Stockport County v Wrexham

Official Matchday Programme

vs Wrexham Monday 28th December Kick-off 3:00pm

Rated Excellent On TrustPilot

Stockport County FC Edgeley Park, Hardcastle Road, Stockport, SK3 9DD

Chairman: Mark Stott Chief Executive Officer: Jonathan Vaughan Directors: Mark Stott (Majority Shareholder), Jonathan Vaughan, Ken Knott, Mark Dawson Club President: Steve Bellis Brand and Communications Director: David Ancell Director of Operations: Richard Simkin Life Presidents: Angela White, Robert Smith Bewley, Arthur Collister, Steve Cree, Richard Hill, Mike Flynn, George Hudson, John Rutter Director of Football: Simon Wilson Club Ambassadors: John Fitzpatrick, Freddie Goodwin, Alan Ogley Head of Football Administration: Alex Cowdy First-Team Manager: Jim Gannon Assistant Manager: Dave Conlon Goalkeeping Coach: Karl Lenaghan Physio: Luke Smith Strength & Conditioning: Nick Donnelly Kit Manager: Richard Landon First Team Scouting Consultant: Alan Lord Head of Performance Analysis: Sean O’Callaghan Club Doctor: Amjad Choudry Head of Commercial and Ticketing: Olivia Hanvey Conference and Events Manager: Melissa Ellison Retail & Photography: Mike Petch Online Shop: www.stockportcounty.com/shop Marketing Manager: Alice Gregory Content Executive: Carl Gozem Media Executive: Liam Richardson Ticket Office (matchdays only, from 12:30pm): Sarah Dibben Stadium Safety Officer: Steve Walker Facilities Stadium Maintenance & COVID Manager: Rick Hinks Head Groundsman: Mike O’Brien Community Foundation: Dave Wardle Website: www.scfcfoundation.com Junior Supporters Club: Ian Butterworth, Brenda Williams Stockport County Lottery: Tom Quayle Historian & Statistician: Ian Watts & Marcus Heap Website: gogogocounty.org Stadium Announcer: Kenny Boxshall Turnstile Manager: Pete Kidd Half-Time Draw: Tony Malone Mascot Supervisor: Louise Mellor Customer Relationship Management Executive: Theo Bielby

county

Editor: Keith Chapman Editorial Contributors: Andy Monks, David Ancell, Alice Gregory, Neil Simms, Gareth Evans, Steve Beswick, Mike Petch, Damien Allen, Peter Attfield, Paul Dean, Olivia Hanvey, Ian Watts, Mark Heys, Luke Smith, Liam Richardson, Ian Butterworth, Brenda Williams, Ian Brown, Greg Hall, Jon Keighren, Oshor Williams, Steven Davies, Dave Wardle, Stephen Kenneth, Steve Bellis, Sam Preston, Alex Cowdy.

Thanks to: Andy Poole and Geraint Parry at Wrexham AFC Design by: Daniel Parker, Duplexity Artwork Stockport County FC is the trading name of Stockport County 2010 Ltd (7254012), which is wholly owned by Stockport Community Leisure Company Ltd (7240006), a private company limited by shares. The registered office is: Edgeley Park, Hardcastle Road, Edgeley, Stockport SK3 9DD

Inside...

04 25

10

34

55

Club Honours

Football League Division Two Runners Up 1996-97 Football League Division Three (North) Champions 1921-22, 1936-37 Football League Division Three (North) Runners Up 1928-29, 1929-30 Football League Division Four Champions 1966-67 Football League Division Four Runners Up 1990-91 Football League Two Play-Off Winners 2007-08 Football League Division Two Play-Off Finalists 1993-94 Football League Division Three Play-Off Finalists 1991-92 Football League Trophy Finalists 1991-92, 1992-93 Football League Division Three (North) Cup Winners 1934-35 Football League Division Three (North) Cup Finalists 1933-34 Lancashire League Winners 1899-1900 Lancashire Combination Winners 1904-05 Cheshire League Runners-Up (Reserves) 1909-10, 1927-28, 1936-37 Manchester Senior Cup Winners 1897-98, 1898-99, 1914-15, 1922-23 Cheshire Senior Cup Winners 1905-06, 1914-15, 1965-66, 2015-16 Cheshire Medal Winners 1922-23, 1924-25, 1928-29, 1929-30, 1930-31 Cheshire Bowl Winners 1933-34, 1948-49, 1952-53, 1955-56, 1956-57, 1958-59, 1960-61, 1962-63 Cheshire Friendly Trophy Winners 1965-66, 1966-67 Cheshire Premier Cup Winners 1969-70, 1970-71, 2010-11 Vanarama National League North Winners 2018-2019

03

The players approached the game in a much more positive and professional manner than previous games and it showed in the way we played, competed, and worked hard for the result.

04

James Gannon Good afternoon and a warm welcome back to Edgeley Park, especially to Dean Keates, his staff, players, and the officials of Wrexham AFC that are able to attend today’s game.

I trust that everyone was able to enjoy a great Christmas with their family and loved ones. It has been a very difficult year and I hope that the Christmas period has brought some added cheer and a reminder of the important things in our life.

It has been unfortunate that as a team we haven’t been able to bring greater cheer to our fans in the days before and after Christmas. At Hartlepool we had one of the most disappointing games I have witnessed as manager and a real low point in the season, that I trust we will not allow to ever happen again. The erosion and complete disregard for the culture which I have tried to build at the Club was, and still is, hard to stomach. This was on the back of a weak football performance at Notts County in a game where our credentials to be amongst the strongest competitors for the top spot were challenged and we were found wanting in many categories.

I have had to work hard in every regard to manage and coach the team towards a far better attitude to the game and how we should play it. Because of that, I was pleased with our performance at Altrincham FC. The players approached the game in a much more positive and professional manner than previous games and it showed in the way we played, competed, and worked hard for the result.

I was a little disappointed for the players that they only had a point for their troubles.

Despite the condition of the Moss Lane pitch, the pressures, and low confidence some players

The players approached the game at Altrincham much more positively

are feeling, we tried to play an expansive football game. I hope that such coaching and trust gives the players the courage to play a more constructive game. The reward is work that is far more enjoyable to play, watch and learn from.

Today, we face a difficult challenge as we come up against a rejuvenated Wrexham AFC club and team. News of new owners is a massive boost to the Dragons, and I wish them well on their developing project. Dean has worked hard to get his team much more competitive than last season and the signs are positive for progress this season both on and off the pitch. It is a reminder to us of the strength of this league and how difficult and hard success is to earn at this level.

Enjoy the game.

JG

05

Proud to sponsor Stockport County Football Club

togethermoney.com

Club News Obituaries We were deeply saddened to hear the news that our former player Steve Ingle passed away on Wednesday 16th December at the age of 74. Steve played in one of the most famous County sides, appearing at right back during the 1972/73 season. In this season, County defeated both Crystal Palace and West Ham in the Football League Cup, creating memories for County fans that are fondly remembered and celebrated to this day.

We were also deeply saddened to hear the news that our former player Tony Morrin passed away on Monday 14th December at the age of 74. During two separate spells with the Club (a decade apart) he played 50 times, scoring four goals.

Tony is one of the very rare and special County players to have won a Football League championship medal at Edgeley Park. During the 1966-67 season, as one of the youngest member of the team, he made 20 appearances as County won the 4th Division championship.

Fixture Changes

Out On Loan Striker Nyal Bell’s loan spell at FC Halifax Town has been extended by an additional month.

Our National League fixture at home to Eastleigh has been rearranged, and will now take place on Tuesday 5th January, with kick-off at 7:45pm.

Originally scheduled to take place on Tuesday 12th January, the fixture has been brought forward a week due to our FA Cup commitments, as we are due to host West Ham United on the Monday night (11th January).

Our postponed National League fixture against Sutton United at Edgeley Park has also been rearranged for Tuesday 2nd February, with kick-off at 7:45pm.

The game was originally due to take place on Saturday 12th December, but was postponed on the morning of the game after members of Sutton’s team developed flu-like symptoms overnight.

Nyal, 23, has impressed already in his short time at the Shay, scoring twice in his first three starts for the Club, those goals coming in wins against Barnet and Aldershot. He will now remain on loan at Halifax until January.

Academy graduates Jack Hopkins and Max Greenhalgh have both joined Cheadle Heath Nomads on short-term Youth Loan deals.

The duo both signed pro-deals at the Club over the Summer having risen through the Academy ranks, with Hopkins making his first appearance of the season as a substitute in our 4-0 win over Chesterfield in the FA Cup. They make the move to the ProSeal stadium in search of valuable playing time as part of the next stage of their development.

07

UNLESS WE TAKE RADICAL ACTION THERE WILL BE MORE PLASTIC THAN FISH IN OUR OCEANS BY 2050.

Source: World Economic Forum

We can help your business save time and money whilst doing the right thing for the environment.

For a free waste audit get in touch with your local Viridor team at Trafford Park on 0161 872 0976 or manchester@viridor.co.uk

PROUD SPONSOR OF STOCKPORT COUNTY FC

RECYCLE MORE, WASTE LESS To find out more visit: viridor.co.uk or @ViridorUK

Norman Beverley: A Tribute Norman Beverley was a warm, friendly man with a generous spirit for helping others. I was aware of his work in the community around Stockport for the Council and through the Citizens Advice centres, but came to know him much better through his support of his beloved Club Stockport County.

His involvement in many fans’ issues meant he became an important member and supporter of many projects. He was an integral member of my testimonial committee and would later help support the formation of the Supporters Trust which led to fan ownership of the club.

My testimonial committee was a collection of some of the most fervent County fans and passionate warm people you could ever meet. The Committee oversaw one of the greatest one-off games at Edgeley for decades and ensured it had a great sense of inclusion and family friendly involvement.

The connection I made with many of the members during this period has remained strong and special for many years. Great bonds and friendships were formed and it is these people that have played a great part in my return to Edgeley Park and my continued involvement with the Club.

When the Stockport County Supporters’ Trust was formed I was a big supporter of the principles and the people involved. Norman was to be very active in the Trust and this would lead to him becoming the Club Chairman. A position I am certain he would have viewed as a massive privilege and

great responsibility.

Without doubt he would have felt great pride in serving both the Club and Fans. During the darkest days when the Club was bottom of the Football League, I had no doubt in answering the call of Norman to help the club as caretaker manager. If it had not been for the relationship with such true County fans and genuine people I would not have come.

As a football manager I am indebted to him and many others for understanding clearly the true strong bonds we all share for the Club and each other as the County family. It is inevitable that our time at the club and in life comes to an end, but what cannot be lost is the memories we have and the remembrance of the impact we have on each other’s lives and on the Club’s history.

At this sad time I’d like to pass on my thoughts and sincerest sympathies to Linda, Mark and Gillian, their family and friends.

James Gannon

09

10

Connor Jennings Connor Jennings knows exactly what it means to play for County, having already enjoyed a hugely successful spell at Edgeley Park on loan in the 2012/13 campaign, scoring eight goals in 16 appearances.

Connor returned to the Hatters for a second spell this summer, joined by his brother James. The signing of the versatile forward, who can play anywhere behind the striker, or up front himself, was a major coup by Manager James Gannon and Director of Football Simon Wilson, who previously spent four successful years at Tranmere Rovers.

Connor made 140 appearances for the Prenton Park club, but he will forever be remembered for playing in three play-off finals, scoring in two of them and assisting the winner in the other, as Rovers achieved back-to-back promotions from

the Vanarama National League to League One.

looking to improve even further in the weeks ahead.

Jennings hopes that he can pass on his wealth of experience of success from his career on to the younger players at County, as the club aims to enjoy a successful National League season.

“The game at Altrincham was a tough game. The pitch was not the best, we tried to keep it on the floor and I thought we played well and deserved at least a point. It was nice to get on the scoresheet.”

“We made a fantastic start,” said Connor, who scored County’s equalising goal in the Boxing Day game at Altrincham.

“It’s been a difficult time more recently, but we are a new team, and a lot of work has been done. We know there is still work to do but we have gelled quickly and started well, and

County head into this afternoon’s National League clash determined to pick up three points from their first league game at Edgeley Park since October, and Connor hopes that County build on an improved performance at Altrincham as they navigate their way through a hectic Christmas period.

11

“We’ve got the players to score goals. It’s been a tough period with the travelling but we will be ready for today’s game.

“For me personally, I believe that there is more to come.

It takes time to settle into a club, and it was nice to get a goal against Altrincham on Boxing Day and Yeovil in the FA Cup. We had a three-week break from playing due to Covid, and Yeovil was a tough game for the lads, especially with it going to extra time. The lads dug in and got their rewards. For many of the lads it’s the first time they have reached the Third Round of the FA Cup and we are all looking forward to the tie against West Ham.” The Coronavirus pandemic has had a massive effect on football, with games being played behind closed doors for the best part of nine months, and Connor admitted that he has massively missed supporters attending games.

“I’ve not enjoyed it really,” he admitted. “You play to play in front of supporters. We have a big following home and away and it’s a real shame that we haven’t played in front of them yet this season. It’s been strange but hopefully the fans won’t have to wait too much longer before they are allowed back into stadiums.”

Belief is strong in the County squad with the Hatters sitting well-placed with games in hand, and Connor says that everything is in place for the club to enjoy a successful season.

“Promotion is the main thing. The Chairman has invested really well in the squad, the training ground at Carrington is absolutely fantastic, and we’ve made some great signings who have all stepped up to the plate.”

Connor first played for the Hatters in a successful loan spell from Scunthorpe United during the 2012/13 season, where he impressed with eight goals in 16 appearances, before returning to his parent club. Connor admits there is a massive difference on and off the pitch at County from his loan spell eight years ago.

“It’s a big difference,” Connor admits. “The training facilities back then we were training everywhere! It’s great to be back. I loved my time at County and I had a good spell last time. Off the pitch I still see Lordy about, and the gaffer, and it’s nice to see the staff that are still there from my first spell.”

Connor enjoyed successful spells at Macclesfield and Wrexham before his move to Prenton Park, where he played a crucial role in back-to-back promotions for Rovers.

12

Making a total of 140 appearances in his time there, Connor featured in three play-off finals, scoring in two of them and providing the assist or the winner in the other. His 119th minute winner in the League Two play-off final against Newport has immortalised him to many Tranmere supporters.

Connor signed for the Hatters alongside his older brother, James (also a former Wrexham player), with both brothers excited at the prospect of playing in the same side together this season.

“We’ve never played in the same team as each other before so it’s strange but I’m very happy James is here and his experience will be important for us this season. We’ve got a great balance in the squad, with plenty of experienced lads, and that experience can only help the young lads as we try to achieve promotion.”

A local lad, Connor says that he used to watch County even before he played in the famous blue shirt.

“I’m a local lad, I went to St James’ School in Cheadle Hume, and we used to go along to Edgeley Park. I also used to go with my dad and James. We went to the 2008 PlayOff final at Wembley to see County beat Rochdale.”

This afternoon the Hatters welcome Connor’s former side Wrexham, where Favourite TV programme: Brooklyn NineNine on Netflix.

Favourite film: Face Off Facebook or Twitter: Twitter Boyhood team: Manchester United Best stadium you’ve played in: Wembley Best goal you’ve scored: For Tranmere in the play-off final last year at Wembley.

Highlight of your career: Back-to-back promotions Best friend in football: Not really, I get along with all of my team-mates.

If you could buy a ticket for one sporting event what would it be: World Cup final.

If you could offer advice to anyone who is interested in getting into football what would it be: To work hard, have a good attitude, and believe in yourself.

he spent a hugely successful period in his career from 2014 to 2016. Jennings captained the Welsh side and picked up the club’s Player of the Season award. He was also their leading goalscorer for 2015-16 with 14 goals and voted the National League Player of the Month for February 2016.

Connor revealed he has some great memories from his time at Wrexham.

“I had some great times there,” said Connor.

“I was captain and it’s a great club. It’s such a shame both fans can’t be here because the atmosphere inside Edgeley Park would have been electric. They are a good side and there’s been quite a lot of change with the takeover, but it’s a game we are very much looking forward to and we will be doing everything we can to pick up the three points.”

13

Welcome...

Wrexham 2020 has arguably been the strangest year of all of our lives, though for Wrexham fans there has been an extra element of craziness to contend with, as the magic of Hollywood has unexpectedly been cast over North Wales.

Back in September word started to spread that film stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney were interested in taking over the club, catapulting them and the local area into the national limelight.

No doubt it’s all been a lot to process for supporters, players and other staff members at the club, with everyone wondering how the two actors had come across Wrexham FC.

Many were sceptical, though sure enough the rumours were true and progress soon gathered apace. So much so that the takeover was recently approved by the Supporters Trust, bringing an end to nine years of fan ownership.

Seemingly McElhenney was inspired to look into football club ownership after watching a documentary about Sunderland on Netflix and he and Reynolds believe they have acquired something of a sleeping giant in The Red Dragons.

Nickname: The Red Dragons Founded: 1864 Stadium: Racecourse Ground Capacity: 10,500 Address: Molt Road, Wrexham Postcode: LL11 2AH Distance from Edgeley Park: 51.3 miles (55 minutes) Current league position: 11th

14

Certainly, the club’s esteemed history indicates a shrewd purchase has been made, with 87 years of Football League history as well as European Cup Winners’ Cup performances against Anderlecht, Manchester United, Porto, Roma and more to reflect on.

Of course, in non-covid times, a large crowd would have followed the club over the border to roar the Red Dragons on, and supporters must be eagerly anticipating the bright new future ahead after enduring a 12-year stint at National League level since relegation in 2008.

The club came close to promotion in 2019, finishing fourth in the league before losing in the quarter-final of the play-offs, though last season was a big setback - a 19th-placed finish representing their poorest league position since relegation.

This season started more positively, with two wins from the first three games, though three consecutive defeats followed, with four goals shipped in losses to Wealdstone (3-4) and Solihull Moors (0-4).

The Gaffer: Dean Keates Keates is a former player who played for Walsall, Hull City and Wrexham, amongst many others during his 20-year playing career. Following his retirement in 2016, his first two years in management were at Wrexham. He left the Red Dragons to join his hometown club Walsall in 2018, but returned to the Racecourse Ground in October 2019, following the sacking of Bryan Hughes with the club lying in 20th. It was a difficult returning campaign for Keates, but one in which he managed to avoid relegation, with the points per game calculations placing them in 19th at the end of the cut-off campaign. He has rebuilt ready for the challenge again this season and made a solid start.

Memory Match: 4th January 1992, FA Cup Third Round Wrexham 2-1 Arsenal A stunning free-kick from captain Mickey Thomas helps Wrexham to a 2-1 win over Arsenal in the third round of the 1992 FA Cup. Alan Smith had put the visitors ahead after Paul Merson’s cut back, but the former Welsh international full-back’s stunning free-kick dragged Wrexham level.

Just two minutes later Steve Watkin fired across David Seaman to give the Fourth Division side a famous victory.

Wrexham: O’Keefe, Thackeray, Hardy, Carey, Thomas, Sertori, Davies, Owen, Connolly, Watkin, Phillips. Subs not used: Jones, Kelly.

Arsenal: Seaman, Dixon, Winterburn, Hillier, O’Leary, Adams, Rocastle, Campbell (Groves), Smith, Merson, Carter. Sub not used: Linighan.

Referee: Kevin Breen (Liverpool)

However, the media interest around the takeover seemed to inject new life into the club, with victories over Hartlepool, Aldershot and Sutton, DID YOU plus a draw with KNOW? Bromley powering Wrexham’s Ra cecourse Gro Wrexham up the und has hosted m ore Wales inte table. rnational games than an y other stadiu m. The national team have played th Early December ere 94 times, with the most rece defeats to nt being a 1-0 w in over Trinidad Altrincham and & To ba go last year.

Torquay quelled that momentum, though a 95th minute winner at Weymouth to seal a 3-2 comeback victory from a twogoal deficit would have been a big morale boost.

However, that win on December 15th is actually the last National League game the club played. Macclesfield Town were due to visit on Boxing Day, though their expulsion from the league freed up the Christmas period for manager Dean Keates and his men.

Those players headed into the festive break on a low though, with the manager lamenting a “questionable performance” in the FA Trophy defeat against Leamington, suggesting many squad players had failed to take their chance of gaining regular game time.

One bonus from the Leamington fixture was another 90 minutes for key defender Shaun Pearson after foot surgery.

The centre-back returned against Weymouth after two months on the sidelines. Long-serving midfielder Mark Carrington also made his comeback, appearing for first time this season after a hamstring injury.

Over eight years have passed since Wrexham last visited Edgeley Park for a league game, though the two clubs have a bountiful history together, with today being the 121st time we’ve met.

County have the better record, winning 53 compared to Wrexham’s 44, and our one game last season provided a season highlight, with a 2-1 win at the Racecourse Ground celebrated wildly by our travelling fans, amidst scenes reminiscent of our games played at higher levels.

With fresh investment, ideas and energy injected into both clubs this year this fixture could well be one enjoyed in the Football League again in the near future. Now, wouldn’t that be nice?

15

The Players JAKE BICKERSTAFF (b:Sep 2001 s:Aug 2020) Defender signed on professional terms after progressing through the youth ranks.

MARK CARRINGTON (b:May 1987 s:Sep 2013) Longest serving player, who started with Crewe Alexandra at age seven. Whilst there he went for loan spells at Leigh RMI and Kidsgrove Athletic. The rightback moved on to Milton Keynes Dons, then had a spell in Scotland with Hamilton Academical, before signing for Bury.

MAX CLEWORTH (b:Aug 2002 s:Aug 2020) Former youth team defender who signed his first professional deal having already played in the Scottish League Challenge Cup and FA Trophy.

JORDAN DAVIES (b:Aug 1998 s:Aug 2020) Left sided player who came through the ranks at the club. He was loaned to Bangor City, and then was signed by Brighton & Hove Albion. He returns to Wrexham after three years away.

CHRISTIAN DIBBLE (b:Mar 1994 s:Jun 2017) Goalkeeper who started with Bury and was loaned to Warrington Town before switching to Barnsley. They loaned him to County at the end of January 2014, where his four games saw him follow his father Andy in playing for the club. Further loan spells followed with Nuneaton Town and Chelmsford City, which became a permanent move, after which he made his way to the Racecourse via Boston United and Nuneaton with an emergency loan at Chorley.

Christian Dibble

ELLIOTT DURRELL (b:Jul 1989 s:Aug 2020) Returned to the club after six months at Altrincham.

Started with AFC Telford United and Rushall Olympic on loan then came to prominence whilst with Hednesford Town. His scoring record earned a move to Wrexham.

Elliott then spent a year at Tamworth, before moving to Chester FC and on to York City.

REECE HALL-JOHNSON (b:May 1995 s:Aug 2020) Right-back signed from Northampton Town. He started with Norwich City, progressing to the first team. He moved on to Maidstone United, Bishop’s Stortford and Braintree Town. His other permanent side was Grimsby Town, who loaned him to Chester FC. JAY HARRIS (b:Apr 1987 s:Jan 2020) Returned for a second stint with Wrexham from Macclesfield Town. His first spell came from 2010 after time out of the game. The midfielder had started with Everton, before moving on to Accrington and Chester City. Between his Wrexham spells he has also played for Tranmere Rovers.

JAMES HORSFIELD (b:Nov 1995 s:Sep 2020) Right back who joined the club after a loan spell from Scunthorpe. He started with Manchester City and was sent out on loan to Doncaster Rovers and Dutch side NAC Breda who he later joined permanently. After returning to the UK with the Iron he was also loaned to Dundee.

Elliott Durrell

16

DAN JARVIS (b:Apr 1998 s:Jan 2020) Attacking midfielder signed from Stoke City, a move that ended a ten year stay with the Potteries side.

DEVONTE REDMOND (b:Sep 1996 s:Jun 2019) Forward or attacking midfielder who started with Manchester United and whilst there had a loan spell at Scunthorpe. His only other club were Salford City.

PAUL RUTHERFORD (b:Jul 1987 s:Jun 2016) Right winger who after being connected with Liverpool started with the old Chester City club. A loan spell at Lancaster City preceded a move to Northwich Victoria.

He was then with Barrow for four years, before joining Southport.

Fiacre Kelleher

ANTHONY JEFFREY (b:Oct 1994 s:Sep 2020) Winger who joined after his Dover Athletic release.

He started his career at Arsenal, being loaned to Stevenage and Boreham Wood. He then made his way via Wycombe Wanderers, Welling United, Concord Rangers, Forest Green Rovers and Sutton United before joining Dover after a loan spell.

FIACRE KELLEHER (b:Mar 1996 s:Sep 2020) Joined after a season with Macclesfield. He started with Ringmahon Rangers and Avondale United as a youth before joining Glasgow Celtic. After a loan stint at Peterhead the central defender had switched to Oxford United. Whilst there he went on loan to Solihull Moors and the Silkmen, before making the latter move permanent.

ROB LAINTON (b:Oct 1989 s:Jul 2018) Began his career with Bolton Wanderers and progressed to a professional contract. A loan spell with Burscough, was followed by a move to Bury, who sent the keeper out to Burton Albion and Cheltenham Town. He joined Wrexham from Port Vale, his initial loan deal being made permanent after four months.

SHAUN PEARSON (b:Apr 1989 s:Jun 2017) Central defender who started out with Spalding United, and progressed via nearby clubs Stamford and Boston to Grimsby. He was at Blundell Park for six years.

KWAME THOMAS (b:Sep 1995 s:Aug 2020) Forward signed after being released by Burton. He came through the Derby County ranks and was loaned to Notts County and Blackpool. Moving on to Coventry they sent him to Sutton United and Solihull and he joined the latter permanently. He was on loan at Kidderminster Harriers and before Burton he spent time with Doncaster.

THEO VASSELL (b:Jan 1997 s:Aug 2020) A Stoke academy graduate who went on to Oldham and Walsall. The Saddlers loaned him to Chester FC before he moved on to Gateshead. The right-back then spent one season each with Port Vale and Macclesfield.

LUKE YOUNG (b:Feb 1993 s:Jun 2018) Midfield man who started with Plymouth as a schoolboy, progressing to the first team. Before his move to Wales he had joined Torquay United.

ADI YUSSUF (b:Oct 1992 s:Aug 2020) Forward in on loan for the season. Parent club Blackpool previously sent him to Solihull, having signed him from there, and Boreham Wood. He started with Leicester City and after time on loan at Tamworth found his way to Solihull via Burton, Lincoln City, loans to Gainsborough Trinity, Harrogate Town, Histon, and further permanent spells with Oxford City, Mansfield Town, Grimsby Town and Barrow.

JORDAN PONTICELLI (b:Sep 1998 s:Aug 2020) Forward who returns for a second spell after being on loan from Coventry City. His only previous permanent employers, they had also loaned him to Macclesfield and Tranmere.

JAMIE RECKORD (b:Mar 1992 s:Aug 2020) Left-back who spent the last two and a half years with Solihull after a spell with Oldham Athletic and for two seasons before that with Ross County. Spotted

by Wolverhampton Wanderers playing for Warstones Wanderers he was with Wolves from age 10 until heading to Scotland. Whilst on their books he was loaned to Northampton, Scunthorpe, Coventry, Plymouth Argyle and Swindon Town.

Adi Yussuf

17

Rebellious Jukebox Gareth Evans selects Wrexham on the County Rock-Ola, and presses play to discover a link with, and test the credentials of… ANDY SCOTT. So, what’s the connection?

Andy Scott, guitarist in the classic glam-rock trailblazing Sweet line-up of the 1970s, and now the only surviving member of the quartet, is a Wrexham lad born and bred, from the Acton Park area. He also, unlike other subjects covered in these features thus far, has a passionate affinity with his hometown club and today’s visitors - but more of that anon. Time first to misappropriate a segment from that classic intro from ‘The Ballroom Blitz’: Are you ready… Andy? Yeah?

music scene, having served his apprenticeship performing in a variety of local combos at church and town halls, as well as clubs and functions.

One of the acts, Wrexham’s Silverstone Set (later The Silverstones), made their name more widely by winning then-primetime television talent show Opportunity Knocks in 1966, and, the next year, by playing support in Manchester to Jimi Hendrix.

A move to London followed with his brother Mike - with whom he had featured in The Scaffold’s backing group - and the pair joined prog-rockers Mayfield’s Mule, only to find that money soon became short, and alternative employment might be needed, in the capital.

Alright fellas, let’s go…!

1. He paid his musical dues Andy spent seven years, initially as a bass player, plying his trade with several bands before joining The Sweet in 1970. By then he had turned 21 - but was already a veteran of the North Wales

2. His Sweet audition was anything but…

Responding to an advert in The Melody Maker for a guitarist, Andy found himself rather awkwardly having to audition before Brian Connolly (vocals), Steve Priest (bass) and Mick Tucker (drums) in the very rehearsal room used by Mayfield’s Mule.

Although, to Andy’s relief, his current band failed to show for practice and spot him, his bid to impress potential new band-mates did not get any better when he plugged in his guitar and promptly blew the amp’s fuse - and his scruffy dress sense was hardly befitting the then chartfriendly bubblegum to be pedalled by Sweet for early-‘70s pop kids. Naturally, after managing to perform his song, he got the gig.

3. Wrecsam am byth!/Wrexham forever!

Having grown up just a mile or so from the Racecourse Ground, he has supported the Red Dragons all his life. Memorably, in early 1978,

18

as Wrexham put out the likes of Preston and Newcastle en route to the FA Cup Quarter-finals, he appeared on Top Of The Pops sporting a giant red and white rosette as Sweet performed ‘Love is Like Oxygen’ - by which time the band’s days of appearing caked in slap and wearing silver lamé hot pants were gone, and its spell in the musical limelight was approaching the end (with Brian Connolly set to leave during 1979, leaving the remaining trio to soldier on for a while - a ‘threepiece Sweet’, if you will). More recently, with his own version of the group - which continues to perform today - he played a 50th Anniversary gig in Wrexham, and donated ticket profits to the club. Chwarae teg (fair play), as they say…

Memorably, in early 1978, as Wrexham put out the likes of Preston and Newcastle en route to the FA Cup Quarterfinals, he appeared on Top Of The Pops sporting a giant red and white rosette

4. Commercial success of a different kind In 2010, Andy joined an illustrious list of unlikely rock stars who made the leap into telly advertising. Following in the footsteps of Alice Cooper, Iggy Pop and John Lydon, he starred in a trilogy of insurance ads for VanCompare. com - each one featuring a ‘70s Sweet-song backdrop - and proved a great hit with viewers, especially when commenting on how easily deals could be arranged with a simple “Sweet!” sign-off line. Ha ha ha! But, seriously, not bad…

5. He’s a survivor Steve Priest’s passing earlier this year, after the much earlier deaths of Brian Connolly and Mick Tucker (in 1997 and 2002, respectively), left Andy as the last of the old glam gang - with him having, a decade or so earlier, fought through a health scare of his own in the form of prostate cancer.

Following that, and while still playing guitar at 71, he has been a main organiser of the annual Rock Against Cancer concerts in Wiltshire since their inception in 2012 - featuring not only his Sweet, but a plethora of other fave ‘70s acts. Steve Harley, Billy Ocean, Lindisfarne, The Strawbs and 10cc are already confirmed for 4th/5th September 2021. Get booking!

Rebellious Jukebox Rating:… A solid 8 - or ‘Sweet 16’ halved!

19

Oli Johnson

Phoenix From The County Flames This season we talk to past County players about their favourite memories from their time at Edgeley Park, and pick out their favourite goal. We caught up with Oli Johnson, who recalls his memories from his time at Edgeley Park.

Oli Johnson caught the eye of Alan Lord whilst playing against the Hatters in a pre-season friendly for Nostell Miners Welfare over the summer of 2008.

The likeable striker was offered a trial at Edgeley Park and impressed enough to be offered a full-time contract, therefore making the huge step up from the ninth tier of English football, the Northern Counties East Premier Division, to the third.

Johnson made his first-team debut for County in a 2-1 defeat to Colchester at Edgeley Park in October 2008, but he recalls many fond memories from his time at the Hatters.

“I’ve got fond memories of my time at County,” said Oli. “There were so many good people at the club.

Lordy picked me up, and it was great to work with Jim Gannon and his assistant Peter Ward. Lando (Richard Landon) put me up for the first few weeks and made me feel at home. I was only a young lad, and it was tough to start with. But we had a good squad and I felt out of my depth to start with. Then a few players left in the January, such as Pilks and Stephen Gleeson, and it paved the way for me to get a chance in the team. I really loved my first season, there were so many good memories. The second season, though, was very difficult. I didn’t do myself justice and it was a very turbulent period for the club.”

Oli looks back on his debut as one of the games that stand out, although it ended in a narrow defeat for the Hatters, as well as the unforgettable 4-3 victory over Crewe.

“I only got on for a few minutes against Colchester for my debut but it was my first game in professional

20

football so it will always stand out. Also scoring my first senior goal for County in a game against Oldham Athletic was a surreal moment – it was a derby game and it meant a lot to me to get off the mark.

“The Crewe game was like a basketball match. The beauty of it was we had a young side.

It was a Friday night and it was a magic feeling to score twice and play in such a great game. Everything seemed to come off for me on the night and my chip over John Ruddy summed it up. I can’t describe it. I’m

still not sure why I hit it with my left foot, but it flew over John Ruddy and thankfully it came off. It could have went horribly wrong. But I’ve not scored many better!”

Johnson speaks highly about his time working with Jim

Gannon, Peter Ward and Alan Lord, who managed the club at a time when the Hatters blooded numerous young players.

However, it was a difficult period for County, with the club entering administration shortly after Johnson’s memorable display in the thriller against Crewe.

And despite the tough times off the pitch, Johnson learned so much under the stewardship of Gannon and his backroom team.

“The whole set-up was great.

Lordy was superb. He scouted me and recommended me, and he was such a big influence on my career. When I was struggling he put an arm round me and he’s someone I still keep in touch with.

“Playing for Jim was a massive learning curve. He was brilliant.

When I first arrived at the club it was a different world to what I had been used to. I learned a lot in my first month or so, in terms of the coaching of players.

Wardy was really good too, a tremendous coach, and he was really good to me.”

In the summer following the 2009/10 campaign, Gannon and Lord departed the club and Oli was left to deal with the pressure of spearheading the Hatters to survival in a struggling League One side.

The following season former Liverpool and Everton legend Gary Ablett was appointed with the difficult task of keeping County in the division – but the Hatters suffered relegation into League Two. “Gary was a fantastic guy and a great man,” added Oli. “Everyone spoke highly of him. As a coach and as a man, he was really popular. He took on a nearimpossible job. He commanded respect and everyone loved him.

My form and my fitness was not what it should have been and I could have done more for him. It

THE GAME: County 4 Crewe Alexandra 3 THE DATE: Friday 24th April, 2009 THE COMPETITION: League One THE MOMENT: Johnson produced a Man of the Match performance in a seven-goal thrilling win over struggling Crewe Alexandra.

Johnson scored twice, including a brilliant chip over former County goalkeeper John Ruddy at the Cheadle End.

was a tough time, I really enjoyed playing for the club. It was so sad he passed away, he was such a great guy.”

Oli said it was absolutely not the case that he wanted to leave and was happy to be at Edgeley Park.

However, that season Johnson was struggling for form and Norwich approached him to make the move to Carrow Road.

“I knew of their interest in the November, and they came back in the January. It was a shock that they came in, if I’m honest. I was having a bad season. It was the chance though of a fresh start, a chance to hit the ground running and I felt like the player I was in the previous season under Jim, Wardy and Lordy. It’s a fantastic football club and a football city with good people. I learned a lot there. We were on the brink of two promotions. It was a hugely successful team and tough to get in the side.”

Oli’s faced County a number of times since his departure in what he describes as a “mixed bag” of results.

“I was Man of the Match for Guiseley when we won at Edgeley Park. I tried to show respect by not celebrating when I scored in

front of the Cheadle End and I think the supporters respected me for that. The club means a lot to me. I got a bit of stick off the fans when I was at Norwich, which I expected but since then it hasn’t been too bad.”

Does Oli still keep in touch with anyone from his time at County?

“Yes, I still keep in touch with Lordy, Lando, and I follow Jim on Twitter. It’s the mark of the man that he cares so much about the community. You can tell he’s a man of principles. Ash Palmer lives in a similar area to me, he’s a great player and a top guy. I always try and keep up to date on how County are doing and an eye on their results. I follow County on Twitter and Sam Byrne as well! It’s great to see the club doing well. The fans and the club have had their tough times but the club is now being run in a good way, the stadium work, the players they have brought in, the training ground. The club is only going one way and hopefully it won’t be long before they are back in the Football League where they belong.”

Oli is currently playing for Bradford Park Avenue, who County enjoyed many tussles with over the years, and the 33-year-old forward says he is happy with the way things are going at the club.

“It’s going well,” Oli said. “I’m settled and I’m playing under Mark Bower, who is a great manager.

It’s 20 minutes from my house and it’s a good community club. They are a good set of lads and we’re 9th. I’ve had a few ups and downs in my career but I wouldn’t change anything. I’m going to try and play as much as I can. But I volunteer as a coach for my team as a kid so it’s good to give something back. I’m also a personal trainer in Wakefield. I feel fit and you are a long time retired! I will do everything I can to keep playing as long as I can.”

21

Stockport County Colts & Junior Academy At the start of this year, we started an Academy format as we felt we had players who were capable of playing in the highest leagues.

As such, we prepare our brightest prospects by coaching them twice a week (they also wear Stockport County first team shirts)! This year, after much discussion we decided on our Under-11s who would perform as our first Academy team and they haven’t let us down. With great individual skill, flair and technique these boys have the potential to become future County players.

Unfortunately, we have already lost one player to Manchester United but, of course, we expect that when players are performing and displaying their wares to such an impressive level. The boys started off superbly this season by winning all of their first six games, but then took a dip for a couple of games before they regained their momentum. Of course, we don’t always see results as the main focus, as we want to make sure the boys are developing in all areas from team play to positional awareness and individual technique on the ball amongst many other things.

As a result, we feel the process will then get the results anyway. As we move forward, the Colts and Junior Academy teams are hoping to expand

22

to all age groups as we get even stronger within the remit of County’s overall ambitions as a club and feel this is the right way forward so that we can offer a community element as well as high standard junior football.

Indeed, in the Under-11s we have three teams from Colts whites to Colts blues and then to Academy, so there is a real chance for players to progress through the ranks within our youth system.

Regarding our Academy graduates, at Under-16 level we already have four of our current Colts team offered places in the Stockport County Post-16 Academy with the possibility of more to come, so well done to them!

Again, good luck from our Under-11s who we hope now will develop into real prospects for the club as it gains momentum with the aid of our Under-11 coaches Joppe Meulensteen and Steve Beswick following the directives of Damien Allen.

Steve Beswick

BEN HINCHLIFFE

Official Partners of The National League

County Ladies Junior Teams Round-Up: The Season So Far…

Our Under-9s and Under-12s teams looking great in their new VITA sponsored match kits

As none of our Open-Age teams have been in match action since the last programme article, now seems a good opportunity to bring you up to date on how our Junior teams are doing.

We have Junior teams from Under-9s upwards, playing in various leagues in South Manchester and Cheshire. For teams from the Under-11s and below the leagues are non-competitive and so results and tables aren’t published. All our younger teams are having a great season and really enjoying their football. They don’t all win every week, but we’ve had our share of victories, plenty of goals, one or two very close matches and one great comeback!

For the rest of the Junior teams it’s been a disjointed first half of the season, with lots of postponements and re-arranged games. League positions sometimes reflect this as often teams have played different numbers of matches.

Our Under-16s are unbeaten and top of their Division in the Cheshire Girls’ League. The Under-16s Hatters are comfortably mid-table in the South Manchester Girls’ League and have been very unlucky not to pick up more points with some very close games. The Under-14s are third in their league with only one defeat so far this season. Our Under-13s are also unbeaten this

year having won seven from seven. The Under12s are well-placed at second in their table, having only dropped two points so far. They also have three games in hand on the top team.

Well done to all our players and a massive ‘thank you’ to their coaches!

Finally, big congratulations to Dan Dewar, our Under-16s coach on being awarded his UEFA ‘B’ coaching qualification! A fantastic achievement after a lot of hard work.

For anyone interested in joining the club and to play or train with any of our teams contact details are on our website, stockportcountylfc.com or follow the link from the SCFC site.

Follow us on Twitter @SCLadiesFC, Instagram @stockportcountylfc and Facebook at Stockport County Ladies FC.

25

With over 30 years experience working within the domestic, commercial and industrial sectors, NK Electrical now offer property maintenance and solutions which involves everything and anything from electrical, plumbing and joinery.

Noel 07768 912698 Sam 07985 424649 Steve 07866 801712

Kids Planet is an independent, family owned group of nurseries, providing the highest standard of nursery care across the North West and Midlands.

Kids Allowed are now part of the Kids Planet Group

kidsplanetnurseries.co.uk

SAFE & SECURE SOLUTIONS A Full Security and Facilities Management Company

‘One call does all’ Safe and Secure Solutions is a full security and facilities management company offering the following services to both domestic and commercial premises: Security and safety services • Alarm response and key holding • 24 hour CCTV and Intruder Alarm monitoring • Mobile patrols • Manned guarding Security engineering services • CCTV systems • Intruder alarms • Panic alarm systems • Smoke generation systems • Door access controls • Fire alarms and emergency lighting • Roller shutters design and installation • Security Grilles • All types of security fencing supplied and fitted • Security lighting

Facilities management • Building cleaning • Building maintenance and repair • Electrical maintenance and repair • Safety flooring installation • Roofing repairs • Gates and barriers • Drainage inspections and maintenance • Grounds maintenance • Tree safety inspections and works • Winter gritting services For more information contact: T: 0800 0191959 W: sands-solutions.co.uk E: enquiries@sands-solutions.co.uk Pama House, Stockport Road East, Bredbury, Stockport SK6 2AA

The Mad Hatter’s Quiz with Paul Dean

WHO AM I?

TRIVIA 1. Which former Wrexham player also played for Luton, Sunderland, Wolves, Ipswich Town and Millwall?

2. Who knocked Argentina out of the 1982 World Cup, in a game Maradona was sent off in?

3. For which English club side did Maradona once play a friendly match in 1986?

I signed for the Hatters in 1951 at the age of 19. I came down from Inverurie in Scotland. I scored 32 goals for the Hatters.

4. For which Midlands team did Asa Hartford play between 1969 and 1974?

WORDSEARCH M W S Q A V V F Y W O Z R N K C J P U S

U T B V W P C A X I G R Z F I K E X H E

I H F L N C S J H E B E E M W E O L R F

J M Y N V Z A B M M U N J D K H L X G T

P M I D F I E L D E R O C L N A B A B H

C G Z P B F I B D T Z E A O B E U T A Q

U V K Q O B M P G K H O D V N T F Y G O

F O D U C T L E N F G S M C F S N E M Y

A I L G I H A E E Z F O K Q Q Q G E D K

R I E S G K O L T W R C C W X Q O L X O

H A P L N Y G N R L O C A S W W R F H E

F D Y I D K F N F G A E B A D G B W J D

Y G W Q U O C C T P U R L I P P S U Y V

P V S W R Z X I J A V P L R H A J P K M

M C A W H G J Z K I Q H U A N W Z Y G A

Y C A L K C S S A P P K F H M V C E J W

H R P Q F P O K P T E M O G L K U Q H C

D D S O P Z J T A V R M R D J J X W I Q

Answers:

R E G A Y D E E R E F E R Y F S Z G E V

Who Am I? Bob Murray

C E J F T I M A Z V E E L B O O T S V R

Trivia 1: Carlos Edwards 2: West Germany 3: Manchester United 4: West Bromwich Albion 5: 1994

SOCCER BALL NET FIELD BOOTS REFEREE FULL-BACK DEFENDER FORWARD MIDFIELDER GOALKEEPER GOAL KICK PASS FOUL

5. What year did Andy Preece score the Hatters 5,000th league goal?

27

GAME CHANGER footballfoundation.org.uk

Commercial Sedulo signs new sponsorship deal

Sponsor’s Man of the Match

We’re pleased to have confirmed their sponsorship package for this season.

County’s keenly-awaited return to match action brought with it a place in the FA Cup Third Round for the first time in 14 seasons. The 3-2 win against Yeovil Town saw Ash Palmer as NK Electrical Man of the Match, chosen by the Match Sponsor William Turner. Every Man of the Match receives a bottle of County Gin, courtesy of Stockport Gin.

We’ve worked with Sedulo for a number of years. Sedulo, who started off in Manchester as a team of three, are now one of the fastest growing finance firms in the UK. They now operate as a business of 130 across three cities and are currently expanding in to their fourth.

With impressive business growth over the years and strong core values, we are excited that Sedulo will be our new Hatters Business Club sponsor.

Vernon Building Society Stockport County FC

County’s Head of Commercial, Olivia Hanvey, is looking forward to relaunching the Hatters Business Club in the near future; ‘It’s vital to give local companies an opportunity to network and grow their businesses following the difficulties that came with the Covid pandemic’.

The Club are delighted to announce a new sponsorship deal with long-standing partner Vernon Building Society. Vernon will sponsor the Junior Supporters’ Club, a club that plays a key role for the younger generation of fans.

Official Club Sponsors

SPORTS KITS EQUIPMENT CLOTHING

Sedulo will also feature over a six-metre advertising board on the Railway End, as well as taking a quarter page in our awardwinning match day programme with their first advert featuring in this afternoon’s programme.

We’d like to thank Sedulo for their support over the years and we’re looking forward to continuing the journey with them.

Marketing Stockport The Club are pleased to announce that we have joined Marketing Stockport as gold members, alongside other forward-thinking North West businesses.

For the Club, this means opening up endless opportunities within the community of Stockport and beyond, being able to make connections, and network with local businesses, which will be a great strength to County.

Olivia Hanvey, our Head of Commercial, speaks about how becoming a gold member will be benefit the Club: “As gold members we are looking forward to connecting with fellow business leaders and supporting Stockport’s diverse business community. As well as taking part in monthly members zoom meetings, as soon as the current restrictions are lifted we are keen to participate in gold member quarterly roundtable, working lunches, raising and discussing relevant issues and identify any potential partnership opportunities or joint ventures as well as raising our business profile.”

As well as members meetings, Marketing Stockport will also advertise County on their website, in their email news bulletins and will promote the club across their social media channels.

The Junior Supporters’ Club caters for children up to 14-years-old and provides a destination for families to meet on matchdays at Edgeley Park. The club offers a tuck shop and matchday entertainment including appearances from the players and the real star of the show County’s mascot, Vernon Bear. The Junior Supporters’ Club will be getting a revamp over the next 12 months as part of the Club’s ongoing investment programme.

Saving Businesses of Stockport Money

Together Stockport County FC are delighted to announce a new sponsorship deal with Cheadle-based finance company Together.

As part of the agreement, the South Stand at Edgeley Park has been renamed the ‘Together Family Stand’ and carries the lender’s distinctive logo and branding. County’s mascot Vernon the Bear will also have his shirt sponsored by the specialist lender.

The new partnership also includes the creation of a schools initiative, ‘County Together’, which will deliver a roadshow educating primary school children on topics including healthy eating, regular exercise and the importance of good behaviour.

All children will receive a full-colour magazine that reinforces positive behaviour and a free family ticket to a home fixture. The roadshow will commence once Covid restrictions are lifted.

29

Steve Bellis Long Lost Cousins, Odd Taxi Drivers & Beavers!

Merry Christmas. It seems a very long time since we had a home league game and that’s because it’s been a very long time since we had a home league game.

especially as at one stage it looked like we might be able to let fans in the stadium. This made me realise just how many friends I have, even though I haven’t heard of most of them.

It’s a pleasure to welcome our old friends from Wrexham to Edgeley Park this afternoon for what will undoubtedly be a combative fixture.

It’s amazing how many people rediscover their love for a club when they get an attractive cup draw. I also didn’t realise how many long-lost cousins I have.

Since our rather strange feat of playing three back-to-back cup games we have been on our travels in league action travelling to Bromley, Barnet, Notts County, Hartlepool and Altrincham.

The one man I was genuinely pleased for when the draw was announced was our owner Mark Stott. He has invested so much into our club that it seems very fitting that he should see us benefit from such a high-profile fixture so quickly.

Our FA Cup exploits, while not a priority, have put us back into national headlines thanks to a Third Round draw against Premier League high-fliers West Ham. It was a draw that caught the imagination of everyone with an interest in our fabulous club

We do, of course, have a rather impressive record against the Hammers here in SK3 and have made them look like tools in previous visits.

The magnificent save by Alan Ogley against Clyde Best in ‘72

He has invested so much into our club that it seems very fitting that he should see us benefit from such a highprofile fixture so quickly 30

and Iain Dowie’s bullet header own goal in ‘96 are two great hits that will live long in the memories of both clubs.

Meanwhile, back in the league we travelled to Bromley delighted that they were in Tier 2 so we could represent the club.

We decided to stay over at the team hotel on the night before the game but avoided the healthy food served to the team and headed out for a curry in Waltham Abbey.

It turned out to be a good move as we enjoyed a wonderful curry in a very authentic sounding curry house (if you live in France) called ‘Le Spice’.

When it comes to social distancing this place was the bees knees largely because we were the only customers which was a bit disconcerting but to be fair the food was top drawer and obviously the service was excellent (we had a waiter each).

They kindly ordered a taxi for us back to the hotel and the driver was one we won’t forget in a hurry.

Hearing our northern accents he asked where we were from and why we were in Waltham Abbey.

We told him that we were from Stockport and were on the way

to Bromley for our game the next day.

He responded with “who is playing?” This was the first indication that the driver was a couple of sandwiches short of a picnic.

He then proceeded to turn the metre off resulting in us fearing a hiked-up bill. Bizarrely he then charged us less than the metered taxi we had making the outbound journey.

As the topic was football we asked him who he supported, his response was “Stoke”.

We bit our lips trying not to show our disapproval. Instead, we asked “why Stoke?” His response was that he was from Yorkshire?

He then went on to explain how he ended up living in Waltham Abbey. He told us how he met a guy in a newsagents in Yorkshire who told him how brilliant Waltham Abbey was and how he had moved to a great place called Loughton many years ago and never regretted it.

So, the taxi driver decided to move to Loughton and that was how he ended up there.

We politely asked if he was still in touch with the guy he met in the newsagents. To our sincere amusement he said ‘No, he has moved back to Yorkshire’.

Thank god the curry was good.

Bizarrely, despite the fact that the Lilywhites could find hot food to feed their fans who were thankfully allowed back into the stadium, they couldn’t find any food of for the visiting

Beavers are back

Directors at the end of our four hour journey to Hayes Lane.

There were some biscuits but even these appeared to be socially distanced and taken from a box of Family Value biscuits usually won at primary school Christmas raffles.

Their Chairman was a thoroughly decent chap though and I couldn’t bring myself to criticise his malted milks.

On the field, we rode our luck at times but despite the loss of key players Ash Palmer and Jamie Stott to injury, we were brilliantly organised and deserved to take all three points.

Four days later we were in similar geographical territory at Barnet.

We were to be disappointed again food wise but to be fair the biscuits were Fox’s classics and were complimented by some cheese and ham rolls (as they call them darn sarrff).

There was also a veggie option... lettuce and cucumber rolls! The excitement was palpable.

Again though, our hosts were most welcoming and we left with something far more valuable than full stomachs... three more points.

So two extremely enjoyable trips for all the right reasons, then came the trips to Notts County and Hartlepool, which in all honesty were about as enjoyable as a Covid test.

The highlight of that period however was listening to the interview with a Donald Trump fan on the radio.

When asked what he thought of Trump the obvious Red Neck loudly proclaimed how he was the best President that the US had ever had.

He went on to say ‘Donald J Trump is a genius... that’s what the ‘J’ stands for’.

I rest my case on that one.

In other news and some might not give a damn but isn’t it great to see the return of the Beaver (in Exmoor).

Enjoy the game, enjoy the rest of the festive season and have a safe journey home.

31

Opposition View Ahead of this afternoon’s game, we spoke to Ryan Ap Dafydd, Editor of the Wrexham fanzine ‘SHAG’, to ask him his thoughts.

Who are your all-time favourite Wrexham players and why?

My all-time favourite Wrexham players are; Joey Jones because he embodies every quality you want in a player, absolutely fearless and relentless, the man is a hero and deserves a statue outside the ground. Other players that I liked over the years were Peter Ward (you’ll know all about him!) absolute class, I wish we’d had him younger... if he’d steered clear of injury he would have played at a much higher level.

I started watching Wrecsam with my mates around the 1992/93 season when Karl Connolly was becoming a regular, I loved him, he had that swagger and schoolboy love of the ball at his feet... just magic to watch, sublime balance.

What are your all-time favourite Wrexham games and why?

My first game was at home against QPR in 1982, we were in the old Second Division in those days and the entire thing was like Alton Towers or Disney World is to most little kids I suppose. I was indoctrinated by my Dad who panicked when we moved to Abertawe in the late ‘70s and filled my head with everything about CPD Wrecsam... so by the time I went to the Holy Ground Cae ras (the racecourse) the place was like Mecca to me. I loved everything, the sounds, the smells, the crowd, the reliant robins...

Apart from that I was at the Real Zaragoza game in 1986 and that was the most exciting game I’ve been to.

I was at Northampton when we went up in 92/93 but I was a mess and lost a trainer on the pitch after. Gutted!

32

Karl Connolly

What have been the positives from the season so far? Any goals that stand out?

Luke Young scored a pearler the other week (can’t remember the game) he’s one to watch out for if he gets any space to shoot.

I’m delighted that our skipper Shaun Pearson is back, he’s a talisman, and young Jordan Davies who has come back to us from Fulham is a cracking young player.

Have you been to Edgeley Park before?

Many times in my YTS days.

What are your memories of games against County?

I’m shocking at remembering anything from games... I once played 5-a-side against Darren Ryan though, couldn’t even get close enough to kick him!

What is your prediction for the game?

You’ll probably beat us comfortably, unless we score five quick goals early in the first half.

Nadolig llawen (Merry Christmas)

Terrace Talk It would be fair to say that 2020 has been an absolute stinker of a year not just as far as football is concerned but also in everyday life so to be able to welcome in a new year in just a matter of days can’t come soon enough.

Off the pitch it is just a case of going with the flow and dealing with whatever comes next and the same could also be said on the pitch with Wrexham the final challenge in the way of County for this calendar year.

The National League is still very nip and tuck at the moment with very few points separating the Play-Off places and those in mid-table and with the exception of Torquay United at the top there is no team that has a decent cushion of points ahead of their nearest challengers.

December has been very much a mixed bag of results for County, from the London double over Bromley and Barnet, to marginal defeat against Notts County, then back at Edgeley Park to beat Guiseley and then a strange game up at Hartlepool United where nothing seemed to fall Stockport’s way on the night.

Today’s visitors have been in the news a fair bit of late due to their recent high-profile takeover and it will be interesting to see what the future has in store for them under the ownership of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

On the pitch and managed by the former Walsall midfielder Dean Keates, the Welsh side have also had a mixed December, with their trip to Weymouth just under a fortnight ago in a 3-2 success being a standout highlight of this month.

Their trip to County was supposed to be sandwiched in between two scheduled fixtures against Macclesfield Town but obviously with the problems Macc have had it has been a quieter than usual Christmas run.

Whilst not directly associated with Stockport, there will be a familiar face amongst the Wrexham

County’s trip to Hartlepool was a strange game

ranks this afternoon, or at least his surname will be familiar in any case. Goalkeeper Christian Dibble is the 26-year old son of ex-County custodian Andy Dibble, who played 23 times for the Hatters between 2000 and 2002.

Christian has found himself out of the team owing to the form of the former Bolton Wanderers and Bury goalkeeper Rob Lainton, though he has made a couple of appearances for the Red Dragons earlier this month when Lainton was injured.

Hopefully 2021 will be a much better year for everyone and with that in mind please have a very Happy and safe New Year over the coming days.

33

The County Years 2004

County Historian Ian Watts delves into the archives to bring you some of the Hatters’ more memorable moments from years gone by.

Opening game and first debutant County had to wait until 10 days into the year for their first game. They made a good start by recording a 2-0 win to climb to 21st in the Nationwide League Division Two table.

County: James Spencer, John Hardiker, Rob Clare, Danny Griffin, Danny Jackman, Ali Gibb, Rickie Lambert, Fraser McLachlan, Andy Welsh, Stuart Barlow (Aaron Wilbraham), Simon Lynch.

L-R: Derek Geary, Marc Bridge-W ilkinson, Neil Cutler, Steve Parfett (sponsor), Lee Mair and Warren Feeney

They took the lead against bottom club Wycombe Wanderers after nine minutes when Rickie Lambert converted a penalty awarded for handball. Canadian-born striker Simon Lynch, on loan from Preston, scored the second shortly before half-time.

Making his Hatters debut in that win was Danny Griffin (SCAN 1154). Danny, who was part of the Northern Ireland squad, was brought in on a free transfer from Scottish Premier League side Dundee United.

He would stay until December the following year. He is now Club and Community Development Officer for St Johnstone.

34

Summer Business Ahead of their recruitment campaign the players leaving EP were Dave Challinor (who joined Bury), Kevin Ellison (Chester City), Aaron Wilbraham (sold to Hull City), Rob Clare (Blackpool) and Rob Jones (Grimsby Town).

The incoming players were Goalkeeper Neil Cutler (from Stoke City), Defenders Derek Geary (Sheffield Wednesday) and Lee Mair (Dundee), Midfielder Marc Bridge-Wilkinson (Port Vale) and striker Warren Feeney (AFC Bournemouth).

Danny Griffin

Closing game County made the short trip to face Barnsley on Tuesday 28th December and performed a memorable comeback.

County: Cutler, Hardiker (Mair), Ashley Williams, Griffin, Danny Adams, Jackman, BridgeWilkinson (Barlow), Lambert, Damien Allen, Jon Daly, Feeney.

Best run 11 unbeaten (6th March to 1st May) won 6, drew 5

Future County man Tony Vaughan scored the Yorkshire side’s first on 15 minutes. On 43 came the hammer blow of Chris Shuker making it 2-0.

Just after the interval Vaughan got his second.

The County following could have no reason to avoid thinking it was business as usual for their bottom-placed side, but then things changed.

Just before the hour Warren Feeney scored for the Hatters. Manager Turner and his side went for broke and substitute striker Stuart Barlow reduced the deficit to one after 72 minutes. The comeback was complete eight minutes from time when Lambert scored.

Last debutant Two weeks earlier a player who is now part of the Academy coaching staff here at Edgeley Park, made his debut in a 2-1 FA Cup defeat Michael Raynes at Swansea City. Michael Raynes (SCAN 1171) had come through the club’s youth system himself, and that substitute appearance was the start of a career that continues with Ashton United.

Most appearances in calendar year Rickie Lambert 49 (of 52 max), Danny Jackman 41, Ashley Williams 39 Most goals in calendar year Rickie Lambert 11, Warren Feeney 9, Luke Beckett & Jon Daly 7 Worst run 9 games without a win (17th January to 2nd March) 4 draws, 5 defeats

Rickie Lambert

Lillis and McIlroy arriving after appointment

The man in charge County started the year under Sammy McIlroy.

They had been linked with him during his days in charge of Macclesfield Town, but when he did take on the role Sammy was attracted enough by the job to resign as manager of the Northern Ireland side in October the previous year.

With County struggling to climb the table Sammy was removed from the post on 25th November, Mark Lillis staying on as caretaker, with another former Old Trafford man, Chris Turner, taking over on 20th December.

And finally...

What does Kazakhstan have to do with County and the year 2004. Well, the final game of the Hatters end of season trip to China saw a team named as the Kazakhstan Republic Army XI beat the Hatters 3-1. County’s squad was a little worn out after a tiring schedule and for this game Sammy McIlroy started and Rodger Wylde was on the bench. Defeat meant that we missed out on the Hueling International Cup. Thanks to all the anonymous donors who have supplied images for this article.

35

Stockport County FC Official Club Sponsors

SPORTS KITS EQUIPMENT CLOTHING

Saving Businesses of Stockport Money

STOCKPORT COUNTY Palmer 14’

WEYMOUTH Brooks 51’, Whelan 85’

1 2

Saturday 31st October | Vanarama National League | Edgeley Park

The most recent National League match at Edgeley Park, over eight weeks ago, saw the Hatters suffer a first home defeat of the campaign.

Two second-half Weymouth goals secured the points, after Ash Palmer – making his 100th appearance – had given County an early lead.

37

Those we have lost Over the last twelve months we have been made aware of thirteen former Hatters players who have passed away, some of them directly as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. In tribute to these names from the past we present their photos here, hopefully triggering plenty of memories for those who saw them in a County shirt.

John Rowlands

07.02.1947 - 15.04.2020

38

Harold Lea

14.09.1931 - 16.04.2020

Bobby Elgin

23.06.1949 - 20.01.2020

Peter Phoenix

31.12.1936 - 13.04.20200

Jimmy Goodfellow 16.09.1943 - 22.04.2020

Jim Fryatt

02.09.1940 - 05.06.2020

Danny Campbell

03.02.1944 - 16.08.2020

Tony Morrin

21.07.1946 - 14.12.2020

Ralph Wright

03.08.1947 - 07.06.2020

Trevor Phillips

18.09.1952 - 11.11.2020

Colin Parry

16.02.1941 - 14.08.2020

Albert Quixall

09.08.1933 - 12.11.2020

Steve Ingle

22.10.1946 - 16.12.2020

39

Luke Smith Physio

Good afternoon everyone.

This week we currently have Lois unavailable for today’s game due to a foot injury.

We expect him to make a full recovery imminently.

Our squad is looking full of energy and raring to go. We have been working hard in training and are fully prepared for today’s challenge.

Enjoy the game everyone.

Luke

Lois Maynard

41

Travelling Fan The

The day out and getting there After recent long slogs to Torquay and Wealdstone in the opening few weeks of the season, it was a mercifully short trip on the media mini-bus for our FA Cup First Round tie. An 11.30am leave from Edgeley Park, combined with a short stop off at a service station to grab a bite to eat, meant we arrived at Spotland just past midday.

Spotland Stadium Whilst not a patch on Edgeley Park, it was nice to be back amongst Football League surroundings as we arrived at Spotland, or the Crown Oil Arena as it is (probably not) commonly referred to.

This was our first trip to the 10,200 seater stadium since 2007/08, when two Liam Dickinson goals earned County all three points en route to promotion that season – although the pitch was in much better condition for this game than it was that night.

A busy press bench combined with social distancing measures meant the County media team (all two of us) watched the game from behind a glass screen in one of the directors boxes – an eerie atmosphere, but one that didn’t detract from the enjoyment of the game.

The game Despite carrying an unfamiliar underdogs tag going into the one against our League One opponents, County came flying out of the traps

42

Rochdale v County Emirates FA Cup Saturday 7th November 2020 Spotland Stadium

Weather: A cold but dry Autumn afternoon Distance from EP: 19.3 miles Journey Time: 30 minutes Outcome: An epic FA Cup upset from the Hatters, as John Rooney’s wondergoal helped send County through. early on with a succession of chances and corners, as Rochdale were pinned back in their own half.

But when the breakthrough goal did come for Jim Gannon’s side, it came not from Rochdale’s half, but from County’s! As John Rooney won the ball back around 60 yards from goal he noticed the Rochdale ‘keeper loitering on the edge of his penalty area. Taking one touch to set himself, he then executed the most delicate, precise and perfect lob over the ‘keepers head and into the net to stun all inside the stadium.

It was a moment that took your breath away, and one that County fully deserved for their start to the game. It got even better for the Hatters just 15 minutes in, as Connor Jennings’ low shot across the face of goal was fired home from close range

by Alex Reid. In an alternate universe where fans were allowed inside the ground, the away end at Spotland would have been in utter delirium.

Rochdale pulled one back before half-time to make it interesting again, but despite being under some intense pressure in the second-half, a heroic defensive display saw County survive, to pull off one of the biggest shocks of the FA Cup First Round.

Getting away After post-match media duties were concluded – appropriately with the sound of fireworks going off in the background – we began the short journey home. Again, given the sad lack of fans at present, it was a seamless get away.

Home time The short journey time meant we arrived at Carrington at around 6pm, making a brief stop to unload the minibus before travelling the rest of the way to Edgeley Park, arriving at Edgeley Park for around 6.30pm – although sadly the national lockdown meant there were no pubs to celebrate in upon our return!

Memory of the day It just has to be that John Rooney goal, doesn’t it? That’s the Goal of the Season award wrapped up already, no doubt about that – although spare a thought for poor Adam Thomas!

Travelling fan verdict Journey: 9/10 Stadium: 8/10 Overall Match Day Experience: 10/10 Liam Richardson

43

Thank you to our NHS

Official Club Sponsor

LOOKING FOR AN INSURANCE BROKER YOU CAN TRUST? Let us show you what our team of professionals can do for you

Transport

Commercial

High Net Worth

Healthcare

Haulage Commercial Vehicle Bus & Coach

Manufacturing Sports & Leisure Science & Technology Landlord Construction

Household Car Travel Boats & Pleasure Crafts

Medical Insurance Health Cash Plans Dental Insurance Group Critical Illness Occupational Health

www.cc-insure.com

info@cc-insure.com

0161 406 4800

Supporters’ Co-operative AGM THOUGHTS The Supporters’ Co-operative 2020 AGM took place via Zoom for the first time recently.

There were no technology foul-ups at all, and it proved a worthwhile effort, with upwards of half a dozen members from outside of Stockport in attendance. One member, Aidan Kendrick, joined us from Munich in Germany! If total attendance was slightly down, the fact that ‘exiles’ such as Aidan and others were able to take part, where in normal circumstances, they would not have been able to, was a definite plus!

When normality returns, we have been asked to consider setting up a link to enable similar remote participation next year, and we are looking to do just that!

The elections to the board saw Chairman Peter Towey and Treasurer Andrew Burt returned, whilst Steve Murray and Paul Thompson, current co-opted board members, indicated a willingness to continue.

Sadly, Edward Keane, after four years on the Co-operative Board, stepped down, and the meeting unanimously agreed to thank Edward for his hard work.

In other business it was reported that we were seeking the necessary approvals pending a decision as to whether staging the Hatters

Half-Marathon in 2021 is a viable proposition.

The lack of a race in 2020 hit our income sharply, and whilst the Treasurer reported a healthy financial position, the loss of race income, and increased expenditure on donations to worthy causes, pointed to a need for continued prudence.

Also, on that agenda would be an assessment of how we proceed now that the Cheadle End Cabin is no more. Whilst we have the ok from the Club to use the Family Lounge, which on the surface seems helpful, the Lounge is hardly likely to offer the same level of contact twixt ourselves and County supporters.

It may be that we just use the Lounge as a meeting spot and jumping off place prior to spreading out pre-match onto the car park and Hardcastle Road- more for the incoming Board to think about.

Peter Towey

One issue sorted, however, was a relatively easy decision namely to re-affirm Stockport`s ace homeless people`s charity The Wellspring as our chosen charity. Not having a cabin means that there will be potential problems collecting for this terrific charity going forward, cue new Board again!

Ian Brown Stockport County Supporters’ Co-operative

Andy Burt

45

High Quality Corporate Accessories www.william-turner.co.uk 0161 475 3570 / corporate@william-turner.co.uk

COUNTY JUNIORS

S P O N S O R E D B Y:

Hello again and welcome to another digital programme.

I hope you all had a great Christmas Day and received all the presents you asked Santa for.

To Edgeley Park this afternoon we welcome from just over the Welsh border, Wrexham. At a holiday time this fixture with home and away fans would have nearly been a full house, and if past games between the two sides are anything to go by, a fabulous atmosphere.

Mascot Name: Joseph Age: 8 Attends: St. Peter’s Catholic Primary School Favourite players: Sam Minihan & Ben Hinchliffe Joseph can’t wait to get back to Edgeley Park in his kits to cheer on the team!

I write these notes early due to the holidays just after we have progressed into the next round of the FA Trophy after what turned out to be a hard-fought win over Guiseley. With our visitors taking the lead, a sending off and we then missed the penalty, I feared the worst. Finally, it all turned out alright with a 3-1 win in the end. With our manager making seven changes it was always going to take time for the team to settle. I think the right decision was to rest players with the hectic fixture schedule ahead.

After today’s game we have a run of home fixtures, firstly the return derby with Altrincham, the rearranged game with Eastleigh and then the big one with West Ham in the FA Cup live on BT Sports. What a pity that fans will not be allowed in the ground, a full house would have been a certainty.

Well, that’s all for this time, and indeed for 2020 and what a year it has been. Have a good New Year’s Eve, and see you all in 2021.

Ian Butterworth 47

All Past Opponents WORCESTER CITY

We met Worcester over four seasons of National League football having some years earlier visited for a friendly when ex-Hatter Andy Preece was in charge. That friendly was the only meeting in the city as Worcester have been in exile since selling their ground in 2013, although plans to return home were announced earlier this year.

side were still in non-league. Acquaintances were briefly renewed when County dropped into tier six.

Comp

H/A

Pl

W

D

L

F

A

EFL

H

19

10

3

6

37

19

A

19

5

8

6

19

25

H

1

0

1

0

0

0

Abandoned FAC

H

3

3

0

0

4

1

A

1

1

0

0

3

0

H

2

0

1

1

2

3

Comp

H/A

Pl

W

D

L

F

A

NL

H

4

3

1

0

7

0

A

4

1

2

1

3

4

A

1

0

1

0

0

0

1

N

1

1

0

0

2

0

H

1

0

1

0

1

1

A

1

0

1

0

1

1

F

A

FR

A

1

0

1

0

1

FLC

NL

WORKSOP TOWN

Opposition for the weaker of our two sides officially both classed as first teams in the 1904-05 season when we first dropped out of the Football League. The games took place in the Midland League.

WORKINGTON

This team joined the Football League at the start of the 1950s but were voted out in the mid-1970s, yet we met for 19 of those seasons.

We also regularly faced each other in the FA and League Cups, the first meeting coming when the Borough Park

48

Comp

H/A

Pl

W

D

L

MIDL

H

1

0

1

0

2

2

A

1

0

0

1

2

5

WREXHAM

Regular opponents from back when we first joined The Combination for our first taste of league football. The teams had their own groundhog days back in 1979 with multiple postponements of a Third Round FA Cup tie, with the Hatters fans setting off on more than one occasion.

A

3

0

0

3

3

15

N

1

1

0

0

2

0

WT

H

9

4

2

3

19

17

WT

A

7

0

1

6

12

31

WUHAN HONGJINLONG

First opponents on our first tour to China; visiting a city that became well known throughout the world last year. This game on 10th May 2001 was won with a goal from Zhang Xiaobin who later joined the Hatters.

WYCOMBE WANDERERS

County are unbeaten at home against Wycombe, but possibly the most important of those twelve games was the play off semi-final win in May 2007 with an early Liam Dickinson goal putting us in a position to claim promotion at Wembley.

The game still ended up being played in shockingly cold conditions and the hosts won 6-2 in the end.

Comp

H/A

Pl

W

D

EFL

H

48

28

A

47

17

H

2

A

1

H

FLC FLT FAC

L

F

A

11

9

102

56

7

23

55

70

1

1

0

2

1

0

1

0

2

2

1

1

0

0

5

4

A

2

0

1

1

2

4

Comp

H/A

Pl

W

D

L

H

3

3

0

0

17

2

EFL

H

10

7

3

A

10

2

3

0

26

10

5

10

14

1

0

0

1

2

6

H

1

1

0

0

3

2

FLP

H

1

1

0

0

1

0

A

1

0

1

0

1

1

FAC

H

1

1

0

0

2

1

H

2

1

0

1

3

3

A

1

1

0

0

2

1

H

3

1

0

2

5

4

A

4

1

1

2

4

8

FAT

H

1

0

1

0

2

2

A

2

0

0

2

3

12

FR

H

1

0

0

1

2

3

TCO

A

A

Later annulled NL

F

XINJIANG XI

Select side faced during the May 2004 tour.

Adam le Fondre, who recently signed for an Indian League side, scored two and kit man Richard Landon the other in a 3-2 win which also saw manager Sammy McIlroy play with current Academy boss Damien Allen alongside him.

49

County Heaven Sandbach Hatter writes: Good afternoon and Happy Bank Holiday to Hatters everywhere. Welcome, also, to today’s opponents from across the border – ‘the Red Dragons’ (or, rather more festively, ‘the Robins’) of Wrexham.

As alluded to in our last programme notes, the conclusion of a rather abysmal year has once more heralded the return of our (world?) famous County Heaven Awards! Hosted again (superbly) by Epworth Hatter – this time via Zoom, for social distancing reasons – I can now reveal the first set of winners for 2020: Player of the Year – narrowly pipping Ben Hinchliffe and Ash Palmer to the title, this year’s thoroughlydeserved recipient is fans’ favourite, Sam Minihan.

Well done, Sam! Goal of the Year – no surprises for this one, as everyone voted for John Rooney’s sensational strike from inside his own half against Rochdale in the FA Cup. Best Achievement – in what has been a really tough year, our members decided to award this one to… ourselves, for struggling on despite all that 2020 has thrown at us, and for continuing to produce County’s premier fans’ forum!

And now, since I’ve run out of space, you’ll have to wait until next time for the final four awards, as it’s time to hand you over to my brother from another mother, Maccy! A man who is himself proudly Welsh, and who no doubt has a few clever puns based on our opponents’ nickname lined up for you (then again, he usually wrecks ‘em!). Did you have a nice Christmas, Maccy?

Hatter in Macc writes: I did, as it goes, Sandy - I’m not gonna lie to you.

And it was made all the better by our picking up a point at Altrincham with a late equaliser the following day. (One benefit of these strange times: being able to write up-to-the-minute columns for a digital programme, with no festive print deadlines to worry about!)

We face the Robins of Cheshire again here five days hence, but, in the meantime, and with a nice festive touch of continuity, croeso i Wrecsam ac i’r Robin Goch!

It has been over eight years since we last received our once-regular visitors at Edgeley Park in National League action - with last term’s final-day contest between us being one of the several that, in the event, could not go ahead - although they did call by here a little more recently for a cracker of an FA Trophy-tie early in 2015. Memories of that were soon rather obliterated by our 6-1 walloping in the replay at the Racecourse Ground - where Wrexham midfielder Joe Clarke kept a second-half clean sheet in goal, just to add insult to an injury that befell their regular ‘keeper before the break!

Having played five straight NL games away from home, and endured a couple of especially disappointing nights on the road at Notts County and Hartlepool ahead of the much-improved fightback, two afternoons ago, against ‘Alty’, it will be something of a comfort - and, hopefully an advantage, too! - to host the next three at EP. The second of them will see us back here on 2nd January - so, in the meantime, a very Happy New Year to Hatters everywhere. Here’s to far better things for the world in 2021…

Animo et Fide. www.countyheaven.com

50

Imagine Radio Chris Ridgway

OK, hands up - who can honestly say they’ve not gone overboard on Christmas dinner, chocolate and mince pies these last couple of weeks? If your hand is up in the air right now, just know that I’m sceptical at best. Every year the same thing happens, I say I’m not going to go mad, then three boxes of mince pies in one sitting later and all Christmas chocolate gone by Boxing Day, I’m disappointed in myself, repeating internally that next year is my year.

As far as consistency goes, that’s about it for 2020. It’s been the most unusual, unpredictable, unforgiving 12 months with surely a better one to follow.

It’s also been a year of change.

The club has changed, our show has changed and the outlook has certainly changed. A slight Christmas wobble on the pitch, not getting the results we would have maybe anticipated, won’t change the mindset of entering 2021.

Jim has built a squad capable of winning this league, but there are other clubs capable of it as well. Hard games will happen, tough tests will be passed and failed and scenarios will rise that you couldn’t predict.

Today’s opponents epitomise the “I never saw that one coming” cliché.

In Wrexham, we have a club that historically has been a fun fixture, but now plays host to arguably the two most talked about clubs in the lower leagues.

I would hazard a guess that “have you seen what’s happening at Stockport County?” and “have you heard about Wrexham?” are probably the most uttered phrases of the year in the wider community.

Hartlepool was a shock to the system

Both clubs have potentially their best years ever ahead of them, and both are in the early stages of getting used to new beginnings, meaning both have reason to believe they should win today.

of late as well, so as it’s Christmas let’s sit back and enjoy this one. It’s the Peter Ward derby, Blues v Reds, the clash that ‘should be a league fixture’!

As much as I love Ryan Reynolds though (who couldn’t?!), I’m backing County today. Hartlepool was a shock to the system, and for all the effort against Alty, to come away with a point maybe just drew the focus back in line.

Happy New Year from me, JK, my new podcast co-hosts Liam Dickinson and Matty Mainwaring (with maybe a marquee January signing to come) and everyone at Imagine Radio - 2021 promises big things, let’s just hope we can sign 2020 off first with a win.

Wrexham’s form has been patchy

All the best.

Payroll and Accounting QED suite powering the UK’s flexible workforce market. Call today on 0161 925 6162 for a friendly chat about your accounting needs or visit www.mydigitalaccounts.com

51

Oshor Williams When our home game against Sutton United was postponed a few weeks ago, many of you took the opportunity to watch your second favourite team in action as Manchester United took on Manchester City in that famous North West derby. Unfortunately, despite plenty of endeavour, the game did not live up to its hype with the teams battling their way through a nil-nil bore. But only a month earlier I was privileged to watch a true derby thriller as Manchester United Women fought back from a 2-0 deficit to draw 2-2 with the mighty Manchester City Women.

As I watched the two managers Gareth Taylor, and Casey Stoney, bump elbows (the COVID handshake) my ever wandering mind began to wonder just when we will see the first woman manager take charge of a team in one of the four tiers of English football.

I had just witnessed one respected and highly qualified manager pit their wits against another respected highly qualified manager in a top-quality encounter. Moreover, this wasn’t just a spirited fight-back by the United team, it was inspired by Casey Stoney’s tactical awareness and experience.

Recognising that the super talented Manchester City team had the ability to play through them and pick them off at will, she changed the way her team pressed in the second half tightening things up and reducing the threat. Eventually they edged their way back into the game and with admittedly a little good fortune managed to secure a creditable draw. Now that looks like excellent management to me and it does not particularly come as a surprise. Casey has Manchester United Women sitting at the top of the women’s super league and although Arsenal and Chelsea are in hot pursuit she has transformed the Manchester United team into genuine title contenders.

52

Emma Hayes

Emma Hayes has led Chelsea Women to the WSL title three times and won seven trophies altogether during her Chelsea career. Why wouldn’t you consider someone with that kind of track record to manage your team?

And she is not the only talented woman with the potential to move into the men’s game. Emma Hayes has led Chelsea Women to the WSL title three times and won seven trophies altogether during her Chelsea career. Why wouldn’t you consider someone with that kind of track record to manage your team? There is a wealth of emerging talent within coaching and management inspired no doubt by pioneers such as former England manager Hope Powell now in charge at Brighton and Hove Albion Women. Hope worked for the PFA Coaching Department before moving to Brighton so I had an opportunity to collaborate with her and witness first hand her professionalism and methodical approach to coaching and management. Importantly, Hope gave visibility to the role of being a woman football manager and encouraging other aspiring women to follow suit.

So back to my original musing. When will we see a woman manager in the elite tiers of English football?

Those of you with receding hairlines and long memories may recall that back in the late 80’s a fictional female football manager hit our screens.

The Manageress, a Channel 4 television series centred on a woman who becomes manager of a professional football team. It ran from 1989 to 1990 but despite the fact that it was as I recall rather popular, the series was pulled after two seasons ostensibly because it wasn’t deemed to be ‘realistic enough’. That is not particularly subtle coding for ‘it could never happen’. Although the series trawled through obvious scenarios involving dropped towels, sexist dressing room banter and macho resistance to being told off by a woman the series did cleverly expose the underlying flaws in a culture dominated by men. It also exposed the armour plated glass ceiling which qualified,

committed, capable women face not only in sport but society itself.

You may ask yourself my dear County faithful why I appear to be such an advocate for the advancement of women in professional football.

Well I don’t consider myself to be anything other than an advocate for equal rights and equality of opportunity. But it may help if I provide a little insight into an early inspiration in the development of Oshor Williams the footballer.

When I was 12 years old I was still kicking a ball around in the streets and parks of the Tilery Estate in Stockton. Although I played for the school team, matches were infrequent so could never satisfy my energy and appetite for football. One day a lad from school asked me if I wanted to play for a new team in a newly formed local junior league. Naturally I said yes and a day later the manager knocked on my door and asked me to come to training. Her name was Carol Surtees and she not only trained and managed us she led us to league success in that first year of formation. I continued to play for ‘Crusaders’ from Under-13 to Under-15 level and was eventually offered an apprenticeship by Middlesbrough FC. It never occurred to me at the time that Carol was unique or different, she was just ‘The Manager’. She had a great eye for a player, inspired confidence and respect, could organise a team and was tactically astute. But isn’t that what managers do? So nowadays when people opposed to women players, officials coaches and managers and directors tell me ‘It’s a man’s game!”, I always reply, “No… it’s just a game”.

May I sign off by wishing each and every one of you peace and love and a better year to come in 2021.

Osh

53

The power to engage and connect through Digital Solutions

Unit 5, Hamilton Road, S Park Business Park, Stockport SK1 2AE. info@pioneergroup.co.uk Main partner of Stockport County FC

Wilmslow Road, Didsbury, Manchester, M20 5WZ Tel: 0161 971 7000 Email: hello@waterside-hotel.co.uk

Deadly Duos Steven Davies

Danny Lloyd & Gary Stopforth Hello and welcome to the final home league game in 2020 where we welcome Wrexham to Edgeley Park as the visitors.

Today we are going to look at two players that were both firm fan favourites but for slightly different reasons.

Gary Stopforth and Danny Lloyd played together with us during the 2016/17 season and formed a very good partnership on the field.

Danny Lloyd was signed before the season started and came from AFC Flyde where he had won promotion with them as well as scoring around 30 goals over a two-season period - despite playing on the wing. He promised us goals in a pre-season interview and he certainly didn’t disappoint with both himself and Gary “G-Stop” Stopforth both scoring in the opening game in a 4-3 win over Alfreton Town.

Gary Stopforth, who had joined The Hatters from Salford City, also made an impression, with his madcap personality and banter in interviews he was certainly one to watch on and off the field (If you google Gary Stopforth and “podcast” you will see what I mean).

During that season Danny Lloyd hit nearly 30 goals by scoring an amazing 29 goals with 19 assists, he was pretty much changing the way that the games were going and scored some brilliant goals throughout the season. On the rare occasion he didn’t score he was setting up goals for other players.

He scored the winning goals against Worcester, Bishop Auckland, Chorley, Gainsborough Trinity (both home and away), Marine, Boston, Tamworth and Bradford Park Avenue. That in itself shows you the fire power and influence he had in getting us three points.

G-Stop also made an impact by getting a few goals and assists himself that season including the winner against Alfreton and the opening goal against his former club

Danny Lloyd

Gary Stopforth

Salford City, he always gave 100% on the pitch and fans and teammates were saddened when he left County to go and play in Australia.

But upon returning to the UK G-Stop had a second spell with the club and returned pretty much where left off in January 2018, after us he went to Chester and I believe now plies his trade at Clitheroe.

Danny Lloyd after his monster of a season was offered a full-time professional contract to play League football with Peterborough. He got his first goal in the EFL Cup followed by his first league goal a month later, this was followed up by a hat-trick in the FA Cup before he joined Salford the season after. Danny also couldn’t keep away and returned to County for another taster at Edgeley Park via Salford on loan last season before it was ended prematurely by Covid-19.

55

Community Foundation scfcfoundation.com

@scfcfoundation

Stockport County Community Foundation

0161 286 8888 option 3

Community Foundation elves support the local community this Christmas

Stockport County Community Foundation have been supporting the ‘Handy Ladies Feeding the Community’ campaign, which is helping children and the vulnerable with fantastic support from Help the Hatters, Manchester Rugby & Cricket Club, and the Churches Together network. The Partners in Action Pandemic Response now marks nine months.

As Stockport was reeling from the news of strict tier lockdowns, Handy Ladies and the Community Foundation Team, alongside hundreds of volunteers, have been quietly assisting the pandemic response, collecting food parcels, cooking, and delivering thousands of crucial hot meals for vulnerable and struggling families, children, and isolated adults across Stockport since the first wave of Covid-19 in March. Over nine months ago, Anna and Jo of Handy Ladies shot into action forming the CIC project Feeding the Community with outstanding help from Minister Mike Newman’s team at St Cuthbert’s Cheadle and Manchester Rugby Club Isolation Support Group in Cheadle Hulme.

56

Helen Foster-Grime, Director of Stockport County Community Foundation, has been working alongside Handy Ladies coordinating help and bringing together many community groups to support the dedicated pandemic response and vital fundraising. Helen was delighted that John Fitzpatrick, Chairman of Help the Hatters, Hedgegrower, David Wright and all the brilliant HtH volunteer force joined Stockport County Community Foundation in the project donating and delivering special donations of toys and other necessities for the children of families in need, schools and to Francis House Children’s Hospice and Swanbourne Gardens NHS Children’s Respite in Edgeley for Christmas.

On hearing of the work football manager Jim and Hazel Gannon and family also sent kind personal donations to help the children as well as Fitzy’s grandson Charlie from the Blossoms band and Blossoms’ manager Conrad.

There was more to come as the County Community Foundation team had lots of fun helping the ‘Handy Ladies Feeding the Community’ socially distanced free ‘Drive Through Santa’ event, raising the spirits of children, young and old alike. After a special appeal was granted at the eleventh hour by Stockport Council’s public health, the volunteer teams swiftly mobilised their careful Covid safe rota bringing Christmas cheer for many children and families. Mark Sanderson, Director at the Foundation, was struck by the smiles all around: “We all had frozen fingers but the excitement on the faces of little ones and our older visitors warmed everyone’s hearts. Father Christmas was very happy with our masked elves!”

Do watch out for more news on planned fundraising events and activities from all the awesome volunteers

and the County family in the coming months. The Community Foundation would like to thank all involved whether donating, baking from home, organising, cooking or delivering through St Cuthbert’s Church network or St Mary’s Upper Rooms, Cheadle, All Churches Together in Cheadle & Cheadle Hulme, Manchester Rugby and Cricket Club kitchens, or Helping Hands local groups, the Spreading Smiles Campaign, Parfetts, the Bramhall and Woodford Rotary, Chelwood Foodbank, County fans and all the awesome volunteers from the Foundation’s partners Help the Hatters.

At a time when so many are struggling from mental health, financial, bereavement and other harsh challenges the Stockport County Community Foundation team feel privileged to work alongside these selfless and inspiring volunteers who truly embody the spirit of Christmas and Community Caring.

Happy Christmas from Dave, Matty, Helen, Jacci, Mark, Ian, Andy, Adrian, Georgina, Chris and all our team, and here’s hoping for a better new year for everyone in 2021.

57

Talking Football Sam Preston

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has hit out at television broadcasters over the arrangement of fixtures in this hectic, unique season.

It would be a surprise if anything changed on the back of it. The TV companies didn’t budge when their scheduling meant games finished after the last train home for fans had departed.

So why would they make alterations to suit clubs now? Especially when the pandemic has laid bare just how reliant elite clubs are on that broadcasting revenue.

They didn’t care about putting Bournemouth v Sunderland on at lunchtime. They’ve even moved the FA Cup final away from the traditional 3pm slot.

Some feel Klopp should stop moaning because he’s in charge of an elite club with the budget to assemble a strong squad capable of challenging on all fronts. Everybody knew this season would be unlike any other before it kicked off.

The major reason he has access to such funds is because of the broadcasters, who know they hold all the power.

Looking at the situation very optimistically, it would be fantastic if Klopp’s complaining led to lasting change.

Jurgen Klopp has been complaining about broadcasting schedules

58

Why would they make alterations to suit clubs now? Especially when the pandemic has laid bare just how reliant elite clubs are on that broadcasting revenue.

The importance of fans has been highlighted this year

The only way that’s going to happen is if the clubs demand changes to the broadcasting contracts they sign up for.

After months without fans, every club has seen how important they are. The line ‘football is nothing without the fans’ has been trotted out again and again.

But it means nothing unless lasting changes are made to football to make it a better experience for the supporters.

But it means nothing unless lasting changes are made to football to make it a better experience for the supporters.

One way to start would to lessen the amount of games which are moved from pillar to post without giving fans a second thought.

On that subject, the traditional festive period of fixtures doesn’t exactly align with medical consensus on recovery times.

That might end up being a secondary, almost unintended consequence of Klopp’s complaining – but it would certainly be a welcome one.

A game on Boxing Day, another two or three days later before a third on New Year’s Day? It’s always going to take its toll on players – but that’s the way it’s always been in this country.

There has been discussion over a return to the five substitutes rule from last season. That has been implemented in UEFA competition and in other domestic leagues across Europe.

Perhaps the ‘middle’ fixture – between Boxing Day and New Year’s – could be moved to ease the turnaround time, but for many fans, the Christmas feast of football is one of the highlights of the season.

It’s easy to see how it would benefit the bigger clubs with better squads. If they’re struggling to get a result, they can change half their outfield players in pursuit of victory.

On top of that, the likes of Klopp aren’t even using their full three substitutes every week now.

He also played key man Mo Salah for 90 minutes in a Champions League dead rubber. That detracts from his persistent complaints about fatigue as well.

In short, if Klopp wants to see anything changed, he needs to go to his own bosses and get them to request changes to the broadcasting deals they sign up to.

And while they’re reviewing that situation, matchgoing fans need to get a better deal out of it. Otherwise all the talk about the importance of supporters in stadiums will feel like little more than lip service.

59

The Hatters v The Red Dragons

Facts & Figures Head to Head

Goals scored

Played (all competitions): 111

County: 173

County: 49 Wrexham: 40 Draws: 22

Previous games

Wrexham: 161

Last time out

Saturday 31st August 2019 National League Wrexham 1 County 2 Tuesday 13th January 2015 FA Trophy Wrexham 6 County 1

They played for both clubs Goalkeepers: Andy Dibble, Christian Dibble, Michael Ingham, Kevin Keelan, Brian Lloyd, John Ruddy, Mike Salmon, Anthony Williams.

Defenders: Mansour Assoumani, Chris Blackburn, James Jennings, Jim McNulty, Sean Newton, Javan Vidal.

Midfielders: Martyn Chalk, Kieron Durkan, Jon Nolan, Waynne Phillips, John Rooney, Peter Ward.

Forwards: Wyn Davies, Barry Diamond, Connor Jennings, John Marsden, Steve Massey, George Oghani, Jason Oswell, John Paskin, Andy Preece, Alex Reid, Nathan Woolfe.

Previously at EP County: 29 Wrexham: 10 Draws: 10

60

31st August 2019, National League Wrexham (McIntosh, 84) 1 County (Palmer, 20; Minihan, 39) 2 Newly-promoted County made it five wins from six and inflicted a second successive defeat for Wrexham in the National League.

The Hatters went ahead when Christian Dibble dropped Elliot Osborne’s free-kick and Ashley Palmer nodded the ball over the line to put the visitors in front.

Luke Summerfield went close for Wrexham but Sam Minihan doubled County’s lead after a scramble.

Leighton McIntosh pulled a goal back, scoring from a tight angle, but County stood firm to deservedly move up to sixth in the table while Wrexham moved down to 16th.

Team (4-2-3-1): Hinchliffe; Minihan, Keane, Palmer, Cowan; Turnbull (Capt.) (Mulhern, 79), Walker; Thomas, Osborne, Kirby (Curran, 5); Bell (Arthur, 66).

Unused Subs: Ormson, Jackson.

Attendance: 5,777 (988 away).

2020-21

CHE

Statistics W 6 4 4 5 3 2 2 4 2 4 3 3 5 2 2 3 1 2 2 1 1 0 2

D 1 1 2 0 1 2 2 1 1 2 1 2 0 3 1 1 2 1 2 2 0 1 0

Home L 1 2 3 2 2 4 3 2 1 1 2 2 1 1 2 3 2 4 3 4 6 5 4

F 17 14 13 14 13 12 7 16 6 12 7 12 11 7 4 9 2 15 10 4 8 5 5

D 1 1 1 2 1 2 2 2 1 0 1 2 1 0 2 2 1 0 0 1 2 4 0

Away L 1 1 2 2 3 0 2 4 3 5 3 4 3 2 2 3 4 3 4 4 3 1 4

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2

Goals

0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 2 2 1 1 3 0 1 0 0 1 1 5 1 6 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 18 15

Subs

0 2 0 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 3 1 2 0 1 0 0 3 0 3 0 0 8 1 -

Starts

Subs

0 0 11 0 4 0 0 0 12 0 11 0 9 4 10 9 10 11 0 8 9 11 1 0 5 3 4 -

1 0 2 1 4 0 1 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 5 3 1 1 0 5 5 4 1 0 5 4 0 -

0 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 3 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 3 -

0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 4 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 13

F 16 9 9 5 8 11 7 6 12 8 10 11 5 12 9 12 9 9 7 7 5 7 1

A 6 9 7 5 10 4 6 14 11 13 11 10 9 8 6 9 11 9 16 20 7 11 11

W 11 8 7 7 7 6 6 6 6 6 6 5 6 5 5 5 5 5 4 2 2 1 2

Total L F 2 33 3 23 5 22 4 19 5 21 4 23 5 14 6 22 4 18 6 20 5 17 6 24 4 16 3 20 4 13 6 21 6 11 7 24 7 17 8 11 9 13 6 12 8 6

D 2 2 3 2 2 4 4 3 2 2 2 4 1 3 3 3 3 1 2 3 2 5 0

Total

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 3

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

A 12 14 18 12 21 17 14 30 14 17 14 18 11 14 10 19 14 18 30 32 23 23 25

GD 21 9 4 7 0 6 0 -8 4 3 3 6 5 6 3 2 -3 6 -13 -21 -10 -11 -19

Play-Offs: Elimination Round (5th v 6th, 4th v 7th)

Cup

Goals

Starts

Josh Barnes Nyal Bell Richie Bennett Louis Britton Ryan Croasdale Jordan Downing Harvey Gilmour Max Greenhalgh Ben Hinchliffe Jack Hinchy Liam Hogan Jack Hopkins Connor Jennings James Jennings Jordan Keane Mark Kitching Lois Maynard Sam Minihan Adam Owen Ash Palmer Alex Reid John Rooney Macauley Southam-Hales Finley Stanyer Jamie Stott Adam Thomas Jordan Williams Own goals Total

W 5 4 3 2 4 4 4 2 4 2 3 2 1 3 3 2 4 3 2 1 1 1 0

Play-Offs: Semi-Finals (2nd v 5th/6th, 3rd v 4th/7th) League

Player Roll-Call

A 6 5 11 7 11 13 8 16 3 4 3 7 2 5 4 10 3 9 14 12 16 12 14

Subs

Promotion

P 15 13 15 13 14 14 15 15 12 14 13 15 11 11 12 14 14 13 13 13 13 12 10

1 0 13 1 8 0 1 0 16 0 15 0 13 4 15 12 11 12 0 13 14 15 2 0 10 7 4 -

0 3 1 4 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 3 1 2 3 3 0 0 3 1 4 0 0 8 4 -

Biggest Win

Goals

National League Team Torquay United Sutton United Hartlepool United Notts County Maidenhead United Bromley Altrincham Wealdstone Stockport County Woking Wrexham FC Halifax Town Solihull Moors Eastleigh Boreham Wood Aldershot Town Dagenham & Redbridge Chesterfield King's Lynn Town Barnet Weymouth Yeovil Town Dover Athletic

Starts

# 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23

STERFIELD FC

0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 2 2 0 0 0 2 2 1 1 4 0 1 0 0 2 1 9 1 11 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 31 18

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2

Most Goals

Pts 35 26 24 23 23 22 22 21 20 20 20 19 19 18 18 18 18 16 14 9 8 8 6

Form Last 6 Matches W W W D L W D L W W W L L L W L W W W W D W L W D D L W L W W D W L L W W L W W W D D L L D W L L W W L L D W W L L W L W W D L L W W W W L W L L W W L L W W W W L L D D D L W W W L D W L L W D L W L W W L L W D W W L W W L L D L D L D L L L L L L L D L D L L W L L W L L L L Relegation

National League Records Saturday 12th December 2020 Chesterfield 6-0 Barnet Tuesday 13th October 2020 Wealdstone 2-5 Stockport County Saturday 17th October 2020 Wealdstone 4-3 Wrexham Wednesday 2nd December 2020 FC Halifax Town 5-2 Barnet Saturday 26th December 2020 Torquay United 6-1 Yeovil Town

Highest Attendance

Saturday 26th December 2020 Torquay United 6-1 Yeovil Town 1,323

Lowest Attendance

Tuesday 8th December 2020 Weymouth 2-3 Dagenham & Redbridge 438

Top Goalscorer

Sam Barratt (Maidenhead United) 9 = 9 Goals + 0 Penalties

Connor Jennings scored the equaliser against Altrincham

# 1 2 23

National League Fair Play Team Notts County 15 Stockport County 15 Yeovil Town 37

0 2 1

Pts 60 80 158

Cut off dates for number of yellow cards in league matches only, cups are different: 5 = Following 23 fixtures, 10 = Following 37 fixtures, 15/20 = End of the season Automatic league suspension starts next match after an offence, automatic cup suspension starts next match after an offence in the same competition Yellow cards are specific to each competition, red cards apply across all competitions All details up to date as of Sunday 27th December 2020

61

Kit Sponsorship Ben

Sam

Hinchliffe

01

HOME

HOME

BEN WALKER

STOCKPORT TADPOLES

LEE THORNEYCROFT

A WAY

A WAY

A WAY

AVA RAE FELLOWES

AVAILABLE

BENJI GRIGGS 02

03

John

Thomas

Richie

Rooney

Bennett

HOME

HOME

HOME

ANDY BIRCHENOUGH

MATTHEW STANDING

JACOB THORP

A WAY

A WAY

A WAY

THE ITALIAN

CHARLIE AND HARRY JOHNSON

ADRIAN CAVILLE

07

08

Jamie

09

Jordan

Stott

Macauley

Keane HOME

Southam-Hales HOME

HOME

VIRIDOR

ONLY ONE JIMBO

A WAY

A WAY

A WAY

AVAILABLE

HELP THE HATTERS

ZANE PEAT

15

16

Josh

AVAILABLE 17

Harvey

Barnes

Finley

Gilmour

Stanyer

HOME

HOME

HOME

AVAILABLE

AVAILABLE

PHILL GREEN

A WAY

A WAY

A WAY

AVAILABLE

62

Jennings

HOME

Adam

21

James

Minihan

AVAILABLE 22

AVAILABLE 23

To sponsor a player, please contact Olivia Hanvey on 0161 266 2700 or olivia.hanvey@stockportcounty.com

Liam

Ash

Hogan HOME

THE MOORE FAMILY

04

HOME

IAN DOOLEY

MAYNARD FAMILY

A WAY

A WAY

HJS JOINTING SERVICES LTD

05

Maynard

HOME

KEVIN AND SAM BOON

Connor

A WAY

£

ARNOLD GORSE MORTGAGES ・PROTECTION ・INVESTMENTS ・ pensions

06

Jordan

Jennings

Mark

Williams

Kitching

HOME

HOME

HOME

LEE THORNEYCROFT

HELP THE HATTERS

KATE GLASS

A WAY

A WAY

A WAY

AVAILABLE

BIGSY BATT 10

11

Ryan

GREENHILL 14

Alex

Croasdale

Nyal

Reid

Bell

HOME

HOME

HOME

GARY KIMBER

MIKE WHORRALL

RAY JOHNSON

A WAY

A WAY

A WAY

AVAILABLE

ASHLEIGH THORP

TOMMY ARMSTRONG

18

19

Louis

20

Jordan

Britton

Max

Downing

Greenhalgh

HOME

HOME

HOME

STEVE DAVIES

AVAILABLE

AVAILABLE

A WAY

A WAY

A WAY

AVAILABLE 26

Lois

Palmer

AVAILABLE -

AVAILABLE -

63

2020-21

Fixtures & Results Date Opposition October 2020 Sat 3 Torquay United Tue 6 FC Halifax Town Sat 10 Dover Athletic Tue 13 Wealdstone Sat 17 Chesterfield Sat 24 Chesterfield Tue 27 Solihull Moors Sat 31 Weymouth November 2020 Wed 4 Chesterfield Sat 7 Rochdale Sun 29 Yeovil Town December 2020 Sat 5 Bromley Tue 8 Barnet Tue 15 Notts County Sat 19 Guiseley Tue 22 Hartlepool United Sat 26 Altrincham Mon 28 Wrexham January 2021 Sat 2 Altrincham Tue 5 Eastleigh Mon 11 West Ham United Sat 16 Notts County Tue 19 Dagenham & Redbridge Sat 23 Boreham Wood Tue 26 King's Lynn Town Sat 30 Woking February 2021 Tue 2 Sutton United Sat 6 Yeovil Town Sat 13 Aldershot Town Sat 20 Eastleigh Tue 23 Notts County Sat 27 Chesterfield March 2021 Sat 6 Weymouth Tue 9 Solihull Moors Sat 13 Dagenham & Redbridge Tue 16 Barnet Sat 20 Sutton United Sat 27 Hartlepool United April 2021 Fri 2 Aldershot Town Mon 5 Bromley Sat 10 Wrexham Tue 13 King's Lynn Town Sat 17 Maidenhead United Sat 24 Boreham Wood May 2021 Sat 1 FC Halifax Town Mon 3 Wealdstone Sat 8 Dover Athletic Sat 15 Torquay United Sat 22 Woking Sat 29 Yeovil Town TBA Maidenhead United TBA

64

Comp

Score

NL NL NL NL NL FAC4Q NL NL

0-1 2-1 3-0 5-2 2-1 1-1 0-0 1-2

- 21 Hinchliffe - 10 Hinchliffe - 6 Hinchliffe - 2 Hinchliffe - 1 Hinchliffe - - Hinchliffe - 2 Hinchliffe - 2 Hinchliffe

Minihan Minihan Minihan Minihan Minihan ³ Minihan Minihan Minihan

Jennings J Southam-Hales ¹ Stott Jennings J ¹ Stott ¹ Stott ³ Stott Stott ²

Maynard Maynard Maynard Maynard 1 Maynard Maynard Croasdale Maynard

Palmer Palmer Palmer Palmer Palmer Palmer Keane Palmer 1

Hogan Stott Hogan Hogan Hogan Hogan 1 Hogan Hogan

Kitching Kitching 1 ² Kitching ² Keane Kitching 1 ² Thomas Thomas Kitching

H FAC4Q A FAC1 H FAC2

4-0 2-1 3-2

-

Keane Keane Keane

Stott Stott Stott

Croasdale Croasdale ² Croasdale ¹

Palmer Palmer Palmer 1

Hogan Hogan Hogan

Thomas Kitching Kitching ³

A A A H A A H

NL NL NL FAT3 NL NL NL

2-0 2-1 0-1 3-1 0-4 1-1

Thomas Minihan Minihan Keane Minihan Minihan

Jennings J Jennings J Williams Southam-Hales ¹ Williams Williams

Maynard Maynard Maynard Croasdale Croasdale Maynard

Keane Keane Palmer Palmer Palmer Keane

Hogan Hogan Hogan Stott Hogan Hogan

Kitching ³ Williams ¹ Kitching ¹ Kitching Kitching Kitching

H H H H A H A A

NL NL FAC3 FAT4 NL NL NL NL

H H H A H H

NL NL NL NL NL NL

A A H H A H

NL NL NL NL NL NL

A H A H H A

NL NL NL NL NL NL

A H A H H A A

NL NL NL NL NL NL NL CSC2

A H H A A H H H

Att Pos

-

Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe

1,031 11 Hinchliffe 792 5 Hinchliffe - 10 Hinchliffe - - Barnes - 13 Hinchliffe - 9 Hinchliffe

Key:

CHE

STERFIELD FC

Bold = Goalscorer 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 = 1st / 2nd / 3rd / 4th Sub / = Yellow / Red Card = Penalty = Lost 6-7 on Penalties, = After Extra Time * = Own Goal

Rooney Rooney Rooney 2 Rooney 3 ³ Rooney Rooney Rooney Rooney

Bennett ² Bennett Bennett ³ Bennett 1 Bennett Bennett ¹ Bennett ² Bennett ³

Rooney 2 Rooney 1 ¹ Rooney 1

² Bennett 1 ¹ Thomas Thomas ²

Rooney 1 Rooney Rooney Gilmour ² Rooney Croasdale

Bennett ² Bennett ² Bennett Britton ³ Bennett ¹ Thomas ¹

Jennings C ³ Jennings C ³ Jennings C ¹ Jennings C Jennings C Keane Jennings C ¹ Croasdale

Reid ¹ Keane Keane Reid ² Keane Reid ² Reid Reid ¹

Jennings C Reid 1 ³ Jennings C Reid 1 ³ 4 Jennings C 1 Reid Jennings C Jennings C ³ Keane ² Jennings C Keane Jennings C 1

Reid 1 ¹ Reid 2 Reid Reid 2 Reid Reid

Barnes Barnes Barnes Barnes Barnes Barnes Barnes Barnes

Stott Jennings J ² Jennings J ² Kitching ¹ Jennings J ² Jennings C ² Hopkins Jennings C ²

Keane ¹ Croasdale Croasdale Croasdale ³ Croasdale Croasdale ³ Owen Keane

Thomas ³ Thomas 1 ¹ Thomas ³ Thomas ² Thomas ³ Southam-Hales Southam-Hales ¹ Thomas ³

Bell ² Reid ³ Reid 1 ¹ Bell Reid 1 ¹ Bell ¹ Bell ² Britton ¹

Barnes Barnes Barnes

Hopkins ³ Jennings J Jennings J

Maynard ¹ Maynard ¹ Maynard 4

Southam-Hales ² Stanyer Southam-Hales Britton ³ Bennett ² Britton

Barnes Barnes Barnes Hinchliffe Barnes Barnes

Minihan ¹ Kitching ¹ Jennings C ² Hogan Stott Stott

Croasdale Croasdale Croasdale ³ Hinchy Gilmour Gilmour

Williams ³ Thomas ³ Thomas ¹ ³ Rooney 1 ² Southam-Hales ¹ Southam-Hales ¹

Britton ² Britton ² Britton Bennett Britton Bennett

Stanyer

Hopkins

Williams ² Williams ³

Minihan Minihan ¹

Williams ³

Minihan ¹

65

National League News CHE

STERFIELD FC

It may be completely the wrong time of year for this particular piece of word play, though Tim Flowers’ recent arrival as manager at Barnet means, rather pleasingly, that The Bees have been attracted to Flowers.

Chairman Tony Kleanthous will be hoping it’s a natural fit with the former England international goalie joining following the sacking of Peter Beadle.

Beadle was no longer about at The Hive after a 6-0 mauling against Chesterfield brought an end to his four-month spell in charge, with the club teetering above the relegation zone.

Flowers has managed at four clubs previously, though is best known for his two-year stint at Solihull Moors, where he so nearly guided the Midlands club to the Football League. He was most recently the manager at Macclesfield Town, though that job lasted just 19 days with the club being wound up.

Flowers’ first game in charge ended in a 3-1 defeat to Dorking Wanderers in the FA Trophy. The Bees were the only National League side beaten by lower league opposition within 90 minutes and consequently reached the unwanted milestone of 10 games without a win in all competitions.

66

Of course, individual health is much more important than football matches, and Weymouth goalkeeping coach Robbie Yates recently called for the league to be suspended until players and management teams receive regular covid tests.

Yates was part of a 21-man travelling party who made the long journey from the South coast to Stockport in October, when the two clubs met, and was hospitalised with the illness shortly after, spending a week on the covid ward at Poole Hospital.

He is still suffering the effects of ‘Long Covid’ and spoke of the “many times” he’s seen protocols at clubs not being followed.

Unsurprisingly, the brief spell of fans being welcome at games around the capital is over for the time being after the Government announced its new tier system measures, plunging London into the newly created tier four.

However, at the time of writing, home supporters are still able to attend Aldershot, Eastleigh, King’s Lynn, Torquay, Weymouth and Yeovil games.

Torquay fans seem to have the best deal there, with their team topping the table on Christmas Day after 10 wins from 14 games.

However, the 1,165 fans that attended their last home game witnessed a surprise 1-0 loss to strugglers Dagenham - The Gulls’ first loss at home this season and their second consecutive game without scoring.

Elsewhere, covid-19 continues to cast a significant shadow over the season, causing chaos to the fixture list.

Chesterfield became the latest club forced into isolation recently, after some of their staff members returned positive covid tests. They

were due to face King’s Lynn today, though that was the third of three games they had to postpone over the Christmas period.

Tim Flowers

Still, everyone else in the league would gladly trade places... top of the league and hosting fans, it’s all any club wants as this most taxing of years draws to a close.

Rated Excellent On TrustPilot

Stockport County

Wrexham AFC

1 Ben Hinchliffe

[1357]

1 Rob Lainton

2 Sam Minihan

[1359]

2 Reece Hall-Johnson

3 James Jennings

[1397]

3 Jamie Reckord

4 Liam Hogan

[1395]

4 Theo Vassell

5 Ash Palmer

[1372]

5 Shaun Pearson

6 Lois Maynard

[1394]

6 Jay Harris

7 Adam Thomas

[1373]

7 Elliott Durrell

8 John Rooney

[1400]

8 Luke Young

9 Richie Bennett

[1396]

9 Jordan Ponticelli

10 Connor Jennings

[1339]

10 Devonte Redmond

11 Jordan Williams

[1404]

11 Anthony Jeffrey

12 The Blue & White Army

12 Dan Jarvis

14 Mark Kitching

[1398]

13 Mark Carrington

15 Jamie Stott

[1380]

14 Paul Rutherford

16 Jordan Keane

[1370]

15 James Horsfield

17 Macauley Southam-Hales

[1401]

19 Adi Yussuf

18 Ryan Croasdale

[1402]

21 Christian Dibble

19 Alex Reid

[1399]

22 Fiacre Kelleher

21 Joshua Barnes

27 Jake Bickerstaff

22 Harvey Gilmour

29 Jordan Davies

26 Louis Britton

[1403]

Today’s other Vanarama National League fixtures (3.00pm unless stated) Woking v Eastleigh (12.30pm) Barnet v Maidenhead United Dagenham & Redbridge v Bromley FC Halifax Town v Altrincham Notts County v Hartlepool United Sutton United v Dover Athletic Wealdstone v Boreham Wood Weymouth v Torquay United Yeovil Town v Aldershot Town

Match Officials Referee Steven Copeland Assistant Referee 1 Martin Parker Assistant Referee 2 Scott Chalkley Fourth Official Mark Reeves

Next At Edgeley Park

Altrincham Saturday 2nd January 2021 Kick-off: 3.00pm Vanarama National League

32 Max Cleworth 39 Kwame Thomas

Match Sponsor

The numbers in brackets are each player’s unique Stockport County Appearance Number (SCAN), showing his position in the list of players to make their debut for the club in a senior competitive game. For more information please visit www.scanscheme.org

High Quality Corporate Accessories www.william-turner.co.uk 0161 475 3570 / corporate@william-turner.co.uk