Key Personnel:
Paul Hurst is currently in charge at Blundell Park. Hurst was a central defender playing over 500 games for Rotherham United between 1993-2008. He had managed at Ilkeston Town and Boston United before joining Grimsby in 2011 as joint manager with Rob Scott. Hurst took sole control in September 2013.

Brief Directions by Road:
The first thing to remember is that the ground is in Cleethorpes and not Grimsby. For you Motorway enthusiasts the M1 and M180/A180 will take you straight into the heart of Grimsby and staying on this road you will see the Stadium. However the trusty A1 will get you to Newark-on-Trent where you take the very pleasant A46 signposted Lincoln. This road is basically all you require as when you reach Grimsby look for signs for Cleethorpes and signs for the ground. Failing that head for the seafront and you will see the floodlights!

Car Parking:
No car park I am afraid but all the local streets are unrestricted.

Directions by Train:
An early train from Kings Cross to Cleethorpes will take around 3 hours including a change at Doncaster or Newark. Cleethorpes station is only a goodly 25-minute walk to the ground. Basically turn left out of the station and head for the sea front. You will eventually see the ground on your left. Please note Grimsby station is a long way from the stadium. If travelling by boat from the North Sea head west towards Cleethorpes and you will see the floodlights straight-ahead.

Supporters’ Coach:
A very early start for this one due to the kick off time. The supporters’ coach will leave the Hive at 06:30 with earlier pick up points at Potters Bar Station, Barnet (three separate places), Whetstone and Edgware starting at 05:30. The price is £28.00 return. For further information on the Bees Travel Club, please call the ticket office on 020 8381 3800 and select option two or visit The Hive in person.

Eating and Drinking Locally:
Inside the ground away fans are offered Scotties Bar which has a bar, TV and serves up a very decent pie and peas. Outside the ground is The Imperial and the Blundell Hotel, which are advertised as a home only pubs but I had a very pleasant drink in there without a problem last time we were there. They are adjacent to the ground on Grimsby Road. The Rutland Arms also on Grimsby Road is a ten minute walk north of the ground and offers real ales in abundance. Haddock and chips is in the blood of folk from this part of the world and Sid’s Fish and Chips at 57 Grimsby Road is perhaps the best plaice to sample it takeaway style, don’t miss out! I found the outstanding Ocean Restaurant in St Peters Avenue in the town for a sit down job. It has an extensive menu including steaks, ribs and fish, all at very reasonable prices, and has my personal recommendation for a pre-match meal. In fact I have received numerous texts after the years about the quality of this establishment, and once received a very personal recommendation from the late but one and only Denis Signy as he took his lady wife Pat for dinner there on a couple of occasions – oh how I miss that gentleman. For a good old-fashioned fry up or all-day roast dinner seek out Browns Restaurant on Cleethorpes’ Promenade.

Admission Prices:
Osmond Stand: Adults: £16, Concessions £10, U15s £4.

Previous Meetings and Memories:
Our last visit was in November 2013 when a David Stephens goal was not enough in a 2-1 defeat.  A Bees 2-0 defeat in May 2010 was a lifeline for the Mariners at the time but they were still relegated to the Conference a week later. Barnet’s only win at Blundell Park was in September 2008 when a Neil Bishop goal brought home the spoils.