Grimsby Town and fish!

Grimsby’s fans are often jokingly referred to as ‘codheads’.

The club are nicknamed The Mariners.

Grimsby’s fanzine is called ‘Cod Almighty’.

FGR fans will remember visits from Grimsby supporters and their inflatable fish!

At its peak, in the 1950’s, Grimsby laid claim to being the largest fishing port in the world. In spite of a decline since those heady days, the town is still one of the largest centres of fish processing in Europe, with the Findus Group (incorporating Youngs Seafood and Findus) headquartered there.

The club have played at Blundell Park since 1898. Blundell Park holds the distinction of being the lowest ground above sea level in the English Football League (at about 0.6 metres). The Innocent New Lawn is the second highest ground in the EFL (at 162.5 metres above sea level).

Grimsby actually play in Cleethorpes (next to the beach at this seaside resort). It’s only about a mile from Cleethorpes to Grimsby but locals joke that they are the only British club to play all of its games away from home.

Grimsby’s traditional rivals were their Humberside neighbours Hull City, but the 2 clubs haven’t played each other in the league since 1987. Fellow Lincolnshire clubs Scunthorpe United and Lincoln City have been more frequent derby opponents in recent years.

Bill Shankly (far right) managed Grimsby between 1951 and 1954

Former England manager Graham Taylor played for Grimsby in the 1960’s

Ian Holloway has been Grimsby’s manager since 2019. Holloway has previously managed at Bristol Rovers, QPR, Plymouth Argyle, Leicester City, Blackpool, Crystal Palace, and Millwall.

Grimsby are one of only six clubs who have played in all top 5 tiers of English football (the others are Notts County, Leyton Orient, Carlisle Utd, Oxford Utd & Luton Town). FGR fans will remember Grimsby’s return to the football league in 2016 when they were promoted to League 2 after a 3-1 win against Rovers in the Wembley play-off final.