Ryan Bennett

Even if he’s only training with us and it goes no further than this what an amazing influence to have around the football club right now.

I think he will probably end up signing. The only problem is we've got an embarrassment of riches in his position.

If only it was a primo centre forward.

Hurst is probably wanting him to keep fit as he's his first signing at Rotherham?

Hypothetical question (for now); Bennett knocks on the manager’s door and says he’s willing to take £1,500 a week to play for Town on a one-year deal. What would you do?

One the one hand, you’d be getting a 32-year old centre half presumably still capable of playing in the second tier and arguably one of if not the best defender in the division.

On the flip side, you’d have to leave two of Waterfall, Smith and Maher out the side (plus Pearson), when we’ve already got the second best defensive record in the league, and risk upsetting the apple cart.

There is a course a third-option of moving to a back three but that’s potentially even more disruptive to our flow.

Do you reckon he’s any good as a target man?

Quoted from headingly_mariner

I think he will probably end up signing. The only problem is we've got an embarrassment of riches in his position.

If only it was a primo centre forward.

We can field a B Team of defenders in the pizza platter shield.  

If he played literally any other position he’d be an absolute must to sign, but I can’t for the life of me see how we fit him in with 3 quality options already for 2 positions.

Just to add to the potential conundrum, a smidge over two years ago he was signed by and playing for Leicester City, who finished 5th in the Premier League (missing out on Champions League qualification on the final day).

He’s not Danny Collins, who was 36 and hadn’t played in the PL for 5 years prior to signing him (and still did alright by the way), he’s a different prospect altogether.

The more I think about it the more I feel if money wasn’t a blocker then you’d have to do it. He’s the same age as Luke Waterfall, who has never played above League One (and even then only fleetingly). If you’re prepared to throw sentiment out of the window, it’s a no-brainer in terms of ability.  

Quoted from Poojah

Just to add to the potential conundrum, a smidge over two years ago he was signed by and playing for Leicester City, who finished 5th in the Premier League (missing out on Champions League qualification on the final day).

He’s not Danny Collins, who was 36 and hadn’t played in the PL for 5 years prior to signing him (and still did alright by the way), he’s a different prospect altogether.

The more I think about it the more I feel if money wasn’t a blocker then you’d have to do it. He’s the same age as Luke Waterfall, who has never played above League One (and even then only fleetingly). If you’re prepared to throw sentiment out of the window, it’s a no-brainer in terms of ability.  

Pretty much sums up my feelings on it. If he's available and not expensive it's a must.

Personally, I would not disturb the pairing of Waterfall and Smith for anyone. Why have we won four on the bounce away? Pundits say it is solidity at the back which allows us to soak up pressure and hit opponents on the break. Waterfall is our leader and the team look up to him. Leave well alone!

Very very difficult decision for PH, if he ever has to make it. Totally agree with what Lew said, anywhere else on the pitch and we’d be begging for somebody with his CV to play for us.

As brilliant as Smith is, and has been, do you prioritise a player that is your own for the next 2/3 seasons?  

Maher is fit again and was very impressive the other night aswell.

Not a selection decision I’d look forward to making!

We don't need him so why sign him ?

Don't forget that, in all likelihood, we won't have Smith or Pearson next season. If we could sign Bennett on a two-year deal, we'd have three outstanding centre backs for this level and the one above, provided Maher lives up to his potential.

Quoted from golfer

We don't need him so why sign him ?

I agree, we don’t ‘need’ him.

However, if he ends up being an improvement on Waterfall, he would be worth it.

Played right back at times for us all those eons ago and looked alright, is also i'm sure savvy enough to play a defensive mid role. If we can sign him on a 2 or 3 year deal and it's not a stretch to.do so, absolute no brainer. I don't see it happening though. If he's living round here now, makes you wonder what Lincoln and Barnsley are waiting for.

Things like this can potentially upset the dressing room, imagine your Luke waterfall, you've been outstanding for this club Inthe past year, you've got a great partnership with another top defender and got great players in your position in reserve, then along comes a former fans favourite and quality ex premier League player, in this case, as good as Ryan Bennett was for us, and however much I'd like him in the squad, I'd never risk upsetting what we have now, you see it time and again at clubs, the wrong signing at the wrong time, Hurst isn't daft, and we won't be signing Ryan Bennett.

Let me get this straight. We don't sign a player that would be the best centre back at the club and probably the entire league because it would upset the apple cart?

Priceless.

Quoted from Phil the cod

Things like this can potentially upset the dressing room, imagine your Luke waterfall, you've been outstanding for this club Inthe past year, you've got a great partnership with another top defender and got great players in your position in reserve, then along comes a former fans favourite and quality ex premier League player, in this case, as good as Ryan Bennett was for us, and however much I'd like him in the squad, I'd never risk upsetting what we have now, you see it time and again at clubs, the wrong signing at the wrong time, Hurst isn't daft, and we won't be signing Ryan Bennett.

Call me old fashioned but I want us to sign the best players we can get and much as I like Luke Waterfall, he’s not anywhere near Ryan Bennett’s level.

As much as I like waterfall , if Bennett is available and wants to sign we have to . We want the club to move forward and this would possibly be the best signing in this division this year .

Quoted from Poojah

Just to add to the potential conundrum, a smidge over two years ago he was signed by and playing for Leicester City, who finished 5th in the Premier League (missing out on Champions League qualification on the final day).

He’s not Danny Collins, who was 36 and hadn’t played in the PL for 5 years prior to signing him (and still did alright by the way), he’s a different prospect altogether.

The more I think about it the more I feel if money wasn’t a blocker then you’d have to do it. He’s the same age as Luke Waterfall, who has never played above League One (and even then only fleetingly). If you’re prepared to throw sentiment out of the window, it’s a no-brainer in terms of ability.  

Absolutely, he's a completely different class to players in our league.

I’d sign him could be the difference between play offs and automatic promotion 🤞

Release Goundry and move Pearson to a coaching role?

If we can sign him you sign him, even if its just to stop your rivals picking up another piece. Ignoring the fact that Bennett will make the squad better and under Hurst if Bennett did take someones place in the squad he will of earnt it and not just because he's played in the Prem

Who would want to be a manager eh

If we signed him and then he took someone's place, that is likely to be because he is better. If he replaced Waterfall at the back would he be better enough to make up for waterfalls goals? If he replaced smith would he still have retained enough pace for us to not be left slow in CD? I genuinely have no idea. That's without even thinking of maher. It'd be a brilliant problem to have and, if we don't already, we'd have easily the strongest central defence in the league you'd think. But would it be money well spent when we are surely targeting the ever elusive striker to replace taylor and or mcatee longer term - I can see both sides to the argument.

If we did sign him that would surely leave Pearson (who is himself a perfectly competent lg2 defender in my opinion) as surplus and leaving in January. I wonder if Wrexham would have the balls to admit they were idiots to let him go in the first place and pay us money to get him back, which they could easily afford but would be a tad embarrassing.

If Bennett was to sign, the other central defenders on the books would have to play really, really, really well to win a place, even on the bench.

Seems unlikely he'll end up here as there are some relatively local League 1 clubs who would be delighted to sign him. If the price is right.

Ryan could sign for Hull and we could sign Smith on a permanent deal.

Problem solved  

imagine at the end of the 20/21 that we would be sitting just outside the playoffs with a player of Bennetts talents training with us and us mulling over whether we should be trying to sign him. What a mental turnaround of a year and a half eh.

Might have been mentioned before but he could be a great replacement for Andy Smith if he got recalled back to the Targers who are leaking goals badly at the moment.

Again give your heads a wobble if you wouldn’t sign him.
Players understand that manager will play his best players.

There’s levels and bennet is near the top of them.

All this conjecture, it is clear that when Hurst signs for Rotherham his first transfer into the club will be a fit Ryan Bennett who proved himself whilst training at Town.

Quoted from male private Nale

All this conjecture, it is clear that when Hurst signs for Rotherham his first transfer into the club will be a fit Ryan Bennett who proved himself whilst training at Town.

You must have a spring in your step with the Rotherham rumour?

Quoted from hampshiremariner

Personally, I would not disturb the pairing of Waterfall and Smith for anyone. Why have we won four on the bounce away? Pundits say it is solidity at the back which allows us to soak up pressure and hit opponents on the break. Waterfall is our leader and the team look up to him. Leave well alone!

Throw in a settled back line, which is a must at any level and you have a recipe for success.  

The back 4 is the one part of the pitch you don't chop and change unless absolutely necessary.

If we have the opportunity to upgrade in any area we must take it, sentiment hinders progress.  However, I haven’t seen Ryan play for many years, the levels he’s played at suggest that he should be better but I don’t actually know.

Like someone else has said, this isn’t a 36-year-old Danny Collins who hadn’t played in the top flight for 5 years. Bennett was starting in the Prem just over 2 years ago. We all saw against Forest that the Premiership is on a totally different level to what it was when we were last in touching distance. If there’s half a chance of Bennett coming in, sign him.

Yes the current group of CBs is good, but....

One of the players isn't our player and could be recalled by his parent club.
One of them clearly does not have a long term future at the club (Pearson), as a player at least.
One of them has hardly killed a ball in anger this season.

Throw in the likelihood of an injury or 2 and a fit Bennett (who can also play full back and possibly midfield) looks a no brainer.

And here's another factor. When he played for Town his girlfriend was a Cleethorpes girl. If he's still with her she may want to be back in the area. I don't know this, pure conjecture.

Quoted from BobbyCummingsTackle

Yes the current group of CBs is good, but....

One of the players isn't our player and could be recalled by his parent club.
One of them clearly does not have a long term future at the club (Pearson), as a player at least.
One of them has hardly killed a ball in anger this season.

Throw in the likelihood of an injury or 2 and a fit Bennett (who can also play full back and possibly midfield) looks a no brainer.

And here's another factor. When he

played for Town his girlfriend was a Cleethorpes girl. If he's still with her she may want to be back in the area. I don't know this, pure conjecture.

They are back in the area. Bought a house down humberston ave in the summer

If we had the opportunity to sign Bennett and it is financially viable, then if we want to progress, we should sign him.

As much as I'm happy with the defensive partnership we have at the minute, I would suggest that Bennett is the better option over Waterfall, plus the fact Andy Smith is only a loanee.

We have to remember that Bennett played Premiership football just over 2 years ago.
We wouldn't get many chances to sign that calibre of player in our current position.

Play him just in front of the back 4?, he would be excellent carrying the ball forward too

I'll got shot for this..but going on his performances so far this season I'd take Bennett over Efete....

Quoted from Northbank Mariner

I'll got shot for this..but going on his performances so far this season I'd take Bennett over Efete....

I would like to see Cropper have a proper go when back from injury.
He's done nothing wrong since coming in, and was vital in the play-offs IMO

Given Hull’s disastrous defensive frailties this season there has to be a danger they would recall Smih. They have been giving away some real comedy goals.

If Smith was recalled we would be left with Waterfall and Maher, plus a past his sell by date Pearson, so not really the embarrassment of riches we might think.

Bennet is a class player. A definite improvement on what we have currently. So yes, it would make sense to sign him if it made sense financially.

Firstly, that’s a disrespectful remark about Shaun Pearson who has never let us down when called upon and still has plenty to offer. Shaun is 33. Ryan Bennet, on the other hand, who isn’t fit, and who you haven’t seen play in a long time is 32. He’s not ‘past his sell by date’ though.

I thought Smith was on a season long loan with no recall, is that incorrect?

Well, looking at the EFL regulations Hull could only recall Smith during the Winter Transfer Window........unless anyone knows better.

56.1.2  any recall clause requiring the early termination of a Standard Loan can only be included in a full Season Standard Loan and this can only be activated during the Winter Transfer Window;

Seeing all these arguments about the waterfall/Bennett situation, is that because in reality, we could’ve had the same situation with holohan/fabregas

I don't have a clue on the finances but if we were to leave those aside - if he was keen, we sign Bennett without a moment's hesitation.

He's only played one season outside of Prem/Championship since he left us 12 years ago, doesn't seem overly injury prone & he's only 32 - not far past peak for a defender.

He also scores goals, including 10 across the three full seasons in L1 & L2 when he was a nipper. With a decade of guile added, it wouldn't be a stretch to think he'd be an opposition nightmare at every set-piece in L2. Throw Waterfall into the same mix and there's extra space & carnage galore. We'll have a centre back or two on the top scorers list.

Personally can't countenance a second of debate about this. Alas, if fit - unless he's a fan - he must surely receive a more appealing offer elsewhere.

If he's a fan, though, then who knows...

Quoted from Hagrid

They are back in the area. Bought a house down humberston ave in the summer

You don't know the number by any chance ?

Quoted from Hagrid

They are back in the area. Bought a house down humberston ave in the summer

Indeed, spotted in the co-op in new Waltham.

Quoted from Phil the cod

Indeed, spotted in the co-op in new Waltham.

He probably thought he was nipping into the Harvest Moon for a quick pint...

I believe Bennett had his contract with Swansea cancelled by mutual agreement just before the transfer window closed, thus ending his lucrative income early and making him a free agent. As posted he has relocated to Humberston and we can assume this is his base for the future.

JS has said that the club want to improve with every transfer window and as a free agent, this does not apply to Bennett, so we could sign him now. A high salary and money is not an issue for Bennett otherwise he would have kept his contract at Swansea. He still wants to play, which is why he is training with us, and unless Hull is interested, given their dire defensive performance, then we could sign him.

A quality player and the squad is moving in the right direction.

Quoted from RonMariner

Given Hull’s disastrous defensive frailties this season there has to be a danger they would recall Smih. They have been giving away some real comedy goals.

If Smith was recalled we would be left with Waterfall and Maher, plus a past his sell by date Pearson, so not really the embarrassment of riches we might think.

Bennet is a class player. A definite improvement on what we have currently. So yes, it would make sense to sign him if it made sense financially.

What a excrement comment about Shaun, still a very good commanding player , who is far from finished

Quoted from Garth

What a excrement comment about Shaun, still a very good commanding player , who is far from finished

Watch this space with Shaun. There's a few non-playing roles being introduced shortly....

Quoted from Garth

What a excrement comment about Shaun, still a very good commanding player , who is far from finished

Agee completely!!

I’ve given this a thought and though we know Bennet has quality & pedigree looking at our goals conceded record so we actually need him to become a promotion contender in this league?

Quoted from Garth

What a excrement comment about Shaun, still a very good commanding player , who is far from finished

Yes, I agree it was a very poor choice of words.

The fact is though that he is clearly fourth choice and hasn’t featured as a regular for a while now. Clearly there is a considerably difference between being a squad player at NL/L2 level and a guy that was a regular in a team that finished in the Championship playoffs recently. So I do think we would improve the squad by signing Bennet.

Quoted from golfer

You don't know the number by any chance ?

Maybe he's taken some time out from football to do a spot of decorating. There was a house down there up for sale that was decorated dreadfully.

I thought Shaun was already doing a non playing role within the club (ie coaching youngsters) I'd assume something like this was offered ehich enticed him back.... Pure guess work by me but it wouldn't surprise me as any club he's been at he's always been seen as respectable and always in the community doing stuff.

Quoted from Garth

What a excrement comment about Shaun, still a very good commanding player , who is far from finished

Shaun Pearson should be above any negative comments, he's been one of our most loyal, trustworthy players since maybe John McDermott. Plus he's a decent player and a model professional.
Makes me laugh how some people don't value loyalty.

Quoted from lukeo

I thought Shaun was already doing a non playing role within the club (ie coaching youngsters) I'd assume something like this was offered ehich enticed him back.... Pure guess work by me but it wouldn't surprise me as any club he's been at he's always been seen as respectable and always in the community doing stuff.

He also takes time out in his private down time to talk to fans and support local kids football.
He's never let us down when called upon.
Him and scannell are my favourite players.

Quoted from lukeo

I thought Shaun was already doing a non playing role within the club (ie coaching youngsters) I'd assume something like this was offered ehich enticed him back.... Pure guess work by me but it wouldn't surprise me as any club he's been at he's always been seen as respectable and always in the community doing stuff.

As of this season Shaun Pearson now coaches one of the age group teams in the Club's Academy, as does Danny Rose.

Re: Pearson as a player - I'd have no worries about him stepping into the side really. Don't think he's going to be first choice now, as is probably obvious, but he's definitely a player we can trust to step in and play at this level (perhaps better alongside Smith or Maher rather than Waterfall).

Quoted from Tommy

As of this season Shaun Pearson now coaches one of the age group teams in the Club's Academy, as does Danny Rose.

Re: Pearson as a player - I'd have no worries about him stepping into the side really. Don't think he's going to be first choice now, as is probably obvious, but he's definitely a player we can trust to step in and play at this level (perhaps better alongside Smith or Maher rather than Waterfall).

Danny Rose as in the conspiracy nutter?

Quoted from gtfc98

Danny Rose as in the conspiracy nutter?

One of our values as a club now is inclusivity.

Quoted from Maringer

He probably thought he was nipping into the Harvest Moon for a quick pint...

Hang on a minute.....  as an exile, who’s route to BP when on visits home doesn’t take me through New Waltham ..... are you telling me The Harvest Moon is now a Co-op?  

Quoted from SouthLakesMariner

Hang on a minute.....  as an exile, who’s route to BP when on visits home doesn’t take me through New Waltham ..... are you telling me The Harvest Moon is now a Co-op?  

Yup. Caught me by surprise earlier this year when I took my lad to a birthday party in New Waltham. I've no idea how long it has been a shop for but it must have been years since I drove past.

Harvest Moon became one of those dreadful Ember Inn pubs a while back, like the Rose n Crown and Wheatsheaf. I reckon it’s been a coop about 5 years…

Co-Op opened Dec. 2019

Quoted from golfer

Co-Op opened Dec. 2019

Judging by the average age of the clientele the last time I visited the Harvest Moon, The Co-Op probably bought the place as an upselling opportunity.

Quoted from golfer

We don't need him so why sign him ?

Looking at the performance of Efete, Glennon and Smith today (Swindon) we definitely do. A quality player like Bennett would make all of them up their game.

Quoted from DB

Looking at the performance of Efete, Glennon and Smith today (Swindon) we definitely do. A quality player like Bennett would make all of them up their game.

Should always be looking to improve and Ryan Bennett would do just that, on and off the pitch!! so if he's available and we can afford his wage demands its a no brainer

Does Ryan Bennett want to sign for us?

Quoted from buckstown

Does Ryan Bennett want to sign for us?

We are Grimsby Town, everybody wants to sign for us
UTM

We could take him on a non-contract basis, which would leave him free to move to a high club up the pyramid. Apart from benefiting us it would also give him game time and improve his match fitness.

A win-win situation.

Once he’s improved his fitness, I’d expect to see Bennett sign initially until the end of the season.

Quoted from Surrey97

Once he’s improved his fitness, I’d expect to see Bennett sign initially until the end of the season.

Christ what a selection of CB’s

If that were to materialise, it could be possibly our best signing, pound for pound relative to our level, for many a year. Defensively probably going back as far as Andy Todd, and just how good was he!?

A fit Bennett would be scary good in League Two. Would be great to see.

2 years ago we had Kyle Bennett, and the difference in class of Bennetts would be a real indicator of how far the club's moved forward.

Could say the same about Greens

Quoted from The_Laughing_Mariner

Could say the same about Greens

And Waterfalls. The one we had under Holloway was awful.

Quoted from Poojah

If that were to materialise, it could be possibly our best signing, pound for pound relative to our level, for many a year. Defensively probably going back as far as Andy Todd, and just how good was he!?

A fit Bennett would be scary good in League Two. Would be great to see.

On paper I'd say this would exceed that.

Todd, as excellent as he was, arrived at a side struggling of what is now the Championship.  But at that point in his career he had not quite established himself as a Premier League regular, in and out of the Bolton and Charlton sides that yo-yoed between the top two divisions (arguably more to do with Phil Brown's jaw than his ability mind).   Even after joining Blackburn after us he couldn't hold down a starting place for long.

Bennett has played far more games in the top flight (prior to any transer) and his drop (if it happens) is far greater than to the relegation scrap of the second tier.  Of course there's also the fact that Todd was a loan signing, Bennett would be permanent.   Todd was a good five years younger though.

The only I can think of that would come close is Dave Beasant.  He was the Chelsea No 1 just over a month before he arrived on loan with us and was only 3 years since he won his 2 England caps.

Maybe Garry Birtles, but he had already spent a few seasons in the third tier with Notts County before arriving at BP.

The one player who always stands out for me looking at in terms of the level they're playing at is Conor Townsend, but he was a young lad in both his spells.  One who was always, always going to end up at a much higher level.

Quoted from diehardmariner

On paper I'd say this would exceed that.

Todd, as excellent as he was, arrived at a side struggling of what is now the Championship.  But at that point in his career he had not quite established himself as a Premier League regular, in and out of the Bolton and Charlton sides that yo-yoed between the top two divisions (arguably more to do with Phil Brown's jaw than his ability mind).   Even after joining Blackburn after us he couldn't hold down a starting place for long.

Bennett has played far more games in the top flight (prior to any transer) and his drop (if it happens) is far greater than to the relegation scrap of the second tier.  Of course there's also the fact that Todd was a loan signing, Bennett would be permanent.   Todd was a good five years younger though.

The only I can think of that would come close is Dave Beasant.  He was the Chelsea No 1 just over a month before he arrived on loan with us and was only 3 years since he won his 2 England caps.

Maybe Garry Birtles, but he had already spent a few seasons in the third tier with Notts County before arriving at BP.

The one player who always stands out for me looking at in terms of the level they're playing at is Conor Townsend, but he was a young lad in both his spells.  One who was always, always going to end up at a much higher level.

Townsend mkII is the obvious one I’ve forgotten. Only young as you say but at least two divisions below his level when he was with us, as he proved by leaving us to go straight into a League One Scunny side.

I started watching Town as a kid, months after Birtles retired so I never had the pleasure of seeing him in a black and white shirt, but Beasant just oozed class didn’t he? If Bennett could look anywhere near that good it would be something truly to behold.

Andy Todd is the best player i've seen in a town shirt. He had so much class

Quoted from Hagrid

Andy Todd is the best player i've seen in a town shirt. He had so much class

Very good. But, in terms of technical ability, Trevor Whymark was sublime.

Quoted from MuddyWaters

Very good. But, in terms of technical ability, Trevor Whymark was sublime.

Joe Waters for me, best player to ever don the famous black and white stripes in my opinion.

Quoted from Poojah

Townsend mkII is the obvious one I’ve forgotten. Only young as you say but at least two divisions below his level when he was with us, as he proved by leaving us to go straight into a League One Scunny side.

I started watching Town as a kid, months after Birtles retired so I never had the pleasure of seeing him in a black and white shirt, but Beasant just oozed class didn’t he? If Bennett could look anywhere near that good it would be something truly to behold.

I only got the back end of Birtles' time at Town, a fair bit of that was as a centre-back rather than striker too.  Sure I remember one game where he played at the back with Futch!  Regardless, he still had ten yards on everyone just because of his reading of the game.

Beasant was just miles and miles and then some more above that level.  A couple of errors in quick succession had seen him quickly go under the bus at Chelsea and it was unreal to think he was then walking out at Blundell Park a few weeks later.  If I was to try and compare it now, it would be like Aaron Ramsdale having a few bad games and then rocking up on loan at Blackpool for a month.

I think his impact was even greater here because he was replacing Rhys Wilmot, who was largely a quite poor goalkeeper in my memory.  Decent shot stopper but dreadful on crosses and for a big bloke had absolutely no command of his area.  Prior to that we had Steve Sherwood, another who was prone to staying on his goal-line and Paul Reece who just didn't have the height to command an area.  Beasant came in and it was almost surreal, immediately he made that whole 18 yard area his own.  The defence pushed up another 10-15 yards, which naturally had a knock-on across the whole team.  It wasn't just because we were keeping teams out that we had a great run when he was here, he gave the other ten players so much confidence.  

It was never on the cards but had we held onto him for the remainder of that season, I'm in no doubt our next season would have been in the top flight.  He was that good.

It's nearly 30 years since his short spell, since then I've only seen a small handful of 'keepers who've come close to commanding their area in the same as he did.  Aidan Davison, Steve Mildenhall, Wayne & Dean Henderson and our present custodian between the sticks.  Davison was immaculate for 20 months but probably blotted his copybook when he returned in 2003.  Mildenhall was vastly underrated, whereas the Henderson's were short-term impacts.  Crocombe has got better and better since he got his chance and looks to have kicked on another level under the guidance of Croudson this season.  

Quoted from Les Brechin

Joe Waters for me, best player to ever don the famous black and white stripes in my opinion.

Agree with this but in that ere closely followed by Kevin Moore and Trevor Whymark.

Quoted from Surrey97

Once he’s improved his fitness, I’d expect to see Bennett sign initially until the end of the season.

Is that just a hunch or is there any intel behind that?

Quoted from Son of Cod

Is that just a hunch or is there any intel behind that?

Funnily enough, someone on twitter this morning claiming to have a "reliable" source said exactly the same thing

Quoted from Les Brechin

Joe Waters for me, best player to ever don the famous black and white stripes in my opinion.

Wouldn't disagree overall, I was just judging in terms of technical ability. Joe brought so much more, notably the will to win and great leadership.

In the meantime, in terms of ability, can I dream of a GTFC eleven that includes the likes of Taylor, McAtee, Hunt, Scannell and Bennett?

Quoted from Son of Cod

Is that just a hunch or is there any intel behind that?

Not just a hunch

Quoted from Surrey97

Not just a hunch

Birtles was sheer class

Beasant still the best town goal keeper I’ve seen

Andy Todd awesome game against wolves away (then had to make it back to Chiswick from molineux in 2 hours to go on holiday!)

Nigel Jemson (loaned from wendy) and sir Clive worked brilliant together

Birtles made playing at the back look easy, like he was always a step ahead and always had time, never rushed. His reading of the game was fantastic. Even at winding down phase of career he stood out.

Quoted from marinerjase

Birtles made playing at the back look easy, like he was always a step ahead and always had time, never rushed. His reading of the game was fantastic. Even at winding down phase of career he stood out.

Same with Futch

Quoted from WOZOFGRIMSBY

Birtles was sheer class

Beasant still the best town goal keeper I’ve seen

Andy Todd awesome game against wolves away (then had to make it back to Chiswick from molineux in 2 hours to go on holiday!)

Nigel Jemson (loaned from wendy) and sir Clive worked brilliant together

Great shout on Jemson.  Brought in to cover injury to Super Clive wasn't he, then a quicker than expected recovery saw them play together.  Another who was brought down here because he just fell out of favour at a higher level and really stood out.  

Really good interview with him on Undrthecosh a while back, sadly didn't mention anything of his spell at Town.

Just checked The Bible/Dave Wherry's Official History.  2 goals in 6 games for Jemson.

4 games paired with Clive.  2 wins and 2 draws.  We scored 10 goals in those games.  That season we finished 16th but only 12 points off the play-offs, but picked up just 4 points from our last 21 (scoring two goals) and 8 from our last 30.

Quoted from MuddyWaters

Very good. But, in terms of technical ability, Trevor Whymark was sublime.

"Classiest" player I've ever seen wear the shirt

Any news on Bennett, which this thread is supposed to be about?