Last Update:
March 13, 2025
Grimsby Town is often considered to be a good away day, with Blundell Park widely regarded as having an excellent atmosphere.
The stewards at the ground tend to be on the more relaxed side and food is fairly cheap compared to other comparable grounds.
Where is the away section at Blundell Park?
Away fans are located in one corner of the Osmond Stand, at one end of the ground.
What is the away allocation at Grimsby Town?
Just under 600 supporters can be accommodated in this area, however, teams with a larger following often get access to the whole of the stand, increasing the allocation to 2,200.
What to expect during your away day at Grimsby Town
Blundell Park is a rather small area that sometimes gets criticised by visiting fans. But there is normally always a passionate crowd, contributing to a good atmosphere. Remember, though, to wrap up warm, as there can be a biting wind coming off the North Sea.
Away entrance
When they reach Harrington Street, travelling supporters are advised to go in the first set of turnstiles immediately on the left.
Away fans’ best view
One downside of this stand is that several supporting pillars can impede your view of the game, and as such, we highly advise you to avoid seats near these pillars if you can.
Aside from that, you will want to sit a few rows back from the front of the stand if you are keen to secure a good view of both goals.
125th anniversary at Blundell Park
Having opened all the way back in 1899, Grimsby Town celebrated 125 years at the ground at the back end of September in 2024.
The entire month was a time of celebration at the ground, however, it was the Mariners’ match against Bromley on September 21 that was the highlight of it all.
‘BP125’ was prevalent throughout the matchday, with supporters wearing Grimsby Town’s hrit – be that contemporary or historic – automatically entered into a competition for various prizes.
It was a memorable moment in the club’s history and a reminder of the relationship that exists between the Mariners and their home.
New investment
September was a busy month for the club all-round, with Grimsby also announcing that they had received new investment from majority shareholders, 1878 Partners limited.
A club statement confirmed that the total injection of cash is in the region of £1.5 million.
To raise this money, 1878 Partners limited sold minority shares in their company, with James Harrison – born and raised in Grimsby – one of those who purchased.
Speaking on the company’s eventual investment into the club, Harrison said: “I couldn’t be prouder to be an investor into 1878 and I am looking forward to supporting Andrew, Jason and the rest of Grimsby Town FC with their continued successes and in Grimsby more widely.”
Grimsby Town have a good selection of fan songs, which you can see in the video below. As one of the few sides around who wear black & white, it’s no surprise to hear that being a regular theme amongst their chants.
Grimsby Town’s Blundell Park is fairly unique in the sense that if you select the right seats at the stadium, you can enjoy an incredible view that encompasses far more than just the pitch.
Specifically, you will want to sit in the upper tier of the Young’s Stand which runs along the touchline and is opposite the main stand.
Not only will these seats offer an excellent view of the pitch, including both goals, but they are also famous for providing a truly astonishing view of the Humber Estuary, Spurn Point and the North Sea.
Seating plan
Rather uniquely, Grimsby Town actually provide a bar at Blundell Park exclusively for away supporters. It is tucked away in the right-hand corner of the away end and opens at the same time as the turnstiles – often 90 minutes before kick-off.
However, if you would prefer a more traditional bar setting located away from the ground, then our top suggestion is:
- The Swashbuckle Pub, 3 Grant St, Cleethorpes DN35 8AT
Home fans pubs
Naturally, home fans will have more choice when it comes to pubs in the local area, and our top suggestions are as follows:
- Blundell Park Hotel, 140 Grimsby Rd, Cleethorpes DN35 7DL
- The Barge, Riverhead Chambers, Victoria St W, Grimsby DN31 1NH
- Willy’s, 17 High Cliff Rd, Cleethorpes DN35 8RQ
Fans visiting Blundell Park will be greeted with an interesting mix of scran. Shown below are two such options; First, you have the CurryHurst, which looks decent but we can’t stand by a soggy chip.
Next is the wrap, which looks to contain the sort of things you’d find in a McDonald’s breakfast wrap but in a less visually pleasing presentation. If that’s not for you, then check out the local Fish & Chip shop mentioned below.
The PaulCurryHurst – salted fries, sliced German bacon frank, currywurst drizzle and jalapeños at Grimsby Town (@officialgtfc @CooksCooky)
? £6.50 pic.twitter.com/iflO4KDndJ
— Footy Scran (@FootyScran) August 17, 2023
Hash n Load meal – hash brown, sausage, bacon, cheese and beans at Grimsby Town (@officialgtfc @CooksCooky)
? £6.50 pic.twitter.com/jGjrh1YiMX
— Footy Scran (@FootyScran) May 8, 2023
If you’re visiting Blundell Park, then it is definitely worth visiting a local fish & chips shop. On the club website, Grimsby said: “Grimsby and Cleethorpes is renowned for its Fish & Chips and we recommend that you visit the County Fish & Chip shop on Grimsby Road, which is just a short walk from Blundell Park. Or we recommend Steel’s Fish & Chip restaurant in the Market Place in Cleethorpes.”
The nearest railway station to Blundell Park is New Clee which is located just under a mile from Blundell Park. This small station is one of those where you have to request the train driver or conductor for it to stop there.
Cleethorpes Railway Station is just over a mile from the ground and takes around 15-20 minutes to walk. Exit the station and turn right; then turn left onto Station Road.
At the end of Station Road, turn right onto the High Street. Follow this road down to the roundabout, where you turn right onto Grimsby Road (A180). Continue straight for approximately half a mile, and you will see the ground’s floodlights on your right. Turn right into Neville Street and then left onto Harrington Street; the entrance to the Osmond Stand for away fans is on the left.
Grimsby Town Railway Station is located around two and a half miles away from Blundell Park and is too far to walk. There is a taxi rank at the station and if you are looking for a drink then there is a Wetherspoons Pub called the Yarborough Hotel on nearby Bethlehem Street. A taxi up to the ground will cost around £7.
By car
The first thing to remember is that the ground is not in Grimsby but in the neighbouring town of Cleethorpes. It is on the A180, which runs between Grimsby and Cleethorpes. Cleethorpes is well signposted from Grimsby town centre.
At the end of the M180, continue along the A180 towards Grimsby. After around 14 miles, you will be near Grimsby’s town centre. Continue along the A180 following signs for Cleethorpes. On reaching a McDonald’s sign on your left and the Blundell Park Hotel on your right, turn left into Imperial Avenue for the Club entrance.
Where is the best place to park for the Grimsby game?
There is no car park on the ground; therefore, there is only street parking. As you drive along the A180 towards the ground, the home end appears first, then after the McDonald’s is the away end. There are plenty of side roads off the A180 Grimsby Road, mostly before and immediately after Blundell Park, and you should find a parking spot.
We have been advised that the side roads before reaching Blundell Park on the left-hand side are the best bet. After the game, rather than first driving back up to the main road, you can follow a back road that runs alongside the railway.
When you do this, you will eventually reach a T-junction, where you turn left to take you up to the main Grimsby Road, where you turn right to take you back towards the motorway.
In its current form, Blundell Park has a capacity of approximately 9,052, making the ground fairly standard for that of a League Two outfit.
That capacity is broken down on a stand-by-stand basis as follows:
- Pontoon Stand – 1,808
- Main Stand – 2,414
- Osmond Stand – 1,840
- Young’s Stand – 2,800
Unfortunately, it does not appear as though Grimsby Town provide tours of their Blundell Park home at the time fo writing.
While Grimsby is in fact a fairly small town compared to some of the other destinations in league Two, it has plenty to offer supporters who are looking to make a day, or perhaps weekend, of their trip to Blundell Park.
Fish and chips
While this would not usually be an attraction in most towns, Grimsby isn’t ‘most towns’ in this regard.
Grimsby and Cleethorpe (neighbouring town where Blundell Park is located), are famous nationwide for their excellent fish and chips and attract visitors from across the nation for that very reason.
There are a number of fish and chips restaurants scattered throughout the region, and it is not an exaggeration to say that no trip to Blundell Park is complete without visiting at least one of them.
Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre
Somewhat linked to the previous suggestion is Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre.
The museum has a wide range of interesting collections from the Northeast’s long history of fishing, including artwork, fishing equipment and ship models.
Naturally, most of the exhibitions are focused specifically on Grimsby, making the venue an excellent provider of local history.
Standard opening times are 10am-5pm Tuesday-Friday and 10am-4pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
For those who are keen on visiting the facility, it is worth noting that admission is not free, with tickets priced as follows:
- Adult – £8.50
- Concession – £6
- Children – £4
People’s Park
If you are instead looking for a more peaacful activity to do either before the game or to unwind after it, a walk around People’s Park is ane excellent choice.
Opening in the late 19th Century, People’s Park spans across 23 acres and features multiple different paths that you can take.
For those who would perhaps like to add a sporting element to their walk, the park also contains two blowing greens and a croquet lawn.
Having opened over 125 years ago in 1899, Grimsby Town’s Blundell Park is an incredibly historical stadium with a rich past.
Take a look at the image below to see what it looked like all those years ago…
2nd September 1899 – Grimsby play their first ever game at Blundell Park. The Division 2 clash with Luton Town ends in a 3-3 draw. The estimated crowd of 4000 seeing Cockshutt, Nidd and Ratcliffe put Town 3-0 up before half time. In torrential rain the visitors fought back #GTFC pic.twitter.com/9DFEL1QYTv
— On this GTFC day…. (@onthisGTFCday) September 2, 2024
Grimsby Town moved to Blundell Park in 1899 having moved from their first ground, Abbey Park. Blundell Park is named after Peter Blundell who bought the land that Blundell Park is located on. Luton Town were the very first visitors to Blundell Park in September 1899 where 4,000 spectators saw a 3-3 draw played out. A new Main Stand was built on the northern side of the ground in 1901.
In 2015 the club was granted a £19,000 grant from the Football Stadia Improvement Fund. This was the largest fund ever given to an English non-league side at the time.
Relocation?
The club have been thwarted once again in their search for a site to build a new stadium. An area called Peaks Parkway, which is located two miles South of Grimsby, has been identified as a preferred site for a new 14,000-capacity stadium.
However, this has been ruled out due to some local and council opposition. The Club are now working with North East Lincolnshire Council to identify a new location.
Unite for Access
On 12 March 2025, Grimsby Town also confirmed that it would be supporting the Unite for Access campaign, organised and run by the Level Playing Field and the EFL.
The campaign aims to raise awareness regarding matchday inclusivity, something which Grimsby have been keen to champion in recent years.
In accordance with the campaign, a club statement read: “As part of the ongoing efforts to improve access, the DSA has recently launched a membership scheme, open to anyone who wants to support the cause.
Membership is available for just £5, or for £10 where you will receive a limited-edition pin badge with your membership.”
Record attendance
31,651 vs Wolverhampton Wanderers
FA Cup 5th Round, 20 February 1937.
Modern all-seated attendance record
9,528 vs Sunderland, 13 March 1999
Average Attendance
- 2024-2025: 5,339 (League Two)
- 2023-2024: 6,270 (League Two)
- 2022-2023: 6,677 (League Two)
- 2021-2022: 5,713 (National League)
- 2020-2021: 0 (Covid) (League Two)
- 2019-2020: 4,599 (League Two)
Grimsby Town vs Scunthorpe United: While Grimsby currently play their football two divisions higher than that of Scunthorpe United, matches between the pair when they do meet are fairly intense.
The fixture is often referred to as the Humber Derby, and while it does also include Hull City, the match between Grimsby and Scunthorpe is comfortably the fiercest of the games in the modern era due to Hull’s success.
Grimsby Town vs Lincoln City: Referred to as the Lincolnshire Derby (a term which encompasses most teams in the region), Grimsby vs Lincoln is also a fairly intense rivalry.
Blundell Park is unfortunately not best equipped when it comes to facilities to help accommodate supporters with disabilities.
However, as mentioned previously in this guide, the club as a whole are keen to improve this so hopefully we will see renovations in this area in the near future.
As it stands though, the current disabled facilities you will find at the stadium on matchday are:
- 40 wheelchair-user spaces
- Two accessible toilets
- Audio commentary
- Hearing loops in the main stand
- Eight accessible parking spaces
Therefore, we strongly recommend you contact the club ahead of your arrival to ensure all your needs are met during your visit and you have the best matchday experience possible.
Uniquely, Grimsby Town do not base their ticket price on who their opposition will be on any given matchday. Instead, the price of a matchday ticket at Blundell Park depends solely on where you will be sat and when you buy the ticket.
If you purchase your ticket on matchday, expect to pay the higher price for each ticket age in most cases.
Tickets are priced as follows:
- Adult: £23-£25
- Over 65: £16-£18
- 18-22: £16-£18
- 14-17: £9-£11
- 3-17: £7-£11
It is also worth noting that any tickets purchased online will also incur a £1 admin fee.
Ground Layout
Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the ground itself?
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the stadium?
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out
Images
Grimsby Town v Leyton Orient
League Two
Saturday 19th October 2019, 3pm
Timothy Scales (Leyton Orient)
Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting Blundell Park?
A new ground and with Orient on something of a roll with 7 points from our last 3 games, I was quietly confident going into this one.
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
The journey was extremely dull as it's pretty much single-carriageway all the way from Norwich to Grimsby. The closer you got to Grimsby, the hillier it got and the more entertaining the B-roads got but most of the journey is spent on the godawful A47 and A17, including a 20 minute wait for the roadworks on the Sutton Bridge. Once we were in Grimsby, we parked on a side street with no hassle, just under 10 minutes to the ground, which is just off the main High Street.
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
After arriving in Grimsby, we headed to McDonald's for some lunch which is right by the ground, before heading to a pub called the Rutland Arms about 10 minutes away from the ground, which was decent enough. We didn't really speak to many home fans but they weren't any hassle.
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of Blundell Park?
It baffles me slightly that this ground was hosting second-tier football not all that long ago (then again, if Burton can host second tier football, so can Grimsby). Three relegations and a promotion later, Blundell Park has found its level in my opinion. Blundell Park seems a little detached with big open corners on three sides of the ground and it looks like it needs a lick of paint somewhat. It has to be said though, it is good to see a ground with proper old-school floodlights and the away end is great with good acoustics to boost the noise generated by the travelling Orient faithful.
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
In Ross Embleton's final game in charge before Carl Fletcher takes the reigns, Orient put in their best performance of the season. The O's had established a two-goal lead in just over 20 minutes: first Dan Happe turned home Marvin Ekpiteta's pull-back at the second attempt then Josh Coulson scored a gorgeous chest-and-volley to double the Orient lead. Grimsby did rally after that but Dean Brill produced an absolutely huge save from unpopular ex-Orient man Jake Hessenthaler to maintain the two-goal advantage. The Mariners made two half-time changes to try and turn the game around and were on top for large periods at the start of the second half but Brill again repelled their best efforts, with Matt Green coming closest to halving the deficit. In the end, it was an Orient substitute that made the telling contribution. James Alabi hasn't exactly been prolific in front of goal since joining The O's but today was a magical moment as he won the ball inside his own half, took it past two Grimsby players and sprinted clear before slotting it into the bottom corner – cue wild celebrations in the away end! Alabi wasn't done yet though, and he won a penalty as he proved too hot to handle for Luke Waterfall. Josh Wright sent James McKeown the wrong way with the resulting spot kick and the drubbing was complete. As you'd expect with Grimsby getting a bit of a battering, the atmosphere from the home end wasn't great and I can't really remember them singing much all afternoon. The facilities in the away end are more than respectable, with the visiting supporters' bar feeling very homely. I didn't get a drink in there myself as I was driving but it certainly beats the usual concourse you get at newer grounds. The stewarding was unobtrusive.
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
We had some tea before hitting the road and by the time we set off, the roads were really quiet, without any delay at Sutton Bridge this time. It took about 3 hours to get back to Norfolk.
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
James Alabi, he's coming for you…
Grimsby Town v Carlisle United
League 2
Monday 22nd April 2019, 3pm
Craig Milne (Carlisle United)
Grimsby Town v Bury
League 2
Saturday 23rd March 2019, 3pm
Ian Bradley (Neutral)
Grimsby Town v Notts County
League 2
Saturday 28th April 2018, 3pm
Alan White (Notts County fan)
Grimsby Town v Coventry City
Football League Two
Saturday 12th August 2017, 3pm
Kevin Duffy (Doing the 92)
Grimsby Town v Plymouth Argyle
Football League Two
Saturday 6th May 2017, 5.30pm
David King (Plymouth Argyle fan)
Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting Blundell Park?
This weekend any of three promoted teams in League 2 could be the champions. Plymouth were top, one point ahead of long time leaders Doncaster Rovers.
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
I made the long journey up on Friday and stayed two nights in Grimsby. Sadly Grimsby appears to have fallen on hard times, the town was nothing to shout about and the Docks looked very run down.
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
I was recommended a fish and chip shop in Cleethorpes by a local. Steels Corner House is about five minutes walk from Cleethorpes Railway Station and is very popular. Expect to pay around £9.60 for a medium Haddock and Chips, with bread and butter and a pot of tea included. They were very nice and worth queuing for. After eating I sampled the pubs in the town however all were very busy as Argyle had brought around 2,000 fans for this game. I quickly headed south of the town along the seafront where there is a small "signal box" pub next to a miniature railway. Here you can sit and enjoy a pint and watch the trains go by! To get to it you can get the Stagecoach No 9 or 10 bus and it stops outside (opposite the Premier Inn). Alternatively it is a 25 – 30 minute walk from the town. As the kick off was later I stayed here until around 4pm and caught the bus to Blundell Park.
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of Blundell Park?
Blundell Park is a traditional ground surrounded by housing and certainly has a character, which is lacking in more modern stadiums. I purchased a programme and headed to the away end. As I was towards the rear the view was limited, due to the low roof and a couple of pillars although I had a reasonable view. The other stands were quite modern and one side had some hospitality boxes.
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc.
Argyle fans came in good numbers some in fancy dress. There were plenty of inflatables of all shapes and sizes and we were all in good spirits. Sadly we conceded an early goal after a cross that the Argyle keeper failed to deal with.It seemed Argyle were still in the changing rooms as Grimsby bossed the first half. With nothing to play for Grimsby played some attractive football and seemed determined to spoil our day! Argyle made some early changes in the second half and came more into the game. Jimmy Spencer came on as a substitute and after a good through ball scored to level the scores. Argyle created more chances that were either wasted or saved by the Grimsby goalkeeper. The Argyle fans tried to suck the ball into the Grimsby net but time ran out and we had to settle for a draw. Results elsewhere meant we finished second in the league but despite the disappointment most fans stayed after the final whistle to celebrate a successful season with the management team, owners and players. Despite some goading from the home fans we were determined to celebrate a good season.
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
Around 30 minutes after the final whistle I left the ground and waited for the bus back to Grimsby. Most home fans had long gone however traffic was still busy. Back at the hotel there was time for some drinks and discussions with fellow Argyle fans.
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
A good weekend despite not clinching the title. Cleethorpes had some really good pubs and the fish and chips are well worth sampling. A place I hope to return to some time, but hopefully not for a League Two fixture any time soon.
Grimsby Town v Doncaster Rovers
Football League Two
Saturday 1st April 2017, 1pm
Nathan Ashworth (Doncaster Rovers fan)
Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting Blundell Park?
I was looking forward to the game because it was my first time going to Blundell Park. With it being a local derby as well, and Doncaster pushing for automatic promotion, it wasn't one to miss.
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
I travelled by train like most of the 1,900 Doncaster. I had arrived at Cleethorpes Station with quite a lot of Donny fans just after 10am and we were directed to the Waves Bar on Cleethorpes Sea Front, which had been allocated to Donny supporters. There was a great atmosphere inside the bar with all the lads having a few beers.
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
At around 12pm 200-300 maybe more Donny fans got escorted down to the ground. As we were in a convoy we didn't speak to any Grimsby fans. On arrival at Blundell Park we went straight in.
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of Blundell Park?
At first Blundell Park looked alright. we had to walk down this street to get to the away end. the stand opposite the away was really nice so was the one on our left.
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
With it being a local derby game it was a tense start and it took a while for the game to open up. Grimsby then took the lead, before Doncaster scored two, to go into the break 2-1 up. Doncaster were rampant in the second half eventually running out 5-1 winners, with John Marquis grabbing his first ever League hat trick. The atmosphere was great, especially in the away end.
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
After the game me and a few mates walked back to Cleethorpes and had a few celebratory beers in different pubs, with no problems from the locals.
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
It was money well spent, winning 5-1 and completing the double over them. Blundell Park was a quality away day. We eventually got back to Doncaster for about 9pm.
Grimsby Town v Doncaster Rovers
Football League Two
Saturday 1st April 2017, 1pm
Daniel Hall (Doncaster Rovers fan)
Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting Blundell Park?
As Doncaster were top of the league and with a sell out allocation of just over 1,900, a brilliant away game was on the cards. I was also looking forward to the game as I have not attended Blundell Park before, so I had been looking out for it when the fixtures were first released. Furthermore, Grimsby have been known for their good support so that was another reason why I wanted to attend the fixture.
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
Me and my friend, Jason, left the Keepmoat Stadium at just gone 10:15am and arrived at Blundell Park just after 11am. Blundell Park itself is actually situated in Cleethorpes and there seemed to be only one main road into the town that also leads you past the stadium. Luckily, we arrived early and parked on Fuller Street which was located two streets down from the ground. Even though this was a local derby, I would advise away fans, who are driving to Grimsby, to arrive early as parking isn't plentiful around the area.
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
When we arrived at the ground we asked some Grimsby fans what was close to the stadium, food wise, and they suggested a local chippy called 'Mariners.' We also noticed a McDonald's situated in front of the ground on the main road. The food in the chippy was great and priced reasonably.
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of Blundell Park?
As being from Doncaster, Cleethorpes is a popular tourist place for Yorkshire folk and you have to drive past Blundell Park to reach the sea front. The stadium from the outside looks lovely but looks can be very deceiving. When I arrived to my seat "S 112" the view was very restrictive. I had to merge in around row M and had a much better view as I couldn't see the opposite stand and goal! The big stand located on the left of the away stand looked lovely and in times generated only a bit of noise. The stand opposite the away stand doesn't look that great and needs to replace the seats as they looked as they had seen better days. Last of all, the Main Stand, on the right of the away end, looked mostly full but I would never advise to put the home Family Area in arms reach from the away end.
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
The game itself was brilliant, that's if you're a Donny fan, as we won a glorious 5-1! The big stand on the left of the away end, produced some noise after their first goal, they were soon silenced due to Marquis scoring just two minutes later. The first half was very poor from both sets of fans but soon got under way by the Donny fans. In the Pontoon Stand, (opposite the away fans) looked like they were trying to create an atmosphere but the away was so noisy you couldn't hear them much. The stewards were great and didn't throw anyone out, this was surprising as seven pyrotechnics were released in the game. The facilities were not great but however, but they do serve 2 pint pitchers!
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
Getting away from the ground was appalling as it took just as long getting out as it d id to get home! When it got to the top of the road, where the Esso garage is, then the traffic was suddenly clear!
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
Overall, the day was great and meant another three points towards our promotion race!
Grimsby Town v Wycombe Wanderers
Football League Two
Saturday 4th March 2017, 3pm
Steve Armstead (Neutral fan)
Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting Blundell Park?
My mate is a Wycombe fan and I was hoping on his behalf they were going to stop a bad run of defeats. I did get an earful from his wife after the game for claiming to be neutral, but Maidenhead United remains my team. I last went to Grimsby Town over 30 years ago, so it was effectively a new experience for me.
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
The journey was easy but our hotel was to the west of Grimsby so we had a couple miles to walk into the centre. After a few drinks we walked the two miles to Blundell Park and it helped that the weather was good. The ground was easy to find by following the signs towards Cleethorpes.
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
We went to the Wetherspoons in Grimsby Town Centre. I will probably get slated for this, but we struggled to find a fish and chip shop near the centre – and this was Grimsby. There were plenty of Kebab shops. We finally did have fish and chips – in a Brewers Fayre!
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of Blundell Park?
Blundell Park has all that you would hope for in the lower leagues. The four sides are so different and presumably built in different eras. The point I want to make is the ground has so much more character than these new all-seater grounds appearing in the lower leagues. This is a proper, traditional ground. The Main Stand is quite imposing and impressive.
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
On the basis that I was a neutral it was a good game. It is impossible to avoid the cliche, 'game of two halves'. Grimsby dominated the first half and led 1-0 and if they hadn't missed a great opportunity in the second half they probably would have won it. After that Wycombe dominated and deserved the 2-1 win. The main reason for this review is to mention the Away Bar inside the ground. It must be unique. Scarves on the wall, settees to sit on and just a brilliant atmosphere. The staff are great and take a photo of the fans at half time. It is worth going to the ground just to visit this bar.
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
No problems getting out of the ground and home fans were fine. We walked it back to the town Centre.
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
I was pleased for my mate and those other loyal away fans who turned up despite a recent run of defeats. This is real football. I have only been to a couple of Premier League games in my life, but there is no comparison. This is far more enjoyable and I hope Ade Akinfenwa never retires, what a player!
Grimsby Town v Blackpool
Football League Two
Saturday 31st December 2016, 3pm
James Sharman (Blackpool fan)
Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting Blundell Park?
This was the first time that I've visited Blundell Park and more festive footy, even if a day out in Grimsby might not be for everyone on New Years Eve!
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
Easy, M180, A180 and follow the road towards Cleethorpes. The tall floodlights of Blundell Park assist in locating the ground too. We parked on the main road to the ground. There are no time limits on parking as confirmed by a friendly local shopkeeper. It helped though that we got there early, I could imagine parking is troublesome if close to kick off time, as parking in nearby side streets looked pretty tight.
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
We went to the trusty McDonalds, which is literally just outside Blundell Park. Plenty of other refreshments on offer including a busy looking fish and chip shop also on the main road about 100 yards from the McDonalds.
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of Blundell Park?
Blundell Park is very much and old fashioned looking ground, much different to modern stadia. Where away fans enter the stadium, it takes you along the back of the old Main Stand, which is a real throwback. If you're a stadium buff like me, then it's great to see an old style ground still surviving. The away end was fine, not a deep rake with the seats. Our other main observation was how the pitch wasn't level in front of the goal, very quirky. I was impressed with the Findus Stand, located opposite the Main Stand. It's imposing and looks like it would be cold for spectators sitting at the top if the weather was inclement.
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
It was a good game, a real tight 0-0 although Blackpool were denied a stonewall penalty (and yes I am slightly biased!). The atmosphere good and very friendly stewards. We found ourselves situated on the back row, they even allowed us to stand up. There was a quirky old bar in the corner of away stand which served beer. It had memorabilia on display from other clubs and Sky Television. Again it was not the most modern, but serves its purpose and was very welcoming which is the main thing.
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
No issues considering crowd was over 5,000 although we'd read a previous ground review and parked on the A180 side which made things easier.
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
After a slightly strange start, where a local on a surrounding street chastised us with choice language for not stopping his runaway dog for him! The day at Blundell Park got much better and other fans were very friendly. Typical festive League Two game and atmosphere, we thoroughly enjoyed it. As for the stonewall penalty, well…!
Grimsby Town v Blackpool
Football League Two
Saturday 31st December 2016, 3pm
John Hague (Neutral fan)
Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting Blundell Park?
As an old Sheffield Wednesday fan and a lover of traditional corner floodlight pylons I felt the urge to spend the last day of 2016 by the sea. I have fond memories of Grimsby Town… beating them 1-0 in 1984 almost guaranteed a return to the First Division for The Owls.
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
So easy. I arrived about 12.30 and sailed down to A180 through Grimsby and in to Cleethorpes. Finding Blundell Park is easy… look for the floodlights like we used to do years ago all over the country. I found a street parking space on Harrington Street for a quick getaway.
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
I had a plan. Photograph Blundell Park and its floodlights and then walk into Cleethorpes for a pint and some Fish & Chips. I spent that long taking photos that I missed the pint. Well worth noting whilst the chips at the Mariners Fish Bar were excellent the fish was awful and it's probably best avoided these days.
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of Blundell Park?
I just love traditional grounds, not for me the identikit Riversides, and Blundell Park has atmosphere in (buckets and) spades. I just love it. I bought a ticket as high up in the Findus Stand as possible. Who needs unobstructed sight lines?
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
The game, what can I say? Oh yes, Rubbish. I was pleased I was on a mission to photograph the ground, fans and floodlights. There were also a few ships passing on the Humber Estuary in the distance that kept me interested. The home fans in the Pontoon Stand made plenty of noise but hardly any Blackpool fans made an effort. I kind of hoped that as some of their fans were boycotting home games at Bloomfield Road, that they would have made an effort away from home. Getting to the loo or buy a pie in the Findus Stand is nigh on impossible. Probably the worst designed stand in the league… but I still loved it!
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
So easy. I was out of Grimsby in no time thanks to heeding advice on this website about parking on Harrington Street.
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
I had a brilliant day out at Blundell Park despite the football and the fish from the chippy beforehand. Well worth it for the photographs.
Grimsby Town v Portsmouth
Football League Two
Saturday 10th December 2016, 3pm
Richard Simons (Portsmouth fan)
Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting Blundell Park?
I had not visited Blundell Park since the last time both of us were in the Championship League in 2002. I was pleased that Grimsby got promoted so I could revisit. Also it was a first visit to Blundell Park for my son.
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
We are Pompey fans living in Norwich so a quick drive to Kings Lynn before taking the A17 and then A16 to Cleethorpes. We arrived about one o clock and found some street parking on the opposite side of the ground.
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
Went to the McDonald's situated about two minutes from the stadium.When spotting my son's Pompey scarf three different home fans approached us to ask about our journey and chat about our two teams. A refreshing change to some grounds I have been to.
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of Blundell Park?
To be honest not much had changed since my last visit. The away end was fine, having a low roof which can help amplify the noise of the fans. The other sides of the stadium seemed okay as well. There was a nice two tier stand to the left of us which I have been told has stunning views of the Humber estuary beyond the ground, if you are in the upper tier.
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
The game itself was far from a classic but to see Pompey get a late winner made up for it.Atmosphere was excellent from the travelling hordes. The home fans behind the other goal were noisy as well. Stewards were friendly, chatty and one wished us a safe journey back which was a nice touch.The half time hot dogs were very tasty and the staff serving were very friendly too.
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
It took about 15-20 minutes to get away from the ground, but this is to be expected as most of the area is street parking.
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
I really enjoyed Blundell Park .Made better by a late winner and also the friendliness of the Grimsby fans who we spoke to. We will definitely visit again.
Grimsby Town v Crewe Alexandra
Football League Two
Saturday 17th September 2016, 3pm
Rob Dodd (Doing the 92)
Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting Blundell Park?
I was glad that Grimsby Town had returned to the Football League after spending six years away, as I had not managed to visit Blundell Park before relegation. Also, I've always had a soft spot for The Mariners since Liverpool played them in the FA Cup in early the1980's. Grimsby brought a huge following to Anfield and The Kop were on top form that day. The Mariners were "battered" 5-0 by a team including Fillet (Phil) Thompson, Jimmy Plaice (Case), Terry Mackerel (McDermott), Phil Eel (Neal) and other "fish" that I can't remember. Grimsby had their revenge twenty years later, knocking us out of the League Cup at Anfield!
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
I drove and it was really easy as the ground is on the A180, just into Cleethorpes. It's street parking so if approaching with the ground on your left, park before the ground in a street on the right hand side of the A180, as it's much easier to access the main road again on departure.
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
Given Grimsby's fishing history, a visit to a local chippy is a must and I wasn't disappointed. I then had a pint in the Blundell Park Hotel, which is located opposite the ground. I had no issues with the locals, who only gave me cause for concern when they started to don Parkas, gloves and bobble hats and it is only the middle of September!
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of Blundell Park?
Externally, Blundell Park has seen better days. Internally, it's a lot easier on the eye. As a neutral I sat in the Young's Upper Stand and the four "mature" chaps sitting to my right were dressed for the Arctic, two of them had even brought rugs! There are open corners and when the wind got up, it was biting. Goodness knows what it's like in January or February! However, it's a good place for ship spotting! Of course, plans are afoot for a new stadium but, as one Grimsby supporter succinctly put it: "I'll believe it when I see it".
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
Crewe deservedly won 2-0 and missed a penalty as well. Grimsby just couldn't get going, which was disappointing considering their recent results. The locals I spoke to weren't at all happy but conceded that the Mariners had been simply outplayed. Crewe were impressive and played two very experienced players up front, Lowe and Dagnall, who caused the Town defenders no end of trouble. I reckon Crewe will be challenging for promotion at the end of the season. Consequently, the atmosphere was muted. I didn't test the facilities.
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
The getaway was reasonably easy but I was glad I parked where I did as it looked very busy nearer the ground.
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
I enjoyed my day at Blundell Park, even in the knowledge that, at some stage in the future, I may have to retrace my steps to take in the new stadium. In any case, I really hope Grimsby Town consolidate their position in the League.
Grimsby Town v Stevenage
Football League Two
Saturday 27th August 2016, 3pm
James Walker (Stevenage fan)
Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting Blundell Park?
It's difficult to say whether I was looking forward to this game or not. On one hand it was a new ground for me to tick off the list and another away day with Stevenage, but on the other hand we were coming in to this on the back of a heavy loss in the Football League Cup to Stoke. Plus I have heard nothing but horror stories about Grimsby in general (the film certainly didn't help the image of the place!). Still I had to make the trip to see the place for myself.
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
Getting there was easy as I took the supporters coach as usual. An early departure of 08:45 saw us pull up outside Blundell Park for 12pm. We pulled up on a side road roughly 100 yards from the away turnstiles.
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
A helpful steward told us that the harbour was a 30 minute walk away in one direction and the beach was a similar distance in the other direction. Whilst most of our group went to the beach, me and a couple of friends who didn't fancy the walk crossed the road to a small cafe that had a pool table costing just 40p per game, bargain! After playing a few games we started to seek food. Normally we would just eat in the cafe but it would be wrong to go to Grimsby and not try out the fish! With this thought, we crossed the road again and went to the chippy for a large cod and chips, costing £4.80 and they were absolutely delicious!
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of Blundell Park?
From the outside, Blundell Park isn't that appealing at all but the inside it is lovely! The away end is a very spacious two-tiered stand, and curves around onto the stand on our right, which is a single-tiered stand running the length of the pitch. This stand is where the away disabled fans sit. The far stand is similar to the away end, except it looks like a single-tiered stand. The stand to our left is a big two-tiered stand and only covers the middle section of the pitch. There is a large score screen in the corner of this stand and the away end, which is viable to all supporters home and away. Please note there are several pillars in the away end which can block the views for the fans, and the stewards are the type who love to enforce seating at all times for away fans.
Our View Of Blundell Park
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
The game itself for Stevenage was a disaster. We were awful for the first half and went 2-0 down just before the break, but somehow got a goal back in injury time and even had a chance to equalise before the whistle went! Just after half time we collapsed, as Grimsby went from 2-1 up to 4-1 up in two minutes after the break. Jobi McAnuff scored a tap-in for us midway through the half before Omar Bogle sealed his hat trick in stoppage time with a stunning free-kick. Most of the stewards were a pleasure to chat to, and they gave up trying to enforce seating for the away fans after a few minutes and were happy to let the supporters in the back rows in the centre stand, and were happy to let us have the drums throughout the game to try and create some atmosphere. The half time pies were also delicious and the price was the standard £3. However I have to mention the away fans bar, which is a big bar inside the away end selling numerous beers and soft drinks. One very unusual thing they have is if you donate a shirt, scarf or flag of your teams colours and you get a free bottle or pint. There were numerous scarves attached to the walls and roof, including Kidderminster, Oxford, Luton, Alfreton and many other clubs. There is also an official photographer who goes around the away end (including the stand and bar) taking pictures of away fans enjoying the day out and all get uploaded to Facebook page @AwayDaysAtBP.
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
Getting away was complicated as the steward directed us the wrong way out of the ground, meaning we came out along with the home fans (quickly removing colours to avoid any banterous jibes!) and having to walk right around from one end of the ground to the other just as the rain started! Thankfully we legged it back to the coach without getting too wet and began the long sorry trip back to Stevenage, arriving back around 8.30pm.
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
Overall it's safe to say the day wasn't great due to the football but certain aspects made up for it! Lovely fish and chips, cheap pool and very good treatment of away fans, which always makes a refreshing change! If we are still in the same division next season I won't hesitate to return, but hopefully the game will be a better one from our point of view!
Half Time Score: Grimsby Town 2 Stevenage 1
Full Time Result: Grimsby Town 5 Stevenage 2
Attendance: 4,425 (140 away fans).
Grimsby Town v Oxford United
FA Cup 1st Round
Saturday November 8th 2014, 3pm
Rob Pickett (Oxford United fan)
1. Why you were looking forward to going to the ground (or not as the case may be):
As an Oxford United exiled in Sheffield, I do not get that many games in. I also have not been to the Grimsby ground for over 20 years, so this was a no brainer to attend on a cold November day. Oxford were struggling for form, while Grimsby were on a great run in the conference.
2. How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
We took the train from Sheffield to Cleethorpes. In the middle of winter, Cleethorpes virtually closes down and becomes somewhat of a desolate place. From the station we walked along the sea front to get to the ground, eerie and messy. But it was straightforward enough to find Blundell Park.
3. What you did before the game pub/chippy…. home fans friendly?
Being at the seaside we availed ourselves to a "sit down" meal of fish and chips. Although most of Cleethorpes seemed to be closed for the winter, a few of these places in town were still open. Food was fine, though a bit pricey. But the girls in the café who served us at least had a smile on their faces.
4. What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides?
Blundell Park is surrounded by terraced housing. This means it is a bit tight to get away after the game if you have travelled by car. I have to say that for a current conference ground, it looked quite impressive. The attendance also looked healthy on the day.
5. Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
It was a good game, with Oxford running out 3-1 winners, with our teenage striker, Roberts, bagging a brace. There was also plenty of atmosphere at the match. Beforehand I visited the away supporters bar, which was basic/quaint, but civilised. Nice touch was plenty of away fan memorabilia. Not really impressed with stewards. I needed to catch train (30-mins walk) so wanted to leave 5-mins early. They tried to direct me along the sea front in pitch dark. Not necessary, so arced round and walked through the town.
6. Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
See previous point, but if walking back to the railway station, make sure you are brisk. Cars in the area looked like they would be stuck for 20-minutes or so.
7. Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
A real experience overall! It would be good to see a game at Grimsby early or late season when the weather is better and Cleethorpes is fully "open".
Grimsby Town v Dover Athletic
Conference Premier League
Saturday, August 16th, 2014, 3pm
Andy Fisher (Dover Athletic fan)
1. Why you were looking forward to going to the ground (or not as the case may be):
Dover have not played at this level for twelve long years, so there are a number of Clubs who we have never played at all, or haven't for quite a while. On of these clubs is Grimsby Town, who having played for many years in the Footbal League, had up until now never played Dover. It was an opportunity to visit this famous old ground, although with Dover losing the first two opening games of the season (and not scoring a goal either) I wasn't too confident of getting a positive result. Still a slight glimmer of hope, was the fact that Grimsby had failed to find the net too in their opening two matches
2. How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
As I run the supporters club coach that was all taken care of , however on arrival at the ground we were dropped off at one end and had to do a full circuit on foot to the other side of the ground. We finally arrived at the away turnstiles only to be told that concessions need to purchase tickets from the office that we passed a few minutes earlier.
3. What you did before the game pub/chippy…. home fans friendly?
All our coach travelers used the away bar inside the ground, which served bitter and lager and with the option of having a two pint glass. However the 'glass' was in fact plastic, which made it difficult to pick up with one hand, but a few of us had one, even if it was just for the novelty factor. The bar had shirts and scarves from other visiting fans on the walls which was a nice touch. It's a shame I did not know beforehand as I could have brought one of my old shirts with me, to add to the collection. The lady in the bar was really friendly and made us feel very welcome.
The Two Pinter!
4. What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the ground?
First impressions on seeing the stadium was that it was an old fashioned type, but in essence a "Real" football ground full of character, something you don't find at modern stadiums.
5. Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
We brought about a hundred supporters in a crowd of 3,548 but surprisingly we out sung them for most of the game. We were segregated in the corner to the right of the goal which is good in a way as only having a small number of fans at least we were all together. The game was fairly uneventful, until the 74th minute, when Grimsby took the lead. However Dover fought their way back into the match, equalising four minutes from the end. In fact Dover could have snatched all three points, missing a penalty in the 90th minute. But that said a draw was probably a fair result and at least we had our first point on the board. The only strange thing was having the segregated away fans housed next to the home family stand, not though there were any problems.
6. Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
Leaving the ground was a bit bizarre. Although we did not have to walk back round the stadium to find our coach, it was parked at the end where a lot of the home supporters were dispersing, again not really an issue for us but strange nonetheless.
7. Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
Apart from the the slight faffing around on our arrival re coach drop-off/Tickets , it was an enjoyable day out.
Grimsby Town v Mansfield Town
Conference Premier League
Monday 27th August 2012, 3pm
Jeff Beastall (Mansfield Town fan)
1. Why you were looking forward to going to the ground (or not as the case may be):
Mixed feelings really. Stags have been hyped somewhat as favorites to do well this season and in previous years this self same fixture has been played in the depths of winter on a cold damp Tuesday or Friday night. Last year we capitulated and lost badly with shocking 7-2 defeat here so we were looking for a turn of fortune and a better day out – for a change!
2. How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
We've been here before and the ground is easy to find on the A180. Unfortunately for us we didn't leave Mansfielduntil almost 1 pm and with an 80 odd mile journey do in a mini bus, the timing was always going to be tight. Fortunately we made good time and were allowed to park with the other away supporters' buses at the back of the ground – thanks to a kindly steward who tweaked the area the Police had coned off for getting their horses out of their transporter!
3. What you did before the game pub/chippy…. home fans friendly?
Hobsons Choice for a pint was the Imperial at the end of Blundell Avenue as there wasn't time for much else of a customer survey. A warm welcome was promised and Carling Extra cold at £2.30 seemed a deal albeit in the obligatory plastic pot. This is a huge pub with only about a third of itspotential bar space being used and the majority of mainly home supporters had spilled out into the car park in the hope of developing hypothermia. Didn't see any food outlet on site. Perhaps they cite the old security chestnut as being an issue although I do recall as similar set up at Oxford FC when we played them and yes, they did have discreet security – but they welcomed everyone and most probably took a small fortune on the day. I wasn't in colours so I just ventured in and out with question or comment and minded my own business.
4. What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the ground?
A virtual coliseum of asbestos and crinkly tin; the ideal venue for a film maker hoping to do a grim sixties football movie and who doesn't have a lot of cash to spend on a set. Queued for a concession as I am a mature student but they don't do concessions for students, only the young and the old. Are there no students in Grimsby or is everyone on such a fantastic income that they can all afford the full £18?
Last time we came here they tried to corral us into a small corner of the Osmond Stand but this time left us away fans to sit where we liked. A magnanimous gesture indeed.
5. Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
The game was OK, a game of 3 halves and despite us losing yet once again and going down to 10 men shortly before the final whistle, it was almost a relief when the ref did the decent thing and eventually put the game to death. Stewarding was surprisingly OK, facilities no change since last time Henry Kissinger was here. But the catering, oh man, the catering. Not so much as deserving a cordon bleu, more like worthy of imposing a cordon off.
Service was slow and the teams were about to come back on when I eventually got to the front of the queue. Chap in front of me orders a chicken pie, I order a hot chocolate. £1.80 she says to me, despite a colorful menu on the side of the bar clearly stating it to be £1.50. When I point this out, she snaps back "don't ask me luv. I don't fix the prices, I just serve here." Sorree. The chocolate is lukewarm and with made with a sufficiently miniscule amount – almost a wrap – of chocolate to barely colour the water. The trade descriptions act is clearly not recognised here then and the point is not lost on me that just five minutes away outside the ground I can pay an extra 50p and have a pint of lager instead – albeit in the obligatory plastic pot!
Meanwhile Pie Man has returned to the counter. "Its cold" he says. I await the kiosk attendants return killer serve of quit wit and innuendo but it doesn't come. Instead 3 of them gather round the pie and insert temperature probes into it from various directions – it looks almost painful -presumably looking for a hot spot or even signs of life. There isn't any. "I can do you a Balti!" she yells from the operating theatre.
6. Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
Mercifully quick
7. Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
If this day out had been a stick of Cleethorpes rock, you could have broken it anywhere along its length and it would have revealed [something crude and nasty] written all they way through it.
Grimsby Town v Tamworth
Conference Premier League
Saturday 26th March 2011, 1pm
Scot Rowland (Tamworth fan)
1. Why you were looking forward to going to the ground (or not as the case may be):
I was looking forward to visiting Blundell Park, firstly as it's got bags full of character unlike some of the ex-League sides in the BSBP, and the fact I live in Lincoln meant a relatively short trip up to Cleethorpes. And secondly Blundell Park is also a ground I had been yet to visit.
2. How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking:
Travelling by train the journey was easy enough. And I caught the 10:23 from Lincoln with a change at Barnetby for the connection to Cleethorpes. The ground is very easy to find taking either of the routes supplied by Duncan in the guide. On both its a straight walk to the ground and the tall floodlights are clearly visible from quite a distance away.
3. What you did before the game pub/chippy…. home fans friendly?
Before the game I opted to have a few drinks in Lincoln with the game being a 1pm kick off due to England facing Wales. But arriving in Cleethorpes at 12pm I managed enough time to take in a pint at O'Neills, which is visible after you come out of the main entrance of Cleethorpes Station. Which is a spacious, well priced pub and perfect for a quick pint before the game. And the Blundell Park Hotel, directly opposite the ground, although it was very busy and quite small so was crammed to the rafters with Grimsby Fans. Didn't really speak to any Mariners fans but had no problems collecting my tickets from the ticket office in my Tamworth shirt.
4. What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the ground?
Blundell Park, is vastly showing it's age now which is a real shame, but is fantastic for fans of old styled football grounds, made up of lots of old cladding. I did think the ground is quite intimidating, being very dark and dull from the outside with lots of barbed wire. As is the same with the Osmond Stand which houses the away supporters, looks very unappealing from the back with loads of rusty metal supports protruding from the back of it. The Osmond Stand is set quite far back and has a low roof so fans could miss out on the action if seated in the back rows. And the supporting pillars for this stand are a pain, but not too obtrusive.
The rest of the stadium consists of the two tiered Findus Stand which stands high above the other stands which are equal in height and straddles the half way line, with a row of VIP boxes running through it. Adjacent to this is the main stand which is a very ramshackled stand and has a lots of pillars running along the front of it. Then opposite the away stand is the Pontoon Stand which in comparison to the rest of the ground looks quite new and a tidy little stand.
5. Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, toilets etc..
The game was a classic game of two halves. Tamworth struggled in the first half and Grimsby did all the running and deseverdly went in at half time up. The second half started much as the first had gone and The Mariners went up. Tamworth then finally started to come into the game and pulled a goal back through Kale Perry then the Tamworth pressure told and Tom Marshall smashed in the equalizer. A draw was probably a fair result in the end.
The atmosphere from both sets of fans was good, but as Tamworth started to come into the game, the Grimsby fans clearly were becoming frustrated with their side. The stewards were hardly noticeable throughout and just pretty much left us to it, which lead to a very relaxed atmosphere. Also Grimsby have changed the turnstiles away supporters enter through so instead of being at the back of the ground they now use the turnstiles the the left of the Findus Stand, but a friendly steward was kind enough to walk me through after I approached the wrong turnstile.
6. Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
Getting away from the ground was fine on foot although I can imagine that it's difficult due to the volume of cars and fans as it's quite hectic around the stadium at full time.
7. Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
I had heard some negative stories about going to Blundell Park, but I found them completely unfounded, and I found it to be a great day out and had no problems at all. Good result for Tamworth after a bad run of form. I'd happily visit again although would hope for nicer weather in fear of braving the biting wind from the sea.
Grimsby Town v Torquay United
League Two
Saturday 17th April 2010, 3pm
Mark Horler (Torquay United fan)
1. Why you were looking forward to going to the ground (or not as the case may be):
With Torquay United back in the football league, it was no surprise that as we were half way through April, the Gulls league status was still not secure. Today was quite simple, if we won at Grimsby, we stayed up…and they were as good as doomed.
2. How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
Another long journey from Devon and another 7am start. Just 3 of us made the journey this time in our car. The journey was relatively straight forward considering it was from the South West to the North East. As we approached Grimsby it was no doubt the hottest day of the year and the town was packed with day trippers braving the North Sea. The seaside can be easily walked to from the ground and with traditional floodlights it would have been easy to spot, even without a sat nav to guide us.
3. What you did before the game pub/chippy…. home fans friendly?
We went to Cleethorpes seafront. The town had quite a hostile atmosphere, possibly due to the importance of the match, lots of quite nasty comments, lots of bad language, but at 1pm we were having lunch in McDonalds (right by the ground) and only had friendly comments from the home support eating there.
4. What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the ground?
A very 4th division style ground, more 1970's cladding, than glass, large gates and 1970's style offices are what you would expect. Ensure you pop around the back of the ground (ask for where the away team coach arrives) to experience what is basically a wooden shack as an entrance, probably much loved for historical reasons, but blimey it brings you back to the 1970's. Here is where we met several Grimsby Town "anoraks" good true football people, the ones who wait for hours to get some 4th division left back's autograph and the sort who can tell you more about your team and where they have played than you can!
The away fans were situated at one end of the ground behind the goal. There were only around 300 Torquay fans there, so no one had an obstructed view, which is quite possible at the back of the seated enclosure. The ground is old with little recent investment, the main stand is especially high for a 4th division ground and this dominates the stadium. One point to remember is that to get concession tickets you need to buy them from the club shop before the match…so there was my lad in a bright yellow shirt stood in a queue of black and white Grimsby fans…blimey did he stand out!
5. Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, toilets etc..
Torquay were playing well and confidence was high. Grimsby had also picked up form and their fans were quite surprisingly un-supportive in the circumstances, constantly moaning and shouting at every mistake….this was more noticeable at this ground than any other club I have been to this season. Our fans sang, their fans stood and watched. Half Time 0-0 nothing happened in a very tense 45 minutes. The 2nd half started well and continued with a show of attacking football from the Torquay United team resulting in a deserved 3-0 victory. We sang "ooooarrrr its a massacre" and their fans got annoyed…..very annoyed.
At the final whistle a 100 to 150 chavs ran across the pitch at the Torquay fans and were probably disappointed that the Gulls fans could only respond by waving their walking sticks in response! The stewards were fantastic throughout, even forming a cordon across the pitch to protect the Gulls fans…the police, as is often the case at football, were nothing short of useless, just filming and talking together….I even saw several laughing. Not one Grimsby fan was arrested….so you can imagine how we felt when we saw similar pictures on telly last week as Barnet fans were given the same treatment.
6. Comment on getting away from the ground after the game: Obviously with the problems inside the ground, it was shirts off, west country accents muted….but how can you possibly change from looking like a farmer to looking like a chav! or an ASBO. Several Torquay fans were obviously quite concerned and as we came down the side road to join the main street….the police were of course totally absent! We just ignored the threats and got in the car and all was well.
7. Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
A brilliant day and a really important 3rd away win of the season. It was even better that our old friends from Bristol City had lost 3.0 at Scunthorpe on the same day, so the journey back was a happy one! Grimsby is in all honesty an unfriendly place to go. It is a deprived area, so just be careful when out and about in the town….would I return…absolutely.
Grimsby Town v Northampton Town
League Two
Friday 2nd April 2010, 7.45pm
Tyler Jason (Northampton Town fan)
1. Why you were looking forward to going to the ground (or not as the case may be):
I was looking forward to the game, as Northampton were a point outside the play offs and Grimsby second bottom, in the business end of the season. Easy game? Sounds it. Also our away form which consisted of 6 wins and a draw made the trip more tempting, and as Grimsby was also going to be a new ground for me.
2. How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
Journey From Northampton was easy (as ever) Up the M1 then the M180 past Sheffield and Scunthorpe. For a Friday bank holiday it was surprisingly easy getting there, with no hold ups or delays and we were there by 6.30pm.
3. What you did before the game pub/chippy…. home fans friendly?
After getting parked up, we decided that being in Grimsby, fish and chips was really the only option. We went to 'Mariners Fish an Chips' a few corners away from the McDonalds by the ground. 1 of our little clan was served and got his food, whilst the other 2 had to wait 20 mins to get their orders. Not being keen on fish I opted for McDonalds, which understandably was full of Grimsby fans
4. What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the ground?
First impression of the ground was that it looke very old, rickety and not somewhere you'd want to get lost around, Probably epitomised by the sign saying WELCOME TO THE FAMILY STAND, with hoards of rusty barbed wire above it. The away end is quite big, but with the low roof and me being 6ft 4, i had to crouch low to see the whole pitch as I could only see the halfway line standing up
5. Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, toilets etc..
Game itself wasn't anything special. Northampton were under some early pressure but was relieved when Liam Davis scored to put us 1-0 up. Both teams had a few chances but Grimsby equalised just before half time with a good goal. Grimsby had a player sent off about 10 minutes into the second half for an elbow. Was 50/50 as to whether it was a red card as it wasn't exactly intentional. Northampton used the advantage to their advantage as Adebayo Akinfenwa headed home after 68 minutes to win it for Northampton. Grimsby had a late penalty shout turned down so it was 3 points for the Cobblers play off push. Didn't have any food inside the ground so can't comment on that. The toilets were like that of an old pub, not very big so if you have a large following, could be a bit of a squeeze.
The annoying thing with Grimsby was unless you're an adult, you have to go to the ticket office for a ticket. When i got there and asked for a junior and said i was 15, i was told my ticket is £12 as opposed to the advertised £8 because apparently juniors only run up to 14 years old. Answers on a postcard.
6. Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
Getting away from the ground wasnt so difficult as we walked around Cleethorpes looking for a pub which would admit 15 year olds. That plan failed so we eventually set off about 10.30 and back to Northampton by 1am.
7. Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
Good day out and a decent win to boot. I'd imagine however if you were stuck in traffic all the way there it'd be the journey from hell but we were lucky there. Pretty good day but with things like tickets and ground, I wouldnt be in a mad rush to go back.