twitter account activity though. I will dip in here now and then, as I do find the Fishy quite entertaining and enjoyable, and its always nice to have a chat with fellow supporters,

There are no minimum requirements for venue at the level the women's team plays at presently. So, as long as there is a decent pitch, and changing facilities, teams can play at Tier 6 in the women's pyramid.

We did of course play games initially on the Academy's pitch at Oasis Academy School. It's a decent pitch and I was always extremely grateful to the guys at the Academy for allowing us to use this. But it did have its downsides too. For instance, the Academy are not in a league so to speak, and their fixtures are development games. So, in the event that the weather was poor, they would cancel their own fixtures to give priority to protecting the pitch. Even though a league referee might probably deem the condition of the pitch still playable. But we had to respect the wishes of the Academy when they didn't want games on a wet pitch. It's not something that happened too regularly, but it was always a bit of a bind and a worry during the week leading up to games.

I'd add to this, that with most general open playing field type venues, it also meant management having to pitch up and start setting up pitches, goals/nets and rope barriers etc. Hey don't get me wrong, I am  not above my station in not being willing to do this type of thing, but we was essentially a manager/coach set up of 2 people in the main, and I was there to manage and coach football matches.

But I guess also, I wanted something a bit more for the women's team and its supporters. Something by way of a nice small ground, with club house facilities for supporters and players, covered spectator areas etc. Something that was more conducive to a nice matchday experience, especially as many of the opposition teams have this. I certainly wasn't bitter towards the club regarding any of these frustrations though. I knew exactly what the situation was in terms of facilities in Grimsby when I launched the women's football project and took on the role. It was just a case of being patient for better things to come in the future, and in the meantime, doing the best I could for the players and supporters, with what was available not too far out of Grimsby.

Please understand though, none of this is the reason why I resigned. Why would it be? I achieved what I wanted for the players and supporters for the time being, and until something better facility wise  was available in Grimsby.

I haven’t felt this positive about the club in years . A really excellent interview by the new guys .

I like the idea of rebranding the facilities.

The toilets should be renamed " the john fenty shitters"

Quoted from jonnyboy82

I like the idea of rebranding the facilities.

The toilets should be renamed " the john fenty shitters"

“Can you get me a pint in mate, I just need to nip to the John”…

It’s like long-standing casual parlance has be leading up to this moment.

The Stephen Marley Quiet Area

Quoted from DaleH

A splendid podcast to listen to, that is very enlightening and also so positive. I truly hope that it inspires everyone else, in the same way that it does me, that our club is in great hands.

I am very grateful to Jason for his kind words on the podcast, regarding me, my involvement with the women's team since I launched the idea with the help of the club three years ago, and his disappointment regarding my resignation.

I am also grateful to those that have expressed concern regarding my resignation, and that it hasn't been announced on the clubs official website or social media streams. It means a lot to know that people do care. Whether that is care for my well-being, or care for women's football in general at the club  I hope that Jason's explanation in the podcast, explaining that the women's team is owned by the Grimsby Town Sports & Education Trust (Community Department), and not GTFC, goes some way to explaining why the club wasn't in a position to announce my resignation. This was a matter for the Community Trust to deal with as it saw fit.

Finally, I can assure you that my resignation was in no part as a result of a fall out with anyone at Grimsby Town Football Club. The relationship there is still solid, and I continue to support the club as a fan and lifelong Trust member, and I am very excited about the future for our football club. Furthermore, in respect of the women's team operating under the Community Department, I have immense respect for every player that I worked with during three seasons. They are superb people, and I hope that their efforts on the pitch results in further success, and that women's football in Grimsby can go from strength to strength.

Best wishes and regards

Dale

#UTM

I am grateful to you for sharing a bit of information Dale, although I sort of feel you are holding back and not saying what you really would like to say, perhaps out of a sense of pride and remaining dignified.

I’m also puzzled a little bit by Jason when he mentions that it’s something for the community department to deal with as the women’s team is owned by them. Puzzled because up until your departure the Grimsby Town FC website and social network accounts did appear to be reporting every single thing about the women’s team. From results and match reports, through to announcing new signings. So I think the very least that should have happened, was that an article should have been published acknowledging your resignation and thanking you for your hard work.

From listening to what Jason said about the community department being a separate concern, and reading that you are on good terms with Jason, players and GTFC, reading between the lines it sort of sounds like you weren’t happy with the community trust? Or that something had occurred. Is that a fair assumption Dale?

Maybe he got fed up of mithering bástards sticking their oar in when they’re not really bothered, just trying to stir?

Quoted from chaos33

What’s PIF, and what article did you read?

Public Investment Fund who own Newcastle. The article I referenced is here: [url]https://www.nationalworld.com/lifestyle/money/who-is-the-richest-football-club-owner-in-the-world-net-worth-of-newcastle-united-owners-after-2021-takeover-3412782[/url]

Not sure how accurate the figures are but that really doesn't matter for the point I was making in jest.

Quoted from TinklerMan

I am grateful to you for sharing a bit of information Dale, although I sort of feel you are holding back and not saying what you really would like to say, perhaps out of a sense of pride and remaining dignified.

I’m also puzzled a little bit by Jason when he mentions that it’s something for the community department to deal with as the women’s team is owned by them. Puzzled because up until your departure the Grimsby Town FC website and social network accounts did appear to be reporting every single thing about the women’s team. From results and match reports, through to announcing new signings. So I think the very least that should have happened, was that an article should have been published acknowledging your resignation and thanking you for your hard work.

From listening to what Jason said about the community department being a separate concern, and reading that you are on good terms with Jason, players and GTFC, reading between the lines it sort of sounds like you weren’t happy with the community trust? Or that something had occurred. Is that a fair assumption Dale?

I haven't got anything further to say on the reason that I left. Hey look, I have a daughter playing in the women's team, and lots of good friends there too. So I am absolutely right behind supporting the team and wanting them to do well for themselves and for the club. I shall certainly be cheering them on as a spectator as much as I am able to.

In terms of the club not putting anything out regarding my resignation, as Jason has said, that is very much a matter for GTSET to decide on. As is anything else news-wise in terms of women's team activity.

GTSET is obviously close to the GTFC communication people like Sam, and Dale Ladson before him, and so its up to GTSET to forward them any news on the women's team as they see fit. When I was manager of the team, I put a lot of effort into working alongside GTFC to get as much women's team coverage as we could, because I felt it was important to keep supporters informed about the great achievements and any interesting news. Important because as someone that was championing the growth of the women's game, I wanted to build the profile and the interest in the fan base, and I genuinely feel that the girls' deserved the coverage too. Why shouldn't they enjoy being in the spotlight a little, its nice for them, and it is what every other club seems to do. And to the credit of the GTFC publicity people, and the photography team too, they were always so helpful and supportive to me and the players, and by the way, often in their own time on a volunteer basis. Great people. A great example of this would be people like Dale Ladson or Anne Boyers or Lee Blease or Darren Clay. In addition to their paid roles of travelling all over with the men's team plus their Monday - Friday stuff, they would also give up their own time to be at our games on Sunday's, to support us with publicity. That is fantastic really isn't it.

I am sure that someone at GTSET will pick up on PR things where I left off. It's up to them now to build on the success and to pull in the resources to keep things moving forward positively. My time is done, and so perhaps we best leave it at that.

Nice to chat though.

All the best

Dale

Quoted from DaleH

Thank you James for your kind words and appreciation.

Not sure what you mean by "outed myself". I was a member of the Fishy for many years as a fan, prior to becoming the manager of the women's team. I merely came away from being on this message board, as the club didn't think it was appropriate for a manager to be on here, and I tended to agree with them on that if I am honest. I did maintain my Twitter account activity though. I will dip in here now and then, as I do find the Fishy quite entertaining and enjoyable, and its always nice to have a chat with fellow supporters,

There are no minimum requirements for venue at the level the women's team plays at presently. So, as long as there is a decent pitch, and changing facilities, teams can play at Tier 6 in the women's pyramid.

We did of course play games initially on the Academy's pitch at Oasis Academy School. It's a decent pitch and I was always extremely grateful to the guys at the Academy for allowing us to use this. But it did have its downsides too. For instance, the Academy are not in a league so to speak, and their fixtures are development games. So, in the event that the weather was poor, they would cancel their own fixtures to give priority to protecting the pitch. Even though a league referee might probably deem the condition of the pitch still playable. But we had to respect the wishes of the Academy when they didn't want games on a wet pitch. It's not something that happened too regularly, but it was always a bit of a bind and a worry during the week leading up to games.

I'd add to this, that with most general open playing field type venues, it also meant management having to pitch up and start setting up pitches, goals/nets and rope barriers etc. Hey don't get me wrong, I am  not above my station in not being willing to do this type of thing, but we was essentially a manager/coach set up of 2 people in the main, and I was there to manage and coach football matches.

But I guess also, I wanted something a bit more for the women's team and its supporters. Something by way of a nice small ground, with club house facilities for supporters and players, covered spectator areas etc. Something that was more conducive to a nice matchday experience, especially as many of the opposition teams have this. I certainly wasn't bitter towards the club regarding any of these frustrations though. I knew exactly what the situation was in terms of facilities in Grimsby when I launched the women's football project and took on the role. It was just a case of being patient for better things to come in the future, and in the meantime, doing the best I could for the players and supporters, with what was available not too far out of Grimsby.

Please understand though, none of this is the reason why I resigned. Why would it be? I achieved what I wanted for the players and supporters for the time being, and until something better facility wise  was available in Grimsby.

Could have sworn this was a GTFC forum, I count this as non football and beg it is removed appropriately

Quoted from coddy60

Could have sworn this was a GTFC forum, I count this as non football and beg it is removed appropriately

Nice bit of trolling that. Now sling your hook.

Quoted from coddy60

Could have sworn this was a GTFC forum, I count this as non football and beg it is removed appropriately

Not needed. Jog on please.

Quoted from DaleH

A splendid podcast to listen to, that is very enlightening and also so positive. I truly hope that it inspires everyone else, in the same way that it does me, that our club is in great hands.

I am very grateful to Jason for his kind words on the podcast, regarding me, my involvement with the women's team since I launched the idea with the help of the club three years ago, and his disappointment regarding my resignation.

I am also grateful to those that have expressed concern regarding my resignation, and that it hasn't been announced on the clubs official website or social media streams. It means a lot to know that people do care. Whether that is care for my well-being, or care for women's football in general at the club  I hope that Jason's explanation in the podcast, explaining that the women's team is owned by the Grimsby Town Sports & Education Trust (Community Department), and not GTFC, goes some way to explaining why the club wasn't in a position to announce my resignation. This was a matter for the Community Trust to deal with as it saw fit.

Finally, I can assure you that my resignation was in no part as a result of a fall out with anyone at Grimsby Town Football Club. The relationship there is still solid, and I continue to support the club as a fan and lifelong Trust member, and I am very excited about the future for our football club. Furthermore, in respect of the women's team operating under the Community Department, I have immense respect for every player that I worked with during three seasons. They are superb people, and I hope that their efforts on the pitch results in further success, and that women's football in Grimsby can go from strength to strength.

Best wishes and regards

Dale

#UTM

You did a super job Dale and achieved so much in such a short time, starting with nothing. You was also a good ambassador for the club. I am sure you have personal reasons for leaving, and I respect your wish to keep your council. That says a great deal about the quality of the person you appear to be.

Best of luck with whatever it is you go onto.

Quoted from Fillipe Noche

You did a super job Dale and achieved so much in such a short time, starting with nothing. You was also a good ambassador for the club.  

“Ambassador, with this Ferrero Noche you are really trolling us”

[url]https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4P-nZZkQqTc[/url]

Great podcast. And what a refreshing change to have open & upfront owners & CEO willing to put the time in to communicate with the fan base straight after a match. These guys are such a stark contrast compared to "he who shall not be named" & his cronies.  They care about the club and I think we are in very good hands for years to come. UTM