MARINERS LEGEND: IT’S OUR CUP FINAL
BY RICHARD EDWARDS GRIMSBY legend John Mcdermott has not seen the Mariners lose a single game that he has attended since he retired in 2007.
He reckons that run now stretches to more than 25 matches.
But, as the club he made 754 appearances for, prepare for one of the biggest days in their history there is a problem.
“It’s Mother’s Day, isn’t it,” he said.
“I didn’t look at the diary and think, ‘Oh, it’s FA Cup quarter-final weekend, I better keep it free!’ No one saw this run coming!” He is not wrong. Grimsby head to Brighton today for their first FA Cup quarter-final tie since 1939.
The closest they came during Mcdermott’s 21-year stay at the club were two fifth-round appearances, both of which ended in defeat.
Having seen off Southampton in the previous round, though, Mcdermott (above) believes the match against the Seagulls is a free hit for Paul Hurst’s side.
And he sees no reason why the Mariners cannot clip their wings, repeat their southcoast heroics at St Mary’s stadium and become the first fourth-tier side in history to reach an FA Cup semi-final.
“Grimsby always love a good cup run,” he said.
“They’ve slain giants in the past, it’s something the club is known for.
“I’m not saying that’s going to happen against Brighton because they will see this competition as a route into Europe next season. It’s also a chance for them to win a trophy.
“They’ll be looking at our game against Southampton and thinking, ‘There’s no way that’s going to happen to us’. But it could. For Grimsby, there’s no pressure.
“They’ll be going down there to put on a show for their fans and there will be thousands of them. They’ll take over Brighton – they love a party!
“It’s all about attitude. This is Grimsby’s cup final and they’ll give everything.
“Some of my family will be there and I’ll be watching it wherever I am, don’t worry about that.
“I’m pretty sure the whole of Grimsby will be empty on Sunday – and you won’t be able to buy an inflatable haddock for love nor money!”