From the nadir of non-league football to one of the most memorable FA Cup runs in modern times,Grimsby Town have been on quite the journey over the past four decades.
One individual has been instrumental in making every match come to life for those at home, through all of the highs and lows. John Tondeur, known as “The Voice of the Mariners,” has been covering the football team’s home and away games for 40 years on BBC Radio Humberside. However, he has stated that he would be hanging up the mike at the conclusion of the 2023–2024 season.
The native, who was born in Cleethorpes, fell in love with the club when she was just seven years old. John was brought to his first Mariners game by his father in 1959 to witness the team play Norwich City. When he was hired as the team’s voice in 1984, Blundell Park became his second home.
Known affectionately as just “JT,” he saw his first match in the commentary booth on March 31, 1984, when the team defeated Huddersfield Town 2-1. Back then, goal flashes were the standard, not a ninety-minute commentary. The Mariners finished sixth in the former Second Division, which is now equivalent to the Championship, in John’s first season in the press box for the 1983–84 season. However, Town had a difficult decade later in decade, with back-to-back relegations in 1987 and 1988 sending them down to the Fourth Division.
But things would change for the Mariners in 1988 when they signed Alan Buckley, who has since been a regular seatmate of John’s during his broadcasts, as manager. Buckley led the team to back-to-back promotions.
John told the BBC that Blundell Park had produced some of the best football he had ever seen during the Buckley period. “The promotions under Alan Buckley were excellent,” he declared. It was amazing how well Grimsby played passing football, and I don’t think anyone realised how good they had until much later.
“Go back and watch some of the footage of the goals Grimsby scored while he was in charge; they were just incredible goals for a football player. His speciality was passing and moving, and the goals were incredible. John Cockerill’s two goals against Exeter in 1991 to secure promotion will always be etched in my memory.”
But in the oddball sport of football, there must inevitably be a low to match every high. Following consecutive relegations in 2003 and 2004, the team found itself back in the fourth division before exiting the Football League for the first time in almost a century in 2010. One of the greatest accolades in broadcasting, the Sony Radio Academy Award, was given to John and the BBC Radio Humberside crew for their coverage of this tragic event. It was a bittersweet victory.
After three abortive play-off campaigns, Town’s opportunity to rejoin the Football League after a six-year hiatus finally arrived on May 15, 2016, at Wembley. It was inevitable that the match against Forest Green Rovers would end in a cagey fashion with the Mariners leading 2-1 in the 94th minute.
Does Nolan move to the left or right? He is moving inside to Hoban, who hits it and falls to Arnold. That’s it; he has clinched the deal! Nathan Arnold puts Grimsby Town ahead 3-1 with just one minute remaining, marking their return to the Football League. See the scenes behind the goal and the relief that results from the pain finally ending. Green Rovers 1, Grimsby Town 3,.”
When it comes to providing commentary, a few of my favourite pieces have also been the relegations. Though the circumstances weren’t ideal, I was happy with how I handled both of my expulsions from the Football League. Obviously, though, they lack the same sentimental value as that one.”
The “Voice of the Mariners” has received a tonne of support after declaring before Tuesday’s 1-0 victory over MK Dons that this season would be his last in the media box at Blundell Park. John would have remarked on Gary Croft’s comparison to the late, great John Motson when he was a player for the team.
Former player Ben Fox said: “An incredible innings, JT. Congratulations on an unbelievable career. Absolute pleasure to have had the chance to meet you, one of the very best in the game. Any excuse to remember that memorable day – all the best mate.” @Grimsby_bear said: “JT!! Nooooo! Genuinely gutted. You’re all I’ve ever known listening to town for the last 30 years – always presented a fair & unbiased account of games and always asked the questions we as fans want the answers too. You’ll be missed John, but enjoy your well deserved retirement.” With the season nearing its completion with the Mariners sitting seven points above the League Two relegation zone with just eight games remaining, there is still plenty to play for and no doubt
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