Dave Roberts has been following the Mariners for well over 50 years, but it’s for his work supporting the club that he’s perhaps best known. His first game was a 0-0 draw with Portsmouth in 1966 where he stood in the Imperial corner paddock along with his dad and hundreds of other Town fans. 55 years later, Dave is now one of two fan representatives currently on the Grimsby Town board.
A member of the Mariners Trust for almost 20 years, Dave has held a number of different positions and responsibilities for the organisation who have a direct say on the running of Grimsby Town. In 2013 Dave, along with Jon Wood, became the first fan representatives to join the board of GTFC and he remained in office until 2016 when he chose to step down to concentrate on things away from football. However, in 2018, following an appeal from the Mariners Trust for help, Dave returned and was quickly co-opted back on to the club’s board so he could continue his good work representing the fans.
Dave’s current remit on the Mariners Trust board is to look after Memberships, Juniors, the Bars, and also the creation of the new Fan Zone which has completely changed the whole matchday experience. He, along with a group of other tireless volunteers and local businesses, has helped turn a misused space in the corner of Blundell Park into a lively Fan Zone where supporters can enjoy a decent pint, excellent street food and socialise before, during and after a match.
As a GTFC board member, he’s also been involved in the new improved ticket system which will help the club do so much more. Dave also heads up the Youth Development Association and over the years, the YDA has been able to raise significant funds for the club’s academy including a pending £60k contribution to help with upgrades to the astro turf facilities at Oasis Wintringham Academy.
Dave’s dad used to help with the away travel for the Disabled Supporters club in the 90s, and when it’s long-time coordinator decided to retire in the summer, Dave and his brother took over to ensure the running of the service didn’t fold. With that sort of level of determination and a willingness to roll up his sleeves to help our supporters, you can see why Dave is one of the people helping Grimsby Town to make important strides off the pitch.
One Of Our Own is a collaboration between Grimbarians and GTFC to celebrate and shine a light on the unseen heroes that make the club tick.
Profiles can also be found in the match day programmes of the 21/22 season.
Words are by Jack Johnson (Super Clive Content) for Grimsby Town Football Club. Photography by Dan Clarke.
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