Craig 'Ginger Pirlo' Disley Q&A

Here is my Q&A, with former mariners skipper and promotion winning captain Craig Disley, Disley is a Legend with the Grimsby Town Fans - so I'd like to Thank Craig for taking part in this Q&A. Secondly, I'd like to thank everyone for asking the questions via Twitter or email. If there's anyone you'd like to see me do a Q&A with in the future, whether current members of the squad or former players. Please don't hesitate to tell me and I will certainly try my best!

Craig Disley after leading the mariners to promotion at Wembley. Photo Credit: Grimsby Telegraph

1) Dan (DBacDN37) asks: Favourite goal scored?

I’ve scored lots of goals I’ve really enjoyed during my time at the club but my favourite would be Barnet away. It wasn’t a great goal but the timing of the goal at the atmosphere on the day was unreal.

2) Josh asks:- Would you of ratherd win in the play offs v Birstol Rovers as it was your old club or still win the Forest Green game?

As strange as it may sound would probably be the way it happened not because it was my old club but I feel because of the disappointment the year previous it made the day against Forest green even more special.

3) David:- Would you like to become part of the first team management at Grimsby in the future?

At the moment I’m really not sure about a role in coaching or management but would never say never because you never know what can happen in football.

4) Natalie asks:- Are Grimsby the only football releated tattoo you have, if not which other clubs? What made the that connection to GTFC so special?

haha it is certainly the only tattoo I have and a bets a bet! Can’t really explain but just had such a great relationship with all involved at the club from players and staff to the fans.

5) Dan Asks: What oppostition player gave you the hardest time during a game? or that you dreaded playing?

A player called Gary Jones at Rochdale, played against him many times mainly my Bristol days and would never come out on top. He was none stop and didn’t give you a second on the ball.

6) Ben asks:- Did you enjoy the atmosphere of big away days - like Lincoln City?

some of our away days were amazing at the atmosphere our fans created was unbelievable. Always enjoyed our games with Lincoln as we mainly had the better of most of our games in the conference.

7) Anonymous asks:- Over your time at Grimsby we had stuff like, Wigs at Woking, inflateables at Barnet - Which one of them made you and the lads laugh more and why?

I think Barnet and Woking were brilliant seeing a Zimmer frame in the goal when Jp scored is something you would ever expect to see 🤣 also the boys wearing the wigs after the Woking game was a classic.

8) Jordan asks:- Any advice for youth players?

stay humble listen to advice and give 100% every single time you train or play. Remember hard work beats talent if talent doesn’t work hard.

9) David asks:- was it a mutual decision to bring your time at Grimsby to an unfortunate end?

no it was obviously Russell’s decision and one that was gutting for me as I still felt and still had something to offer for the club.

10) Ben asks:- Who was the best player you have ever played with (During your whole career)

Ricky Lambert at Bristol Rovers. He was technically unbelievable and scored some of the most ridiculous goals I’ve ever seen. Wasn’t very quick but you only have to look at the career he went on to have.

11) Chris asks:- What are you plans after retirement?

I’m still playing part time but when I do hang up the boots I’m looking forward to spending time with family at weekends rather than travelling all over the country. As for long term I’m not sure what the future holds.

12) One question from myself:- when you was at Grimsby, what player looked like they could make a good manager when their playing career is over and why?

Josh Gowling as you can see with him now at Hereford. A very intelligent person and knowledgeable about the game. Also think Shaun Pearson could step into management with his personality and passion for football.

13) Ryan asks:- We all saw the infamous 'Hurst Out' banner on the fly over, how did this motivate the players?

Think it was all the motivation we needed we all loved the gaffer and felt it was very unfair criticism on him and we made sure we gave all we could to do it for him and prove people wrong.

14) Nathan Asks:- we scored 2 goals in the first half at Wembley, a lot of us was over come with emotion already - but what was your personal feeling with Nath scored and the Grimsby fans went wild?

I find it hard to describe how it feels pretty much like scoring a goal in front of a large crowd. Let’s just say if you could bottle that feeling and sell it you would be a very wealthy person.