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John's legendary career will be celebrated on the 3rd of October as the club takes on local rivals Hull City in a testamonial for the right sided defender. The game will be a huge celebration for both Macca, and aswell for the Grimsby fans who will see the return of some the clubs most influential figures over the past decade or so. The team will include players from the 1997/1998 legendary side, the team that year went to Wembley for the first time in the clubs history and beat AFC Bournemouth 2-1 in the final of the Auto Windscreen Shield(now known as
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Including Macca, in all 14 of the players from that season will feature tonight with an extra 4 others. Hull City manager Peter Taylor will bring a strong side to play against the Grimsby XI team as the club do not play again till the 15th of October when they travel down to the South Coast to play Southampton.
GRIMSBY TOWN SQUAD TO FACE HULL CITY
1:AIDAN DAVISON-Played for the club from 1997 to 1999 and then again in the 2003/2004 season, was an influential keeper in the clubs glory season and is percieved as a legend in some of the Town fans eyes, currently playing for League One club Colchester United.
2:JOHN MCDERMOTT-Loyal legend, what else can I say, Macca an inspiration to the world of football for his commitment to our club and his loyal and honest behaviour over the years. Deserves a whole lot of thanks, respect and appreciation from every one, and Grimsby fans will make sure Macca gets the reception he deserves. Has played for Town from 1986 to present day.
3:TONY GALLIMORE-Not loved greatly by the Grimsby faithful, was a love or hate figure however he played, gave his all for the club and however gave it his all for the club between 1996 and 2003. Currently playing for Grimsby's League Two rivals Rochdale.
4:PETER HANDYSIDE-Another loyal defender, the Scottish centre back gave Grimsby his best years. Started of as a junior and progressed through the ranks until cementing himself into a permanent position alongside Mark Lever. Played for Grimsby between 1992 and 2001. Currently on his last legs playing for Northwich Victoria in the Nationwide Conference North division.
5:MARK LEVER-Had his testamonial a few years back in the late nineties when the club entertained Nottingham Forest. Was another loyal centre back who's career with Grimsby stretched from 1988 to 2000. Retired at the end of last season playing for Non league club Ilkeston Town.
6:DAVID SMITH-Currently working for the club still as the Assistant Commercial Manager, was a nippy midfielder in his days and joined the club a couple of months prior to the two Wembley success stories. Played for the club between 1998 and 2002. Retired a few months after leaving the club while at Swansea City.
7:KEVIN DONOVAN-Seen as the hero in the 97/98 season, banging in 20 goals from midfield and scoring the winner in the Play-Off Final, was a honouary Codhead, pondered out after that season but will never be forgotten in his service to the club between 1997 and 2002, now playing in the Nationwide Conference North division for Alfreton Town.
8:PAUL GROVES-Former Player/Manager of the club between 2002 and 2004, was a succesful centre back and central midfielder for Grimsby, scored a decent number of goals in his time at Blundell Park, was loved by the fans even when managing the relegation doomed team of the 03/04 season. Played for Grimsby on two occasions firstly 1992 and 1996, and after 1a season at West Brom he came back to play for the club from 1997 to 2004. Now Player/Coach for Nationwide Conference North club Stafford Rangers.
9:WAYNE BURNETT-Scored the winning goal in the Wembley game against Bournemouth, was a strong central midfielder, however had a lot of injury trouble but was a Cult Hero for what he did that season. Played for the club between 1998 and 2002, after retiring once he is now back playing for basement Non League side Fisher Athletic.
10:JACK LESTER-Going stong still is Super Jacky Lester, a fans favourite in his days at Blundell Park, has gone from strength to strength since leaving Blundell Park and has served Sheffield United and Nottingham Forest well in his career. Played for Grimsby from 1994 to 2000. Now playing currently for Nottingham Forest, where he is in his second spell there.
11:LEE NOGAN-Had a short stay with the club but a decent one, Was a big part of the clubs promotion in the 97/98 season and nothced up a decent sum of goals. Was a Mariner between 1997 and 1999. Recently left York City after being the clubs Player/Assistant Manager for two years, he is now a coach for the Excel Professional Sports Development Group.
12:DARYL CLARE-Was only a youngster in his time at Grimsby, but was a very succesful one, felt the full force of Alan Buckley and never really got a luck in, was farmed out to Cheltenham and Northampton on loan, onde he left Grimsby he made a name for himself mainly for Boston United. Was at Grimsby between 1995 and 2001. Now playing Conference football for Crawley Town.
13:JIM DOBBIN-Decent midfielder enjoyed many spells with the club, started his career of with Celtic. The Scottish player will mainly be remembered for his goal in a 1-0 cup win over Newcastle United at St James Park. Was a Mariner between 1991 and 1996 and then again from 1998 to 1999. He retired at Gainsborough Trinity in 2000.
14:PAUL FUTCHER-Hardened centre back who signed for the club from Halifax Town back in the early nineties, was a rock at the back, one of the clubs other great legends. Played for the club from 1991 to 1995, became manager of Southport and Stalybridge Celtic after that but seemed to have pondered away from football in later years.
15:IVANO BONETTI-Italian super star Bonetti was the cult hero of the nineties decade, the flash long haired midfielder is still regared as a true great and is still spoke about nearly 10 years after his departure. Played for the club in the 1995/1996 season but left after the Brian Laws incident which saw him depart to Crystal Palace. Was manager of Dundee, but after being sacked he returned to Italy and is a Sports presenter.
16:CLIVE MENDONCA-SUPER CLIVE!!!!!!!!A fantastic striker, a fantastic bloke and a great Town legend. Sadly we lost him to Charlton, who lost him to injury a few years later, this is what old school Grimsby was all about. It is 9 years since Mendonca departed Grimsby, and its a sad 9 years it has been. Was at Grimsby from 1992 to 1997. Retired through injury in 2002 whilst with Premiership Charlton Athletic.
17:ALAN POUTON-Strong figure in the turn of the millenium and just after, constructive midfielder who's composure and frame could turn games around. Signed as a bargain free transfer from lowly York City. Played for Grimsby between 1999 and 2004, and now is with League One side Gillingham.
The two players who are hit and miss for tonights game are midfielder Kingsley Black and left back Kevin Jobling. Kick Off is 7:30 and prices are £10 for Adults and £5 for children
UP THE MARINERS!!!!!!