Radio Gy...

NEWSPAPERS don't like to talk up radio too much, especially commercial radio where we compete directly for businesses' advertising spend.
But I for one am pleased to see the 'on-the-road' coverage of the Mighty Mariners fall to Compass FM.
Station manager Richard Lyon is a Grimsby Town fan - like myself, and like myself was introduced to the agony and ecstasy of all things black and white by his father.
He went to Wembley twice, he also went to countless reserve games too. But this isn't a company money for blinded loyalty story like the alleged rail company sponsorship deal of years gone by, this is a sensible broadcasting move.
Full uninterupted coverage of away games is the promise, so nothing to detract from bums on seats at Blundell Park then. And then the joy of not having to listen to how the Taargers or the Iron are faring in the Championship. Once upon a time we'd glory in being the only team to take three points and fly the flag on the Humber, nowadays we've sunk to poor relation.
While I have the utmost respect for the broadcasting team when the Mariners were the feature game, the BBC badge seemed to take precedence in post match press conferences. "Is it okay if I ask all my questions first?" would not be a question posed at Old Trafford.
And the recent fall-out over fees with the Beeb has been ridiculous. I've heard the spoutings on the airwaves and "spitting dummy out" doesn't quite do Humberside's take on it justice.
John Fenty is a successful businessman who will run the football club as it should be run, as a business.
For too long people complained that the GTFC boardroom was a glorified gentleman's club. Recent years have seen something of a business-like breath of fresh air, and while some noses may be put out, others are enjoying the breeze. There is so much money in the game it simply cannot be dealt with any other way, and while chairman - to a lesser extent then their appointments - are judged on results, the balance sheet is equally as important.
This deal won't provide a war chest, but it is the type of buy-local, stay focused approach required if the club is to progress up the league ladder once more and get the new stadium we all crave.
One person I will miss is John Tondeur. He is radio's Geoff Ford, a wise, considered and experienced voice on football. Yes we all disagree occasionally, but the vast majority of comments, opinions and analyses will be spot on.
As for Compass, with a name like that I just hope they don't ever have problems with directions when it comes to the fortnightly jaunts to Macclesfield, Morecambe and MK Dons!