You know time is flying when you realise it is TWENTY years since the Mariners made a treble loan signing to bring Martin Paterson and Anthony Pulis from Stoke City, as well as a young winger from Birmingham City called Peter Till.
The trio helped the Mariners turn around their fortunes in League Two under the tutelage of returning boss Alan Buckley. ‘Tilly’ would go onto call Blundell Park home for the next two-and-a-half years, scoring some important goals for the club and playing at Wembley in the 2008 Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Final against Milton Keynes Dons.
His later career took him to the Mariners’ FA Cup first round opponents Stafford Rangers, he joined us for an exclusive look back on his days at Blundell Park, and what Town can expect from their televised cup clash.
It is 20 years this month since you joined Grimsby; what were your first impressions of the club?
PT: My first impressions were that it was a proper club with proper fans and was almost in a transitional period with King Bucko (Alan Buckley) not long returning to take over. I had heard about the gaffer loving to play a certain brand of football, so that was a big pull for me.
You came on the same day as Martin Paterson and Anthony Pulis (above) joined from Stoke City, what do you remember of that initial period at the club?
PT: Initially it was the same for me, Pato (Martin Paterson) and Ant (Pulis); get some regular game time at a good level. We were in the bottom half at the time, so the mood needed lifting. There had been a lot of change at the club, which can always be difficult.
Another highlight from that time was getting to Wembley in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Final. What are your memories of the day?
PT: Other than representing my country at under-18 level, Wembley was the highlight of my career. Both sets of fans turned out in their numbers, and it was an incredible attendance for two League 2 teams. We were beaten by the better team, but it was one hell of an experience. Bosh (Danny Boshell), sorry pal, but that penalty must still haunt him to this day!
Have you kept up with the Mariners’ fortunes since you left the club in 2009?
PT: Obviously after Mike Newell’s period in charge, the Mariners ended up going into the Conference. Since then, I guess there has been ups and downs, but they currently look like they have a great squad, and they will be looking to make the play offs. I was at the Walsall game last season where Grimsby looked very good and beat the Saddlers 1—0.
You moved closer to home with Walsall; what was your season like with the Saddlers?
PT: It was great playing for the Saddlers, albeit for only one season. We punched above our weight in League One and managed a respectable 10th place finish. There were some massive clubs in League One back then and beating Leeds away at Elland Road was a highlight (a 2—1 win with future Mariner Clayton McDonald scoring the winner).
You them moved onto York. What was your season like with the Minstermen?
PT: I loved my time at York. Much like under (Alan) Buckley, Gary Mills was a great manager to play for and gave you a confidence and sense of freedom. It makes all the difference, especially as a winger.
What are your memories of winning the Conference with Fleetwood?
PT: Winning the Conference with Fleetwood was a very memorable season. We had a good FA Cup run as well, so it was a great team to play in. Life was made easier with a certain Jamie Vardy up top. We had a very talented squad that season.
Tell us about your time at Stafford, were you combining that with a return to college?
PT: My time at Stafford rejuvenated my love for football at the time. It is a great club for the level, and we ended up gaining promotion in my second season. It is a great fanbase and always a difficult place for teams to go.
What should Town be wary of from their FA Cup trip to Stafford?
PT: I think at home especially, Stafford is tough opposition. They have several players that could be playing higher than the level they are. The Gateshead game is an example, that if you are not on it, they can roll teams over. The ground will be full and there will be a great atmosphere for it.
Do you keep in touch with any of your team-mates from Blundell Park?
PT: Yeah, I keep in touch with a few of them. Players obviously lead very different lives after football, but it is always great to see them at charity matches and catchups. Northy’s (Danny North) banter or diet still has not improved though. Good luck to the Mariners on the weekend! Still always look out for their results and I always will! UTM
Your first club Birmingham is doing well this season; do you think they can emulate what Aston Villa have achieved?
PT: Blues have surprised me this year so far. I genuinely thought it would be a mid-table season. Even though it is still very early days, they look in great form, and the squad looks very strong. It would be great if they could do a (Aston) Villa and get promotion, then have a few seasons being back in the Premier League.
