Another season in L2 is hardly going to help his development and now he is at a Premiership club I would expect him to join a L1 club as a minimum but maybe a bottom half Championship club would give him a try?
Potential is certainly there and now probably comes down to his level of commitment and how much he wants it.
Worst team for him to go to. He needs a team that keeps.the ball on the deck, their style of play would do John no favours.
Think they play better footy than they did in our promotion season. They rigidly stick to wingbacks though in a 532/352, would that suit him? Potentially it could as there's a slot there for an attacking midfielder in the hole.
Really can't see him hitting any of the heights of 21/22 again, will always be thankful for his contributions that season but off the field behaviours, outside influencers and ultimately the move he earned for himself made him alot less effective last season. Luton going up whilst he wasn't there wont have done him any favours as I am sure we all agree he isn't Premiership level. I can see certain similarities to Bogle ..... a big season with us but then always searching to repeat it.
Would love him to prove me wrong so that season would somehow be more memorable if he went onto much greater things but he needs to focus his energies in the right way.
2023/24 DLWDDWDLLLWDLLLLWDDDWDLLWLDLLDWDDWLLDWLWLWL but not NLN 😁 2022/23LDWDWWDWLLDWWDLLLDLWLLWLWLLWDDLDWWDDDLLWDWLWLW 2021/22 WDWWWWDLWWWWLLLWLLDLWLLWWDWWWLWDLWWDWWWDLWD play offs WWW Promoted 🥳 2020/21 LLDWWLDLDWLWLLLDLWLLDLLDLLLWLLLDDDDWDDDLWLWLWL .. hello darkness my old friend 2019/20 WDLDWWLDLWWLLLDLDLDLDDWWDLLWDDWWL WLLW - ended 2018/19 LWDDLLLLLLWWDWLLLWDWLWWWWLLLLWWWWDLLLDDLLDLWLW Hello Scunny
Be on loan for a year then be bought by a Bolton / Blackburn type club near his Manchester mates , then like others have said fade into a journeyman like bogle … having said that if he scores 20 in the prem I’d be pleased as punch for him & I personally will always like him
Always did his best for us, and most times in our promotion season was outstanding, love to have him back on loan, and wish him the best wherever he goes.
In the documentary of Wrexham,during our promotion season/their failed attempt season there was a shot of potential January signings on the whiteboard behind parkinson. Mcatee was one of those players listed, so parkinson is obviously an admirer so this wouldn't be completely left field.
Personally I'd be disappointed to see him line up for them, I hope he can get himself a L1 level loan which is what he needs I think.
For what? A player that had a great season with us, played a great part in getting us up moving on?
Let’s face it, his contribution last year was minimal for a number of factors, some his own fault.
He’s gone to Luton, he clearly won’t be in their plans so he’s gonna go somewhere on loan. Is he ready for league 1? Probably not, or is it a case of few teams coming in for him?
All the best to him, perhaps if he sorts himself out off the pitch and with some better coaching he’ll improve and have a decent career in the championship. At this stage it’s all a bit Bogle to me…
'the poor and the needy are selfish and greedy'...well done Mozza
The issue I have with this potential move is that it kind of takes something away from that victory at Wrexham.
Don't get me wrong, that game will forever hold a special place in my heart, but if the guy who ran the show that day for us — who cupped his ears at the Wrexham fans in celebration — then ended up playing for them against us just 16 months later, it chips away at something.
We all know we fúcked up their season (and documentary) that day. But, just a year on, they went up anyway and will likely overtake us.
That 5-4 victory would hold more value if it properly hurt them. All it did was delay the inevitable.
Delaying the inevitable was always preferable to losing on the day, obviously. Maybe I'm just being super greedy about it!! I'd rather we didn't face McAtee — at least for a few seasons yet.
"Don't shine that light in my face, mate - I've just lost a pint of blood."
Exactly, the 5-4 win's a great win because it's a 9 goal thriller in a playoff semi final. I've as much interest in its impact on Wrexham as the 2015 impact on Eastleigh.
For what? A player that had a great season with us, played a great part in getting us up moving on?
Let’s face it, his contribution last year was minimal for a number of factors, some his own fault.
He’s gone to Luton, he clearly won’t be in their plans so he’s gonna go somewhere on loan. Is he ready for league 1? Probably not, or is it a case of few teams coming in for him?
All the best to him, perhaps if he sorts himself out off the pitch and with some better coaching he’ll improve and have a decent career in the championship. At this stage it’s all a bit Bogle to me…
I liked him a lot. First genuinely “off the seat” player we’ve had in years. Not enamoured with the prospect of seeing him against us in his first season away. Let me feel sorry for myself for a couple of days.
My only regret with Mcatee is I’ve only just realised today how easy it would be to fit his name into the tune of “Let it Be” by The Beatles. Fûcksake.
The issue I have with this potential move is that it kind of takes something away from that victory at Wrexham.
Don't get me wrong, that game will forever hold a special place in my heart, but if the guy who ran the show that day for us — who cupped his ears at the Wrexham fans in celebration — then ended up playing for them against us just 16 months later, it chips away at something.
We all know we fúcked up their season (and documentary) that day. But, just a year on, they went up anyway and will likely overtake us.
That 5-4 victory would hold more value if it properly hurt them. All it did was delay the inevitable.
Delaying the inevitable was always preferable to losing on the day, obviously. Maybe I'm just being super greedy about it!! I'd rather we didn't face McAtee — at least for a few seasons yet.
For a town fan that day was all about us, not them.
It's effect on them may have been a slight bonus compared to say, Eastleigh, but ultimately it was all about Town.
My only regret with Mcatee is I’ve only just realised today how easy it would be to fit his name into the tune of “Let it Be” by The Beatles. Fûcksake.
Can still use it.....just make the words detrimental instead of praising 😁
2023/24 DLWDDWDLLLWDLLLLWDDDWDLLWLDLLDWDDWLLDWLWLWL but not NLN 😁 2022/23LDWDWWDWLLDWWDLLLDLWLLWLWLLWDDLDWWDDDLLWDWLWLW 2021/22 WDWWWWDLWWWWLLLWLLDLWLLWWDWWWLWDLWWDWWWDLWD play offs WWW Promoted 🥳 2020/21 LLDWWLDLDWLWLLLDLWLLDLLDLLLWLLLDDDDWDDDLWLWLWL .. hello darkness my old friend 2019/20 WDLDWWLDLWWLLLDLDLDLDDWWDLLWDDWWL WLLW - ended 2018/19 LWDDLLLLLLWWDWLLLWDWLWWWWLLLLWWWWDLLLDDLLDLWLW Hello Scunny
For a town fan that day was all about us, not them.
It's effect on them may have been a slight bonus compared to say, Eastleigh, but ultimately it was all about Town.
100%. Was it a bonus to have beaten the heavy favourites, the team with all the money and media love, in the presence of their Hollywood benefactors? “Ryan Reynolds is a sex offender”, and all of that jazz.
Yeah, I suppose it probably was. But that game didn’t need any of that to make it one of the absolute best footballing days of my life. It was, entirely on its own merit, a game that had absolutely everything, with a finale perhaps even more astonishing than the one I had witnessed only days earlier. I think, if you stack the just how mental the game was, with the scoreline and nature of the winning goal, with the significance of the outcome, it probably is the greatest game I have ever attended, and possibly ever will.
It was 100% about us that day. If we hadn’t have won, who knows where we’d be today. Last season would have been incredibly difficult with both Wrexham and Notts County like they did. It was a vital result, and McAtee was absolutely on fire that day.
A goal and two fantastic assists, not forgetting the goal that was narrowly disallowed before the game went bonkers. It has to rank as one of the best individual performances I have seen in a Town shirt, albeit there haven’t been too many of those.
I think some underestimate the lad’s talent. Personally, I think he will go on to have a very solid career, well above League Two. Say what you like about his underwhelming form last season, I don’t see Luton sending him out on loan to a League Two club, nor selling him. I have a sneaking suspicion he may just make their PL squad, but time will tell.
I don’t think there’s much substance in the Wrexham rumours, personally. I doubt we’ll see him playing a league game for anyone at BP next season.
100%. Was it a bonus to have beaten the heavy favourites, the team with all the money and media love, in the presence of their Hollywood benefactors? “Ryan Reynolds is a sex offender”, and all of that jazz.
Yeah, I suppose it probably was. But that game didn’t need any of that to make it one of the absolute best footballing days of my life. It was, entirely on its own merit, a game that had absolutely everything, with a finale perhaps even more astonishing than the one I had witnessed only days earlier. I think, if you stack the just how mental the game was, with the scoreline and nature of the winning goal, with the significance of the outcome, it probably is the greatest game I have ever attended, and possibly ever will.
It was 100% about us that day. If we hadn’t have won, who knows where we’d be today. Last season would have been incredibly difficult with both Wrexham and Notts County like they did. It was a vital result, and McAtee was absolutely on fire that day.
A goal and two fantastic assists, not forgetting the goal that was narrowly disallowed before the game went bonkers. It has to rank as one of the best individual performances I have seen in a Town shirt, albeit there haven’t been too many of those.
I think some underestimate the lad’s talent. Personally, I think he will go on to have a very solid career, well above League Two. Say what you like about his underwhelming form last season, I don’t see Luton sending him out on loan to a League Two club, nor selling him. I have a sneaking suspicion he may just make their PL squad, but time will tell.
I don’t think there’s much substance in the Wrexham rumours, personally. I doubt we’ll see him playing a league game for anyone at BP next season.
Really well put.
The lad had commitment and enthusiasm as well as raw talent; always prepared to track back and put in a tackle.
Sometimes he seemed to just glide with the ball.
Real "stardust" player who scored some fan-bloody-tastic goals for us.
He was carrying a big injury last season - odd that some supporters are forgetful/unforgiving of that.
I'm sorry he won't be playing for Town anymore, and hope he excels at a much higher level.
I'm the opposite, I think he's vastly overrated by a lot of our fans and doesn't deserve the god-like status bestowed upon him by some. He had a brilliant season in non-league and last season he wasn't far off the player that Scunny fans told us we were getting. He has yet to prove he's more than anything more than a flash in the pan. Only time will tell and hopefully, he proves me wrong.
I'm the opposite, I think he's vastly overrated by a lot of our fans and doesn't deserve the god-like status bestowed upon him by some. He had a brilliant season in non-league and last season he wasn't far off the player that Scunny fans told us we were getting. He has yet to prove he's more than anything more than a flash in the pan. Only time will tell and hopefully, he proves me wrong.
This is exactly how I feel about him . I've seen people on here call him a town legend 😅. He was great in non league but so was Arnold , Connel and hearn
I'm the opposite, I think he's vastly overrated by a lot of our fans and doesn't deserve the god-like status bestowed upon him by some. He had a brilliant season in non-league and last season he wasn't far off the player that Scunny fans told us we were getting. He has yet to prove he's more than anything more than a flash in the pan. Only time will tell and hopefully, he proves me wrong.
Isn't that very essence of under estimating his talent and not opposite at all?
My opinion is that there is a real player in there, but he could go either way.
I'm the opposite, I think he's vastly overrated by a lot of our fans and doesn't deserve the god-like status bestowed upon him by some. He had a brilliant season in non-league and last season he wasn't far off the player that Scunny fans told us we were getting. He has yet to prove he's more than anything more than a flash in the pan. Only time will tell and hopefully, he proves me wrong.
Well that's why you are not a professional football manager, and I would hazard a guess that the manager of the PREMIER league team that own him, and quite a few on this forum, could care less about your opinion.
Well that's why you are not a professional football manager, and I would hazard a guess that the manager of the PREMIER league team that own him, and quite a few on this forum, could care less about your opinion.
'kinell mate take a bloody chill pill will ya. Although I disagree with Mr. Lewis opinion on this, it is only his opinion. It seems you are berating him for having an opinion. It's what a message board is all about. You really are a cantankerous old curmudgeon, in my opinion of course.
And when you fall back into the mud it hurts a lot. No! None of it was true, none of those things we thought we could see existed at all. All that was really there was still more misery
I think McAtee needs to be receiving the ball facing the opposition goal and when his team on the front foot to show his best. He scored a cracker of a goal last season on one of the few occasions this happened for him at BP (but I seem to think we may have lost the game!), but we rarely got him into the right positions.
I think he's probably one of those players who will do much, much better in a stronger side than prior form might indicate. Thinking like players such as Dwight Yorke when I say this - a good striker at Villa who moved up several levels after the move to Manyoo.
Of course, whether he gets the chance in such a side or makes the most of it if he does, is a different matter...
I think McAtee needs to be receiving the ball facing the opposition goal and when his team on the front foot to show his best. He scored a cracker of a goal last season on one of the few occasions this happened for him at BP (but I seem to think we may have lost the game!), but we rarely got him into the right positions.
Can still use it.....just make the words detrimental instead of praising 😁
Or even better for Efete
Batch, Crombie, Moore K, Wiggington, Cumming, Waters, Bonnyman, Ford, Emson, Drinkell, Whymark. Love you all, You are the reason I'm on here. You've had help from Todd, Handyside, Futcher P, Groves, Mendonca, Macca etc etc etc. Up The Mariners!!!!!!!!!
Well that's why you are not a professional football manager, and I would hazard a guess that the manager of the PREMIER league team that own him, and quite a few on this forum, could care less about your opinion.
I hope McAtee does well..wherever that is. Far too often we look to knock/judge instead of just enjoying or appreciating someone with talent/ability - in any sport.
In my humble opinion McAtee had season of his life here, he may not repeat it - or he may well do - I hope it’s the latter. He was imperative to us getting promoted, has an ‘aura/belief’ about him on his day, the ability to produce something out of nothing, and had a decent work rate. Last season just didn’t happen..post injury, move ..maybe factors..but hope he can show his ability as said. Must be said our management team deserve acknowledgment on JM - arguably got his career going again, and probably not the easiest to ‘manage’.
Anyway ..good luck to him wherever he goes as says.
This is exactly how I feel about him . I've seen people on here call him a town legend 😅. He was great in non league but so was Arnold , Connel and hearn
It depends how you are defining “legend”. Some would say to be a footballing legend, alongside footballing impact, you must have served your club or country for a significant period of time - clearly John McAtee doesn’t fit the Town legend criteria in the way Matt Tees, Joe Waters, Paul Groves or more recently Craig Disley did.
However, another footballing legend criteria may relate to a specific achievement - think the England eleven from 1966, or even a single performance - think David Beckham’s performance against Greece that earned England qualification to a World Cup Finals competition.
John McAtee would fit two out of three of those criteria for GTFC legendary status.
Potential is certainly there and now probably comes down to his level of commitment and how much he wants it.
Yes mindset is key. Not playing week in week out as will most likely happen at Luton will test his mental resolve. Will performances dip in training and reserve games or will he knuckle down and try to keep standards high. Players that tend to do well have the belief in themselves and the necessary sacrifice to want to achieve and not let things get the better of them overall when the chips are down.
McAtee was the crucial factor in us getting promoted out of non league at the first attempt. Firstly he scored a fair few goals and got a lot of assists or involvements with goals. Secondly, he set the tempo for the team leading from the front and pressing the opposition high and making them uncomfortable the whole game. Thirdly, and I think most importantly, he gave the team and the fans the confidence and belief that we could beat anyone. The team was visibly more assertive and dominant with him playing than if he wasn’t. And the belief in the crowd went up too, further upping the noise and creating an even greater uplift in the team. Everyone in the Town end knew he would score the equaliser against Solihull when he got through and you can’t put a price on having a player like that. I actually don’t think you can overestimate the difference having a fit and in form McAtee had on the team that season.
He wasn’t the best player we’ve ever had and nowhere near the longest serving. Furthermore, last season was a disappointment for a variety of reasons, nobody could deny that. But the role he played in what will be seen as a significant step for the club getting back on its feet was huge. Without him there was no promotion, without him we may have been non league for many more years and it’s doubtful there would have been an FA cup run and the positives that have come from that. And for that reason he is a GTFC legend.
McAtee was the crucial factor in us getting promoted out of non league at the first attempt. Firstly he scored a fair few goals and got a lot of assists or involvements with goals. Secondly, he set the tempo for the team leading from the front and pressing the opposition high and making them uncomfortable the whole game. Thirdly, and I think most importantly, he gave the team and the fans the confidence and belief that we could beat anyone. The team was visibly more assertive and dominant with him playing than if he wasn’t. And the belief in the crowd went up too, further upping the noise and creating an even greater uplift in the team. Everyone in the Town end knew he would score the equaliser against Solihull when he got through and you can’t put a price on having a player like that. I actually don’t think you can overestimate the difference having a fit and in form McAtee had on the team that season.
He wasn’t the best player we’ve ever had and nowhere near the longest serving. Furthermore, last season was a disappointment for a variety of reasons, nobody could deny that. But the role he played in what will be seen as a significant step for the club getting back on its feet was huge. Without him there was no promotion, without him we may have been non league for many more years and it’s doubtful there would have been an FA cup run and the positives that have come from that. And for that reason he is a GTFC legend.
Some of that might be true but Legend? No chance . Waterfall was far more important too the team and players like Mani and JMD helped get us over the line .
The word Legend gets thrown around like confetti Mcatee was brilliant for us in non league and a rare player to get the fans up out their seats but Legend? Not for me I will follow his career with interest and feel he's much more a team player than Bogle and once he finds his level he will do well in the game . I really hope the lad knuckles down and gets his chance with Luton but that step ups massive .Luton in fairness have a small number of players who have gone through the divisions so there is a path to follow for him.Goodluck
Can’t think of a single compelling reason why Luton would want to send him to a league two club on loan The only explanation would be that they’ve already decided he’s not good enough and Wrexham are prepared to pay over the odds and take him on a permanent. If he’s going on loan it has to be a league one club surely
Some of that might be true but Legend? No chance . Waterfall was far more important too the team and players like Mani and JMD helped get us over the line .
No. He wasn't. And the statistics bear that out. That's not disputing that Waterfall played a major part but the period where McAtee was out of form or injured we were atrocious and barely got a point.
McAtee was fantastic in several games in the promotion season and bang average in others. He was pivotal in key moments however and deserved all the accolades and transfer that he got on the back of it. There’s a bundle of talent there without doubt, time will tell if he fulfills it.
Reading some of the posts on here it’s almost like people want him to fail. “He’ll be another Bogle” I really hope he goes and smashes it. He has the ability, and if managed properly, then why not? I’d rather he didn’t go the Wrexham but if he does he’d get a suitable welcome from me.
Batch, Crombie, Moore K, Wiggington, Cumming, Waters, Bonnyman, Ford, Emson, Drinkell, Whymark. Love you all, You are the reason I'm on here. You've had help from Todd, Handyside, Futcher P, Groves, Mendonca, Macca etc etc etc. Up The Mariners!!!!!!!!!
He'll get worldwide coverage if he goes there and every time they talk about him joining, they'll mention how he helped Grimsby Town defeat Wrexham in the play-offs, prolonging their return one more year.
Some of that might be true but Legend? No chance . Waterfall was far more important too the team and players like Mani and JMD helped get us over the line .
LOL. I love Waterfall to the point that I've opposed this opinion that his time is done at Town in recent weeks but let's not dress up his involvement in 21/22. Yes, he was quality but he could have been switched out for any number of big clogger CBs in the division at the time, they were borderline ten-a-penny. There was only one McAtee in the division and while the likes of Rodrigues, Mullin, Dallas and Sbarra all failed to get their teams through, our talisman dragged us over the line.
LOL. I love Waterfall to the point that I've opposed this opinion that his time is done at Town in recent weeks but let's not dress up his involvement in 21/22. Yes, he was quality but he could have been switched out for any number of big clogger CBs in the division at the time, they were borderline ten-a-penny. There was only one McAtee in the division and while the likes of Rodrigues, Mullin, Dallas and Sbarra all failed to get their teams through, our talisman dragged us over the line.
For me, the most remarkable thing about that play-off campaign was just how many great individual contributions there were in what was ultimately an incredible overarching team effort. Think back to Wembley '98 and Wayne Burnett and Kevin Donovon spring to mind above everyone else; think of the 2016 play-off final and it's Omar Bogle and Nathan Arnold. You just can't narrow the class of 21/22 down like that.
The Max Crocombe-assisted Holohan equaliser at the death at Notts County, followed by Mani's "I just fúcking threw my self at it" winner in the last minute of extra time, not to mention his goal at Wrexham a few days later. McAtee's worldie in immediate response to Mullin's cheap penalty. Taylor's fantastic diving header. Waterfall's brace, including another winner in the last minute of extra time. McAtee again, bursting through for the equaliser against Solihull, legs bursting with cramp. Maguire-Drew sneaking in at the back post for the winner from a Jordan Cropper missile; his throws of course being iconic moments in their own right.
And all of that's before we even get to the heroic midfield performances of the likes of Clifton and Fox et al, Crocombe's worldie save at London Stadium, or young Andy Smith not only playing through the whole play-off campaign like a seasoned pro, but seeing to our kryponite Kyle Hudlin in the process; yet another pivotal moment in a series of pivotal moments. Easy to forget that Smith was only 20 at the time, and had never played a senior league game prior to signing for us that January.
Remove any one of those incredible moments, literally any one of them, and it's possible if not probable that the final outcome would have been totally different. Holohan shanks his shot wide? We trudge out of Meadow Lane moments later, staring at the ground. McAtee spoons his long range effort over the bar? Maybe we don't find the belief that we can beat Wrexham, and we lose that game 3 or 4-0. Christ, Efete doesn't get injured earlier in the season, and we don't have Jordan Cropper on the pitch to launch his grenades in. Had we not gone up when we did, I think it's pretty likely we'd still be down there now too, and our prospects would look very different.
The whole thing was just so utterly bonkers, I still find it hard to believe that it happened, over a year on, especially when I write it out like that, step-by-step. It's that massive cliché, but you generally couldn't write a fictional story in that way without losing all credibility.
Say what you will about his legacy, but I doubt very much that we would have been promoted without him. We would most probably still be down there worrying about how to beat Chesterfeild, Hartlepool and York to one of the promotion slots.
Say what you will about his legacy, but I doubt very much that we would have been promoted without him. We would most probably still be down there worrying about how to beat Chesterfeild, Hartlepool and York to one of the promotion slots.
Very true, but equally I wonder if he'd even make it into a GTFC best non league XI - I'd certainly put Amond & Bogle in front of him, & you could argue that Alan Connell was equally as important
I liked them at the time we went up , I love the lot of them even more now with the daft money still flying around the NL it's never going to be easy to get out of for anyone ; thank god everything alligned at the right time for us along with the lads stepping up .
Say what you will about his legacy, but I doubt very much that we would have been promoted without him. We would most probably still be down there worrying about how to beat Chesterfeild, Hartlepool and York to one of the promotion slots.
Exactly Ron and York have just paid 250k for a striker .
Very true, but equally I wonder if he'd even make it into a GTFC best non league XI - I'd certainly put Amond & Bogle in front of him, & you could argue that Alan Connell was equally as important
Connell was what Mcatee should aspire to be , seemed a more polished version - similiar that he dropped in and loved to link the play - but scored a few more goals - always wondered how we got him.
Legend - possibly not, but Hero - most definitely! And as Poojah points out we had practically a team full of heroes in that utterly sensational play off campaign.
Very true, but equally I wonder if he'd even make it into a GTFC best non league XI - I'd certainly put Amond & Bogle in front of him, & you could argue that Alan Connell was equally as important
I’d play him just behind those two. What an attacking group that would be.
Batch, Crombie, Moore K, Wiggington, Cumming, Waters, Bonnyman, Ford, Emson, Drinkell, Whymark. Love you all, You are the reason I'm on here. You've had help from Todd, Handyside, Futcher P, Groves, Mendonca, Macca etc etc etc. Up The Mariners!!!!!!!!!
For me, the most remarkable thing about that play-off campaign was just how many great individual contributions there were in what was ultimately an incredible overarching team effort. Think back to Wembley '98 and Wayne Burnett and Kevin Donovon spring to mind above everyone else; think of the 2016 play-off final and it's Omar Bogle and Nathan Arnold. You just can't narrow the class of 21/22 down like that.
The Max Crocombe-assisted Holohan equaliser at the death at Notts County, followed by Mani's "I just fúcking threw my self at it" winner in the last minute of extra time, not to mention his goal at Wrexham a few days later. McAtee's worldie in immediate response to Mullin's cheap penalty. Taylor's fantastic diving header. Waterfall's brace, including another winner in the last minute of extra time. McAtee again, bursting through for the equaliser against Solihull, legs bursting with cramp. Maguire-Drew sneaking in at the back post for the winner from a Jordan Cropper missile; his throws of course being iconic moments in their own right.
And all of that's before we even get to the heroic midfield performances of the likes of Clifton and Fox et al, Crocombe's worldie save at London Stadium, or young Andy Smith not only playing through the whole play-off campaign like a seasoned pro, but seeing to our kryponite Kyle Hudlin in the process; yet another pivotal moment in a series of pivotal moments. Easy to forget that Smith was only 20 at the time, and had never played a senior league game prior to signing for us that January.
Remove any one of those incredible moments, literally any one of them, and it's possible if not probable that the final outcome would have been totally different. Holohan shanks his shot wide? We trudge out of Meadow Lane moments later, staring at the ground. McAtee spoons his long range effort over the bar? Maybe we don't find the belief that we can beat Wrexham, and we lose that game 3 or 4-0. Christ, Efete doesn't get injured earlier in the season, and we don't have Jordan Cropper on the pitch to launch his grenades in. Had we not gone up when we did, I think it's pretty likely we'd still be down there now too, and our prospects would look very different.
The whole thing was just so utterly bonkers, I still find it hard to believe that it happened, over a year on, especially when I write it out like that, step-by-step. It's that massive cliché, but you generally couldn't write a fictional story in that way without losing all credibility.
It was, quite literally, unbelievable…
Really good summary and you can't understate the sheer magnitude of what was achieved, but I think there's a bit of recency at play when comparing 2022 to 1998. Yeah, Donovan and Burnett stand out for their respective goals in the two finals, but for the heroics of Ben Fox and Harry Clifton there was Paul Groves absolutely dominating anyone who came across him in midfield, the Nogan/Lester pairing that just worked in perfect tandem with the cutting in Donovan and the overlapping Macca down the right. If we're talking moments then Dave Smith anticipating the short pass back at Craven Cottage. Both Fulham red cards, the one at Blundell Park that set fire to what was already a red hot atmosphere, Lester rolling the Northampton defender to perfection that let Donovan in for the play-off winner....the inspired substitution of Kingsley Black on for Tony Gallimore in the Autowindscreens Final....
2022 is so, so special and I don't think any of us will ever experience anything like it again. Personally I'm not sure I want to. I remember stating how much I hated football throughout most of the Notts County game and all of the Wrexham game. The joy at the end was unrivalled but the emotional rollercoaster to get there was horrific.
In terms of sliding doors moments, 2022 trumps anything. Things like the Crocombe 'assist', the stupidity of the County defender to foul Clifton when it was easier to just stand up and prevent him from turning, the instant reaction from McAtee at Wrexham, the Hudlin removal from the game. 1998, just like 2016 definitely has them, but recency and the greater exposure definitely puts them even further in the shadow.
On reflection, there was some quite distinct parallels between 1998 and 2022. Returning manager, calls for their head during the season, need/desire to bounce back straight away, the battle against a cash-rich/media loved side in the semi-finals...
Easy as Town fans to think we've had it excrement, to be fair we have! But there are some truly wonderful moments I'm grateful I've witnessed as a Town fan. It just adds something to me about a point on another thread about the increased numbers at games in the last 20 or so years. You can't beat live sport. I don't care what sport it is. The spectacle, the anticipation, the adrenaline in the air, it's just magical. But to see your team, the team you've worried about more than you really should have done go on and do something like that. You just can't replicate that by randomly picking a side in the Prem to follow.
Really good summary and you can't understate the sheer magnitude of what was achieved, but I think there's a bit of recency at play when comparing 2022 to 1998. Yeah, Donovan and Burnett stand out for their respective goals in the two finals, but for the heroics of Ben Fox and Harry Clifton there was Paul Groves absolutely dominating anyone who came across him in midfield, the Nogan/Lester pairing that just worked in perfect tandem with the cutting in Donovan and the overlapping Macca down the right. If we're talking moments then Dave Smith anticipating the short pass back at Craven Cottage. Both Fulham red cards, the one at Blundell Park that set fire to what was already a red hot atmosphere, Lester rolling the Northampton defender to perfection that let Donovan in for the play-off winner....the inspired substitution of Kingsley Black on for Tony Gallimore in the Autowindscreens Final....
2022 is so, so special and I don't think any of us will ever experience anything like it again. Personally I'm not sure I want to. I remember stating how much I hated football throughout most of the Notts County game and all of the Wrexham game. The joy at the end was unrivalled but the emotional rollercoaster to get there was horrific.
In terms of sliding doors moments, 2022 trumps anything. Things like the Crocombe 'assist', the stupidity of the County defender to foul Clifton when it was easier to just stand up and prevent him from turning, the instant reaction from McAtee at Wrexham, the Hudlin removal from the game. 1998, just like 2016 definitely has them, but recency and the greater exposure definitely puts them even further in the shadow.
On reflection, there was some quite distinct parallels between 1998 and 2022. Returning manager, calls for their head during the season, need/desire to bounce back straight away, the battle against a cash-rich/media loved side in the semi-finals...
Easy as Town fans to think we've had it excrement, to be fair we have! But there are some truly wonderful moments I'm grateful I've witnessed as a Town fan. It just adds something to me about a point on another thread about the increased numbers at games in the last 20 or so years. You can't beat live sport. I don't care what sport it is. The spectacle, the anticipation, the adrenaline in the air, it's just magical. But to see your team, the team you've worried about more than you really should have done go on and do something like that. You just can't replicate that by randomly picking a side in the Prem to follow.
Well said. Two great posts from Poojah and Diehard there.
It was criminal how bad we were in that first season, Connell was far far too good for that level. He had absolutely 0 pace, couldn't really jump, was built like a cheese string but my god what a footballer. All different type of goals from poaching to worldie free kicks. I wouldn't have Bogle in my NL dream team however, it'd be Amond Hearn and Connell for me. Liam Hearn is the best striker we've had imo, criminal that injuries ruined his career but he was unplayable. Pretty sure there was a run of 5 or so games where he scored like 12/13 goals, he had absolutely everything.
It was criminal how bad we were in that first season, Connell was far far too good for that level. He had absolutely 0 pace, couldn't really jump, was built like a cheese string but my god what a footballer. All different type of goals from poaching to worldie free kicks. I wouldn't have Bogle in my NL dream team however, it'd be Amond Hearn and Connell for me. Liam Hearn is the best striker we've had imo, criminal that injuries ruined his career but he was unplayable. Pretty sure there was a run of 5 or so games where he scored like 12/13 goals, he had absolutely everything.
Great Post
Liam Hearn had it all and in terms of genuine excitement watching a Town player second only to John Oster for me in the last 25 years .
It was criminal how bad we were in that first season, Connell was far far too good for that level. He had absolutely 0 pace, couldn't really jump, was built like a cheese string but my god what a footballer. All different type of goals from poaching to worldie free kicks. I wouldn't have Bogle in my NL dream team however, it'd be Amond Hearn and Connell for me. Liam Hearn is the best striker we've had imo, criminal that injuries ruined his career but he was unplayable. Pretty sure there was a run of 5 or so games where he scored like 12/13 goals, he had absolutely everything.
Liam Hearn is the most talented player I have seen play for Grimsby Town, bar none.
He had everything. He was quick, he was strong, he's the best one-on-one finisher we've had in my time, he could create chances for himself, he could score tap ins. He was outscoring Jamie Vardy don't forget, in a poorer side at a younger age during that 11/12 season.
We missed out on a monster payday at some stage due to those cruel injuries.
I've wasted my life in black and white, a pathetic act for a worthless cause
Liam Hearn is the most talented player I have seen play for Grimsby Town, bar none.
He had everything. He was quick, he was strong, he's the best one-on-one finisher we've had in my time, he could create chances for himself, he could score tap ins. He was outscoring Jamie Vardy don't forget, in a poorer side at a younger age during that 11/12 season.
We missed out on a monster payday at some stage due to those cruel injuries.
Pretty sure there was reports of him being linked to like Chelsea and Reading etc at the time, but yeah he was sensational. I remember his return, the roar of the crowd made my hairs on my neck stand up and then he flip flapped someone in the lower corner and then scored, I thought he'd put it all behind him and then he gets injured again. Criminal because he was so so good and criminal we didn't go up with him.
Said it a few times but it’s absolutely criminal how some people in our fan base have underrated McAtee’s contributions based on last season where he was often played out of position. I’ve watched us for close to 30 years and I’ve not seen many more talented than him.
One that does come close is Hearn, so sad what happened in the end because he was absolutely flipping electric.
Said it a few times but it’s absolutely criminal how some people in our fan base have underrated McAtee’s contributions based on last season where he was often played out of position. I’ve watched us for close to 30 years and I’ve not seen many more talented than him.
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That's some commitment 👍. Of interest who is the most naturally gifted player you've seen. Have to say from the little I've seen of Town ( tend to watch 1-2 games) due to geographic position,finance and age Scott Neilson and Siriki Dembélé of recent times stood out probably in that order.
Hearn was a good striker before injuries got to him, but he was not at all quick. It's really bizarre how so many fans think this and I really don't understand why. He had really good close-control, and a knack of beating a defender with skill but he never ran away from defences in the way that the likes of Boulding, Kabba and Reddy could.
Not sure how much footage of his time with us is still readily-available, but it would be interesting to see exactly how he scored his goals and work out which ones did (or didn't) rely on pace to create the chance.
Wrexham have just lost Mullin for 2-3 months with broken ribs and a collapsed lung. May force their hand to go for another striker.
It’s ok though, they’ve sold lots of shirts in middle America and made a few quid, losing the star striker won’t matter.
As for Hearn, good player, great bloke and natural finisher but I suspect he’s a player that’s improved since he stopped playing for us.
I may be wrong but it felt like he scored in a 6 month period in the middle of the season rather than consistently across the full season.
What is sad, and shows you how far we well is when we’re sat here talking about hero players, players that carried the team at times…at conference level. Not those players fault but still…we talk about Cunnington, Drinkall, Mendonca, Groves et al as being GTFC heroes but the latter of that list players at a significantly higher level and still stood out.
As for Mcatee, no doubt one of the most exciting players I’ve seen play for town, he did score when it mattered and he was a talisman at times. You can’t ask for more than that, he earned is move and good look to him.
He does need to think about the raving and the likes though because it would be a travesty if he never got to have a go higher up because of off field stuff…
'the poor and the needy are selfish and greedy'...well done Mozza
Hearn was a good striker before injuries got to him, but he was not at all quick. It's really bizarre how so many fans think this and I really don't understand why. He had really good close-control, and a knack of beating a defender with skill but he never ran away from defences in the way that the likes of Boulding, Kabba and Reddy could.
Not sure how much footage of his time with us is still readily-available, but it would be interesting to see exactly how he scored his goals and work out which ones did (or didn't) rely on pace to create the chance.
Hearn was really really quick, especially over the first ten yards, decievingly so. He had such a powerful running stance aswell.
That spell after he broke his duck, Hearn was just sensational to watch. Every time he got the ball you just felt like something was going to happen.
Always a thing that was thrown at him was that he was a flat track bully. Town finished 11th that season, Hearn only managed 3 goals against the 10 sides that finished above us. That's from a total of 27 in the league.
Easy stat to throw out there and doesn't take into account that we only took 3 points all season from the top 5 (no top 7 back then).
Had he not suffered that initial injury he would have gone onto great heights, I'm convinced of that. I'm not sure exactly what it was, but he just had 'it'.
I'm not sure exactly what it was, but he just had 'it'.
I get that sentiment.Sometimes in world cups or the European championships or even watching pro football you see players who you take a liking to . For me its raw passion mixed with ability. I saw it in the european championships/world cups of the top of my head recently with Jeremy Doku and Renato Sanches of Belgium and Portugal respectively.
Hearn was really really quick, especially over the first ten yards, decievingly so. He had such a powerful running stance aswell.
He really wasn't. He just wasn't quick . Lots of good attributes, but pace wasn't one of them. Not slow, but he beat defenders by skill, not through pace.
He really wasn't. He just wasn't quick . Lots of good attributes, but pace wasn't one of them. Not slow, but he beat defenders by skill, not through pace.
I get that sentiment.Sometimes in world cups or the European championships or even watching pro football you see players who you take a liking to . For me its raw passion mixed with ability. I saw it in the european championships/world cups of the top of my head recently with Jeremy Doku and Renato Sanches of Belgium and Portugal respectively.
Dunno why you got 3 red crosses for a sensible post. I agree, watching Jude Bellingham for the first time was the same
In my youth, I was quick! Sprinted for the school, etc. I was a full-back and marked many more skilful players than me out of the game by dint of simply being quicker than them and not giving up if they got past me.
On the odd occasion where I faced an opponent who was as quick as me but more skilful, that's when I struggled.
What really brought home the importance of pace to me was when we played Leicester at Filbert Street in the League Cup in 1999. Although he wasn't scoring too many that season, Jack Lester had developed into a real handful and I was expecting him to cause the Leicester defence all sorts of problems. On the night, Taggart (who I thought was a clodhopper from what I'd seen of him playing on TV, even though he was a full. International) was just way too quick and strong for Lester, who couldn't get a kick. They also had a young Emile Heskey up front and, though he did a lot of falling over to win lots of soft free-kicks, our defenders couldn't cope with his pace and movement when he wasn't on his backside. It was a comfortable a home win as I'd seen and it really made me realise how important the physical side of things are in the professional game.
This explains my thinking as regards pace and footballers. You can learn to be more skilful, you can work harder, you can improve your fitness, you can improve your overall gameplay, but if you're not quick enough in thought and deed, you'll rarely make it at a higher level. This is especially true for attackers. Yes, you get the odd outlier such as Le Tissier, who had enough ability to get away with a lack of pace, but the vast majority of players at the top level are quicker than you'd think - even the ones who look sluggish against their peers on TV.
When Hearn hit his purple patch and people were claiming Chelsea were potentially in for him, I just laughed. The one thing he lacked (injuries aside), was pace and he'd never have made it higher than the lower divisions, even if he'd stayed fit. I'm sure I would have argued the same on here at the time, because he simply wasn't at all quick.
To bring it back mildly on topic I think McAtee is quick enough for, perhaps, Championship level! Certainly quicker and more nimble than Hearn ever was, in my opinion, of course!
McAtee came off the bench again last night in Luton’s friendly match away at Ipswich, in Colchester (no idea why).
A fair bit of chatter on the Avenue of Evil that he might well make the 25 man squad, too.
May well be a case of playing with better players allows to use his undoubted natural ability. It is often hard for us to judge how good a player is, or rather how good he could be, when performing for Town as obviously he is surrounded by players who are playing at their correct level subject to their ability.
As I stated earlier in this thread I don’t doubt his ability but picking up on the rumours that circulate on different networks it’s his attitude and maybe more importantly his level of commitment that is questionable.
Maybe given his brother appears to be making into Man City’s squad this season a bit of sibling rivalry will ensure John achieves his potential.
When all's said and done, Luton thought enough of him to pay a fee for him. Not a big fee, but I think Luton know what they are about, seeing as they have climbed from Non League to Premier League on a small fan base, and I would imagine, not a massive budget.
They have obviously got a very good recruitment model, picking up players for modest fees and getting the best out of them.
I hope he has a great career and proves a few doubters wrong.
When all's said and done, Luton thought enough of him to pay a fee for him. Not a big fee, but I think Luton know what they are about, seeing as they have climbed from Non League to Premier League on a small fan base, and I would imagine, not a massive budget.
They have obviously got a very good recruitment model, picking up players for modest fees and getting the best out of them.
I hope he has a great career and proves a few doubters wrong.
Once he gets in the Luton 1st team he will stay there.
In the Premiership? I’d be surprised!
He may well make it as a solid League One - possibly even Championship - striker… but I’d be amazed if he has the quality to play in the Premiership! Remember, his best football for us wasn’t even in the football league. There is a huge difference between doing it against Dover and doing it against Manchester City.
Well if he does manage a few Prem games for Luton he’ll be worth a lot more if they ever let him go. This would be beneficial for us assuming we’ve got a sell on clause
Well if he does manage a few Prem games for Luton he’ll be worth a lot more if they ever let him go. This would be beneficial for us assuming we’ve got a sell on clause
If that’s the case, let’s hope he puts Haaland in his place…
Dunno why you got 3 red crosses for a sensible post. I agree, watching Jude Bellingham for the first time was the same
In life Forza I feel you cant please everyone.Nigh on impossible .
As for Jude Bellingham by all accounts has started well and Carlo Ancelotti is pleased so far. Hope he can handle the pressure though at Real Madrid.That club is probably the best in the world. The wages they pay are something else.Average wage there is £8.5 million annually .
Not something else these days. Reckon Tom Dickson-Peters would take home £6m a year in Saudi.
Money wise Real Madrid are rolling in it though .A quick look at Forbes and their revenue is £628 million in the year 2023 which tops the list of richest football clubs. Likewise their top earner is Toni Kroos who earns a basic annual salary of £21 million annually and their lowest earner now Reinier £515,000 annually following the departure of Blanco to Alaves in May of this year.
Came on as a sub for Luton last night in one of their last pre season friendlies against Wolves. He impressed by all accounts and has done a few times, not gone out on loan yet, wonder if there actually is a chance he’ll be named in their PL squad.
"Falls to Arnold... Arnold! That's it! Thats it! He's sealed it! Grimsby Town are back in the football league!!! Just a minute to go and Nathan Arnold makes it 3-1! Look at the scenes behind the goal! Look at the relief! The agony is finally over!!!"
John Tondeur - Wembley Stadium Sunday 15th May 2016
Came on as a sub for Luton last night in one of their last pre season friendlies against Wolves. He impressed by all accounts and has done a few times, not gone out on loan yet, wonder if there actually is a chance he’ll be named in their PL squad.
Got almost 30 minutes last night. I think he’s played in all of Luton’s pre-season games, and was one of just 18 players to feature against Wolves.
It looks more likely than not he’s going to get a space in the squad, which would be absolutely fantastic for the lad. Probably not a bad thing for us in the long run either, but from the National League to the Premier League in the space of 14 months would be an absolutely incredible story for John McAtee. Good luck to him!
It would be a pleasant surprise following a disappointing season for us last year. Could be a case that he's one of those players who does much, much better when in a higher quality team. It would be good to see him score one or two on MoTD this season!
Got almost 30 minutes last night. I think he’s played in all of Luton’s pre-season games, and was one of just 18 players to feature against Wolves.
It looks more likely than not he’s going to get a space in the squad, which would be absolutely fantastic for the lad. Probably not a bad thing for us in the long run either, but from the National League to the Premier League in the space of 14 months would be an absolutely incredible story for John McAtee. Good luck to him!
Very much looking forward to seeing how his career goes. I hope he does get opportunities.
From that sounds like he us trying to decide between keeping him as a fringe player who might sometimes be on the bench and used, and him getting a lot more minutes potentially but at a lower level on loan. I hope they keep him there and he gets a chance of a crack in the premiership.
You got to hand it to him, he must have really knuckled down over the summer and worked hard to impress. After he was pretty disappointing for us last season, I didn't think he'd get near their first team. Let's hope he makes the most of his chance - would get GTFC mentioned a lot in the media which might help attact other talented young players to sign or come on loan.
Good luck to him. He gave his all for us every game he played and we probably wouldn't be in the EFL now if it wasn't for John. He wasn't great last season, but he was playing catchup after his shoulder operation, and I'm not sure our system helped him a great deal either. Looked too desperate to impress at times and forced passes, but he will be playing with better players who can read his passes and vice versa. Will be a very difficult season for Luton though.
"Time is a great teacher, but unfortunately it kills all its students." ..Hector Berlioz, 1856. “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it" ...Voltaire, 1694-1778
Great move for him that, without looking I dare say the flat cappers will probably think he’s shite or whatever…you’d think after the summer they had they’d be happy to get anyone.
'the poor and the needy are selfish and greedy'...well done Mozza
Yeh, weird that he’s likely to play against us and barely anyone will see it. Shame really, whatever anyone thinks, the lad will live long in the memory of town fans…
'the poor and the needy are selfish and greedy'...well done Mozza
I'm a bit disappointed by this, I was hoping he would be on the fringe of the luton squad and get the odd appearance from the bench in a premiership game or two. Then it'd just be a matter of taking his chance - unlikely to make a sufficient case to be a regular but you never know and I'd have loved to see it. Plus a bonus for town perhaps
Ah well, a season in league 1 might well be better for his career development I suppose.
After watching Luton last night I don't think Macatee would look out of place in that squad, talk about a long seadon for their fans, Luton will truly be the whipping boys, Macatee is probably going to at least win the odd game at Barnsley.
After watching Luton last night I don't think Macatee would look out of place in that squad, talk about a long seadon for their fans, Luton will truly be the whipping boys, Macatee is probably going to at least win the odd game at Barnsley.
It had fa cup game feel about it. They were really poor. Some players couldn't pass and looked clumsy
I'm a bit disappointed by this, I was hoping he would be on the fringe of the luton squad and get the odd appearance from the bench in a premiership game or two. Then it'd just be a matter of taking his chance - unlikely to make a sufficient case to be a regular but you never know and I'd have loved to see it.
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My thoughts as well. The fact Luton have bought him and then lent him out on loan twice especially for a season is surprising especially the news that came out yesterday in going to Barnsley. Hes 24 as well which in football terms is a time to start thinking about nailing down a regular place in the side. Hard I know as very few spaces up for grabs in a highly competitive field much more than other professions which some fans don't fully appreciate .
It had fa cup game feel about it. They were really poor. Some players couldn't pass and looked clumsy
I sent the same message to my mate. I admire Luton, their rise is something that gives hope to fans of clubs like ours, that smaller clubs can, with the right objectives and careful ambition can reach the promised land but they look awful.
Perhaps they’ll find their feet and their first two away games have been difficult places to go. I guess the worry is that games will have that feel we had at Brighton, that it’s a good day out and we enjoyed ourselves, only it can’t be that mentality, it’s the league they’re in.
At home they are probably more likely to pick up the odd point but they’re wide open.
Having seen them twice, I think Mcatee could probably be no worse and his arrogance may be inject something but for him, a loan move to a team that will win more than it loses is a good move and perhaps he’ll end up with a Connor Townsend type career and find his niche in the championship next year…
'the poor and the needy are selfish and greedy'...well done Mozza
I’m with those who are disappointed for him. Great club, Barnsley, and should get their act together and mount a challenge, but as has been said he’s 24, not a kid. Bit disappointed that Luton have felt this necessary. Mind you, he’ll hit the ground running next season in the championship with Luton!
He was always heading for a pushing League 2 team or a basket case League 1, so not surprised at this move at all. Let's hope they get the National League McAtee and not the one we had last season.
He was always heading for a pushing League 2 team or a basket case League 1, so not surprised at this move at all. Let's hope they get the National League McAtee and not the one we had last season.
Still hope he can play as high as possible talent permitting. If I had a lad who was absolute quality who as much as I have love for Grimsby I wouldn't want him playing for where the money comparatively speaking in football terms is low but rather him be at a Man City,PSG ,Real Madrid or Man United etc. I think when it comes down to it footballers given the ability would feel the same.Saw this recently from Jude Bellingham when he signed for Real Madrid:
“I think I’d always been aware of the interest from English teams and so that was pretty normal, but it was a bit of a surprise when my dad sat me down and said there was interest from Real Madrid. I think that was maybe 12 or 15 months ago. When he said that, I had goosebumps"
He did a good job for us and brought us in an undisclosed amount of cash. I wish him well and hope he succeeds at Barnsley, gets his head down and becomes a prem player.
You can please some of the forumites some of the time but not all the forumites all of the time
Makes you wonder why they actually bought him in the first place.
Doubt they expected to go up and doubt they thought he'd be poor in L2 after his previous season. If he does well in L1 this season, he might be part of their Championship squad next season
If Luton are being pragmatic, they're probably thinking that a year- long loan for McAtee at Barnsley will prepare him to be part of their team next year when they're back in the Championship. Nice to see him score on his Barnsley debut yesterday.
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