The 6-0 defeat to Oldham proved to be the last straw for the Grimsby Town paymasters who decided to part company with manager Paul Groves as relegation to the Football League basement looms. Michael Boulding was one of Groves' signing and played in the defeat at Oldham and he talked to givemefootball's Lawrie Madden about the dismissal of a loyal Grimsby servant - as manager, but not player!
Q:WHEN DID YOU FIND OUT ABOUT THE DECISION TO RELIEVE PAUL GROVES OF HIS MANAGERIAL DUTIES?
A:Well we came in for a warm down after the Oldham game and Graham Rodgers, the assistant manager, came in and told us what had happened. The Chairman then came in and said that Graham would be in charge until a replacement was found. He also said that Paul would still be a player at the club.
Q:DID THE NEWS COME AS A SURPRISE?
A:After such a heavy defeat against Oldham it was possibly on the cards, especially as we are on a run without a win at the moment. I saw Paul after the meeting and he was a bit down which is understandable. I think he was a bit miffed by it all.
Q:WHAT DO THE PLAYERS FEEL ABOUT THE DECISION?
A:I really liked 'Grovesy' and when there was speculation about my future recently I stayed because of him. I felt I owed him some loyalty even though I could have moved to another club.
Q:DO THE PLAYERS SHARE THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE CLUB'S POSITION?
A:There were a lot of players very quiet in the dressing room after we'd heard the news. I think that a lot of the lads will feel that they let him down. I think we all need to have a look at ourselves.
Q:WHERE DO GRIMSBY GO FROM HERE?
A:I don't know. Obviously they will look for a new manager and I hope they appoint sooner rather than later as we have a lot of games coming up in quick succession. I believe that we are playing two games a week for the next few weeks so I think an early appointment would help.
Q:CAN YOU PUT YOUR FINGER ON WHAT'S GONE WRONG?
A:I wish I could. I have no idea why things have gone this way. I know we have 18 games left to stay out of relegation to Division Three, which is an unthinkable prospect really.
Q:WHAT ABOUT YOUR FUTURE NOW?
A:I will have to look at that and review the situation. I have a clause in my contract that says I can go if a club is willing to pay a certain fee, although the club is disputing this. They believe it is not watertight. I am not in a hurry to make up my mind. I have just over three months here at Grimsby and if I need to I can make up my mind then.
