Few Grimsby Town fans will have memories of the last time Manchester United came to town.

But Dr Jon Hall watched the Mariners in the 1940s – and the 96-year-old remains a season ticket holder and regular attendee at Blundell Park.

He will be there on Wednesday, when United return to Blundell Park for the first time since 1948.

That year marked the end of a golden era for Mariners, when they were relegated from the Football League’s Division One, never to return to the game’s highest stage.

They played the Red Devils home and away in those two seasons after the Second World War.

“1946-47 was my first season watching Town,” said Jon, a retired teacher who became a psychologist.

“The thing I always remember about Blundell Park was standing in the old Barratt Stand.

“When the players came on, supporters banged their feet on the wooden boards and it was like thunder.”

Like so many, his father Jack Hall, in the RAF during the war and later a hospital nurse in Grimsby, influenced his footballing loyalties.

“I used to walk to the ground with my father from where we lived in Hope Street. We went every home game; it was almost like a pilgrimage.

“Men and boys – there were no women – either walked or cycled to the ground. The front gardens around Blundell Park were full of bikes.

“Fans would pay tuppence and they’d be looked after.

“I had a rattle but the end flew off the handle and it was confiscated by a steward.

 

“I remember going to Arsenal in the 1948 season. They gave us a right hiding (8-0).

“I looked at the surroundings and they were palatial compared to Grimsby.

“In those two seasons after the war, we were the smallest side in a very big league.”

His favourite Town player of all time was wing half Jeff Whitefoot who, coincidentally, switched from United to the Mariners in 1957.

More recent memories of watching the Mariners include visits to the old and new Wembley Stadium.

“The Alan Buckley side in 1998, winning the two matches at Wembley, was quite a team.”

Looking ahead to Wednesday’s game, Jon has his ticket secured. He always watched from the Pontoon until more recently, when he took a seat in the Upper Ramsdens.

“I do think we have a remote chance of winning. We are playing well and the manager’s put a good side together and done a good job.

“I think we will give Manchester United a run for their money.”

One player hoping to have a key role for the Mariners is Jaze Kabia. The striker surprised Jon when he turned up to thank him for his loyalty to the club.

 

“It is great to meet someone who has been a fan for such a long time,” Jaze said. “People like him are the life and soul of this football club.

“It’s remarkable that he’s 96 and he gets up all those steps to take his seat for the games.”

Jon was thrilled to meet Jaze and wished him well for next week and the rest of the season.

 

For him, it added to an exciting build up to the clash.

Town fans will be hoping next Wednesday produces another of those special memories for the 96-year-old.

UTM