The Contrast Between Clubs
This exchange showcases the contrasting realities between Manchester United, a Premier League giant, and Grimsby Town, a club currently competing in League Two. While Manchester United has a massive following and substantial resources, Grimsby Town relies on the dedication of its fans and limited resources. Stockwood’s comment about the manager’s changing room being the back of his car is a lighthearted way of illustrating these differences ¹.
Stockwood’s Observations on Manchester United’s Performance
Stockwood also observed that Manchester United’s players seemed uninterested in the match, noting they didn’t appear to be “up for it” when they arrived at the pitch. Despite acknowledging the individual talents of the Manchester United players, Stockwood wasn’t impressed with their team performance. This observation highlights the challenges Manchester United faces in terms of team cohesion and performance, particularly when playing against lower-league teams.
About Jason Stockwood
Jason Stockwood is a lifelong Grimsby Town fan and successful businessman. He co-owns the club with Andrew Pettit under their company, 1878 Partners, which acquired the club in 2021. Stockwood has had a notable career in business, serving as the CEO and vice-chairman of Simply Business, a company he helped grow before its sale. He’s also involved in various other business ventures and philanthropic activities ².
Stockwood’s Involvement in Politics
Stockwood has been involved in politics, standing as the Labour candidate for the 2025 Greater Lincolnshire mayoral election. Although he stepped down from the Grimsby Town board during the campaign, his passion for politics and community development is evident. Stockwood’s platform focuses on tangible improvements, such as enhancing public transport, addressing stagnant wages, and revitalizing public services ³ ⁴.
Stockwood’s Background and Achievements
Stockwood comes from a working-class family and was raised by a single mother who worked three jobs to support her four sons. Despite the challenges, Stockwood went on to build a successful career in business and became the co-owner of Grimsby Town FC. He’s also a co-founder of the charity “Our Future,” which aims to spread positive change across towns like Scunthorpe ⁵.
Conclusion
Jason Stockwood’s humorous take on Manchester United’s visit to Grimsby Town highlights the differences between the two clubs. While Manchester United is a global football powerhouse, Grimsby Town relies on the dedication of its fans and limited resources. Stockwood’s observations on Manchester United’s performance and his passion for politics and community development showcase his multifaceted personality. As the owner of Grimsby Town, Stockwood continues to make a positive impact on the club and the community ⁶.
