On Trawl

Through the dark days of the 2009-10 season, never did the faith waver. Mr Taylor discussed with Mr Fenty (however briefly) the tourist facilities in Histon. Honorary Histon Mariner Dave Smith (appointed Joint Commercial Manager) continued to facilitate manoeuvres with patience and enthusiasm. His experience of the depths, having featured in the Coventry side beaten by Sutton Utd, helped shoulder the pressures.

After Christmas the green shoots of recovery began to appear but would there be enough time? Willy’s Bar and the Imperial Club facilitated several campaigns. The excellent hospitality always encouraged a thoroughly intelligent and enlightened approach occasionally lubricated with the odd ‘slim-line tonic’. In keeping with the movements enlightened approach, the President suggested the novel idea of allowing a female into the camp. In due course the First Lady of Histon, Yvonne (met the Chairman at Nth Thoresby Youth Club in 1916) accompanied the President and Innkeeper to the Lincoln game 20th Feb 2010. The mariners were robbed by a Lincoln supporting referee who in time added on turned down the most blatant penalty, since Cup finals were played at Crystal Palace.

The First Lady of Histon won ‘Take Your Pick and Open The Box’ at the Imperial Club and splashed out on a round of ‘ginger beer’. Overnight blizzard conditions descended, the Presidents experience of Scott’s polar expedition proved invaluable. ‘Cod’ knows what we would have done without him.

Yvonne and President Maurice surveying the campaigns work.
Yvonne and President Maurice surveying the campaigns work.
The Innkeeper discussing future plans with Jamie Devitt.
The Innkeeper discussing future plans with Jamie Devitt.
Willys in the snow after the Lincoln game.
Willys in the snow after the Lincoln game.
Cleethorpes in the snow after the Lincoln game.
Cleethorpes in the snow after the Lincoln game.

Whilst the campaign continued at home, Chairman Neville and Mr Rule (Welfare Officer) were investigating opportunities in the Far East, principally Indonesia and Malaysia. Reporting for duty on return the Chairman and Welfare Officer were fully debriefed on 10th April at Willy’s prior to the game against Torquay. It was decided to ask Mattie if he would consider a position with the Histon Mariners. He accepted and the arrangements were concluded at meetings at various points on the sacred turf.

Mr Rule and Mattie in tense negotiations.
Mr Rule and Mattie in tense negotiations.
Mr Rule and Chairman Neville concluding negotiations with Mattie.
Mr Rule and Chairman Neville concluding negotiations with Mattie.

Despite diabolical bad-luck in the game debriefing continued afterwards at the Imperial Club, Station Bar, Smugglers and Willy’s. At the latter, Mariners legend Dave Boylen came to share a ‘tonic water’ and congratulate the Chairman and Welfare Officer for their foreign excursions.

Mariners legend Dave Boylen, Mr Rule and the Innkeeper at Willys.
Mariners legend Dave Boylen, Mr Rule and the Innkeeper at Willys.

It was on this evening that the Logistics Director announced his retirement from most physical pursuits – the Chairman and Welfare Officer appeared sceptical...!

Mr Dean (prior to his performance that led to his appointment as Head of Fitness and Restoration Projects) and Mr Rule (Welfare Officer) contemplating the afternoon ahead at Burton.
Mr Dean (prior to his performance that led to his appointment as Head of Fitness and Restoration Projects) and Mr Rule (Welfare Officer) contemplating the afternoon ahead at Burton.
After the game at Burton, the Chairman looks resigned to a season in the Blue Square Premier.
After the game at Burton, the Chairman looks resigned to a season in the Blue Square Premier.

A final effort at Burton was meticulously prepared for in May. The Chairman, Welfare Officer and Mr Dean (appointed Head of Fitness and Restoration Projects) based themselves at the Old Cottage Tavern, Byrkley Street. Pre-match manoeuvres were conducted at the excellent Burton Bridge Inn. The game did not go quite to expectations!!! After 3/4 minutes of depression, next season’s campaign was being discussed. Having taken one step back in order to take two steps forward, Mr Fenty’s hand was shaken and we implored ‘Woodsy must stay’ – the green shoots of recovery were clearly evident in the last dozen games, they had had a lot of topsoil and dung to grow through.

Burton ticket.
Burton ticket.

Afterwards the post mortem continued in the Alfred, Derby Street, The Coopers Tavern, Cross Street and the Plough, Ford Street before returning to base at the Old Cottage Tavern. Mr Dean declared himself fit for an early(ish) night. Such was his performance and dedication to his fitness for future campaigns he was immediately appointed Head of Fitness Science and Restoration Projects. An operational HQ in Burton was instantly recognised when we ascended upstairs to a bar and found a convivial welcome, intelligent conversation (most non p.c.) excellent range of ‘fruit juices’ and not an ashtray in sight. The Burton and District Angles Social Club, Borough Road was formally integrated as Histon Mariners Burton HQ.

Mr Rule, Welfare Officer, looks ahead to the future whilst an enthusiastic recruitment drive at the Burton Anglers Social Club.
Mr Rule, Welfare Officer, looks ahead to the future whilst an enthusiastic recruitment drive at the Burton Anglers Social Club.
The Chairman captivates his audience with plans for the 2010-11 season.
The Chairman captivates his audience with plans for the 2010-11 season.


Up The Mariners! 

Thanks to css zen garden for the layout.