What does it take to become a 'Cult Hero'?

Grimsby Town captain - James Mckeown. Photo credit: Lee Blease / PRiME Media Images

James McKeown has become somewhat of a cult hero in recent times at Grimsby, but it begs the question of what makes a cult hero? Cult heroes may have shown loyalty to their club - which is the case for Mariners skipper McKeown who has now been with the club 9 years. McKeown has also made 450 appearances across all competitions since his arrival at Blundell Park back in 2011.

Cult hero's may get that name from scoring an important goal at a vital time, maybe they scored a goal to keep their team up on the final day or win promotion, some cult hero's have a trait about them that might not be good but your fan base love them for it. In McKeown's case he's got the tagline cult hero for being our longest serving current player, the goalkeeper who can sometimes randomly turn into Gordan Banks - Exeter City away springs to mind, over his 9 years at the club, James has done a fair bit of the pitch for the community as well, recently becoming a patron at Harbour Place.

As well of doing bits of the pitch for the community, Macca has done a lot on the pitch also, making majorly important saves, some quality saves too. Unfortunately, there's been some 'Rough Patches' - the one that springs to mind has to be the Danny Collins back pass own goal vs Forest Green Rovers. Or the Red card vs Leicester U23's when Shaun Pearson went in goal.

Cult hero's come and go in football and why shouldn't they, football is a short career so players make the most of it whilst they can, as we would if we was fortunate to be in such a position. Some may call Omar Bogle, Padraig Amond, Nathan Arnold and Shaun Pearson cult hero's of Grimsby - What do you think?

After signing a new 3-year-contract at the start of the season just gone, before it was brought to an early halt due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and at the age 31-Years-Old, will we see Macca sign another new contract near his contract expiry date and if we do, will we see James retire at Grimsby. I certainly hope so!

Craig Disley Q&A - Coming Soon!

Until then,

Thanks for reading.

UTMM

Ben.