Stockport County v West Ham United (FA Cup)

Official Matchday Programme

vs West Ham United Monday 11th January Kick-off 8:00pm

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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 Videographer: Dan Powell

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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.

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

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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

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James Gannon Good evening and a warm welcome back to Edgeley Park, especially to David Moyes, Alan Irvine and all the staff, players and officials of West Ham United FC that are able to attend tonight’s game.

This evening’s game has been building as a special night for quite a while now. After our brilliant win at League One Rochdale two rounds ago, it was a great reward to have been drawn at home against a Premier League team like West Ham. The game on its own is a special football occasion, but it has been made all the more special by the national media coverage that has built over the course of the week, and the presence of live TV broadcast this evening.

I have been blessed to have played for County in such similar big games including high-profile cup games against the Hammers. I was also lucky to manage the Club in similar big FA Cup games live on TV and against Premier League sides. But for many of our new players and younger fans this is a unique opportunity to witness one of those great nights that they may have been dreaming about, or heard other players or fans talk about endlessly. I hope it also encourages the older player or fan to realise that there is still much to enjoy in this beautiful game and that such events bring back a flood of brilliant memories and emotions from similar experiences of the big games of days gone by.

ability in a football contest like no other that they might have experienced. I hope the anticipation, adrenalin and excitement of the contest brings the best out of them and that they are able to showcase their talents to the maximum. They have nothing to fear except fear itself.

It is also a great opportunity for other members of our club who have been working hard behind the scenes to transform the image, professionalism and standards of the club to show the changes that they have made, and that their hard work and investment pays off on the pitch. The wider world will begin to recognise the revolution that is going on in SK3.

No matter what happens this evening I will always be very proud of what we achieve at the Club. This will be a special night in which we are part of a great sporting event, and our journey to this point, our challenge this evening and our potential to succeed in such circumstances is at the very heart of the imagination of all football fans. I hope it’s a special night for all involved.

Enjoy the game.

On the pitch, for one night, Edgeley Park provides the stage for our players to enjoy a great test of their

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Club News Fixture Updates

Man of the Match Awards

Our game away to Maidenhead United in the National League has been given a new date of Tuesday 16th February, with kick-off at 7:45pm.

The game was originally due to be played on Saturday 9th January, but has been rearranged due to our FA Cup Third Round tie against West Ham United.

Our visit to York Round will now take place in between games at home to Aldershot Town and away at Eastleigh.

Meanwhile, our game away at King’s Lynn Town on Tuesday 26th January has been given a new kick-off time of 7pm.

Altrincham The NK Electrical Man of the Match, chosen by our Match Sponsor Viridor UK, was John Rooney.

Wrexham NK Electric Man of the Match, chosen by Match Sponsor William Turner was Macauley Southam-Hales.

Further match details ahead of both of these games will be announced in due course.

Louis Returns to Bristol

On-loan striker Louis Britton has left County and returned to Bristol City after his loan expired. We wish Louis well and thank him for his efforts at Edgeley Park.

Nyal returns Striker Nyal Bell has been recalled from his loan spell at FC Halifax Town, and will now re-join the first-team squad. He is available for selection this evening.

Welcome back, Nyal!

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County Remembers Today we remember all those connected with the club who have sadly passed away during 2020. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of all lost loved ones. These include:

Brian Garner

John Aldred

Harry Porter

Ben Garnett

Christine White

Frank Williams

Glyn Davies

Ron Worsley

Louise Malone

Paul Kelly

Anthony Douglas Marshall

Audrey Porteous

Alan Massey

Hazel Burke

Karl Lee Smith

Brian Currie

Irene Cassidy

Carol Pownall

Joan Cooper

Horace Harvey

Michael Forrester

Marjorie Slattery

Roy Herbert Armitage

Audrey Hamilton

Norman Beverley

Phil Hartley

Phil Hargreaves

Neville Garlick

Richard Caville

James Deaville

Lewis Holland 09

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Macauley Southam-Hales This evening County will be hoping to cause one of the biggest FA Cup shocks in the history of the competition.

It’s almost 25 years ago when the Second Division Hatters defied the odds against the Premier League Hammers in the League Cup. A home victory would certainly go down as a greater achievement, with four leagues separating the two clubs, and County’s players are relishing the opportunity to take on David Moyes’ men.

“I can’t wait for it to be honest,” said in-form County wing-back Macauley Southam-Hales. “It’s something that you dream of, playing against a top Premier League club.

“The mood is great in the squad, everyone is positive, and looking forward to the challenge.

“It will be a great game for everyone to be a part of and a

great moment for the fans to watch also. It will be a great test and we will give it a good go.”

It has been a hectic spell for County, with eight games played over the past month, but last Tuesday’s postponement against Eastleigh has left James Gannon and his players with a full week to prepare for this evening’s big FA Cup game.

With league and cup games coming thick and fast in January, every member of the squad will be called upon in the testing games ahead.

Although the Hatters were disappointed to let a two-goal lead slip against Altrincham on Saturday, they still sit well-placed in the league and still in the FA Cup and the FA Trophy.

Wing-back Macauley SouthamHales has shone in recent games on the right-hand side, setting up both goals against Wrexham and County’s first against Altrincham.

His pace, directness, and creativity on the right-hand side has been a real thorn in opposing sides.

Although Macauley had to be substituted due to a slight hamstring injury against Altrincham, he is fit and raring to go against the Hammers.

“I am very pleased with how I have played in the minutes I have had,” said Macauley. “I was frustrated to have to come off against Altrincham but that is football sometimes, it can be cruel. I had a slight issue with my hamstring but I’m hoping to be available for selection this evening.”

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Southam-Hales arrived from Fleetwood Town for an undisclosed fee. Beforehand, he spent 12 years at Cardiff City where he joined as a Junior before moving to Barry Town United and joined Fleetwood Town in January 2019. He enjoyed a loan spell last season with Hartlepool United, performing well against County on his debut in January 2020. Having impressed during his time in the North-East, he was identified as a key summer transfer target by Pools boss Dave Challinor, before ultimately making the move to Edgeley Park.

“I was driving home after the play-offs and I had a call from Raynsey (Michael Raynes) saying that the club have asked about me,” said Macauley on how the move to County came about. “As Michael was with me at Hartlepool and then it was a slow process with Fleetwood extending my deal so I had to be patient but it’s something I wanted as soon as I heard about it.

“I have settled in extremely well and the lads have welcomed me incredibly which I am very grateful for. I joined because of the club’s ambitions and it’s a very big club. The fans also have a massive impact as I have heard great things about them and having seen them away at Hartlepool, I know they are loud!”

County manager James Gannon revealed that Macauley’s quality in moving up and down the right-hand side will be a huge plus for the team this season.

“It is great to have Macauley join us,” said Gannon. “He was a player we were monitoring for future recruitment but we are delighted that we have been a able to secure his services for this coming season.”

Team supported as a boy? Cardiff City Favourite goal? I don’t score many which I hope to change but I “The right-hand side of our enjoyed one for Barry Town against Newtown. team needed another addition Superstitions? I make my own shin pads using tape. to add to Sam Minihan at right Best moment in football? League debut or coming on in the back and Adam Thomas as League One Play-Offs. the main wide right attacking Best stadium you’ve played in? Elland Road, Nottingham midfielder.

Forest or Turf Moor.

Biggest influence on your career? A lot of great influences on “Macauley will provide great my career such as Dick Bate, Kev Nicholson, Neil Ardley, and Joey quality in the attacking right Barton, but all credit has to go to where it started with my Dad back and right wing back roles. who taught me everything and is the opinion that matters most to Given the demands in these me personally to this day. positions we are very fortunate Twitter or Facebook? I’m a noser rather than a poster on social to have increased the options in media but if I had to choose I would say Twitter. our first team for this area.”

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Did Macauley know any of the County lads when he arrived in the summer?

“I knew Kitch obviously, also Reidy, but other than that it was a new squad for me.”

David Moyes’ and his impressive West Ham United side have performed well in the Premier League, with the Hammers well placed for a finish in the top ten, and Macauley is looking forward to catching up with a former team-mate from his time at Cardiff City.

“I like the way West Ham play,” he said.“They play on the front foot, positive football, and are a great organised team. I was with Jarrod Bowen at Cardiff for a short time but he moved on to Hereford and is now flying in the Premier League.

I’ve played against him from his time at Hull and tracked his progress all the way through and I’m delighted for him because he has worked up through the leagues and deserves it.

“There’s a lot going on at the moment in the world so having something to look forward to really helps. I hope tonight’s game against West Ham brings that bit of excitement to everyone involved at the club and the fans.”

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Welcome...

West Ham United Just over 24 years have passed since West Ham United last visited Edgeley Park when The Hammers took on The Hatters, then of Division Two, in the fourth round of the League Cup.

What followed is a night that will live long in the memory of all in attendance, most notably West Ham striker Iain Dowie, who scored one of the great own goals of all time at the rain-soaked Railway End, in a game County won 2-1. It was a major upset.

Of course, it’s the FA Cup that reunites the two clubs tonight and it’s the third time in the history of the competition that we’ve been drawn together.

One of those games took place here at Edgeley Park in 1938, with nearly 18,000 fans packed into the ground to cheer County on to a 1-0 win.

Indeed, County surprisingly have the upper hand in fixtures against the Londoners, having won seven and drawn three of our 14 games together. It’s almost 100 years since we last competed in the same league mind you, so we’re hardly talking recent form here!

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Nickname: The Hammers Founded: 1895 Stadium: London Stadium Capacity: 60,000 Address: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London Postcode: E20 2ST Distance from Edgeley Park: 214.9 miles (3 hours 49minutes) Current league position: 10th (Premier League) Nonetheless, Hammers fans may feel a slight sense of unease at the prospect of a cup upset tonight. A page on a West Ham stats website details the 82 times the club have lost a domestic cup game to a lower league club and Jim Gannon need only remind his players of

the joyous memories gained in being part of the County team to inflict one of those shock results.

The last time West Ham were knocked out at this stage of the competition was in the 2016-17 season against Manchester City, though nearly seven years have passed since the club were victims of a third round cup shock, when losing 5-0 away to Nottingham Forest. It was a somewhat makeshift side that day though, with former DID County midfielder Danny Y OU Whitehead making his one KNOW? and only appearance for The West Ham’s rec ord Hammers, alongside many away win in th e FA Cup others whose career at the was 5-0 again st club would prove to be a Chatham in short one.

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Previous meetings might well favour County, and West Ham may have come unstuck against lower-level opponents in the past, though the scale of tonight’s task is obviously immense. The Hammers are currently tenth in the Premier League and arrive fresh from a fine 1-0 win at Everton on New Year’s Day. They are also three-time winners of the FA Cup and have twice been runner-up.

The Gaffer: David Moyes David Moyes is enjoying his second spell in charge of West Ham United, having been named first-team manager in December 2019.

He took over from Manuel Pellegrini at the London Stadium with the Hammers sitting in 17th place, and guided the Hammers to safety with two games to spare.

They have 11 current international players, along with five others who have previously represented their countries. In addition, manager David Moyes has been voted League Managers Association Manager of the Year on three occasions and is a veteran of over 950 games in the dugout.

Moyes returned to London Stadium on an initial 18-month contract in December 2019 and successfully led the Hammers to Premier League safety for a second time, despite the added challenge of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and a three-month postponement of competitive football in March 2020.

Of course, West Ham have ample strength in depth too, with a youth programme the envy of many others. England international Declan Rice is the most high-profile graduate of The Hammers Academy in recent years, though full-back Ben Johnson has been a regular squad member this season too and many more are tipped to follow.

David has managed more Premier League matches than any other, bar Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger and Harry Redknapp, winning more than 200 top-flight matches during a career that has seen him manage Everton, Manchester United, Sunderland and West Ham.

Whether Moyes chooses his first team or a more youthful line-up remains to be seen, though a repeat of 1996 would unquestionably be an even greater shock tonight. So much so that County are 8/1 to win tonight’s game with many bookmakers!

Declan Rice

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The Players LUKASZ FABIANSKI (b:Apr 1985 s:Jun 2018) Goalkeeper who started with Polonia Slubice, and before moving to the UK played for MSP Szamotuly, Lubuszanin Drezdenko, Sparta Brodnica, Mieszko Gniezno, Lech Pozna, and Legia Warsaw. He was bought by Arsenal, and stayed with them for seven seasons before moving on to Swansea City, ahead of his switch to the Hammers.

AARON CRESSWELL (b:Dec 1989 s:Jul 2014) Signed after three seasons with Ipswich Town. The left-back had started his career as a youngster on the books of Tranmere Rovers.

FABIAN BALBUENA (b:Aug 1991 s:Jul 2018) Signed from Brazilian side Corinthians. The central defender’s earlier football had all been played in his native Paraguay, representing Cerro Porteno, Rubiu Nu, Nacional and Libertad.

VLADIMIR COUFAL (b:Aug 1992 s:Oct 2020) Joined the Londoners for his first move abroad. The right back’s earlier clubs were Czech sides Banik Ostrava, Hlucin, Opava on loan, Slovan Liberec and Slavia Prague.

ANDRIY YARMOLENKO (b:Oct 1989 s:Jul 2018) Signed after a season with German side Borussia Dortmund. The winger started his career in the Ukraine with Desna Chernigiv and was with Dynamo Kiev from 2008.

Manuel Lanzini

SAÏD BENRAHMA (b:Aug 1995 s:Oct 2020) Winger who joined on loan from London neighbours Brentford for the season ahead of a permanent planned move. He came to the UK from Nice, who had loaned him to Angers, GFC Ajaccio and Chateauroux. As a schoolboy he played for Algerian side NRB Bethioua switching to US Colomiers when his family moved to France.

MANUEL LANZINI (b:Feb 1993 s:Jul 2016) Attacking midfield player who joined permanently after a season long loan from Al-Jazira. He started with River Plate, switching to Fluminense of Brazil on loan, before moving to the UAE side.

FREDERIK ALVES (b.November 1999 s.Jan 2021) Danish centre back Frederik joined the Hammers earlier this month from Danish club Silkeborg where he spent the past three-and-a-half years and made 48 senior appearances.

Andriy Yarmolenko

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CRAIG DAWSON (b:May 1990 s:Oct 2020) Came in on loan for the season from Watford.

He started with Radcliffe Borough, after time at Manchester City, before being picked up by Rochdale. The majority of his career has been spent with West Bromwich Albion, with loans back at Dale and with Bolton Wanderers. Can figure at right back or in central defence.

MARK NOBLE (b:May 1987 s:Jul 2003) Longest serving player and another to progress from the youth team after switching from Arsenal in 2000. Back in 2006 the midfielder was sent out on loan to Hull and Ipswich.

PABLO FORNALS (b:Feb 1996 s:Jun 2019) Joined from Spanish side Villarreal for a reported fee of £24 million. The attacking midfielder had been with that side as a youngster before returning via Castellón, two spells at Málaga and Atlético Malagueño.

JARROD BOWEN (b:Dec 1996 s:Jan 2020) Right winger who was signed from Hull City. He had been with the Yorkshire side for ten years, after starting as a scholar with Hereford United.

ANGELO OGBONNA (b:May 1988 s:Jul 2015) Left-back or central defender who was bought from Juventus. His earlier football was also played in his home country as he started out with Torino being loaned to FC Crotone.

ISSA DIOP (b:Jan 1997 s:Jun 2018) French central defender brought in from his home city side Toulouse for a then record fee. Having played as a schoolboy for Balma SC he had progressed at Toulouse from the youth team.

RYAN FREDERICKS (b:Oct 1992 s:Jun 2018) Today’s opponents are the fifth London club for this right wing-back. He started with Tottenham Hotspur, taking up loan spells at Brentford and Millwall.

Released from White Hart Lane after a season on loan to Middlesbrough, he left the capital for a short spell with Bristol City, but soon went on to add Fulham to his CV. DAVID MARTIN (b:Jan 1986 s:Jun 2019) Keeper who joined Wimbledon from Tottenham before moving to Liverpool after their morphing into Milton Keynes. The Anfield side sent him on loan to Accrington, Leicester City, Tranmere, Leeds United and Derby County. He then spent time back with Milton Keynes, and at Millwall.

ARTHUR MASUAKU (b:Nov 1993 s:Aug 2016) Left-sided defender or midfielder who joined after two seasons

with Olympiacos. He began his professional career with Valenciennes, after youth football at Lille OM and RC Lens.

TOMAS SOUCEK (b:Feb 1995 s:Jul 2020) Central midfielder who joined after a spell on loan.

His previous club Slavia Prague, where he was raised through the ranks after joining as a youngster from Slovan Havlíckuv, had earlier loaned him to Viktoria Zizkov and Slovan Liberec.

GONCALO CARDOSO (b:Oct 2000 s:Aug 2019) Central Defender who was bought from Portuguese side Boavista. He had progressed to their first team within a year of joining them at 16, with earlier sides being AD Marco and Penafiel.

MICHAIL ANTONIO (b:Mar 1990 s:Sep 2015) A product of the academy at Reading after being with Tooting and Mitchum United. The Royals loaned him back to Tooting and also sent him to Cheltenham Town, Southampton and Colchester United, before a similar deal led to a permanent switch to Sheffield Wednesday. Scored for them in Rodger Wylde’s testimonial at EP. BEN JOHNSON (b:Jan 2000 s:Dec 2017) Home-grown, attack-minded full-back who has been with the club from age seven and has progressed through the ranks.

DARREN RANDOLPH (b:May 1987 s:Jan 2020) Another goalkeeper, he is in his second spell with the club, spending time with Middlesbrough whilst away.

He joined Charlton Athletic from Ardmore Rovers as a youngster. After loan spells with Accrington, Gillingham, Bury and Hereford, he moved on to sign for Motherwell and then Birmingham City.

DECLAN RICE (b:Jan 1999 s:Jun 2016) Another who progressed from the academy having joined from Chelsea aged 14. He can figure in central defence or midfield.

Michail Antonio

NATHAN TROTT (b:Nov 1998 s:Aug 2017) Recommended to the club by former Hammer and fellow countryman Clyde Best, who figured in the 1972-73 League Cup tie at Edgeley Park. The ‘keeper joined from North Village Rams and has since progressed to a professional contract.

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Rebellious Jukebox Gareth Evans selects West Ham on the County Rock-Ola, and presses play to discover a link with, and test the credentials of… THE COCKNEY REJECTS.

‘Her name was Sharon, she came from Southend; Her sister Karen, a little skinhead; She liked football, she liked scooters; She liked A Certain Ratio, she liked The Cockney Rejects!’ [‘Love on the Terraces’, Serious Drinking 1982] So, what’s the connection?

Easy one. The East End band formed in 1977 - the year Punk exploded, to revolutionise music and have an enduring impact on pop culture - were, and indeed remain, massive fans of the ‘Hammers’. They more than made their mark on the musical scene, too - inspiring, in ‘Oi!’, a distinctive sub-genre of the punk canon. And they’re still going strong today, too. Let’s ‘Take Five’…

1. Oi, Oi, Oi So ran the title of the third track on the Rejects’ second album - ambitiously called ‘Greatest Hits, Vol. II’ (and, logically enough, following hot on the heels of their similar, noncompilation ’Vol. I’ debut effort from earlier during the year) in 1980. But it was Sounds journalist Garry Bushell, rather than the Rejects directly, who gave the Oi! movement its name - half-inching the word from vocalist 18

The East End band formed in 1977 - the year Punk exploded, to revolutionise music and have an enduring impact on pop culture - were, and indeed remain, massive fans of the ‘Hammers’ Jeff ‘Stinky’ Turner whose garbled “Oi!” Would typically introduce the band’s songs. That said, it was fitting for the Rejects to provide the inspiration for the movement’s original ideology around working-class rebellion.

They were lads from estates, who made a racket with their guitars and - eschewing the political statements of art school punk groups that had begun to dominate the scene in ’77 - sang about hard-edged everyday topics like police harassment, street fighting… and football. An undiluted view, if you like, of things that surrounded them and millions of kids in Britain’s inner cities.

2. Bubbles There exist a few theories of how ‘I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles’, a Broadway hit from ‘The

Passing Show’ musical in 1918 first came to be sung at West Ham’s old Boleyn Ground at Upton Park. But what is undeniable is its recognition in football, for the last 90 years or so, as one of the English game’s most well-known pre-match anthems. The Rejects recorded a version of it in their inimitable, riotous style to celebrate the achievement by their beloved Hammers of a place in the FA Cup Final - which they went on to win, thanks to an equally unlikely headed goal by Trevor Brooking - for 1980. An appearance on Top Of The Pops, quite naturally, followed, with all four band members sporting West Ham shirts; the single charted at 35; and the lads’ boisterous behaviour around the White City TV studios put paid to their chances of being invited back. Some 36 years later - and still including Turner, as well as two fellow members from the old, classic line-up - the Rejects released ‘Goodbye Upton Park’ to commemorate their club’s sad parting from the ground in E13, ahead of relocation to E20 and The London Stadium.

3. EMI Much is made in punk history about EMI Records’ ultimately short-lived signing of The Sex Pistols, after just a handful of gigs, in 1976. And it’s true. But while the Pistols In the summer of 1976, did a week-long run of gigs around Britain before returning to London to play the opening night of the 100 Club’s much-touted ‘festival’ of punk, prior to EMI weighing in, the same label would

An appearance on Top Of The Pops, quite naturally, followed, with all four band members sporting West Ham shirts

subsequently secure the services of the Rejects, too - and on the basis of a mere 4 (FOUR) local live performances!

4. The Greatest Cockney Rip Off Who were that, then - the Rejects? Nah, mate - it would have been Sham 69, from Surrey, whose ‘Hersham Boys’ hit from 1979 was parodied by the lads in their release of ‘…

Rip Off’ a year later. Each single, incidentally, gave its respective band a highest-ever chart placing, so everyone was happy.

5. Cherishing the Rejects For a band so unequivocally English that never strayed far from its home roots (their most recent album, in 2012, was ‘East End Babylon’), the Rejects have seen their musical influence enjoy a remarkably wide spread most notably across the Atlantic, where US outfits such as Rancid, Green Day and The Dropkick Murphys took to them in a big way and, in turn, prompted their own fans around the world to check out the back catalogue of terrace punk singalong anthems.

Sweet as a nut.

Rebellious Jukebox Rating:…

One over the 8!

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Ashley Williams

Phoenix From The County Flames Ashley Williams added his name to the long list of tributes hailing James Gannon’s incredible achievement of managing 500 games in the County dugout.

“My personal opinion of Jim Gannon is really positive. He played an integral part in my career. I wasn’t playing much at the time under Chris Turner and I was nowhere near the first team. Then when Jim took over he came in and pulled me to one side straight away. He said ‘you’re a really good player what’s happened?’ I was so relieved and he gave me the confidence to crack on. I really enjoyed working with him. He was well ahead of his time in terms of getting across his ideas. To manage the same club for 500 games he must be doing something right and I’m very thankful to him.”

Ashley starred for the Hatters during a five-year period that spanned 176 appearances.

Williams captained the County team, developing leadership qualities that he produced at the top level in the Premier League and the Welsh national team.

Ashley’s impressive career consisted of promotions, European football, a League Cup winners medal and leading his country to their first major international tournament for 57 years.

Released by West Bromwich Albion as a 16-yearold apprentice, Williams picked himself up and continued his football career by joining Unibond League side Hednesford Town, in his home county of Staffordshire.

Having started his belated ascent with Hednesford Town, Williams made his first step up the Football League ladder in 2003 when he joined County.

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“It was where I started my professional career,” said Ashley. “I have a lot of good memories and I made a lot of good friends there, who I still speak to. I still speak to Wayne Hennessy, James Tunnicliffe, and Tommy Rowe, who I played with at Bristol City. I loved it at Stockport and I still think of the games I played for them. They were good times.

“The nine-in-a-row, where we won nine successive games by keeping a clean sheet, is a record that I’ll always be proud of. I was speaking to Tes Bramble and Mark Robertson about it the other day. I think Tes scored an own goal to stop the run! But joking aside, it was just a brilliant period. I’ve played in some good teams in my career but it was a brilliant achievement.

THE GAME: Rochdale 1 County 3 THE DATE: 28th October 2006 THE COMPETITION: Coca Cola League Two THE MOMENT:

“I remember the night we beat Walsall at Edgeley Park. Walsall were top of the league and we beat them 1-0, thanks to a goal from Anthony Elding. It was a fantastic night.”

My goal at

Ashley’s remarkable rise to the top began when he played for his local team, Belgrave Bullets.

which has to be

At the age of 16 though, he was released by West Bromwich Albion, but he bounced back from that disappointment to begin his road to the top by plying his trade in the non-league with Hednesford Town.

After a successful period playing for the Staffordshire-based club, Williams was enjoying his football again, and his outstanding performances caught the eye of County manager Sammy McIlroy, who saw enough to bring him to Edgeley Park and offer him a route into the Football League.

“Gil Prescott was one of the scouts,” said Ashley.

“Sammy McIlroy was the manager at County and I

Ashley Williams County Record 2003-2008 League Apps: 159 (3) League Goals: 3 Other Apps: 17 Other Goals: 1 Total Apps: 176 (3) Total Goals: 4

Rochdale, the long ranger into the top corner, my best goal ever!

went to Stockport for a week’s trial, played a game and they signed me after that.

“I had a good football upbringing, playing in League One and League Two with Stockport. My experience there certainly prepares you for what lies ahead. It was a dream come true to captain Swansea City in the best league in the world. I try not to take things for granted and appreciate it a bit more.”

The 36-year-old says that he still keeps tabs on how County is doing whenever he can.

“If I can I do,” says Ashley. “My dad watches out for all of the scores. Stockport is a club I’ve got fond memories of and taught me so much.

“Jim Gannon changed my career and I’ve not got a bad word to say about him. He gave me the confidence to do what I do when he put me back in the team. I’m very thankful to him. He’s a top manager and I wish him and everyone at Stockport well.

“It’s a good club with very nice fans and everyone there made me so welcome. I have good memories from my time there and to be part of it. I’d like to see them back in the Football League.”

21

Stockport County Colts & Junior Academy This week’s focus is our young blood Under-7 team which has been expertly managed by our coaching duo Damien Samuels and Spike Vidler.

Damien came to the club last year and immediately had an impact with his enthusiasm for the game and his organisational skills which were very evident with his plans to move this group on at some rate!

Spike also joined us last year and studiously watched coaching sessions so that he could gain in confidence. He has steadily moved up with his match reports and coaching skills as he has worked with Damien, who also works for Manchester City in the Community.

This team started off in the lower leagues and then were immediately moved to the Championship in the East Manchester League because of their performances and along with Damien‘s excellent recruitment strategy, this Christmas they have been promoted to the Premiership, due to the fact that they are putting in so many strong performances.

22

Of course, this is an exciting year for all County fans, so recruiting at this age also means we often get County fans for life!

As this team grows, we may even put in a suggestion to field two teams this year along with our proposed plans to start County Tots football at Aquinas College at the end of January.

We will then be aiming to create the supply base for County’s future junior and senior Academy players.

These sessions will provide coaching for four, five and six-year-olds so if you are interested please e-mail Damien@stockportcountycolts.co.uk to get on the waiting list.

Steve Beswick

Academy The Academy players have been enjoying some well-deserved time off over the Christmas period.

It’s important to give the young players time to recuperate both mentally and physically.

games from central midfield.

Loan moves to first teams in lower non-league divisions will provide valuable experiences for our young players as they attempt to cross the bridge from the Academy to our first team.

They began training on 4th July, enduring a 10-week pre-season and then a mini pre-season for the whole of November when FA Covid guidelines meant fixtures were not allowed to be played.

December saw the first of our Academy trials for next season.

We are searching for the most talented Under-16 players to join the Academy for July 2021.

In spite of this, many players have played up to 20 fixtures already this season which is a great achievement considering the current circumstances.

Planning a periodised season and a regular weekly training schedule has been almost impossible this season.

Due to the stop-start nature of fixtures at times we have played a large number of games in a short period of time.

From 2nd to 20th December, we played fixtures against: • Barnsley FC Under-17s.

• Curzon Ashton Under-18s.

• Nomads first team.

• Stockport Town first team.

• UCFB first team.

• Prescot Cables FC Under-18s.

• St Helens FC Under-18s.

• Pro Direct Academy Under-18s.

• Egerton FC Under-18s.

• I-Sports Under-18s.

• Altrincham FC Under-18s.

December has been a very successful month for many

Jack Hinchy

reasons. Academy player Adam Owen signed a professional contract and has now moved into the first-team squad. Adam and Jack Hinchy are two young players with lots of potential.

They both played for Trafford FC against Matlock Town and performed really well. They have continued to impress the senior professionals in training at Carrington. The senior players have mentored all the young professionals at the club and have made the younger players progressing from the Academy feel very welcome. Young players Max Greenhalgh and Jack Hopkins have gone out on loan to Cheadle Heath Nomads.

Max has been on loan on two occasions this season, scoring four goals in eight first-team

A total of 120 Under-16 players took part in sessions across two days. The overall standard of the players was really high, and we can’t wait to get the very best players back into sessions during January.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Jim Gannon and Dave Conlon for the time they spent with the Academy boys at the beginning of December.

The boys took part in a presentation discussing identity and culture then afterwards had the opportunity to impress in a session lead by Jim and Dave.

This shows how strong the current pathway between the Academy and first team is at the Club.

Finally, I would like to wish all our parents, young players, staff, and supporters a Happy New Year!

Damien Allen Academy Manager

COUNTY JUNIORS

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

Hello again and yes, it is the match we have all been waiting for has arrived. What a pity due to us still being under Covid restrictions we will have to watch the game at home on the TV. No doubt Edgeley Park would have been rocking with a full house packed inside cheering the side on as twelfth man, probably our visitors are quite glad of no home support!

A number of our older supporters, myself included, will remember a certain evening in December 1996, the last time we played West Ham here in Edgeley. It was a League Cup replay where the visitors took an early lead and then that famous own goal by Iain Dowie to draw us level, and what a header that was. In the second half Brett Angell scored the winner to send us through to the next round. All this after a 1-1 draw at our visitors’ old ground Upton Park.

another stunner from John Rooney. Then a comeback by the visitors to make the score 2-2. In fact, were it not for a great save from Ben Hinchliffe we could have dropped all three points.

A week last Saturday we played our second local derby in quick succession against Altrincham. All was going to plan with 20 minutes to go after great goals from Alex Reid and

That’s all for this time, enjoy the game.

The home games keep on coming with another cup competition this Saturday. This time in the FA Trophy where our opponents are Notts County, our rivals for a play-off place. Another test ahead for the team although apart from a defensive slip-up we could have come away with a point the other week at Meadow Lane.

Ian Butterworth

Official Partners of The National League

24

County Ladies We asked first team manager, Ronnie Green, for his thoughts on the first half of the season...

A stop-start season so far has seen Stockport County Ladies first team play seven games since September, including one FA Cup match.

Covid restrictions delayed the start of the season with our first FAWNL match taking place on 27th September at home to Brighouse Town. A good, solid, team performance saw us achieve a convincing 3-1 win against a team that beat us twice last year, a great start to the season. Our second league game was three days later, against Liverpool Feds, however, this result didn’t match up to our first and we suffered a 2-0 defeat. A two-week break before we played Barnsley at home enabled us to re-group and record our second win of the season, with a comfortable 2-0 victory. Two weeks later we faced Leeds United in the FA Cup. Unfortunately, this time the break did not help us as Leeds won 2-0. Our final fixture of 2020 saw Leeds return for a league game. An exciting sevengoal encounter saw Leeds emerge 3-4 winners. This was a bitter defeat to take as we had led three times during the match.

I must praise the effort of our players throughout this period as it has been difficult with a constantly

Fran Davies: impressive performances as our new captain (pic James Gill)

changing schedule. New restrictions from Government and FA, now we are in Tier 4, mean a delayed re-start after the Christmas break. This is frustrating for staff and the girls, but the health and safety of players and public must come first. We will make sure the team are fit and ready to return when we are given the go-ahead and it’s safe to do so...

Emma Lysons: powerful going forward from right-back

Here’s to 2021, all the best to everyone for the New Year!

Ronnie

For anyone interested in joining the club 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

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The Mad Hatter’s Quiz with Paul Dean

Emirates FA Cup Quiz

1.

What year did West Ham United become the last team to have won the FA Cup from outside the top division and who did they beat?

2.

Which team did the Hatters beat 1-0 away in the Third Round of the FA Cup in 2001?

3.

Following on from the previous question, who scored the goal?

4.

Which former Hatter scored a hat-trick in the First Round of the FA Cup in 1978 against Morecambe?

5.

Who scored the winning goal for the Hammers in the 1964 FA Cup Final against Preston North End?

6.

After a 1-1 draw what year did the Hatters beat the Hammers 1-0?

7.

Who did the Hammers beat in the FA Cup Final in 1975 after fielding an all-English side?

8.

Adam Proudlock scored a brace in a 2-1 win in the FA Cup in 2006 against which team?

WHO AM I? Who Am I? Willie Moir 1. 1980 they beat Arsenal.

2. Preston North End. 3. Karin Fradin.

4. Terry Park.

5. Ronnie Boyce.

6. 1935.

7. Fulham.

8. Wycombe Wanderers.

Answers:

I was a Player Manager for the Hatters in 1958 the last time we played West Ham United in the FA Cup.

27

GAME CHANGER footballfoundation.org.uk

AD-120x165-FF-Game Changer.indd 1

01/08/2019 09:21

Talking Football Sam Preston

The turn of the year is generally a time for optimism and resolutions.

It’s tougher this year when the uncertainty which has blighted 2020 will roll into 2021 until enough of the population has been vaccinated.

But they say football is the most important of the unimportant things and it can provide some things to look forward to during 2021, which everybody hopes is better than the year we’ve just had.

Let’s hope for a tournament summer to create incredible memories

The biggest hope for 2021 is that the anti-racism movement continues and genuine change is made.

That should be something to look forward to, at a point in time when a great deal of the population will hopefully be vaccinated.

It has been hugely heartening to see the fight against racism in football extend beyond soundbites and t-shirts for a few weeks per year but there is still far more which needs to be done.

After so much time spent apart, an international summer could be the perfect opportunity for football fans to come together.

Hopefully 2021 sees changes at every level of football, from greater equality in boardrooms right down to stricter sanctions when players are abused on the pitch.

We must also hope that the rearranged European Championship takes place during the summer.

Tournament summers can produce incredible memories for football supporters of all ages. The 2018 World Cup created unbridled joy across the country as Gareth Southgate’s side progressed through the competition.

How we could do with some of that feel-good factor next year. With the prospect of the business end of the tournament playing out at Wembley, it could be a special summer indeed.

Not many expect England to go all the way, but Southgate has an exciting young side at his disposal and will hope home advantage can prove crucial.

On the subject of fans, there must be hope that 2020 has underlined their importance to clubs at all levels.

Supporters have been taken for granted in recent years; ripped off by ticket prices and television deals and disregarded by television schedulers.

Things cannot return to that status quo, even once fans are allowed back into stadiums in their droves.

There has to be lasting change, making football more affordable and accessible for the fans who have been missed so sorely up and down the pyramid.

And we must also hope that football returns to something as close to normal as it can possibly be.

Football in front of fans. A schedule which isn’t ridiculously packed and riddled with postponements, where games aren’t at risk of being called off with hours of notice.

The games in empty stadiums have been of a decent standard, considering the circumstances but it’s hard to shake the feeling something’s missing. There’s another gear to go to.

The thought of a goal being cheered by a full house is still something to look forward to in 2021 and we all hope that’s a reality sooner rather than later.

We all need things to look ahead with optimism to, even during the bleakest year many of us will have experienced.

Football is trivial in the grand scheme of things, but it can provide them. That’s something worse remembering at the turn of the year as we all hope for a better, healthier 2021.

29

Steve Bellis Long Tunnels, More Mackerel & Being Big in Japan!

Well, what a year last week was! That’s how it feels already.

For a few minutes last week I thought tonight’s match wouldn’t go ahead. Like all other football fans I sat there in horror as the Sky news reader announced that elite sports would have to stop. I was just about to launch the nearest thing to hand at the telly when I received a message saying it was a mistake.

It’s a good job as the nearest thing to hand was in fact the dog and he didn’t look like he fancied being thrown at the box.

For many, football is the only escape from the monotony and there will be millions of fans all over the country sighing with relief.

It’s going to be tough for many that’s for sure but we can at least see a speck of light at the end of the tunnel courtesy of the arrival of not one but two vaccines.

Unfortunately, when you consider the fact that bungling Boris and his chums have spaffed £22 million pounds on a useless track and trace system it is difficult to imagine that they are going to make a good job of the vaccine roll out. It could be a very, very long tunnel.

Surely, however, the coming year must be better than 2020, a year in which we were hit by the worst pandemic in 100 years courtesy of some kak bat soup, we all had to stay in for months, before all being told to go out and eat out to help out for a month, only to be told that we really need to stay in again.

As if that wasn’t bad enough, thanks to our EU divorce we will now have to pay a visa-waiver fee to travel to European countries that we used to travel to for free and there might even be a fee to actually send stuff to Europe. Isn’t that just great!

Don’t worry though there are positives to be had.

We get to keep 25% more of that mackerel that we don’t actually eat... although we have to wait for five and half years to get it and we can get blue passports 30

to admire as we stand in long queues for non-Eu passengers at European airports. Brilliant isn’t it!

On the plus side, millions of Americans finally realised that they had voted in a complete lunatic and after four years of semi-built walls and somehow managing to make a worse job of handling the pandemic than us, they finally decided they had had enough of the big orange baby.

Yes, the fairy tale is over for Trumple Thin skin, all we need now is for his advisers to actually tell him and Fox News that he really did lose.

His attempt at overturning the result through insurrection didn’t end well and if there is any justice in this world the whingeing buffoon will this week be impeached... again!

There has, however, been some personal highlights during 2020.

Meeting our biggest fan from Japan (he’s only about four foot nine but he’s still our biggest fan) as he travelled 6,000 miles to watch us beat Bromley in February was fun.

He was treated to the finest culture that Edgeley had

to offer, which basically consisted of regular trips to Greggs, games of pool, pints of cheap lager and Jaeger bombs, none of which he liked.

The drivers of the Rovers bus were extremely smug as they repeatedly reminded Jim and the team about how they had to rescue us.

He even had his own song by the time he left which basically went something like... ‘Akito, whoa whoa oh, Akito, whoa whoa oh, he is a County fan, and he comes from Japan’. It reached number one on the Prince Albert juke box.

Those smug smiles soon disappeared however when they managed to go the wrong way, ended up down a narrow rural road and then reversed into a grass bank which knocked the rear panel off the coach.

I have also been extremely privileged as President to be able to represent the club at games and had some memorable company along the way.

Our boardroom bouncer and part-time school presenter Stuart Guest ensured we usually had a smile on our face courtesy of being absolutely useless most of the time.

With a lot of help they managed to eventually turn the coach round and it limped to Plainmoor with the back end missing. We were minutes away from having to transport the players to the stadium in taxis.

There have of course been lots of positives on the pitch and as we prepare for tonight’s visit of Premier League stalwarts West Ham. I was privileged to have been the club’s Marketing Manager the last time we faced the Hammers here at EP 24 years ago.

Examples include mixing Richie Bennett up with Nyal Bell at a game and then looking bemused when Ash Palmer disappeared down the tunnel during the first half at Hartlepool.

The weather was shocking and the pitch was shocking but the most shocking thing on the night was the result as we ran out 2-1 winners with more than a bit of help from Iain Dowie, who seemed to forget which way the Hammers were kicking and planted a precision header into his own net to level the scores before Super Brett Angell sealed the tie at the same end.

He turned to us looking suitably baffled and said ‘you’d think that Ash could have gone to the toilet before the game rather than during it’ we then had to break the bad news that he had actually been sent off. An event that Stu had somehow missed.

He also looked perturbed before the aforementioned game when we kept chatting to a well-built chap on the next table about football.

After a while he whispered loudly ‘who’s he?’.

We responded, are you serious Stu, don’t you recognise him.

‘Never seen him before in my life’ he responded.

Akito... looking suitably impressed with the cheap lager on offer at Edgeley

It was Gary Pallister who is pretty recognisable to most football fans, but Stu, who professes to be a lifelong Man United admirer, didn’t have a clue.

Then there was the first game of the season where our new team coach encountered some mechanical problems at the team hotel the evening before the game.

Thankfully a replacement coach was sent and it turned out to be the Blackburn Rovers team bus.

Fittingly another personal highlight was being able to represent the club at the FA Cup First Round proper draw at Harrogate. As we know we got a favourable home draw against Yeovil which was much better than the pairing we got in the dress rehearsal... Barnet away!

Pandemic aside, we have lots to look forward to here at Edgeley Park where our new owner and his management team have transformed the club both physically and operationally.

One thing is certain, when our supporters are finally allowed back into the ground they will find a stadium that is vastly improved since the last ‘normal’ home match back in March of last year.

May I close by welcoming our friends from the capital.

We will do our best to look after them within the remit determined by current restrictions and we hope they have a very safe journey home.

31

County in the Cup Brett Angell

This evening’s FA Cup Third Round tie with West Ham undoubtedly stirs fond memories for County fans.

The memorable League Cup replay between the Hatters and the Hammers in 1996 was just one of a number of magical moments in that season of seasons under Dave Jones. Glorious days when Paul Jones, Jim Gannon, Mike Flynn, Chris Marsden, Alun Armstrong, and Brett Angell were among the Hatters’ heroes.

key role in the team’s promotion to the old First Division and the League Cup semi-finals.

County went all the way to the semifinals that year, winning promotion to the second tier too.

“The team I believe would have been as good a team that Stockport County have ever had! The squad on the pitch had all the right components with a very strong spine, very good individual ability and good combinations throughout the team with ability at both ends of the pitch to not concede goals but also to be able score goals consistently.”

Premier League big guns Southampton, West Ham and former Premier League title-winners Blackburn were all famous victims of cup shocks at the hands of Dave Jones’ terrific County side and Angell, who played a key role up front alongside Alun Armstrong, recalls that famous win over the Hammers in the League Cup. “I remember us going a goal down and then getting the equaliser through the Iain Dowie own goal and then I was able to get what turned out to be the winning goal with a header about 10 minutes after and then in the second half withstanding some heavy pressure to retain the lead.

“Without doubt the success we had with both the cup campaign and also achieving promotion to the championship was certainly up there in my career highlights

“As a group, we had confidence that we could finish the job off,” he said.

“But we were also mindful that it would require us to play to our potential and also get that little bit of luck go our way which in hindsight did actually work out that way.

“The atmosphere was tremendous with plenty of noise being made by the supporters; such a shame that this will not happen tonight.”

“The cup run was a tremendous experience with so many Premier League opponents having to be overcome throughout the campaign and I am sure for the fans the pleasure of winning those matches like us as players live long in the memory.”

Angell joined the Hatters, managed by Asa Hartford, from Derby County for a club record fee in 1988. County were in the Fourth Division but Angell shone under new manager Danny Bergara when he took over in March 1989. The following season Angell netted 23 goals and was the division’s top scorer.

With the game heading for a replay and taking West Ham back to Edgeley Park Brett says that the squad had the confidence that they could cause a major upset.

Angell returned to County in August 1996 following spells at Southend, Everton and Sunderland, and enjoyed a highly successful season at the club.

He led the goalscoring charts, played a

32

Angell retired from the game in 2003 and returned to Edgeley Park three years later as guest of honour at the club.

He went on to enjoy coaching spells at Bolton Wanderers and Portsmouth but was then approached to experience a new life and culture in New Zealand.

He moved out to Manawatu, on New Zealand’s North Island, in 2009. Twelve years since he left England Angell is now settled in New Zealand. However, Stockport County will always retain a special place in his heart.

“I’m always keeping an eye on their results and from the outside the change of ownership does very much look as if the club has been reignited and is determined to achieve previous success and attempt to return the club to the previous highs that we were fortunate to experience as players. That would be tremendous for everyone concerned and I wish everybody the very best of luck in doing this.”

Terrace Talk The magic of the FA Cup has sprinkled some of its dust on Edgeley Park this evening as County welcome Premier League heavyweights West Ham United up from the capital in this televised BT Sport game.

Tonight is a chance to show the watching public what Stockport County is about

Playing West Ham will evoke memories of 25 years ago for many County fans when Dave Jones’ side beat the Hammers in the League Cup Fourth Round replay in December 1996 when Northern Ireland international Iain Dowie famously headed the ball past his own goalkeeper to send The Hatters through to the next round.

Harry Redknapp had played many of his Premier League squad with Ludek Miklosko, Julian Dicks, Michael Hughes and Ian Bishop to name but a few all representing the London side that night, in fact it was left-back Dicks who had given the visitors a 22nd minute lead before Dowie’s unfortunate error and the eventual winner from Brett Angell, then in his second spell as a County player.

This will be the third occasion that the two sides have met each other in the FA Cup with the current head-to-head standing at one win each, The Hatters proving victorious after a replay back in 1935 and West Ham prevailing by the odd goal in five 23 years later in 1958.

The current West Ham Team sits in mid-table in the top flight under David Moyes and had a decent winning run in November and at the

start of December with only Moyes’ former club Manchester United taking points off the side with a 3-1 win at the London Stadium just a matter of weeks ago.

Their side is littered with internationals and top drawer players, to look round their squad and see names such as Michail Antonio, Pablo Fornals, Declan Rice, Angelo Ogbonna, Tomas Soucek and Mark Noble it would easy for County players to be overawed, but this is a one-off occasion and if Stockport show masses of endeavour and effort they could certainly give the side from four levels above a game.

Jim Gannon was part of that Stockport team from 1996, he knows more than anyone about life around Edgeley Park and the mood in the camp going into the game and he is sure to pass on some advice for some of those who are maybe experiencing this kind of game for the first time.

It is a big ask, but then that is what makes this famous old competition special, to expect the unexpected. There will be many watching at home so win, lose or draw this is a chance to show the nation what Stockport County is about.

33

The County Years

1972

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

Opening game The County team travelled over to Yorkshire on New Year’s Day for a Division Four game.

on loan in early February. They both made their debut on the 12thin a 4-0 home defeat to Exeter City.

County: Alan Ogley, Bev Wilson, Dick Renwick, John Chapman, Paul Hart, Ralph Wright, Hugh Ryden, Phil Chisnall, Keith Sammy McMillan Webber, Sammy McMillan, Ian Lawther. Doncaster included future County player Steve Uzelac.

Mick Brennan (SCAN 753) played 18 games, scoring three goals through to the end of the season. He stayed with City David Gibbons for another year before moving to Rochdale. He now lives in Australia after ending his football career there.

Things did not go well at first and a brace of goals from Paul Gilchrist, 16 and 33 minutes, saw the Hatters trail 2-0. Hope was renewed for the travelling supporters in the 3,241 crowd when Sammy McMillan pulled one back on half time. He matched Gilchrist’s achievement by getting his second after 70 minutes and the points were shared.

First debutant of the year County brought in a pair of 19-year-olds from Manchester City

34

Mick Brennan

David Gibbons (SCAN 754) played out the rest of his loan spell in the reserves and left City at the end of the season - destination unknown.

Summer business After finishing in the re-election zone County released McMillan (who joined Oswestry Town), Renwick (Rochdale), Phil Chisnall and Webber (both Northwich Victoria), and Chapman, plus Jim Smith (who failed to play all season due to injury).

New recruits, several of whom would help County hit the news headlines over the rest of the year, were Ian Davidson (from AFC Bournemouth), Joe Ashworth (Chester), Tommy Spratt (Workington), Steve Ingle (Wrexham), John Bingham (Mansfield Town), Malcolm Russell and Eddie Garbett (both Barrow).

Most appearances in calendar year Ogley 53 (of 55), Lawther 50, Hart 48 Most goals in calendar year Griffiths and Lawther (9 each), McMillan and Ryden (6 each) Worst run Seven games with no win, twice, both were four draws and three defeats.

Best run Eight games unbeaten, from the 12th August to 8th September (5 wins 3 draws) Last debutant of the year On 16th December a man who would go on to build a reputation as a talent spotter for Premier League sides, Ian Broomfield, became the only debutant of the 72-73 season not signed in the summer.

The forward had been bought Ian Broomfield from Bristol City for £8,000 and earned SCAN 765 by appearing in a 0-0 draw at Hartlepool United that day. Leaving the Hatters in the latter months of 1974 his next port of call was Durban City.

Closing game County were to end the year with a home game on Friday 29th December.

County: Ogley, Ingle, Les Ormrod, Spratt, Lawther, Ken Fogarty, Ryden, Broomfield, Griffiths, Davidson, Bingham (Garbett) There were 3,496 inside Edgeley Park when the Hatters played out a goalless draw with a Northampton Town side that included future Liverpool player Phil Neal. At least they had the upcoming Third Round FA Cup tie with Hull City to give them something to talk about.

The man in charge County started the year under the caretaker management of youth coach and former County goalkeeper Steve Fleet.

In March, the former Workington manager and Blackpool assistant boss Brian Doyle took over. He would remain in Brian Doyle with Steve Fleet and director Alan Kirk charge until the end of the 197374 season before being sacked, reportedly due to the distance he was living from the ground, he later coached in Kuwait and Finland.

And finally...

The exploits of the Hatters in the Cup that year included the victory over this evening’s visitors with Alan Ogley’s last-minute wonder save.

When SCAN brought the squad back to EP for a reunion Ray Charter claimed the microphone to interrupt Alan’s re-telling of the save. He quipped that Alan had been dining off the story for all this time but it was his turn to get some credit.

The save would not have been possible if his attempted back pass had not set up Clyde Best for the chance.

Thanks to all the anonymous donors who have supplied images for this article.

35

Hatters v Hammers The Cup History

1934-35

It was at the same stage of the competition when our respective sides first met in the FA Cup. Saturday 12th January 1935 In the first tie our hosts took the lead after 18 minutes through Hugh Mills. It looked like they were going to progress until, with three minutes left, Jabez Foulkes spoilt the day for most in the 26,000 crowd as he scored to take the game to a replay.

United: Herman Conway, Alf Chalkley, Albert Walker, Ted Fenton, Jim Barrett, Joe Cockroft, John Foreman, Jackie Morton, Hugh Mills, Len Goulden, Jimmy Ruffell.

County: Frank McDonough, Billy Bocking, Fred Jenkinson, Charlie Robinson, Len Jones, Bob Still, Jabez Foulkes, Joe Hill, Syd Urwin, Eddie Green, Bert Hales.

Wednesday 16th January 1935 For the replay there were 17,911 inside Edgeley Park on a winter afternoon, and it was the Hatters who progressed to a tie with Bradford City thanks to a goal after just two minutes from Joe Hill.

County: Frank McDonough, Billy Bocking, Fred Jenkinson, Charlie Robinson, Len Jones, Bob

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Still, Jabez Foulkes, Joe Hill, Syd Urwin, Eddie Green, Bert Hales.

United: Herman Conway, Alf Chalkley, Albert Walker, Fred Wallbanks, Jim Barrett, Joe Cockroft, John Foreman, Jackie Morton, Hugh Mills, Len Goulden, Jimmy Ruffell.

1957-58

We were drawn together again 19 years later after County had progressed with victories over Barrow, Hartlepools United and then top-flight Luton Town.

Saturday 25th January 1958 County were to come away from the Boleyn Ground somewhat frustrated by their defeat, which included a phenomenon of the day, as County’s cricketing goalkeeper Ken Grieves was charged over the line for a goal after claiming the ball.

The 36,084 crowd had to wait until the second half for any goals, but they came fairly frequently then. Bill Holden put the visitors in front, but the Hammers responded with goals from Eddie Lewis and Vic Keeble. Lewis made it 3-1 but County made it awkward for them when Ken Finney responded after 80 minutes.

United: Ernie Gregory, John Bond, Noel Cantwell, Andy Malcolm, Ken Brown, Bill Lansdowne, Mike Grice, Eddie Lewis, Vic Keeble, Johnny Dick, Malcolm Musgrove County: Ken Grieves, Barrie Betts, Billy Webb, Bob Murray, Neil Franklin, Frank Clempson, Ken Finney, Willie Moir, Bill Holden, Arnold Jackson, Mike Davock

1972-73

Attention then switched to the Football League Cup and County’s recordbreaking run of 1972.

We had again beaten a top-flight side, Crystal Palace, to qualify for the Third Round game with United, this time reportedly becoming the first Division Four side to win an away tie at a First Division side. Tickets were in high demand for the Hammers’ visit, helped by what turned out to be the only chance to see England’s World Cup winning captain Bobby Moore in action at EP as a player.

Then with two minutes to half time McDowall bundled Hugh Ryden off his feet and referee Pat Partridge pointed to the spot, and the penalty was slotted home

by Tommy Spratt, with County’s keeper unable to watch as we had missed a penalty at Palace. The Times report said:“County players deployed themselves shrewdly

Wednesday 4th October 1972 What a game the 13,410 attending were to see.

Malcolm Russell put us ahead after 19 minutes but Hammers responded through Clyde Best after 28.

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when the pressure was on in the second half” which just left the famous Ogley save from Best late in the game and County had recorded one of their most memorable victories - to that point.

County: Alan Ogley, Steve Ingle, Ray Charter, Tommy Spratt, Paul Hart, Joe Ashworth, Eddie Garbett, Hugh Ryden, John Griffiths, Malcolm Russell, Ian Davidson United: Peter Grotier, John McDowell, Frank Lampard, Billy Bonds, Tommy Taylor, Bobby Moore, Dud Tyler, Clyde Best, Patsy Holland, Trevor Brooking, Pop Robson

1996-97

So on to the unforgettable 1996-97 season and a victory to compare with 1972 for those lucky enough to see both games. The games were in the Fourth Round this time and County had again won at a top-flight side, Blackburn Rovers, to progress from the previous stage.

Wednesday 27th November 1996 Florin Raducioiu had given West Ham the lead on 12 minutes in the first game.

County’s spirited team of that season by this time rarely worried about such setbacks and kept to their game plan, and Luís Cavaco came off the bench and scored the equaliser after 51 minutes to briefly silence most of the 20,061 United: Ludek Miklosko, Tim Breacker, Julian Dicks, Steve Potts, Ian Bishop, Florin Raducioiu, Iain Dowie, Stan Lazaridis (Ilie Dumitrescu), Michael Hughes, Frank Lampard, Slaven Bilic County: Paul Jones, Sean Connelly, Lee Todd, Tom Bennett, Mike Flynn, Jim Gannon, Kieron Durkan (Tony Dinning), Chris Marsden, Brett Angell, Alun Armstrong, John Jeffers (Luís Cavaco) 38

County had made progress in two more cup competitions by the time the replay came about three weeks later. In front of live TV cameras.

Wednesday 18th December 1996 As with the win 25 years earlier all the goals came in the first half but this time the visitors went in front with Julian Dicks scoring after 22 minutes.

Any disappointment was brief as just a minute later the County fans in the 9,834 crowd were up celebrating and the Hammers followers were stunned as Iain Dowie planted a superb header past his own ‘keeper.

The tables were fully turned on 27’ when Brett Angell’s scored giving County a lead they held until the final whistle.

County: Cavaco for Jeffers, later subbed by Tony Dinning United: Miklosko, Mark Bowen, Dicks, Marc Rieper, Bilic, Hughes, Hugo Porfirio, Bishop, John Moncur, Dowie (Danny Williamson), Dumitrescu

The League History

1919-20

The clubs first met at the end of the 1919-20 Division Two (Championship) season, when we hosted then visited the Londoners in the last two games. The crowd at Edgeley was reported as 5,000.

Monday 26th April 1920 County 1 (Waterall) West Ham 0 County: Joseph Birds, Tommy Robson, Fred Garrett, Jimmy Mitton, Tiny Fayers, Joe Graham,

Denny Bullough, Arthur Metcalf, Thomas Harrison, Albert Waterall, Charles Danskin United: Viv Roberts, Billy Cope, Tom Stanley, Jack Tresadern, Dan Woodards, Jimmy McCrae, James Cumming, Dan Bailey, Syd Puddefoot, George Butcher, Steve Smith Ref. F Cheetham (Preston) Saturday 1st May 1920 West Ham 3 (Kay, Puddefoot, Butcher) Stockport 0 United: Ted Hufton, Alf Lee, Frank Burton, Tresadern, George Kay, McCrae, Cumming, Bailey, Puddefoot, Butcher, Jack Young County: one change, Arthur Newman for Harrison

1920-21

At the end of the following season County were to drop into Division Three (North) but their bottom place finish was not reflected in both meetings between the two sides, again placed adjacent in the calendar. Nine thousand saw the home victory, with 20,000 seeing the Hammers take revenge.

Saturday 20th November 1920 Stockport 2 (Cragg, Thompson) West Ham 0 County: Harry Hardy, Arthur Burrows, Garrett, Albert Walmsley, Westby Heath, Waterall, Stephen Beattie, Richard Cragg, Jack Thompson, Jimmy Walsh, Patrick Norris United: Hufton, Harry Lane, Cope, Percy Allen, Burton, Jack Tresadern, George Carter, Danny Shea, Puddefoot, Bailey, Jack Young Ref. JF Pearson (Dudley) Saturday 27th November 1920 West Ham 5 (Puddefoot 2, Leafe 3,1p) Stockport 0 United: Kay for Burton, Jim Simmons for Shea, Dick Leafe for Bailey.

County: unchanged

1922-23

County made an immediate return to the second tier as champions to renew acquaintances. The form of the previous season was clearly retained as we did the double over the Hammers in our early season meetings, despite the fact that West Ham were to earn promotion to Division One. Attendances were 18,000 in London and 15,000 for the return.

Saturday 23rd September 1922 West Ham 0 Stockport 1 (Woodcock) United: Hufton, Tommy Hodgson, Jack Young, Syd Bishop, Kay, Jack Tresadern, Billy Charlton, Les Robinson, Vic Watson, Billy Moore and Jimmy Ruffell County: Harry Hardy, Billy Richardson, Joe Reid, Albert Waterall, Billy Cockburn, Frank Knowles, Harry Crossthwaite, Wilf Woodcock, Jack Wilson, Tommy Green and Charlie Jones Saturday 30th September 1922 Stockport 2 (Woodcock, Wilson) West Ham 1 (Moore 1p) County: unchanged United: Billy Brown for Robinson

1937-38

There would be only one more season of league meetings, that coming when County were next promoted as Division III(N) Champions. County maintained their good early season form but the 17,781 crowd were probably a little disappointed at the goalless scoreline that left their side in 5th place. By the time of the return meeting County were 19th, but they ran the Hammers close in the game. Archie Macauley scored the only goal after 22 minutes in front of 19,143, the win did not meet with the approval of all as it was reported United were jeered off by their fans who expected a larger victory.

Saturday 11th September 1937 Stockport 0 West Ham 0 County: Frank McDonough, Fred Jenkinson, Gwyn Jones, Duggie Reid, Len Jones, Bob Still, Bernard Oxley, Billy Titterington, Joe Mantle, Arthur Rice and Joe Taylor United: Jack Weare, Charlie Bicknell, Charlie Walker, Ted Fenton, Jim Barrett, Joe Cockroft, Stan Foxall, Archie Macauley, Sam Small, Len Goulden and Jackie Morton Ref. WP Harper (Stourbridge) Saturday 22nd January 1938 West Ham 1 (Macauley) Stockport 0 United: Herman Conway for Ware, Dick Walker for Barrett, Benny Fenton for Small, Tommy Green for Gooden County: McDonough, Jenkinson, G Jones, Reid, Colin Beardshaw, Taylor, Oxley, Billy Harker, Walter Hunt, Titterington, Jimmy Smailes 39

Physio

Luke Smith Good evening everyone.

This week we have a full squad with no injuries.

Some players have managed their training sessions this week to allow them the best possible chance of being involved for today’s game.

With a busy next few months ahead it is imperative that we utilise the time we have and focus on recovery strategies, player management and squad rotation which will hopefully see us gain maximal points and boost our league position.

Today has been a goal for all of our squad to try and be available for which they have done. Each player has taken every piece of advice in terms of recovery and self-management so credit to each and every one.

Luke

Each player has taken every piece of advice in terms of recovery and self-management so credit to each and every one.

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The

Travelling Fan The day out and getting there For the second time in just three days, the County media team prepared for another long slog down to London. With the game being moved back to a 7:45pm kick-off following the return of fans, we boarded onto Richard Landon’s minibus for a 12:30pm departure. Other than a brief pit-stop for the now customary away day Katsu curry, the journey down was a relative breeze down the M6, pulling into the Hive Stadium for 4:45pm.

Mercifully, a well-placed Starbucks at the ground gave us somewhere warm to wait, before being allowed into the press area at 6:30pm.

The Hive Stadium Also the home of the London Bees and the Tottenham Hotspur Women’s side, Barnet moved to the Hive Stadium back in 2013. There was a fair bit of controversy over the move at the time, with the stadium located outside of the London borough of Barnet, but the 6,500 capacity stadium is a decent set-up nevertheless, particularly the impressive stand behind the goal usually reserved for away fans.

As mentioned, there is a Starbucks on site, as well as a (sadly closed on this occasion) bar available to returning supporters, and it is through here that we entered, before taking our seats in the press area down by the touchline, close by the dug-out.

The game As was the case three days earlier at Bromley, the first-half was a tight and entertaining occasion, with

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Barnet v County Vanarama National League Tuesday 8th December 2020 The Hive Stadium

Weather: A typical winter’s eve in North London: windy, wet and with a layer of mist descending over the ground.

Distance from EP: 188 miles Journey time: Three hours 30 minutes Outcome: An Alex Reid double stung the Bees to help County to a fifth straight away win.

County riding their luck on occasion at the back – ‘keeper Ben Hinchliffe making several big saves to deny Barnet man Inih Effiong.

County were making plenty of inroads themselves in the attacking third however, and after Richie Bennett was denied by the Barnet ‘keeper, the Hatters did get the all-important breakthrough just before the break; Bennett brilliantly flicking the ball through to Reid, who timed his run to perfection before lofting it over the ‘keeper and into the net.

A slow start to the second half saw County pegged back through the tricky Ephron Mason-

Clarke’s equaliser before the turning point in the game arrived. As experienced midfielder Anthony Wordsworth flew into a tackle on Sam Minihan, it was clear that he had lost control of the tackle and gone in over the ball, right in front of the visiting touchline. A red card swiftly followed.

From then on County really took control of the game, the introduction of Mark Kitching adding an extra dimension to our attacking play, and the three points were secured 15 minutes from time, Bennett and Reid combining again as the former nodded Kitching’s cross into the latter’s path, and Reid made no mistake from close range.

Getting away The few fans allowed inside the stadium had all but gone by the time we had conducted Jim Gannon’s post-match interview, meaning a quick get-away just as the news of Manchester United’s Champions League exit was filtering through, to round off a successful night all round!

Home time Having finally just about thawed out by the time we hit Coventry, we arrived back in SK3 in the eerie early hours of the morning, managing to squeeze in

a well-earned stop off at McDonalds before arriving home at 2:00am.

Memory of the day Whisper it, but as the County players left the pitch at the final whistle there was the faint sound of ‘Jimmy Gannon’s Blue & White army’ echoing from the away end, as either some exiled Hatters or converted Barnet fans cheered the side off the pitch after another hard-earned victory.

Travelling fan verdict Journey: 7/10 Stadium: 7/10 Overall Match Day Experience: 8/10 Liam Richardson

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Supporters’ Co-operative With what can only be described as an appalling year now behind us, Supporters’ Co-operative Chairman Pete Towey reflects on things past and the possibility in store for us in the future in this New Year’s message to County Supporters.

What a strange year 2020 has been for all of us, and that very much includes supporters of Stockport County.

The year began on a promising note with the successful completion of the takeover of the club by Mark Stott and his team, and we can see that bearing fruit on and off the pitch with a much strengthened squad, and massive ground improvements in place. Additionally, and equally as important and impressive, County were in a potential play-off position and the future seemed bright.

Then the dreadful virus struck!

County were denied the playoffs under the points-per-game system, and fans have not been

allowed back into Edgeley Park since, with hopes that a reduced attendance may be allowed in for games dashed by the recent upswing in infections.

Let us, therefore, hope that 2021 will bring better days – and the signs are hopeful. At the time of writing County are in a playoff spot with games in hand.

Fingers crossed, therefore, that the proposed vaccination programme will at last bring Covid19 under control, and we can return to the ground -and from the photos which have been released what an improved ground it will be!

I’m sure all County supporters will join me in getting behind Jim Gannon and the players and

wishing them all success – let`s hope that at some stage we, the thirteenth man, can once more be allowed to play our part.

Happy New Year to all the Stockport County family.

Pete Towey, Chairman Stockport County Supporters’ Co-operative 47

All Past Players With the completion of the All Past Opponents feature that has run over the last few seasons, we now switch to the men who have worn the County shirts of various colours over the years.

Sue Cordon gets a squad photo of the former players and relatives invited by the club for the SCAN launch night

The basis of these articles will be the years of research done by those who were or have been official or unofficial historians of the club. Starting back in the 1960s with Simon Myers, through Peter Freeman and Richard Harnwell and on to Marcus Heap and Ian Watts. These researches eventually led to Peter’s books and then to the Stockport County Appearance Number (SCAN) scheme.

SCAN is a supporter-led initiative that is administered by a small group of guardians, run independently of the Football Club and is funded through donations. It aims to celebrate all of the players who have represented The Hatters in a senior first-team game. The scheme was the first of its kind in the UK and was launched 48

at Edgeley Park on Saturday 16th October 2010 when a group of notable former players and descendants were invited as guests of Stockport County to attend the game versus Barnet. Immediately after the game an informal presentation evening saw the current playing squad, former players and families presented with their certificates by supporters.

The specially-commissioned certificate contains confirmation of the player’s qualifying debut (date and opponent) and their unique SCAN. For authenticity this is stamped with a wax seal and framed. The design of the commemorative certificate will remain unchanged throughout the lifetime of the scheme and only one certificate will be issued per player.

It was decided that the eligibility for player qualification would be through appearances in the FA Cup Proper (First Round and beyond), the Football League, Division Three North Cup, the League Cup, and the Football League Trophy. The top tier of the National League was also included, as this was the first time the Club had competed in a league with automatic entry to The Football League.

The SCAN qualification was not extended below this level, but this player feature will go beyond the SCAN scheme. This will including players who featured since 1890 when we joined The Combination, through other leagues without direct promotion to the EFL, plus some men who played their senior football for the Hatters in national and regional cup competitions and rounds that were excluded from the original SCAN categories.

We won’t have room for full profiles of every player but all will be listed and each programme will give a little more background on some of the men listed in that edition.

Certificates ready for the evening’s presentations

SCAN is a supporter-led initiative that is administered by a small group of guardians, run independently of the Football Club and is funded through donations

Audience gather post match at Edgeley Park for proceedings to begin

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County Heaven Sandbach Hatter writes: Good evening, everyone, and welcome to tonight’s visitors, the ‘Irons’ or ‘Hammers’ of West Ham, for what promises to be a scintillating FA Cup-tie. Despite our opponents’ nicknames sounding like pieces you might find in a game of Cluedo or Monopoly, I doubt anyone will be ‘board’ come the end of the match!

County Heaven’s Games Room witnessed a busy end to 2020, with Lennie and Mini-Herm topping the final table of the year in Ceefer’s County Competition, while it was Maccy who claimed December’s title in the Prediction League he co-hosts with Archie.

Meanwhile, the three most recent victors in the Limerick Lounge were Archie, Lennie and countyfan, for their winning last lines relating to County’s matches against Altrincham (away), Wrexham (home) and Altrincham (away), respectively. Well played, gents!

Finally, my latest quiz finished shortly before Christmas, with Maccy again taking the title for not only amassing the most points over the four weeks, but also because he was first to identify correctly the link between former Hatters Carl BAKER, Martyn CHALK, Brett ANGELL and Len WHITE. Think you can work out what connects 50

them (and, therefore, which Edgeley pub they might frequent, should current restrictions be relaxed)? Better get over to County Heaven to find out if you’re right!

With that, I will now leave you in the more-than-capable hands of my cocontributor, who is bound to have some ‘hammer’-based puns to bang on about – still, he’ll probably nail them! Hey, there, Maccy...

Hatter in Macc writes: Well, Sandy - if our visitors were from a little further down the road in Kent, I could bang on about Gavelock, which, as you Law-talking guys know, was ye olde system of land tenure dating from AngloSaxon times that continued in the county until 1926. But, otherwise, when it comes to hammers, I’ve run out of Steam, Jack…

Last Tuesday’s Covid postponement - preventing Eastleigh’s trip up here - brought to an end the sequence of playing clubs with nicknames of flying creatures, or, as would have been the case with the ‘Spitfires’ from Hampshire six evenings back, airborne vehicles.

Six out of our last seven National League opponents had such monickers.We fared well against the ‘Ravens’ of Bromley, Barnet’s ‘Bees’ and the ‘Robins’ or ‘Red Dragons’ (take yer pick) from

across the border in Wrexham; had an off-night - one for sorrow, if you will - against Notts County’s ‘Magpies’; and, over the festive season, shared both the Christmas and New Year spoils with another set of ‘Robins’ in our Cheshire derby double-header against nearneighbours Altrincham.

The draw here with Alty, by way of the second instalment nine days ago, was, for all its entertainment in the snow, a rather frustrating outcome on two counts: getting pegged back after enjoying a two-goal lead did leave us with the feeling of points dropped rather than gained; and, of course, many a County fan would have loved to celebrate Jim’s 500th match as a Hatters’ Gaffer with a win.

But this evening is all about the world’s most famous football knockout competition, in which we have previously taken to the field with West Ham three times most recently in 1958 - and won, drawn and lost in equal measure.

Younger (well, younger-ish) Hatters, of course, will remember our two League Cup wins at Edgeley Park each time by the odd goal in three - and settle for a hat-trick of those scorelines tonight!

Animo et Fide. www.countyheaven.com

Jon Keighren

Imagine Radio This is one of the greatest weekends on the sporting calendar, but for far too long County haven’t been involved in it – it’s the first time since 2007 that County have troubled the third round of the FA Cup. This evening’s live televised game is a reminder of some of the great occasions we’ve enjoyed here at Edgeley Park.

For County, tonight sees the biggest gulf in terms of league positions that the Hatters have ever faced, and the bookies have understandably made West Ham firm favourites at 1/3 with County rank outsiders at 15/2. Their team is packed with internationals and the starting eleven in recent weeks has had a value in excess of £130m.

I was talking to Ian Dennis from BBC Radio 5 Live this week and we discussed the possibility of West Ham deploying their fringe players tonight – but then I realised that list could include Manuel Lanzini (£10m), Andrei Yarmolenko (£17m) and Issa Diop (£22m).

So what reasons can we find to support a County win? Well, history is on our side – we have played West Ham three times since 1958 and not lost any of them. And if a few of their players turn up tonight ‘not fancying it’, then they will come unstuck, although it’s difficult to imagine a David Moyes team having that mindset.

Moyes has done a brilliant job with the Hammers, turning relegation battlers into European contenders.

When the wheels looked like they were coming off just before

Christmas, he made some bold tactical and personnel changes and their results have improved again.

They’re physically strong, wellorganised, great on set pieces and can play a number of different formations. They haven’t conceded a goal in almost three-and-a-half hours and have lost just one of their last six, leaving them one win outside the top four in the Premier League.

But if West Ham take tonight’s game for granted, then County will have a chance, because we have qualities of our own and a group of players with the mental strength and the ability to cause an upset.

Players like Liam Hogan will not be overawed. Players like John Rooney have the quality to produce a bit of magic. Players like Adam Thomas have the confidence and resilience to take on their illustrious opposite numbers - Adam marks his 150th appearance for the club tonight.

Jim Gannon knows he can trust this group of players.

But regardless of the result, with the eyes of the football world on Edgeley Park, it’s a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase the

wonderful work that Mark Stott and his team have carried out in less than twelve months both on and off the pitch. I am delighted for Mark that he has the chance to enjoy the fruits of his labours tonight.

I also want to pay tribute to County’s Comms Director David Ancell and Media Executive Liam Richardson who have done a tremendous job since the draw was made to satisfy the various demands of our friends from the national media, in the most difficult of circumstances, and they’ve ensured that County have been front of mind for football fans across the country during the past few days. I have always said that we should operate like a Championship club in our dealings with the press, and I am pleased this approach is continuing under the new owners.

Whilst Covid-19 has wiped out third round ties elsewhere, it has also impacted tonight’s game by ruling out the most important factor of all – the Blue & White Army. This would have been a sell-out capacity crowd under normal circumstances, but the lads know you’re behind them and they won’t let anyone down tonight.

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Oshor Williams It’s been great to see the FA Cup take centre stage this week with public interest heightened by the number of non-league clubs still in the competition.

Crawley shocked Leeds on Sunday

Most top-tier clubs field secondstring teams in the earlier rounds and as an inevitable consequence some suffer early exits 52

Everybody loves to see a “giant-killing act” in which the plucky underdog overcomes the odds to defeat mighty Premier League or upper tier opposition.

And it has to be said that the mortality rate amongst football giants has increased over the years.

Many attribute this to the need for Premier League clubs to prioritise retention of their status in the most financially rewarding league in the world with all other domestic competitions playing second and possibly third fiddle to this overarching goal.

Most top-tier clubs field second-string teams in the earlier rounds and as an inevitable consequence some suffer early exits at the hands of lower-league opposition.

Chorley are in the hat for the fourth round

Unsurprisingly those who navigate the minefield of those early ties and progress to the latter stages soon display renewed commitment to the competition, bringing out the big guns at the expense of the now redundant understudies who are despatched back to the second team.

This year for some reason the FA Cup has recaptured public attention. Perhaps the ennui of our restrictive lives under COVID-19 and the ‘zombie world’ we currently inhabit has rekindled our passion for the drama and theatre of the FA Cup. The absence of fans at all football stadia creates in its own way an egalitarian platform for epic encounters between what would normally be considered mismatched opponents.

This year some of the mismatches have been exceptional with the most extreme being the 160 league places separating Marine and Spurs.

To paraphrase journalist Paul MacInnes in the world of ‘non-league minnows’ the likes of Marine are veritable plankton.

Nonetheless, haven’t we all been thrilled by their journey and delighted that they will reap the rewards of their endeavours. However, whilst

Whilst County are undoubtedly the underdogs in tonight’s tie, they could never be described as minnows given their proud history and status.

County are undoubtedly the underdogs in tonight’s tie, they could never be described as minnows given their proud history and status.

85 years ago, on 16th January 1935, County defeated West Ham 1-0 at Edgeley Park in the third round of the FA Cup. Do the portents indicate another night of glory for the County faithful to celebrate? I sincerely hope so.

Enjoy the game.

Osh 53

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Deadly Duos Steven Davies

Good evening and welcome as we find ourselves playing on a Monday night live on BT Sports in what is to be our first cup game out of two to be played this week. Tonight, we find ourselves against Premier League opponents West Ham United.

I remember watching the draw for the Third Round having mixed emotions before it was even made, half of me wanting an easy game then someone big in the Fourth whilst the other half just wanting that big game! Well, we certainly got that big game, as we find ourselves drawn against our old foes ‘The Hammers’ for the first time since we took their scalp in the League Cup on a cold winter’s night at Edgeley Park over 20 years ago. Déjà vu? Let’s hope so…

Let’s rewind to when we last played each other in 1996. It was at Upton Park in front of 20,000. We went behind to a Florin Raducioiu goal after around 12 minutes which (on paper) you would have expected. Five minutes into the second half and half-time substitute Luis Cavaco took possession from Julian Dicks before proceeding to run through the middle of the park and coolly slotting the ball home in the left-hand corner to see us get a goal back.

In the cup replay played at home just before Christmas, we were live on TV which was in itself a rarity in those days, and I remember seeing the little portacabin that the presenters were in. The weather was horrible and the ground was full, as we took our seat in the still-newly-built Cheadle End. Same as the first game, and County went a goal down to a Julian Dicks header after 21 minutes.

Immediately at the other end, which seemed almost straight away, came a long throw from skipper Mike Flynn. What happened next went down as possibly the greatest own goal in our history, when West Ham striker Iain Dowie cemented his name in our hearts forever (and guaranteed a hero’s welcome whenever he visits EP) by bringing us level in front of his own fans – with what the TV commentators

described as “a striker’s header giving the keeper no chance, only at the wrong end”.

Just when we thought it couldn’t get any better my favourite player Brett Angell put us in front, which was within five minutes of the equaliser and still amazingly only 27 minutes into the game.

The rest of the game is a blur but I remember when full-time was blown. It was an amazing feeling to know that we had not only progressed to the next round, but earned it by outplaying and beating a team that were leagues above us.

But that game in the winter of 1996 was not the first time this had happened, as exactly 10 years before I was born we played West Ham at home in October 1972. Again, in a League Cup game where we had again come out 2-1 winners.

So, with us already having a deadly duo of both of our 2-1 cup wins, let’s go for the hat-trick tonight and make it three out of three!

Amino Et Fide.

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Community Foundation scfcfoundation.com

@scfcfoundation

Stockport County Community Foundation

0161 286 8888 option 3

Thank You To Blake Slater And Local Gardens Virtual Charity Ball Fundraising Event Over the last two years local businessman Blake Slater and his Local Gardens Charity Ball has helped raise over £7,000 for the Disability and Mental Health Programme run

by Stockport County’s Community Foundation.

This year the challenge for Blake and the Community Foundation during the Covid-19 pandemic was to try and find a way to raise funds despite not being able to hold an actual charity ball event this year.

So, for the very first time supported

by David Richardson (CAAPfCO) at RICHTV the event this year took shape in the new format of the Local Gardens Virtual Charity Ball which was live at Edgeley Park on Saturday 5th December at 7pm. The evening saw everyone tuning into Stockport County’s website or the Community Foundation’s website which streamed the virtual fundraising event live from the home of Stockport County.

Entertainer Andy Powell hosted the event which was being proudly sponsored by Pioneer and joined

by Adrian Bates, the Foundation’s Disability and Fundraising Officer

56

along with Blake Slater, Stockport County Manager Jim Gannon and Club Owner Mark Stott.

The guests at the Virtual Charity Ball were delighted to present the following messages on the evening to encourage people tuning in to donate.

Mark Stott, the Owner of the Club, opened the event by saying: “Thank you very

much for all your support in helping to make a positive difference in our community by helping to raise much needed funds through your truly kind donations. This money will help support our Community Foundation’s programme of activities to support the most vulnerable people in our community. The team at the Community Foundation do amazing work to support local people daily throughout the year.”

Blake Slater, Managing Director of Local Gardens, and the orchestrator of the event followed by saying: “As a premium ground maintenance company, we are always striving to

be the best and to do this we believe you have to be doing the things that other aren’t doing. So, for the past few years we have been arranging the Local Gardens Charity Ball as it’s a good way to thank our clients and give back to the community. We partnered up with Stockport County Community Foundation because of our long-standing history and connections with the club, to raise funds for the great work they do with their Disability and Mental Health programme which is a very worthy cause and one we are proud and humbled to support.”

Adrian Rigby-Bates, the Community Foundation’s Disability Football Development Officer, explained about the benefit the funding would make: “I would like to say a big thank you to fundraiser Blake Slater and his Local Gardens Virtual Charity Ball that has helped raise significant funds and build awareness about the good work we do with our Disability and Mental Health Programme. Over the past nine months charities such as our Community Foundation have faced significant challenges with the Covid-19 pandemic which has meant that little or no funds have been raised with a drastic reduction in our voluntary contributions. As you can imagine the numbers of people in our community coming through the pandemic suffering from mental health illness, living in social isolation and loneliness will have increased

massively and our Community Foundation’s support team and Social Wellbeing Groups will be needed more than ever. This year’s virtual ball has really helped to make a positive difference to support the most vulnerable people in our local community and thank you so much to everyone for their truly kind donations on the Local Gardens JustGiving page.”

County Manager Jim Gannon rounded up the evening with the following message: “I am delighted to give my wholehearted support to this very worthwhile project.

The good work of the Community Foundation goes on at many different levels. In 2016 when I came back to the football club as manager, I was really passionate about many aspects of the club particularly the Community and I got involved with the Foundation by volunteering my time in the valuable projects that they delivered. I have taken part in some of their great projects including schools, walking football and with their “Sport In Memories” Social Wellbeing Group too. This group supports people who are vulnerable, maybe lonely and living with mental illness and in social isolation and provides opportunities for people to get out and socialise and meet new friends. We can all play our part by contributing and donating to Local Gardens Virtual Charity Ball JustGiving page and I am certainly going to donate myself to help such a worthy cause”.

You can still donate if you would like by clicking on the Community Foundation website link www. scfcfoundation.com to donate by the Charity Ball JustGiving link. It is so easy to do you can choose the amount you want to donate, and it will only take a couple of moments of your time! Your help no matter how big or small is so valuable to our cause.

Thank you very much for your support, it’s gratefully received!

57

County in the Cup Alun Armstrong

Popular striker Alun Armstrong enjoyed many memorable moments during his successful four-year spell at County.

Promotion to the Championship and claiming the scalp of Manchester City in front of a packed Edgeley Park crowd was pretty special.

But it was County’s League Cup run back in the 1996/97 season – and The Hatters’ shock home victory against Premier League big hitters West Ham - which brings back so many great memories for Armstrong.

“We were unbelievable in the cup competitions, getting to the League Cup semi-final against Middlesbrough, beating Southampton and West Ham, the night of Iain Dowie’s own goal,” recalled Alun. “The West Ham game will live long in the memory. It was a tough game, they had some great players.

We were not at that level, but we had a good team and we had nothing to lose.

“Jonesy in goal, 58

Sean Connelly, Toddy, Jim Gannon and Mike Flynn at centre half, Benno, Chris Marsden who was a great player, Kieron Durkan on the right, and me and Brett Angell up front. We also had young Mutchy to come on, I’ve reminded him every time I have seen him that he nicked my goal at Southampton, all good memories.

“We drew the original game at West Ham 1-1, and Luis Cavaco scored, which earned us a replay at Edgeley Park. The pitch was difficult and the weather was terrible, but it was just an unbelievable night. Once Iain scored his own goal, we just thought to ourselves that this is on. We were really up for it.”

Alun was a young striker when he joined the Hatters in June 1994, from his boyhood team Newcastle United.

Alun made an instant impact, scoring on his debut, and knocking in 61 goals in 199 games before big-spending Middlesbrough brought him to the Riverside Stadium in February 1998 for £1.6 million.

For Alun, he only has good words to say about his time at County.

“It was brilliant,” said Alun. “It was a long season.

Dave Jones added to what was an already decent squad. I’d come from Newcastle and all of a sudden we were training on Cheadle Park, which was a lot different to what I was used to, but the camaraderie between the lads at County was first class.

“We were unbelievable in the cup competitions, getting to the League Cup semi-final against Middlesbrough, beating Southampton and West Ham, and there was also the Everton game in the FA Cup, when I scored to make it 2-2 in the last minute only to see them go down the other end to win it.

“The aim that season was promotion and we deserved it. The Chesterfield game the day we got promotion to the old First Division was a great occasion. You could just sense in the dressing room before the game that we were going to do it.”

“There was a hold up with the move, one minute the manager said I was going, then the next minute he said I wasn’t, but in the end Bryan Robson came in, and gave County what they wanted, so I ended up going there. I dared not answer my phone to Dave Jones at the time but he knew that Middlesbrough were close to home and it was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down.

Alun Armstrong County Record 1994-1998

League Apps: 151 (8) League Goals: 48 FA Cup Apps: 10 (1) FA Cup Goals: 5 League Cup Apps: 22 League Cup Goals: 8 Other Apps: 7 Total Apps: 199 (9) Total Goals: 61

The magnitude of the achievement, promotion to the second tier, a first-ever major cup semi-final, big name scalps, should not be underestimated from a team that played some of the best football in County’s history.

Unsurprisingly though, County’s heroic exploits caught the eye of the big guns across the country. Many of the team moved on, including manager Dave Jones.

“Losing Dave (Jones) was a big blow,” said Alun.

“Gary Megson came in and we also lost Jonesy and Toddy to Southampton. When I left we were 7th and I’ll never forget that period.

“It was a shame to leave but I had to make the move to progress my career. The day before the Stoke game I was sitting in Edgeley Park waiting to get the go-ahead to move to Southampton.

“I was sad to leave Stockport as I loved my time there. I still keep an eye on their results. It’s a great club who have been through the mill and they are coming through it now. Jim has done fantastic, he’s getting the club back to where they should be. They have brought in some good players and Steve Bellis was telling me all about the progress the club have made when I was at the FA Cup draw the other week.

“I think Danny (Bergara) didn’t get enough credit for the work he did with that side. Although Dave Jones did a good job the spine of the side was already there which Danny had built.

“The Man City game, when we beat them 3-1, was unbelievable. Crikey, they didn’t know what had hit them! We were 3-0 up early in the first half and we footballed them to death. When I was at Ipswich with Kevin Horlock, who was at Man City that day, he said I’ll never forget that game!”

Alun is currently manager at Darlington in the Vanarama National League North, having previously managed Blyth Spartans. The Covid-19 pandemic has made it difficult to plan for games with many games postponed.

“It’s difficult,” says Alun.“Games can be called off quick so it is very difficult to plan ahead. We had a game called off at the weekend so we are looking to reschedule for a midweek game. It’s frustrating but there is nothing you can do about it, we are living through difficult times.”

59

The Hatters v The Hammers

Facts & Figures Head to Head

Goals scored

Played (all competitions): 14

County: 15

County: 7 West Ham: 4 Draws: 3

Previously at EP

West Ham: 17

Last time out

County: 6 West Ham: 0 Draws: 1

First competitive meeting Division Two (old) 26th April 1920 Stockport 1-0 West Ham

Previous games English League Cup Wednesday 18th December 1996 Stockport 2-1 West Ham English League Cup Wednesday 27th November 1996 West Ham 1-1 Stockport

They played for both clubs Billy Brown (HB), George Dick (F), Tommy Green (F), Sam Jennings (F), George Kay (CH)*, Albert Kaye (F), George Kitchen (G), Ian Moore (F), Adam Nowland (M), Danny Whitehead (M) *Captain at first Wembley Cup Final, his opposing captain Joe Smith of Bolton Wanderers would also later became a County player 60

Brett Angell scored the winning goal

18th December, 1996, League Cup Fourth Round Replay County 2 West Ham United 1 County held West Ham to a 1-1 draw at Upton Park, before beating them 2-1 at Edgeley in a replay — a result which Hammers gaffer Harry Redknapp blamed on his Romanian striker Florin Raducioiu missing the bus after going AWOL during a shopping trip.

The Hatters, after going behind to Julian Dicks’ header, replied immediately through a textbook attacking header from Iain Dowie into his own net. Five minutes later, Angell got on the end of another high ball into the mixer and Ludo Miklosko didn’t even bother to dive for the well-placed header.

Stockport: Jones, Cavaco (Dinning 87’), Todd, Connelly, Flynn, Gannon, Marsden, Durkan, Bennett, Armstrong, Angell Unused Subs: Edwards, Kiko West Ham: Mikloško, Bowen, Bilić, Rieper, Dicks, Bishop, Hughes, Dumitrescu, Moncur, Dowie (Williamson 38’), Porfirio Unused Subs: Mautone, Rowland Attendance: 9,834

2020-21

CHE

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

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

Home L 1 3 2 1 3 2 3 2 4 1 2 2 3 2 1 2 4 2 5 3 8 5 4

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

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

Away L 2 2 1 3 3 4 2 3 0 4 2 5 4 5 2 4 4 4 1 4 3 4 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 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 2 2 1 1 3 0 2 0 0 1 1 6 1 7 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 22 16

Subs

0 2 0 4 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 3 1 2 0 3 0 0 3 0 3 0 0 9 3 -

Starts

Subs

0 0 13 0 6 0 0 0 14 0 13 0 10 4 12 11 12 11 0 8 11 12 3 0 7 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 21 10 9 12 13 12 5 8 11 5 12 8 13 7 14 10 10 9 10 7 5 7 1

A 11 7 9 11 13 11 5 10 4 10 6 13 12 17 10 13 11 11 11 16 7 20 11

W 12 9 8 7 6 6 7 7 6 7 6 6 6 6 5 6 6 5 4 4 2 2 2

D 2 3 3 3 6 5 2 2 4 1 3 3 3 3 5 2 1 3 5 3 3 3 0

Total L F 3 38 5 26 3 25 4 22 6 20 6 28 5 19 5 21 4 23 5 18 4 16 7 20 7 22 7 23 3 21 6 17 8 26 6 11 6 20 7 18 11 17 9 11 8 6

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 17 19 16 16 21 21 13 21 17 13 10 18 22 33 15 16 20 14 24 31 31 35 25

GD 21 7 9 6 -1 7 6 0 6 5 6 2 0 -10 6 1 6 -3 -4 -13 -14 -24 -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 6 4 4 4 4 2 2 4 4 1 4 2 3 2 3 3 3 4 2 2 1 1 0

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

Player Roll-Call

A 6 12 7 5 8 10 8 11 13 3 4 5 10 16 5 3 9 3 13 15 24 15 14

Subs

Promotion

P 17 17 14 14 18 17 14 14 14 13 13 16 16 16 13 14 15 14 15 14 16 14 10

1 0 15 1 10 0 1 0 18 0 17 0 14 4 17 14 13 12 0 13 16 16 4 0 12 7 4 -

0 3 1 5 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 3 1 2 3 5 0 0 3 1 4 0 0 9 6 -

Biggest Win

Goals

National League Team Torquay United Hartlepool United Sutton United Stockport County Altrincham FC Halifax Town Notts County Maidenhead United Bromley Solihull Moors Boreham Wood Woking Aldershot Town Wealdstone Eastleigh Wrexham Chesterfield Dagenham & Redbridge Yeovil Town King's Lynn Town Weymouth Barnet 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 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 2 2 0 0 1 2 2 1 1 4 0 2 0 0 2 1 10 1 12 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 35 19

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

Highest Attendance Lowest Attendance Top Goalscorer

Pts 38 30 27 24 24 23 23 23 22 22 21 21 21 21 20 20 19 18 17 15 9 9 6

W W L W W W W D W W D L W L W W W D L W L D L

Form Last 6 Matches D L W W L L W W W W W W W L D L L D W D W D L D D L W L W D D W L W L D L W L W D W L L W L L W L W L W W W W L W L D L L L W L W L D W L L L L D D D D L L W L D W W W L L W L W W W L W W W W L L D D L D L D L L D L 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 Monday 28th December 2020 Weymouth 3-4 Torquay United Saturday 26th December 2020 Torquay United 6-1 Yeovil Town 1,323 Tuesday 15th December 2020 Weymouth 2-3 Wrexham 337 Sam Barratt (Maidenhead United) 9 = 5 Goals + 4 Penalties Ben Hinchliffe saved a penalty in the last round against Yeovil Town

# 1 3 23

National League Fair Play Team Notts County 16 Stockport County 16 Yeovil Town 44

1 2 2

Pts 74 84 196

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 10th January 2021

61

Kit Sponsorship Ben

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THE ITALIAN

CHARLIE AND HARRY JOHNSON

ADRIAN CAVILLE

07

08

Jamie

09

Jordan

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Macauley

Keane HOME

ZANE PEAT

Southam-Hales HOME

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VIRIDOR

ONLY ONE JIMBO

A WAY

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HELP THE HATTERS

OTIS ALUN WALKER

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Josh

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Harvey

Barnes

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AVAILABLE

BENJI GRIGGS 02

Thomas

21

Jennings

HOME

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15

James

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Finley

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PHILL GREEN

A WAY

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ADA ELIZABETH WALKER

AVAILABLE 22

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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

IAN DOOLEY A WAY

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Jordan

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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 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 Tue 16 Maidenhead United 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 Eastleigh TBA

64

Comp Score A H H A A H H H

Att Pos

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 2-0

Thomas Minihan Minihan Keane Minihan Minihan Stott

Jennings J Jennings J Williams Southam-Hales ¹ Williams Williams Southam-Hales ¹

Maynard Maynard Maynard Croasdale Croasdale Maynard Maynard

Keane Keane Palmer Palmer Palmer Keane Keane 1

Hogan Hogan Hogan Stott Hogan Hogan Hogan

Kitching ³ Williams ¹ Kitching ¹ Kitching Kitching Kitching Kitching

H H H A H A A

NL FAC3 FAT4 NL NL NL NL

2-2

Stott

Southam-Hales ¹ Maynard

Keane

Hogan

Kitching

H H H A A H H

NL 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 H

NL NL NL NL NL NL NL CSC2

-

Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe

1,031 11 Hinchliffe 792 5 Hinchliffe - 10 Hinchliffe - - Barnes - 13 Hinchliffe - 9 Hinchliffe - 4 Hinchliffe -

4

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 Rooney 2 Rooney 1 ¹ Rooney 1

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

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 Jennings C 1 4 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

Rooney 1 Rooney Rooney Gilmour ² Rooney Croasdale Croasdale

Bennett ² Bennett ² Bennett Britton ³ Bennett ¹ Thomas ¹ Bennett 1 ³

Jennings C Jennings C ³ Keane ² Jennings C Keane Jennings C 1 Jennings C

Reid 1 ¹ Reid 2 Reid Reid 2 Reid Reid Reid ²

Barnes Barnes Barnes Hinchliffe Barnes Barnes Barnes

Minihan ¹ Kitching ¹ Jennings C ² Hogan Stott Stott Minihan ¹

Croasdale Croasdale Croasdale ³ Hinchy Gilmour Gilmour Gilmour

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

Britton ² Britton ² Britton Bennett Britton Bennett Britton ³

Rooney 1

Bennett ³

Croasdale

Reid 1 ²

Barnes

Minihan ¹

Gilmour

Williams ²

Thomas ³

Stanyer

Hopkins

Williams ² Williams ³

Minihan Minihan ¹

Williams ³

Minihan ¹

Mascots

Jacob

Ben

Age: 7 Attends: Varna Community Primary School, Openshaw.

Favourite player: John Rooney.

Looking forward to: Getting back to Edgeley Park and seeing all the amazing County goals from TV in real life!

Age: 11 Attends: Varna Community Primary School, Openshaw.

Favourite players: Ash Palmer, Ben Hinchliffe.

Ben says that County are the best team in the world and is sure Jimmy will take us up this season. He just hopes we can be there to see it!

65

FA Cup News Neil Simms

It may be an FA Cup competition like no other this season, with covid-19 wreaking its now customary havoc on the fixture list, though one glorious age-old tradition continued this weekend: the cup giant-killing.

Celebrating most on Saturday were Lancashire neighbours Chorley and Blackpool, who knocked Derby County and West Bromwich Albion out respectively.

Of course, there are covid connections to both of these stories, most notably in the Chorley game, with Championship club Derby forced to field a heavily depleted team after an outbreak of the virus at the club. Still, many pundits were confidently predicting that Derby’s youth players would get the better of part-timers Chorley, showing little to no regard for the competitiveness of the National League North and Jamie Vermiglio’s men.

As we County fans know, The Magpies manager has a very welldrilled, efficient team and it was perfectly demonstrated in their 2-0 win, made all the more impressive

by Vermiglio’s admission that the game had dropped down his priority list last week as he led his school’s response to the latest lock-down measures in his other role as a headteacher in Warrington.

Every credit must go to the Chorley ground staff and volunteers for getting the game on too. The Victory Park pitch had been frozen since December 27th and the team of workers spent all night thawing it out with the help of a heated cover.

That cover proved an unlikely but necessary duvet for groundsman Ben Kay, who slept on the pitch for a short time to re-energise during his night-long mission.

66

Mission accomplished too, for the win could earn the club up to £500k, depending on who Chorley have been drawn against in tonight’s fourth round draw. Highfives all round at the club then with players and staff celebrating with a stirring post-match rendition of Adele’s ‘Someone Like You’ in the dressing room. A video recording has gone viral (in that positive sense of the word!) with millions of views.

Quite a way to raise the profile of the club, who in a parallel world would have been taking on Farsley Celtic in the league on Saturday.

Instead they were creating FA Cup history for themselves, going further in the competition than ever before in their 138-year existence.

Meanwhile, League One’s Blackpool were enjoying upsetting higher-level opposition, beating Premiership side West Brom on penalties after a 2-2 draw.

In doing so they added to the challenging start their former manager Sam Allardyce has endured with The Baggies whose side came unstuck in the shootout due to the heroics of returning home ‘keeper Chris Maxwell.

The Welsh stopper saved three spot-kicks, in his first game since recovering from covid.

Elsewhere, two other League One sides knocked Championship clubs out of the competition, with Doncaster beating Blackburn 1-0 away from home and Plymouth winning 3-2 at Huddersfield.

One Championship team safely through to the next round on Saturday though were Millwall, who beat our league counterparts Boreham Wood by two goals to nil.

On to Sunday, which was all about Marine v Mourinho and Crawley crushing a lacklustre Leeds side. Eighth-tier team Marine, managed by former County boss Neil Young, gave a great account of themselves against a strong Tottenham Hotspur side, with Jose Mourinho showing utmost respect to the Merseyside men with a starting line-up filled with internationals. Spurs won 5-0, though Marine were the real winners, gaining life-time memories for all involved and life-changing takings of over £300k thanks to a virtual ticket sale.

Earlier in the day League Two team Crawley arguably usurped Chorley in claiming the greatest shock so far, comprehensively overcoming a strong Leeds United side, featuring several Premier League regulars, by three goals to nil. Crawley are on an eight-game unbeaten run in the league and carried that form forward, becoming the first club in 34 years to beat a top-tier team by three or more goals.

The magic of the cup is still very much alive then and by now all of the giant-killers will know who awaits in the fourth round. Can their success inspire County to produce the biggest upset of the round tonight? What a story that would be!

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Match Officials Referee Michael Dean Assistant Referee 1 Darren Cann

Stockport County

West Ham United

1

Ben Hinchliffe

[1357]

1

Łukasz Fabianski

2

Sam Minihan

[1359]

2

Winston Reid

3

James Jennings

[1397]

3

Aaron Cresswell

4

Liam Hogan

[1395]

4

Fabián Balbuena

5

Ash Palmer

[1372]

5

Vladimir Coufal

6

Lois Maynard

[1394]

7

Andriy Yarmolenko

7

Adam Thomas

[1373]

9

Said Benrahma

8

John Rooney

[1400]

10 Manuel Lanzini

9

Richie Bennett

[1396]

14 Frederik Alves

10 Connor Jennings

[1339]

15 Craig Dawson

11 Jordan Williams

[1404]

16 Mark Noble

12 The Blue & White Army

18 Pablo Fornals

14 Mark Kitching

[1398]

20 Jarrod Bowen

15 Jamie Stott

[1380]

21 Angelo Ogbonna

16 Jordan Keane

[1370]

23 Issa Diop

17 Macauley Southam-Hales

[1401]

24 Ryan Fredericks

18 Ryan Croasdale

[1402]

25 David Martin

19 Alex Reid

[1399]

26 Arthur Masuaku

20 Nyal Bell

[1367]

28 Tomáš Soucek

21 Joshua Barnes

29 Gonçalo Cardoso

22 Harvey Gilmour

30 Michail Antonio

23 Finley Stanyer

31 Ben Johnson

24 Jack Hopkins

34 Nathan Trott

25 Adam Owen

35 Darren Randolph

27 Jack Hinchy

37 Nathan Holland 41 Declan Rice

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

Assistant Referee 2 Daniel Robathan Fourth Official Kevin Friend

Next At Edgeley Park

Notts County Saturday 16th January 2021 Kick-off: 3.00pm The Buildbase FA Trophy Fourth Round

Match Sponsor

If the scores are level after 90 minutes, the tie will go to extra-time and penalties to determine a winner.