One Of Our Own - Single
Derek Smith

Few people will know that Derek Smith’s association with Grimsby Town Football Club goes way beyond his role as a safety steward on a matchday.

During the week, Derek is actually the club’s maintenance man and responsible for the day-to-day upkeep of Blundell Park, Cheapside, and the training facilities at Oasis Academy Wintringham.


Derek’s been a steward for 12 years but a decade ago, he joined the team when the full-time maintenance role became available. From Monday to Friday, he’s usually getting stuck into tasks like repairing broken seats, fixing sponsor boards, or assisting the ground staff. However, come 1pm on a Saturday, he dons his stewards jacket and becomes a matchday supervisor.


A Town fan all his life, he used to be a regular at Blundell Park whilst working at Huntsman Tioxide for 30 years prior to being employed by the club.

He has fond memories of the day Town secured promotion on the final day of the 1990-91 season against Exeter and, of course, the 1997-98 season, which resulted in the two successful trips to Wembley.


Because of his role, Derek’s got to know every manager the club has had during that time and he says they have all been lovely people… although he admits that some have been known to change on a matchday!

"But there's none to compare with my Grimsby"

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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