Non-League To Big League, Part 7: I'm At A Place Called Vertigo

Hello and welcome back one and all to the final instalment of Non-League To Big League of 2024. It's been quite a journey so far with Grimsby Borough and we're now firmly entrenched in our second season as we aim to establish ourselves in the Northern Premier League Division One (East). If you haven't seen our pre-season preparations then you can check out that post here.

League Form

Considering we were one of the favourites for the drop once again, we've performed far beyond anyone's expectations (my own included if I'm being truthful) to find ourselves starting the new year on the fringe of the play-off places, four points behind our nearest contenders Brighouse Town. At one point, we even scaled the dizzying heights of fourth but if you had offered me this position at the start of the season. I'd have snapped your hand off. 

Undoubtedly the highlight of the season was our eight-match unbeaten run (which also became a club record) which saw us turn out wins over Hebburn, Bishop Auckland, a thumping 4-0 triumph over Pontefract before a 1-0 win against Gresley. Despite the Villagers possessing an imperious record, we managed to topple league leaders North Ferriby in one of the matches of the season, winning 3-2 at the Dransfield Stadium with star striker Andre Edionhon (more on him later) scoring a dramatic late winner after we'd already coughed up a 1-0 and a 2-1 lead. 

Unfortunately, after losing to fellow promotion candidates Dunston UTS, our form has taken something of a dip as we only managed to record two further victories (against Tadcaster and Emley) which allowed Brighouse to open up their lead over us going into the new year. 

Cup Competitions

In terms of cup assignments, our main adventure came in the FA Cup where we went all the way to the third qualifying round for the first time in the club's history. After eventually overcoming Sleaford Town in the extra preliminary round via a replay we then disposed of Belper United, Lancaster City and Runcorn Town before we were dismantled by North Ferriby in one of our worst performances of the season. 

The FA Trophy was as much of a non-event as it was last season, we were knocked out in the first qualifying round by Stockton Town. 

Star Man

Undoubtedly, our man of the season so far has been striker Andre Edionhon. The former Huddersfield Town striker has bagged 18 goals on all competitions for us (17 of which in the league, which puts him top of the charts in the NPLD1E) and putting in an average rating of 7.30. His form has also led to me frequently singing 'Andre Edionhon-oh-oh-oh, Andre Edionhon' to the tune of Greenlight by Pitbull (you know the one, that tune that Luke 'The Nuke' Littler walks on to the Ally Pally stage to). 

An honourable mention also goes to winger Matty Bowman who has lit up the division with 13 goal involvements from his 23 appearances in all competitions. He also got himself a special song as well, maestro please. 'There's a star man playing on the wing, his name is Matty Bowman and he's Grimsby Borough's king!'. 

Transfers

It's been a fairly modest period for us on the transfer front between the beginning of the season and the halfway stage with the only permanent addition coming in the shape of wing-back Jak Hickman who arrived at the FDC on a free following his release from Halesowen Town. Loanees joining us were Brad Smith (South Shields), Oscar Hartley (Blyth Spartans), Lennon MacLorg (Rochdale), Dom Cain (Needham Market), Joe Nicholson (Rochdale, again), Sean Stephenson (Leiston) and Michael Hogan (Blyth, again) but only Smith and Hogan remain with us. 

The only major departure has been that of young defender Toby Oakes who joined FC United of Manchester after some impressive performances for us. Definitely one to keep an eye on as the save progresses. 

Job News

Now, this is a new one but (without wishing to blow one's own trumpet) Borough's form this season hasn't gone unnoticed and there have been a number of job offers coming my way. 

Hitchin Town were the first to court my services but as they're a division below us it was very much a case of 'thanks, but no thanks' before Tonbridge Angels of the Isthmian League and Farsley Celtic both of higher levels (Tonbridge are in the Isthmian League and Farsley are currently in the NPL). Despite interviewing for both, I was turned down. On the plus side though I noticed that Tonbridge's manager was only on a £250 per week contract and when you consider I'm on £700 p/w at Borough it wouldn't have made much sense. 

In the wake of the interest from above, the board moved quickly and offered me a new two-year contract which I duly accepted. There's room for progress here at the FDC and I'm happy that the board are willing to allow me to lead them going forward. 

That's your lot for this instalment and indeed this year. Have a wonderful Christmas time and if you receive FM as a gift then good luck in your virtual adventures. By the time the next one comes out, it'll be 2025 and hopefully Borough will have beaten Cleethorpes Town at the FDC on New Year's Day! (I've got my ticket in advance, hope the gaffer doesn't spot me, he'll think I'm there for his job!) 

Take care everyone, see you in the next one!