Stockport County v Hartlepool United

Official Matchday Programme

vs Hartlepool United Sunday 13th June Kick-off 12:00pm

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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: Simon Rusk Assistant Manager: Dave Conlon Assistant Manager: Mark McGhee Goalkeeping Coach: Shwan Jalal 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: Liam Cash 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

county

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

Thanks to: Alex Chandy at Hartlepool United FC. Design by: Daniel Parker, Duplexity Artwork.

Printed by: Triple P Marketing Ltd. Stockport County FC is the trading name of Stockport County 2010 Ltd (7254012), which is wholly owned by Stockport Community Leisure Company Ltd (7240006), a private company limited by shares. The registered office is: Edgeley Park, Hardcastle Road, Edgeley, Stockport SK3 9DD

Inside...

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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 Vanarama National League North Champions 2018-2019 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, 1946-47, 1948-49, 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

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Simon Rusk Hello everyone, and welcome back to Edgeley Park for what is sure to be a very exciting and special day.

I’d also like to again welcome Dave Challinor and his team, as well as all those travelling down to the game from Hartlepool this afternoon.

This really is an exciting time for all of us right now – the drama and the occasion of the play-offs, in any division, is what football is all about, and I’m sure today’s game will be a real spectacle for anyone watching.

It’s fantastic to have the supporters back in again today – my first experience of it a few weeks ago against Woking was a really special moment for me, and I have no doubt that your voice and energy will help spur us on in the vital moments. To have you behind us today is a real tangible reward for all the hard work we put in to securing a top-three finish.

Our last league fixture of the season at Yeovil required us to show a tremendous amount of spirit and resilience at an emotionally charged Huish Park, and that’s something the players have continued to show consistently this season, and will continue to stand us in good stead for the play-offs.

As a group, we have continued to set ourselves very high standards to maintain, and it is in these moments where we need to trust in those standards, and trust in the habits that you work hard on day in, day out.

I’d just like to say another massive thank you to everyone who has supported us throughout this season, from my coaching staff through to our fantastic ground staff, and everyone else who has played their part in our success this season.

I’d also like to thank Mark Stott and the rest of the board, who have continued to support us and give us everything we need in order to be successful - we really are one team and one club, and we could not have got this far without everyone pulling in the right direction.

Today will be a memorable occasion for everyone associated with the football club, and I hope you all enjoy it, and have one more game to look forward to come the final whistle.

Thanks, Simon 05

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Club News Lois Maynard called up for international duty Midfielder Lois Maynard has again been called up by the Saint Kitts and Nevis national team ahead of their 2022 World Cup Qualifiers against Guyana and Trinidad & Tobago.

In March, Lois became the 12th County player to represent his national team whilst still at the Club, playing the full 90 minutes in their victories against Puerto Rico and the Bahamas. The Sugar Boyz currently sit top of their First Round Qualification group with two wins from two.

They will first host Guyana on Friday 4th June at 9:00pm, before travelling to face Trinidad & Tobago on Tuesday 8th June, with kick-off for that game at 10:00pm.

Congratulations and good luck, Lois!

Jonathan Smith named Head of Recruitment The Club can announce that Jonathan Smith has been appointed as the Club’s new Head of Recruitment, after being promoted from his role as Lead Scout for the North.

Former Chorley Assistant Manager Jonathan was first appointed to the scouting team by the Club in the Summer, alongside Matt Jansen and Kevin Braybook. He takes up this new role with immediate effect, and will be replaced in his current role by Karl Newton.

More programme silverware for County!

County’s multi-award winning Official Matchday Programme has won more silverware, after being crowned the best programme in non-league football at the prestigious annual Soccer Club Swap Shop Awards for the 2020-21 campaign.

Earlier in the week, County’s Matchday Programme scooped two prestigious accolades from the highly-respected Soccer Club Swap Shop national awards – lifting the National Non-League Programme of the Year crown for an amazing fifth successive season as well as first place in the National League Programme of the Year category, the sixth successive season County have won the divisional award.

2020/21 Award Winners Announced!

The winners of the Stockport County Player of the Year awards for the 2020/21 season have now been revealed, with Club Captain Liam Hogan picking up the main award after being voted as the Men’s Player of the Year in his first full season at Edgeley Park.

In an event held at Carrington last week hosted by Club President Steve Bellis, a total of nine awards were handed out through the Academy team, Ladies side and Men’s first team.

Visit our website for the full list of winners as well as the presentation video.

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County and the Play-Offs Unbelievably - at least to those amongst us of a certain age - over three decades have now passed since County first graced the playoffs! Gareth Evans revisits half a dozen seasons past, with a little help from Hatters of the day, to remember the good, the bad and the ugly...

1. Division Four (finished fourth), 1990: Semifinal v Chesterfield.

County’s first full season under Danny Bergara’s management can be viewed as one that heralded a real change for the better - which properly materialised later in the 1990s. But the club’s initial play-off experience was decidedly one to forget, as a 4-0 thumping at Chesterfield was followed, three days later, by a 2-0 reverse at Edgeley Park. Calvin Plummer was the player to… erm, sink County with four of those six goals for the ‘Spireites’ over two legs of a tie that the Hatters, immediately following victory at Halifax on the season-proper’s final day, had jubilantly thought they would avoid. Unfortunately, back in those olden times before live social media updates, rumours among the crowd on The Shay pitch that automaticpromotion rivals Southend had failed to beat Peterborough turned out to be false ones.

We were out of the contest by half-time as we were two down - and although we had another 45 minutes and a return leg to come at home, the damage had already been done, so it was a very disappointing end to what had been a promising season. It could be said that the play-offs are the best way of getting promoted, but obviously the outcome that year was not what everyone wanted.

BRETT ANGELL

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2. Division Three (finished fifth), 1992: Semi-final v Stoke City; Final v Peterborough United.

A year after going up from Division Four automatically, the Hatters proved themselves almost ‘too sexy for the Third’.

And this time around, they made a far better fist of things at the play-off semi-final stage than the team of two years earlier had done against Chesterfield. Stoke captain Carl Beeston, by contrast, made rather an unsavoury fist of things in the first leg - earning a red card after an altercation with a certain Jim Gannon, before watching from the Edgeley Park sidelines as Peter Ward’s free-kick gave County a one-goal lead to take to the old Victoria Ground. And there one almost immediately became two, as Chris Beaumont’s firstminute strike rendered a late goal by Mark Stein little more than a (S)toke-n consolation for the ‘Potters’.

In the final at Wembley (as was), future Hatter Ken Charlery’s early second-half header against the County crossbar was controversially adjudged by Referee Martin Bodenham to have crossed the line for Peterborough. And although Kevin Francis, who had already had an effort disallowed, got County back on terms three minutes from the end, the ‘Posh’ countered in the dying stages - with Charlery’s second goal gaining his side a back-to-back promotion, while denying the Hatters one.

3. (New) Division Two (finished sixth), 1993: Semifinal v Port Vale.

County bounced back from the last-minute heartbreak of 1992 to reach the play-offs again in the re-named third tier 12 months later. And having played Stoke three times over six days the previous season - with their Wembley meeting in the Autoglass Final (won 1-0 by the Potters) following hot on the heels of the play-off matches - the Hatters, rather remarkably, got to do likewise with the other Potteries club, Port Vale, at the end of 1992/93. On this occasion, however, the play-offs were first up - with a one-all draw at EP, in which Gannon converted a fifth-minute penalty, being followed by a singlegoal defeat at Vale Park. The subsequent Autoglass encounter was also lost, as County’s with Stoke had been, by a one-goal margin - although a stirring performance by the Twelfth Man representatives did much to inspire a fightback from two down, and a Francis consolation-header, against ‘Vale’.

In my time at County the play-offs were looked upon as a big adventure.

We were a young side with no expectations, and were told to just go and enjoy the games and see where they took us. But that year ended on a bad note losing to Vale, and then losing to them again at Wembley a few days later. We proved we had the right to be up there, but we didn’t perform as we could have - and it still hurts!

KEVIN FRANCIS

4. (New) Division Two (finished fourth), 1994: Semi-final v York City; Final v Burnley.

The Hatters completed a hat-trick of successive third-tier play-off appearances in 1994. Just one player troubled the scorers over 180 minutes of County’s semi-final against York - with a late Beaumont goal at EP taking his side to a second final in two years, after goalkeeper John Keeley had performed heroics in the first leg to keep the ‘Minstermen’ at bay during a rainy Sunday afternoon on Bootham Crescent.

And so to the final against Burnley - which is better best forgotten, despite Beaumont’s diving header that gave County the lead inside two minutes. Within another 11, the Hatters - having completed their campaign with the best disciplinary record in the Second Division - were reduced to ten men following Michael Wallace’s dismissal by referee David Elleray; a quarter of an hour after that, Burnley equalised; Beaumont saw red around the hour-mark; and 25 minutes from time, a deflected goal against the nine remaining Hatters saw the ‘Clarets’ over the line, and County left with the unwanted record of being the first team to have two players sent off at the ‘old’ Wembley.

I remember the day really well. There was a sea of supporters in Claret and Blue, but the County fans out-sang them. We got off to a perfect start, although it was always going to be a long day being down to 10 men early at Wembley on that big pitch. The odds were against us - and in the second half we had another sending-off - but the lads showed so much strength and gave it everything.

MIKE FLYNN

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5. League Two (finished fourth), 2008: Semi-final v Wycombe Wanderers; Final v Rochdale.

So far, then, some ‘bad’ and, in terms of the Burnley debacle, more than a touch of ‘ugly’. Not, ultimately, a shedload of ‘good’, and, when Autoglass Finals are factored in, four Wembley defeats.

It is every boy’s dream to play, and score the winning goal, at Wembley. I still get goosebumps now just talking about it. It was such a special day and such a great team to be part of. We were all young lads - Gaz Owen was one of the oldest at 25! - and in it together. And I believe that had we been allowed to stay together, then we would have gone far. We had some great players, and they are memories that will always stay with me.

It turned out that what the Hatters needed was a 14-year break from LIAM DICKINSON end-of-season eliminators and the replacement of England’s national stadium - as they made it fifth time lucky in terms of both play-off and Wembley appearances, following their topfour finish, with Gannon now as manager, in the Football League’s basement tier.

County fell behind in the first half of the semi-final on a scorching afternoon at Wycombe, before levelling thanks to Stephen Gleeson’s thunderbolt of a 25-yard volley eight minutes from time. And seven minutes into the second leg, Liam Dickinson settled nerves by running with the ball from the EP halfway-line to slot home the only goal of the game.

Dickinson was on target for the final, too - scoring what turned out to be the winner, by the odd goal in five, at the ‘new’ Wembley in the rebuilt venue’s first full season. Opponents Rochdale, celebrating their centenary, went ahead, before a Nathan Stanton own goal, an Anthony Pilkington header and then Dickinson put the Hatters in control - notwithstanding a nervy finish prompted by a second for ‘Dale’ 13 minutes from time - and up into League One.

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6. National League North (finished fifth), 2018: Qualifying Round v Chorley.

In the decade that followed, a good deal of troubled water was to flow under the bridge - with County first being placed into administration less than 12 months after the Wembley win, and subsequently suffering three relegations in four years to land in non-league’s regionalised second tier during 2013. Cue five years of consolidation and gradual, season-on-season improvement before a place in the National League North play-offs, and a one-off home tie against Chorley, was secured in the course of Gannon’s third managerial stint.

The ‘Magpies’ had proved to be NLN bêtes noires for County initially, with the opening four games between the clubs since their shared 19th-Century Lancashire League campaigns having gone Chorley’s way, before the Hatters triumphed at Victory Park for a first win in 117 years. That had been followed by three successive draws, the last of which, on Chorley’s turf, guaranteed the play-offs with two regular games to spare - giving rise to massive hope and expectation when, 15 days later, the two sides faced each other again in SK3, with a tie at Harrogate Town up for grabs.

Alas, for the majority of the 6,000-plus EP crowd, a rather tepid affair was to ensue - with chances at a premium, and a headed goal by Jason Walker midway through the second half seeing the Lancashire outfit progress, albeit to fall at the semi-final hurdle in North Yorkshire. A season later, of course, both County, as champions, and Chorley, as play-off winners, had cause to put their respective disappointments of 2018 behind them - and two further years on, having finished third, the Hatters not only get to have another go in the annual shake-up, but also move directly to the semi-final stage.

Two more wins… COME ON COUNTY!

I remember the game well. I started at left-back in my second start after a long period out of the side through injury, and it was such a buzz to be back on the pitch. It was also an incredible atmosphere, as you would expect from our supporters at Edgeley Park. We were gutted to lose a tight game and not reach the semi-finals - but we had come a long way and progressed as a team that season.

SAM MINIHAN

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Welcome...

Hartlepool United Here we are then, expecting every emotion that comes with a play-off semi-final, as Hartlepool United face County with a place in the final of the National League play-offs awaiting whoever emerges victorious this afternoon.

Pools will arrive brimming with confidence too, having taken four points from six against County in the regular season, thanks to a 4-0 win at Victoria Park and a 1-1 draw here at Edgeley Park.

The draw was the most recent of the two games, taking place on March 27th, and was Pools’ 11th game unbeaten at the time - a run they subsequently extended to 16 games, their best in 14 years, before defeat away to Bromley.

That loss was the first of three in May, as Pools’ promotion push faded to a fourth-placed finish, though revenge was gained on Bromley last Sunday in the quarter-finals of the play-offs, with Pools racing into a three-goal lead within 24 minutes, eventually winning 3-2.

Fittingly it was players’ player and supporters’ player of the season Rhys Oates who was the 14

FACT FILE Founded: 1908 Stadium: Victoria Park Capacity: 7,865 Address: Clarence Road, Hartlepool.

Postcode: TS24 8BZ Distance from Edgeley Park: 133.3 miles (2 hours 19 minutes) League position: 4th

match-winner, notching his 16th and 17th goals of an outstanding campaign that has seen him form a potent partnership with fellow striker Luke Armstrong, who grabbed the first goal last Sunday.

Armstrong, the son of County legend Alun, is on loan at the club from Salford City and, like Oates, has enjoyed the most productive season of his career so far, netting 14 in his 29 games for Pools. The pair both found the net when inflicting County’s heaviest loss of the season on December 22nd and will surely relish the occasion this afternoon.

At the other end goalkeeper Ben Killip had also been integral to a sustained promotion challenge, with 13 clean sheets from the 29 games he played before his campaign was curtailed by injury.

His season came to an end away at Boreham Wood, when he suffered a significant medial ligament strain in his elbow.

The Gaffer: Dave Challinor One-time Hatter Dave Challinor succeeded Craig Hignett in the dugout at Victoria Park and joined Pools on the back of a long and hugely successful spell as boss at AFC Fylde, during which he oversaw The Coasters’ impressive elevation through the footballing pyramid.

When Challinor took the reins at Fylde, the club were playing their football in the Northern Premier League Division One North but an ambitious strategy on and off the pitch was to pave the way for a rapid rise.

Born in Chester, Challinor began his playing days in the colours of Tranmere Rovers where he came through the ranks to develop into a hugely popular centre-back at Prenton Park. He moved from there to play in SK3 between 2002 and 2004.

It was a game that was to provide one of the most memorable afternoons of the season, with Killip ruled out of action after just 35 minutes, with Pools trailing 2-1 and DID YOU without a sub-keeper on the KNOW? bench. Up stepped Oates, Hartlepool last who remarkably prevented featured in a play-off co any further goals, before mpetition in 2005, losing in watching with glee as the League One play-off fin Killip’s replacement, al to Sheffield County’s very own Richie Wednesday at the Bennett, up in the North Millennium St ad iu m, East on a short-term loan Cardiff. deal, bagged a late leveller.

It’s an age-old football tradition that former players often return to haunt their old clubs, but if Pools fans are wary of Bennett’s history with their club, perhaps it’s counteracted with Oates being a former County player. The striker played 12 games for The Hatters in our early Conference North days on loan from Barnsley, scoring once.

It’s an afternoon primed and ready for a hero, and for both clubs victory would be a step closer towards a return to the Football League, a status we lost within six years of each other in the last decade, after more than 200 years’ combined history as Football League members.

Hartlepool dropped to this level more recently, back in 2017, though this season is the first campaign since then that promotion has been a very credible prospect. The previous three attempts had seen the club finish no higher than 12th with four permanent managers and one caretaker failing to find a winning formula. All that changed however when current boss Dave Challinor arrived in November 2019, having just vacated his role at AFC Fylde.

Challinor has four previous promotions on his managerial CV and his work at Pools so far has given supporters real hope of a return to League Two. As a player Challinor spent two years at County nearly 20 years ago now, though any sentiment will obviously be sidelined with every effort extended to reach that precious play-off final place.

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The Players LUKE ARMSTRONG (b:Jul 1996 s:Dec 2020) Joined on loan from Salford City. As a youngster he was with Sedgefield FC and Middlesbrough but was released and moved on to Birmingham City. After spending some time in Scotland with Cowdenbeath he signed for Blyth Spartans playing for his father, former Hatter Alun. Middlesbrough signed him on again, and whilst with them he was loaned to Gateshead and Accrington Stanley

MASON BLOOMFIELD (b:Nov 1996 s:Aug 2020) Well-travelled forward whose first club was Dagenham & Redbridge, with loan stints at Chatham Town, Erith & Belvedere and Maldon & Tiptree. He rejoined the Daggers after time with Chelmsford City, Billericay Town, Grays Athletic, Witham Town, Brentwood Town and Aveley. Next saw a move to Norwich City who loaned him to Hamilton Academical, Fylde and Crawley Town.

ADAM CAMPBELL (b:May 2003 s:cs 2020) Midfielder now in the professional ranks after time with Pools’ younger sides.

NICKY FEATHERSTONE (b:Sep 1988 s:Oct 2014) Midfielder who started with Hull City, spending time out on loan with North Ferriby United, Grimsby Town and Hereford United. He made that last move permanent before going on to play for Walsall, Scunthorpe United and Harrogate Town.

LEWIS CASS (b:Feb 2000 s:Oct 2020) Newcastle United utility player who is on a season’s long loan. He was spotted by the Magpies playing for North Shields Juniors.

TOM CRAWFORD (b:May 1999 s:Aug 2020) Joined from AFC Fylde. He started with Chester FC, being loaned to Runcorn Town and Leek Town. The midfield player then moved to Notts County.

RYAN DONALDSON (b:May 1991 s:Jun 2017) Product of the Newcastle academy system who made their first team and was previously with Pools on loan from the Toon. They also sent him to Tranmere Rovers, before the attacking midfield man moved on to Gateshead, Cambridge United and Plymouth Argyle.

DAVID FERGUSON (b:Jun 1994 s:Aug 2020) Left-back who started with Darlington and switched to Sunderland before going further afield to join Boston United on loan. Moved on to Blackpool, Shildon, Darlington 1883 and York City from where he joined today’s opponents.

JOE GREY (b:May 2003 s:Jul 2020) Forward who was offered a pro-contract shortly after his 17th birthday after impressing in the youth ranks.

GAVAN HOLOHAN (b:Dec 1991 s:Feb 2019) Another Hull City product, joining them from Kilkenny, this midfielder had a spell with Alfreton Town before moving back to Ireland. He figured in League football there for Drogheda United, Cork City, Galway United and Waterford before making the switch to Pools.

RYAN JOHNSON (b:Oct 1996 s:Sep 2020) Started with West Bromwich Albion but switched to Stevenage where he turned pro. The defender was loaned out by them to Boreham Wood, St Albans City and Nuneaton Town. Another loan stint at Kidderminster Harriers then led to a permanent move.

Ryan Donaldson

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BEN KILLIP (b:Nov 1995 s:May 2019) Former Chelsea and Norwich keeper who was loaned by the Canaries to King’s Lynn Town and Lowestoft Town. Moved on to Grimsby, and joined Pools from Braintree Town.

GARY LIDDLE (b:Jun 1986 s:Aug 2020) Defender or midfielder who first joined the club from Middlesbrough where he started his career.

He moved on for spells with Notts County, Bradford City, Chesterfield, Carlisle United and Walsall. Was sent on loan to Pools by the last of those clubs before making the move permanent.

JOSH MACDONALD (b:Feb 1995 s:Aug 2020) Former Middlesbrough trainee who moved on to play for Billingham Town and then Marske United. He is a winger, predominantly on the right, who joined Pools after five seasons with FC Halifax Town.

LUKE MOLYNEUX (b:Mar 1998 s:Jun 2019) Winger who started with Sunderland and was loaned by them to Gateshead last season. Joined today’s opponents after a loan spell.

RHYS OATES (b:Dec 1994 s:Aug 2020) A former Hatter with 12 games in early 2014 on loan from first club Barnsley. The then-forward had an earlier spell with Gainsborough Trinity and later Grimsby and Chester also on loan deals, before being released. Now a defender, he has since had two spells with Hartlepool split when he joined Morecambe, and also had a loan stint at Gateshead.

TIMI ODUSINA (b:Oct 1999 s:Aug 2020) Norwich were the first club to employ this defender.

He had loan spells with Fylde and today’s visitors before making the move a permanent one.

CLAUDIO OFOSU (b:Sep 1998 s:Aug 2020) Right-sided midfielder or winger who joined after a single season with Royston Town. He started with Stevenage, being loaned to Mildenhall Town and Kings Langley, before going on to play for St Neots Town and Biggleswade Town.

HENRICH RAVAS (b:Aug 1997 s:Oct 2020) Keeper who came to the UK to play for Peterborough United after being with FK Senica and Spartak Myjava. Leaving the Posh, he played for Yaxley, Boston and Derby County, with loans to Gainsborough and his current season-long deal.

MARK SHELTON (b:Sep 1997 s:Aug 2020) Signed after being on loan from Salford. He started with Burton Albion but moved on to play for Ilkeston after a loan with Loughborough Dynamos. Found his way to the Ammies via Alfreton Town, and also had a loan stint with Woking.

Rhys Oates

JAMIE STERRY (b:Nov 1995 s:Dec 2020) Defender signed just ahead of the Victoria Ground meeting with County. He progressed through the ranks at Newcastle to the first team. Released after loan spells with Coventry City and twice at Crewe Alexandra, he started this season with South Shields.

TOM WHITE (b:May 1997 s:Feb 2021) Central midfield man who was brought in by Blackburn Rovers from Gateshead. Whilst in the North East he had spells on loan with Spennymoor Town, West Auckland Town, Ashington and Scarborough Athletic.

He joined today’s opponents on a similar deal from Rovers, after spells with Barrow and Bolton Wanderers.

LUKE WILLIAMS (b:Jun 1993 s:Aug 2018) A Middlesbrough midfielder who was loaned to Hartlepool back in 2014. He also spent time away with Scunthorpe United, Coventry and Peterborough, before joining the first of those clubs.

The Iron subsequently sent him on another loan spell, this time with Northampton Town.

AARON CUNNINGHAM (b:Feb 1998 s:Mar 2017) Homegrown central defender or midfielder who was due to spend the season with Blyth, his third loan deal with them.

BRAD YOUNG (s:May 2019) Another Pools youth product who went with Cunningham to Blyth.

ZAINE FRANCIS-ANGOL (b:Jun 1993 s:Apr 2021) Left-back who started with Tottenham Hotspur, before four years at Motherwell. His career then progressed from Kidderminster Harriers to Accrington via Fylde. Signed from Boreham Wood.

BRAD JAMES (b:Jul 1999 s:Apr 2021) Goalkeeper who has come through the ranks with Middlesbrough. He joined on loan, having had a previous loan spell with Gateshead.

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Rebellious Jukebox A1

B1 Aldershot Town: Mickie Most

A2

Altrincham: The Stone Roses

A3

CHE

STERFIELD FC

B2

Chesterfield: ‘Philthy Animal’ Taylor

Dagenham & Redbridge: Sandie Shaw, MBE

B3 Barnet: Toyah Willcox

A4

Eastleigh: Benny Hill

B4 Boreham Wood: Sir Ray Davies

FC Halifax Town: Ed Sheeran

A5 Bromley: David Bowie

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A B C D E 1 2 3 4 5

C1

C2

C3

Hartlepool United: Janick Gers

King’s Lynn Town: Roger Taylor, OBE

Maidenhead United: The Spice Girls

C4

D1 Torquay United: Ben Howard

D2 Wealdstone: Ian Dury

D3 Weymouth: Perrie Edwards

D4 Notts County: Sleaford Mods

C5

Woking: The Jam

D5 Solihull Moors: Nick Drake

C6

Wrexham: Andy Scott

D6 Sutton United: Katie Melua

F G H J K 6 7 8 9 10

Yeovil Town: PJ Harvey

Thanks for listening to the County Rock-Ola this season!

19

Play-Off Memories Today’s game isn’t the first involvement in a play-off campaign for some of the County players.

Liam Hogan, Lois Maynard, Tom Walker, Ryan Croasdale and Alex Reid all featured in the Salford City v AFC Fylde National League Play-Off Final at Wembley on 11th May 2019.

Liam, Lois, and Tom were all on the winning side as Salford emerged 3-0 winners, with Ryan and Alex enduring disappointment.

Play-off Finals are a magnificent occasion for any player to be involved in, but the feeling between winning and the bitter disappointment of losing couldn’t be more different.

AFC Fylde and Salford City went into the National League play-off final with a place in the Football League at stake.

Neither side had ever played league football before, so history beckoned for one of the teams – with the winner joining Leyton Orient in being promoted.

Big-spending Salford finished third in the table, overcoming Eastleigh via a penalty shoot-out in the semi-finals.

20

It was a really tough year for me previously off the pitch so to win at Wembley made the occasion extra special. It was just an incredible moment to lift the trophy in front of my wife and my family who were all there LIAM HOGAN

Fylde finished 5th in the table and had to see off Harrogate Town and Solihull Moors to book their place in the final at Wembley.

And it was Salford, led by Salford-born captain Liam Hogan, who celebrated promotion with a convincing three-goal victory.

“I was born in Salford, and to captain the side to back-to-back promotions from the National League North to the Football League was incredible,” said Liam.

“Everything felt right, and we had this feeling that we would be going up again in the play-offs.

We beat Eastleigh on penalties in the semi-finals and we had the experience, the know-how, the management, and the players to win the final.

Although the crowd was around 8,000, it was still a massive occasion for both sides. It was the first time the winning side would be playing in the EFL. “It was a really tough year for me previously off the pitch so to win at Wembley made the occasion extra special. It was just an incredible moment to lift the trophy in front of my wife and my family who were all there.”

Ryan Croasdale and Alex Reid both started for Fylde but although the day ended in disappointment for the Coasters, to play at Wembley was a memory that will stay with them forever.

“We had a good week leading up to the game,” said Ryan. “We had already beaten two good sides in Harrogate and Solihull, we were focused, and prepared well.

“Like Salford we travelled down to Wembley the day before to have a look around and to familiarise ourselves with the place.

There’s also the anticipation, the nerves, the excitement.

It was disappointing to lose the game but Salford were the better side on the day. It was the only time I had played there.”

Liam and Ryan both agree that having already tasted the play-offs, along with other

Our experience in the play-offs should hold us in good stead, which is important RYAN CROASDALE

members of the County squad, it can only help them handle this one-off occasion for County against Hartlepool United today at Edgeley Park.

“We’re aware of the history of the Club and what it would mean to win today and to gain promotion,” said Liam. “Last year I believe we would have had the chance to go into the play-offs but it wasn’t to be. We’ve not beaten Hartlepool yet this season but it will be a different game in the play-offs. It’s all about who deals with the occasion the best on the day. We’ve worked hard on things in training this week and we’ve got much experience from the lads to call on. I know the squad won’t freeze, we’ll keep calm, and focused. It’ll be disappointing if we don’t go up with all of the effort and quality we have shown this season, but I’ll back myself and my team-mates. We’re at home, we know we have our fans behind us and it’ll be two great teams playing against each other.”

“We’re ready,” added Ryan, who sampled his first Edgeley Park crowd against Woking since his arrival from Fylde in the summer.

“Our experience in the play-offs should hold us in good stead, which is important. We’ve got the likes of Paddy who has lots of Football League experience which will hopefully make a difference.

“I’ll remember that losing feeling for the final. We’ve got an honest group and we’ll be doing everything we can to win the game today.”

21

Harry Barrett reflects on the Northern Section April 1958 and Elvis joined the US Army, the hula hoop craze was in full swing, while CND staged its first march at Aldermaston. The forthcoming FA Cup Final on the first Saturday in May dominated footy chat as Manchester United, barely twelve weeks after Munich, prepared to meet Bolton.

But for several Northern Section clubs, County included, there was a mad scramble for points to attain 12th spot or better. Why such an interest in humdrum end-of-season fixtures?

Quite simply, Division Three North, after 30 completed seasons, was being consigned to football’s boot hill. A Fourth Division would kick off the following August, comprising the bottom twelve clubs in each existing tier-three section. A sort of mass relegation.

T.S Eliot, as well as being a lover of cats, also reckoned April was the ‘cruellest month’. Not so for County. Occupying 15th place after a home defeat by Workington on Good Friday, they won five of their remaining eight games, including a 2-1 victory over champions-elect Scunthorpe. A draw with York on the final Saturday clinched 9th position.

But it was tight. County on 47 points finished two ahead of 15th-placed Oldham. Goal average separated Wrexham in 12th from doomed York.

Had the Minstermen claimed victory, instead of that draw with County at Bootham Crescent, there might have been singing in the Shambles.

While York rued poor early-season form that included a 2-9 thrashing at Chester, Gateshead 22

confidently expected to be above halfway, after being tenth with two matches remaining. Just a point was needed. They lost both, at Mansfield and Tranmere, the result at Prenton Park ensuring Rovers and not the Heed were founder members of the new Division Three.

Two years later, Gateshead were voted out of the Football League, replaced by Peterborough.

The Northern Section’s demise had been resisted for a number of years. In the late forties with attendances booming, there was some discussion about admitting more clubs to the Football League and creating a regionalised fourth tier. However, it

In the late forties with attendances booming, there was some discussion about admitting more clubs to the Football League and creating a regionalised fourth tier

was contended there were insufficient non-league clubs of stature and financial sustainability. Instead, Southern Section clubs, generally better supported, clamoured for national divisions for the 48 associate members. In 1956, the proposal was defeated, largely because northern clubs successfully argued about increased travelling costs.

Twelve months later they gave in and thus trips from Exeter and Torquay to Barrow and Carlisle, often for midweek fixtures, became the norm.

Though representative games Wolves made it to the top flight between north and south in the 1950s (as discussed in an earlier article) were always tight, it was generally accepted the Southern Section was Crewe, Barrow, Accrington and Southport were the stronger. This was partly due to the north present every season. Scunthorpe, Mansfield, dominating the development of professional Carlisle, Workington, York and Chester, after football in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. their respective elections also enjoyed a 100% Major southern centres of population – participation record. Seventeen clubs, or their Southampton, Portsmouth, Plymouth, Brighton ‘phoenix’ successors, are now further down the etc – were at the periphery. Establishment of Third pyramid.

Division tiers in the 1920s coincided with industrial decline, the north suffering disproportionately.

Barnsley, Doncaster and Lincoln were each title Five founder members of the Northern Section winners on three occasions, with former champs were bankrupt by the early 1930s, compared Wolves and Derby going on to win the First Division with a couple of their southern counterparts. championship. They and Stoke subsequently Predictably those two, Merthyr and Aberdare, had played in European competitions. At the other more in common with Lancashire, Durham and extreme, in the days of re-election, Halifax went Northumberland than the prosperous south. cap in hand six times.

On the field, seven Southern Section champions made it to the top flight before the 1958 reorganisation. Wolves, Grimsby and Stoke were the three northern clubs to achieve the same feat up to 1958. At the turnstiles, southern clubs dominated, enjoying on average 4,000-5,000 higher attendances throughout the 30-year period.

Occasionally, a northern club would buck the trend. Hull attracted 18 home gates of over 30,000 in 48/49 with 49,655 watching the Christmas Day fixture with Rotherham.

County, over their 25 campaigns, averaged 9,022, Southport in the full 30, 4784. Durham City’s figure in seven seasons was 2,536.

Of the 44 clubs who played in the Northern Section, Wrexham, Halifax, Hartlepool, Rochdale,

The Northern Section was of its time. A changing world, with television and overall greater affluence, demanding more from sport. The maximum wage would soon be gone, so too the iniquitous retain and transfer system. Shirt sponsorship, foreign owners rather than local businessmen, 24/7 wall-to-wall competitions were around the corner.

Football became more and more a business.

And yet now we have a full pyramid, the ‘old pals act’ of re-election replaced by promotion and relegation throughout domestic football. The Northern Section has been reincarnated at level six rather than level three.

And as Fleetwood, Harrogate, and the reformed Accrington Stanley have shown, anything is possible.

23

Official Partners of The National League

County Ladies Fans return!

Elise Newby and Sophie John drive into the box for a set-piece against Wolves

Immy Williams takes on the Wolves defence

It was great to see fans back inside Edgeley Park against Woking and we welcomed spectators back to Stockport Sports Village for our First Team’s friendly against Wolves Women FC on the following day.

Our Under-16s finished their season with a 100% winning record, beating Oxton Ladies in a top-of-thetable clash in the Mid-Cheshire Division of the Cheshire Girls’ Football League.

The game started well and at half-time it was level at 0-0, very few chances for either side and possession fairly equal. But 15 minutes into the second half Wolves found the back of the net and this was quickly followed with a second. County rallied a bit but had conceded a third by the final whistle. A promising performance against a Wolves side who had won every one of their games in the FAWNL Midlands Division prior to the premature end to the season.

For our youngest teams their weekends are taken up with end-of-season tournaments in the CGFL Stockport Division. A welcome chance to have fun and for everybody to win a trophy.

The Development Team had a more profitable trip down to play Port Vale FC Ladies First Team, coming away with a 0-5 win. Charlotte Evans scoring for the second match in succession since her debut last week!

The Under-18s had a weekend off as their season finished last week with a 12-goal thriller against Peninsula Stars JFC, ending in a 6-6 draw! Following the game the Peninsula Manager commented on social media that it was an “outstanding” game and that the team were “a credit to your club”, a glowing endorsement for the players and coaching staff.

Open training sessions for players wishing to play for the club next season have been scheduled for the 27th June, 4th and 11th July at SSV. Anyone interested please e-mail Laura Garraway, our Development Officer at sclfcdo@gmail.com with your details. Further information will be posted on social media.

It’s been a very difficult season for grassroots football this year, lockdowns, cancellations, postponements, venue changes and a host of other disruptions. This has meant a massive amount of extra work for league and club administrators who dedicate their spare time to making football happen for thousands of players around the country. We take this opportunity to pay a special debt of thanks to our Club Secretary, Jane Morley, who puts in long hours to keep the club running. Stockport County Ladies FC would not function without her.

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 or Instagram @stockportcountylfc.

25

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The Mad Hatter’s Quiz with Paul Dean

TRIVIA

WHO AM I?

1. In which year were Hartlepool relegated from the Football League for the first time in their history?

2. Who has managed both the Hatters and the Pools?

3. Who was the first club to be promoted from the Conference to the Football League in 1986-87?

4. Who did Portugal beat in the final of Euro 2016?

5. In which year did Teddy Sheringham win the inaugural Premier League Golden Boot?

6. Who has replaced Trent Alexander–Arnold in the England Euro 2020 squad?

7. Against which club did Paddy Madden score his first goal for the Hatters?

8. Who scored on his second debut for the Hatters against Hartlepool in County’s 2-1 win?

Q B J Q X O M T A F F B E P M E W W C M

G R A O Q X V E J R M V L P D W F S I V

U P N W Q X H A I O T D M J E R C F K C

W X O U T Q G J R G A U L D R P X D U F

F T B Q O N I J H B Z O R P O Y O E Z D

E E L Y U Z Y K Y N I J F O D O L L D N

E S A Y Z Z E C Y S O D T E V C P V N V

X I K E F U C C G L C G U F L I W Y A T

H R V K N A B Y E T V W P A Z I D J M B

E A L L V F F C C P B E D I L L X A J F

L L X N A B N A K V G I G C N C X B L B

Q V S L A A B A T S O C O G E I D Q I V

J R C W C D F M G E O S S I Y J N Y N Z

B A L O T E L L I F Y C E T S F O A I T

O N N S I D U C E K E H Q T C C O V L E

H A L A S C C C W T U D O Q P Y Q P L F

T T Q V J P O V E C T R P E A C F W E A

V X R K R Y N A F M O M N R L A J M I S

L P E G Y Z D C F Y N O K B Q T H C H I

Z X W P I J P Q F Z E K O K E E R Q C N

Answers:

ARTURO VIDAL BALOTELLI CANCELO CHIELLINI CLAUDI BRAVO DIEGO COSTA FALCAO JAN OBLAK JOAO FELIX KOKE LAVEZZI MANDZUKIC PEPE SALAH

Who Am I? Shefki Kuqi

WORDSEARCH

Trivia 1: 2016-17 2: Chris Turner 3: Scarborough 4: France 5: 1993 6. Ben White 7. Hartlepool 8. Tom Walker

I joined the Hatters in January 2001. I went on to score six goals in eighteen games to help County retain Division One status.

27

GAME CHANGER footballfoundation.org.uk

Terrace Talk A week today will see either The Hatters, Hartlepool United, Torquay United or Notts County return to EFL League Two and whilst the game will not be held in the glamorous surroundings of Wembley Stadium due to the European Championships, the race to be there at its replacement at Ashton Gate in Bristol is still strong due to the prize at stake.

Ashton Gate will play host to the Promotion Final next week

For County it will be the chance to potentially return to the EFL after a ten-year absence, whilst today’s visitors at Edgeley Park in Hartlepool United have a chance to restore league football having been relegated in 2017.

managed by a familiar face to County fans with exStockport centre-half Dave Challinor now in the hot seat with Pools. Challinor signed for County from Tranmere Rovers in 2002, making 81 appearances for the club over three years before heading to Bury.

Elsewhere, founder members of the original Football League Notts County could make a swift return after two years away whereas final club Torquay United after seven years without league football could end their second spell within the non-league pyramid.

Tranmere are just one of the clubs this year’s Play-Off victors could face next season, as are fellow beaten EFL League Two play-off semi-finalists Newport County and Forest Green Rovers. All of whom are no stranger to being at this level.

Each of the four could make a strong case as to why they should return to be members of the 72 EFL clubs, they have made it here on merit and in the case of Stockport have had to do a lot of restructuring on and off the pitch over a short period of time.

Added to that is those relegated from EFL League One such as 2019-20 League Two champions Swindon Town and the likes of Northampton Town, Bristol Rovers and Rochdale plus those who just missed out on a play-off spot last season like 2020 EFL Trophy winners Salford City, Exeter City and Carlisle United.

It’s two years since Jim Gannon led the side to the National League North title and his replacement earlier in the season Simon Rusk will be hoping to add promotion to his CV in what is his first season in his first senior managerial post.

To get down to Bristol next week for a shot at an EFL return, Rusk must overcome a Hartlepool side

There are some mouth-watering fixtures to be had and with the return of crowds at football stadia full time next season there is another incentive to want to be victorious in the South West next weekend.

Come on County!

29

Steve Bellis Sunday Drivers, Red Roads and European Holidays!

It was great fun driving to Yeovil ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend

Well, here we are! One of the biggest games in our long, proud history.

We have worked so hard to get to this stage and we must all do our bit this lunchtime to ensure that we are in Bristol in a week’s time.

Finishing third was a great achievement, particularly when you consider the circumstances surrounding our final league game.

A trip to Yeovil is never easy but when the home side are celebrating the life of their captain who tragically passed away earlier this year, this was always going to be an emotionally charged and difficult afternoon.

Getting there was a feat in itself with hordes of people travelling south for the Bank Holiday weekend.

This sadly means that the roads are full of people who usually only drive on a Sunday having just given their car its weekly wash and polish.

The combination of increased volume of traffic and occasional drivers only results in one thing... crashes!

30

The Sat Nav which turns the roads red when there is stationary traffic looked like the cheeks and nose of a raving alcoholic with red lines everywhere.

I have to be honest, I’ve had a few arguments with my Sat Nav of late brought on by it telling me ‘I had reached my destination’ when I was in the middle of a field and telling me to do a ‘U-turn’ when possible when I’m on a dual carriageway.

But I trusted it/him to help me avoid the smashes on the way down the M6 and M5. Unfortunately, he is about as useful as a hand-knitted condom and after five hours without stopping we were still hours away.

Enter Alex Cowdy, who earned his place riding shotgun by producing his ‘Waze’ app. I have no idea how it works but it took us through lots of leafy villages and towns and somehow shaved forty minutes off the journey. It was also a female voice which was far more soothing and I was starting to fancy her as we glided through the English countryside away from the hustle and bustle of the M5.

We arrived at the team accommodation, a beautiful place called ‘Hollies Hotel’ and headed for the bar.

The accommodation is a tad complicated as the rooms are situated along corridors that go right round the hotel so it can be a trek to get out of if you forget the shortcuts.

We celebrated with Velvet Pussies (Guinness and Port) on our arrival back in Stockport and watched the Champions League Final knowing that we had a semi to look forward to.

Unfortunately, we had Paul Jones with us and were nearly late for the game as he spent most of the Saturday morning trying to find his way out of the hotel.

It has been a bit strange not having a game since then, but we have been entertained by the goingson in this often-eccentric country of ours.

I wouldn’t have been best pleased if we had missed kick-off having taken nearly seven hours to get to Yeovil the afternoon before.

The pre-match tribute to former Glovers skipper Lee Collins was nicely done and everyone’s heart must have gone out to his lovely wife and children who bravely appeared on the pitch.

The home side were clearly intent on putting on a show for Lee and despite their indifferent recent form they took the game to us.

With Hartlepool doing their bit and racing into an early lead at home to Weymouth all the pressure was on us.

We were up to the task by producing a thoroughly professional performance to secure an all-important 1-0 win courtesy of John Rooney (who else?) netting his 21st goal of the season.

This was our sixth consecutive away win and nineteenth clean sheet, earning Ben his thoroughly deserved National League Golden Gloves award.

We didn’t need Waze on the way back as my regular Sat Nav, clearly feeling fresher after an overnight rest, guided us home in half the time it took to get there.

Bumbling Boris has revised the countries we can now visit without the need to quarantine.

The new rule seems clear, we can now only visit the countries that awarded us points in the Eurovision Song Contest and if you think Boris is having a mare then what about that buffoon who owns the Wetherspoons chain of pubs.

Having proudly boasted in his rather bizarre Australian-sounding drawl ahead of the Brexit vote that there would be no problem getting staff and that UK companies would just have to employ British staff he is now demanding that the Government create a preferential immigration policy for hospitality staff to come here from Europe.

You really couldn’t make it up. He really is a complete nincompoop (that’s not what I want to call him, but I am conscious that this is a family publication).

What a pathetic red-faced idiotic churlish kid this man is at times.

His beer is cheap, but you might need to borrow my Sat Nav to find the toilets in some of his establishments!

Anyway, back to today and we extend a warm welcome to our friends from Hartlepool with whom we have enjoyed many a battle over the years.

They are a long-established club, like ourselves, with a long, proud, and eventful history.

We will need every single individual in the stadium today to play their part if we are to overcome them.

There were so many red lines on my Sat Nav it looked like an alcoholics nose

We also welcome our friends from BT Sports and once again we thank them for their invaluable coverage.

There’s only one thing left to say... come on County!

31

County Heaven Hatter in Macc writes: To begin with, a sentence which I can safely say I have never before written in Flaming June…

Welcome to Edgeley Park!

This, the season like no other has seen the National League programme pushed back to the extent that its Play-Off Final will only be played the day before the summer nights start drawing in, and the eventual winners shall have fewer than seven weeks to prepare for their return to the Football League!

Might turn out to be us, of course - and let’s all earnestly hope it does - although our former fellow FL rivals, Torquay, Notts County and today’s visitors Hartlepool, will all be harbouring the self-same ambitions with their eyes on a very major prize.

Whatever may transpire today against the ‘Monkey Hangers’, this will be County’s final match of the campaign at EP - as well as the completion of a decade throughout which Sandy and I have been fortunate enough to write these columns. That is a milestone we could not have dreamed of reaching when we first began penning our scattered thoughts for this fantastic publication - and, having now attained it, we have jointly taken the decision to hang up the Heavenly quills.

So, then, for one last time - but, naturally, not without a heavy Hart - I give you my esteemed co-contributor and great buddy. How’s it Hangin’, Sandy?

Sandbach Hatter writes: I’ll miss our little handovers, you cheeky Monkey!

Regular readers (Mr and Mrs Reader, of Brinnington) will know that, over the past decade, my half of our article has tended to focus on the County Heaven Games Room. Well, not today. If you want to know who was crowned Prediction Prince or Limerick 32

Lord this season, you’ll have to pay us a visit and sign up. Membership is entirely free, and it means you won’t have to put up with any adverts. Best of all, County Heaven is like a second family (where everyone supports the Hatters).

Instead, with the limited space I have left, I’d like to say a few words of thanks, as it has genuinely been an absolute privilege to write in these pages for the past ten seasons.

Firstly, I would like to thank all my fellow ‘Heaveners’, without whom this article would never have existed.

I have made some good friends over the past ten years, and it is no exaggeration to say my support of County might have wavered were it not for them.

Secondly, a word of thanks to each of the programme editors under whom Maccy and I have written over the years, but particularly our current editor, Keith, who is not only extremely talented (as proven by the dozens of awards he has achieved whilst at the club), but he’s a thoroughly nice bloke as well.

Finally, to my very good friend and co-contributor, Hatter in Macc. It was County Heaven – and a mutual love of writing – which brought us together, and he has become like a brother to me. Writing this article has never once felt like a chore and, at the risk of blowing our mutual trumpet, we’ve been bloody good at it.

Hatter in Macc and Sandbach Hatter write: For the final time, that’s it from us. Here’s hoping County can go all the way and return to league football where we belong.

Thank you for reading, and take care.

Animo et Fide. www.countyheaven.com

Opposition View Ahead of today’s huge game, we grabbed a quick word with Pools fan Jordan Thornhill, 26, who has watched the Club since 2005 and had a season ticket since 2006.

How do you assess Hartlepool United’s season so far?

I think we’re where I expected us to be! At the start of the season, I wanted us to play good football and be in with a chance of promotion, and we’ve achieved both. The players that have come in have done well and the ones that have been here a bit longer have really kicked on.

What are your thoughts on your game against Bromley last weekend?

The first half was as good as I’ve seen us play since I started watching Pools as a kid. Everything about the first half was perfect, including three really well-taken goals.

The second half wasn’t perfect, but I think that was nerves creeping in. Overall, it was a good performance that puts us in good stead for this week.

Are you looking forward to the game today?

Yeah! I haven’t been nervous too much for the last few years, but this game is the biggest we’ve had since the last-day game against Doncaster in 2017 when we were relegated. We know we’ll get a good game against a good Stockport side too, so it should be enjoyable.

Andy Monkhouse during our promotion season. Barker was a proper striker and Monkhouse was one of the best players I’ve seen in a Pools shirt.

What are your highlights of the season so far?

Again, that first half against Bromley was outstanding, but the biggest highlight was the week before. Having fans back in the ground and winning in such convincing fashion was the best sign-off we could have had. Seeing players like Gary Liddle and Rhys Oates playing well in their second spells with the club has been great too.

What are your thoughts on Stockport County?

Stockport are like Hartlepool in a lot of ways. They’re a club that should be in the Football League, the same as Chesterfield, Notts County, and others. They’ve also got a few players that I liked when they were at Hartlepool in Macauley Southam-Hales, Mark Kitching, and, more recently, Richie Bennett!

Which Pools players are the ones to watch out for today?

The front two, Rhys Oates and Luke Armstrong, are the stand-out players to watch. They’ve got 30 goals between them this season and look like they love playing together.

Apart from those two, it’s the full-backs, Jamie Sterry and David Ferguson. They’re both a threat going forward and they create chance after chance for the forwards.

Do you have any memories of games against County?

We’ve had some good games against them recently! Earlier this season we won 4-0 at The Vic but that was a little bit of an anomaly, I think! We always get a good game from Stockport, as you can see from the amount of draws we’ve had, including the one in March.

Who are your all-time favourite players?

When I first started watching Pools, I remember loving Joel Porter. He was an Aussie striker that just seemed to play well every week! A little later, I loved Richard Barker and

Andy Monkhouse

What is your prediction for the game?

It’ll be a good game! Both teams deserve a shot at promotion and I think it’ll be a single goal to decide it. On the day, it’ll depend which strikers find the net – Armstrong and Oates or Reid and Madden. I’ll go with Hartlepool winning 2-1.

33

The County Years

2008

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

Opening game County started the year that saw our only successful play-off campaign to date with Morecambe’s first visit.

County: Conrad Logan, Jason Taylor, Gareth Owen, Michael Raynes, Adam Griffin, Anthony Pilkington (Adam Proudlock), Gary Dicker, Greg Tansey, Paul Turnbull, Anthony Elding (David Poole), Liam Dickinson.

The points looked to be wrapped up in the first half with Anthony Elding putting us in front after nine minutes, and five before the interval Liam Dickinson added another. It looked like Morecambe were beaten but future Hatter Carl Baker and his team-mates made it a nervous last ten minutes as they worked a goal for Matty Blinkhorn. The win was watched by 5,489 and took County out of the bottom half of the table.

County’s only successful play-off campaign was in 2008

34

First debutant Four days later Leon McSweeney made his Hatters debut at Notts County.

The current Leicester City Academy coach signed from his homeLeon McSweeney town club Cork City, where he had returned the previous summer after completing his degree in England and playing for a few sides here.

After earning SCAN 1237, Leon stayed until the end of the following season when he moved to Hartlepool United.

Summer business The Wembley PlayOff Final in May saw Dickinson (sold to Derby County), James Smith (later to join Vauxhall Motors) and loanees Stephen Gleeson and Logan all play their last game for County at least for now. Other non-loan men to leave were Ashley Williams Ashley Williams, who made his loan move to Swansea City permanent, Griffin, Poole and Proudlock (all joined Darlington) plus Amari Morgan-Smith (Ilkeston Town).

For the new season the squad was boosted by paying fees for forwards Baker (Morecambe) and Peter Thompson (Linfield), keeper Owain Fôn Williams (Crewe), and adding defender Johnny Mullins (Mansfield Town) plus midfielder Matty Mainwaring (Preston NE).

Closing game The year ended with the first visit by Leeds United to EP since 1924.

County: Fôn Williams, Mullins, James Tunnicliffe, Jimmy McNulty, Michael Rose (McSweeney), Pilkington, Dominic Blizzard, Gleeson, Tommy Rowe, Baker (Turnbull), Craig Davies (Thompson).

In front of 10,273 County took an early lead through Johnny Mullins but Luciano Becchio levelled things after 19 minutes. The Yorkshire visitors went on to claim the points with further goals from Fabian Delph [73] and Malcolm Christie [86]. The defeat left County in 7th in a season shortly to be ruined by financial issues.

Last debutant Forward Craig Davies had joined a couple of months earlier making his debut on 1st November, in a 3-0 victory over Carlisle United.

He was in on loan from Oldham Athletic and played 13 games, scoring six times. Craig would go on to play the majority of his football at tiers two and three of the English game and also represent Wales.

Most appearances in calendar year Gary Dicker and Anthony Pilkington 51 (max 58), Tommy Rowe 49.

Most goals in calendar year Liam Dickinson 13, Tommy Rowe 11, Anthony Pilkington 9.

Worst run Three games without win (three times D1 L2) Best run 11 unbeaten (23rd February to 12th April) W9 D2 The man in charge Jim Gannon returned to the club for his first stint as manager in December 2005, having been in charge at another of his former clubs Dundalk for 18 months until that November. He organised the club’s survival in the EFL on the last day of the season, before building a side to challenge for the play-offs and then climb back out of the lowest EFL level with victory at Wembley over Rochdale. At the end of the first season in the division above he lost his job along with many other club staff as a result of an administration order.

And finally...

Victories over Wycombe Wanderers and Rochdale took the Hatters to play-off success in their fifth attempt. Other play-off seasons saw final defeats in 1992 at the hands of Peterborough United, and 1994 (Burnley), plus semi-final defeats in 1990 (Chesterfield), 1993 (Port Vale), and 2018 (Chorley).

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

35

YEOVIL TOWN

0

STOCKPORT COUNTY

1

Rooney 23’

Saturday 29th May | Vanarama National League | Huish Park

John Rooney’s 21st goal of a stellar season ensured that County claimed third spot in the National League, with a battling 1-0 win at Yeovil Town on the final day of the regular campaign.

Midway through an even first half, Rooney’s deflected effort from distance set The Hatters on the way to a sixth straight away win, an eighteenth game unbeaten and a home tie in the play-off semi-finals.

37

Sam Byrne It was what seems like an absolute age ago that Adam Thomas struck a stunning winner as County kicked off their home campaign with a 2-1 win over FC Halifax Town.

Now, eight long months later, that campaign comes to an end with arguably the biggest tie to be held here in well over a decade.

Since that chilly evening in early October 2020, a lot has changed at Edgeley Park both on and off the pitch. I don’t think anyone could have predicted just how this season would pan out, nor any of the events which have led us to the path of County vs Hartlepool in this huge semi-final today.

Simon Rusk’s side are one of three very in-form sides left standing in these National League play-offs, with The Hatters amidst a club-record eighteen game unbeaten run. Hartlepool will, rightly, feel equally as confident.

We can get right into the ins and outs of each team’s form, the head-to-head records, home form vs away form and all the rest – but, while these sorts of statistics don’t go entirely out of the window today, they do take on less significance for me.

The heightened tensions of the play-offs, the return once again of supporters for just the second time this season, the differing approaches the sides may take compared to a run-of-the-mill league game – they’re all factors in why this is simply a one-leg shoot-out for a place in Ashton Gate’s final.

Hartlepool’s dangerous front duo of Rhys Oates and Luke Armstrong provide an obvious threat for Dave Challinor’s men, whilst County’s campaign – despite two stellar goalscoring seasons for Alex

38

Both Alex Reid and John Rooney have enjoyed stellar goalscoring seasons

Reid and John Rooney – has taken on a more team-based approach, where the goals in a big game tend to come from across the pitch.

That isn’t a knock on Pools at all – as we saw in their win over a good Bromley side, Armstrong and Oates can blow teams away, and Rusk, who was in attendance at Victoria Park, will be well aware of that threat.

Big goals have come from every area of the pitch this season

But we’ve seen big goals from every area of the pitch for The Hatters this season, and that may well be a threat which Challinor will be equally aware of.

from National League North mid-table struggles to this point of a very possible EFL return, and I’m sure he’ll be watching and desperate for The Hatters to get over the line today.

In the completely absorbing 2-2 draw with Torquay last month, Macauley Southam-Hales and Ash Palmer earned County a point. At title-winning Sutton, James Jennings did the same. Alex Reid and John Rooney did the job at Wrexham, Paddy Madden at Halifax.

If this season has felt like an achingly long one, then this past decade in non-league has felt like a century for everyone involved with County.

It makes for a really interesting dynamic for me in today’s game, and means that what may usually be a tight, cagey affair in these circumstances becomes a more free, open one instead.

A word, too, for a man who played a big role in County’s path to today’s game in Jim Gannon.

County boss Simon Rusk has consistently been respectful of how he took over the squad back in January, but more so than just this season, Jim inarguably played a pivotal role in taking County

Today seems too close to call, but let’s hope as County fans that this last home game ends just as the first one of this long and winding campaign did. If it does, Rusk’s men will be brimming with confidence ahead of seeking to end this ten-year spell in non-league football a week from today.

And if today is successfully navigated and eighteen games unbeaten becomes twenty on 20th June, County fans may just be in for a summer to celebrate.

Enjoy the game.

39

Physio

Luke Smith Hi everyone.

Mark Kitching is doing very well with his rehabilitation and after some consultations with different back specialists we believe we have a plan which should see him return back into first-team training in pre-season. He has been very unfortunate to have had such a unique and rare injury and his professionalism has been excellent throughout.

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

The Stockport County Sports Injury Clinic To arrange an appointment please call myself on 07557476154.

Treatment

Furthermore, Connor has also been to see his consultants regarding his shoulder. We are waiting for several options to possibly follow and from there we will focus on rehabilitation.

Injury Assessment and Treatment

£40

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Enjoy the game, Luke

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41

The

Travelling Fan Season Review

Liam Richardson picks out his memories from a unique season!

Best game In terms of the quality of the game itself, I’d probably have to go right the way back to the start of the season, and our dramatic first-ever trip to Wealdstone at Grosvenor Vale.

For sheer drama, this game had everything – penalties, hat-tricks, late comebacks, and a big three points for County, even at such an early stage in the season.

Either side of a John Rooney penalty, County twice fell behind against a free-flowing Wealdstone side full of the confidence you so often see from a newly promoted side early in the season. In fact, with just 13 minutes remaining, we still trailed 2-1, and were staring down the barrel of a second defeat in our opening four league games.

What followed, however, was one of the most remarkable passages of play seen from a County side in many a year, as Richie Bennett’s first goal for the Club sparked a blitz of late goals that saw us roll the Stones away and run out comfortable winners.

Mere minutes after Bennett’s strike, Lois Maynard’s maiden County goal put us in front for the first time, and from then on it was to be the John Rooney show.

Two clinical finishes late on sealed a remarkable first hat-trick for the Club, a real sign of what was to come from him this season, and an early marker of just what this team is capable of at its devastating best.

Best trip With most of the country in lockdown for the majority of this bizarre and congested season, overnight stays just haven’t been the same this season. No pubs, no restaurants, and staying in hotels so empty you almost hoped they’d be haunted, if not just for a bit of company and chit-chat.

With that in mind it’s the more local trips that tend to have stood out this year, none more so than our only European game of the season away at Wrexham in April. A stunningly sunny day – probably the first of the season – it was also a very emotional day ahead of kick-off, as both sides wore shirts in support of Connor Jennings following his recent diagnosis.

Connor actually travelled with us, the media team, to the game that day, and it was great to see him in such high spirits – even if he was forced to be Richard Landon’s ball-boy for the afternoon.

On the pitch, and after a tough opening ten minutes or so, County were at their fluent best, with a first-half brace from Alex Reid putting us in total control. A John Rooney penalty in the second half added the gloss, as we simply brushed aside the play-off chasing Dragons on a very satisfying afternoon for anyone of a County persuasion.

The day was made even better late on, as Connor very generously decided to buy all of the media team a large beer on the way home – what a man!

Funniest memory One of the funniest moments as a media team was actually bore out of one of the worst days of the season, on the journey home from Weymouth after our 1-0 defeat against the Terras.

Richie Bennett grabbed his first County goal at Wealdstone

42

Everyone was pretty low that day on the journey home; the defeat, the atmosphere online, it was all

It’s hard to look past Notts County’s Meadow Lane for the best ground

Most hospitable In the league, it was definitely FC Halifax. With Covid restrictions in place it’s very much been a club-byclub basis, depending on how they interpret the rules.

Each to their own I guess, I certainly like to think we’ve been one of the more hospitable clubs throughout the season. But Halifax were extremely welcoming, both with the amount of media they allowed us to bring and with the restrictions, or lack of, once we were at the ground. A big thank you to them, and they even let us leave with three points. Very generous!

FC Halifax were extremely welcoming

very flat and quiet on the way home, until Sam Byrne decided to spark a debate by asking us to name our most ‘unpopular opinions’.

Cue absolute chaos aboard the mini-bus, as we established that Dan Powell has a hatred for ketchup, I have no interest whatsoever in music of any kind, Sam thinks horses are ‘pointless’ and has spent most of his life sleeping on four (four!) pillows! Not quite as out there as our beloved Richard Landon though, who replied that he often sleeps with one pillow folded in half. Perhaps at that point we were just delirious, but I’ll never look at some of those people the same way again.

Best ground Hard to really look past Notts County for this one – although all pale in comparison against Edgeley Park of course! It was my second season visiting there, and whilst it obviously wasn’t the same with Covid restrictions in place, the facilities are second to none, and it’s a fantastic stadium.

I remember visiting there last season in our first away game in the National League, and it just felt like being back in the Football League already. A proper ground, that was just missing the travelling Blue & White Army this time around.

Worst journey There’s been a few contenders for this, no doubt.

Yeovil on the final day came close, I’ll be honest, after an EIGHT-hour journey stuck in Bank Holiday traffic, but the three points just about made up for it.

It has to be Weymouth though, not to keep coming back to it. It’s nothing against the town of Weymouth itself, which was perfectly charming as we strolled along the beach eating fish and chips pre-match.

But the ground itself, the hospitality (or lack thereof) we received whilst there, the infuriating result and miserable journey home made this comfortably my worst day reporting on County. Poor old Sam Byrne still twitches when someone mentions their name. We can only hope that we get the two wins needed to make sure there’s no return trip next season!

Overall summary from the season It’s been a surreal and unpredictable season, both on and off the pitch. Spending most of it behind closed doors has admittedly sucked a lot of the joy out of watching every game, although we all know how lucky we’ve been to keep going. There’s been some great new grounds, new friends met and plenty of goals to celebrate, but the one thing that’s been missing has been the hordes of travelling County fans cheering the boys on, the sight of those limbs in the away end to greet every John Rooney screamer.

It’s been an unforgettable season, with hopefully a special ending to it, but I already can’t wait for next season, and a full year with the full force of the County fans behind us.

43

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Following on from the recent meeting twixt the Stockport County Supporters’ Co-operative and the Club, we widely reported the answers obtained to a host of pertinent questions raised by ourselves on behalf of County supporters.

During that meeting a lengthy discussion took place on the question of season ticket prices in the coming season.

Responding to our pleas, the Club promised to ‘see what they could do to help season ticket holders in the anticipated home play-off match’.

They were as good as their word as within a couple of days the Club announced that they will be covering the cost of tickets to today’s semi-final play-off match with Hartlepool, for season ticket holders!

This was something supported by the Co-op during the meeting, and we are delighted that the Club have made this gesture, so quickly and positively!

The limited access to Edgeley Park has been challenging for all parties this season, due to the government’s Covid restrictions. Season ticket holders have only been able to gain access to the Woking home game, the semi-final of the play-offs

and potential access to tickets for the final (subject to County qualifying).

This situation has been particularly challenging for families, especially for those who have retained two or more season tickets, but have effectively only been able to make use of one streaming pass.

It has to be acknowledged, however, that this situation has been very difficult for the football club as well, as they had to face historically low levels of income, whilst continuing to invest heavily in the infrastructure of Edgeley Park, the training facilities and the playing squad. We would like to acknowledge and thank the Club for this commitment.

The gesture for the play-off semi-final is appreciated and helps recognise the fantastic loyalty shown by County season ticket holders.

Now let’s hope those iffy backless seats at the Ashton Gate away end have been sorted!

45

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COUNTY JUNIORS

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

Good afternoon and welcome back to Edgeley Park for probably the most important game in our club’s history.

As it stands, we are just two wins away from a long-awaited return to the Football League. Today we have a really difficult game with our opponents Hartlepool United. We lost away back in December where we ended up with just nine men, then drew 1-1 here at Edgeley Park at the end of March.

Last week in the eliminator match Hartlepool ran out 3-2 winners against Bromley having at one time led 3-0, so will no doubt be ready for another tough game this afternoon.

Mascot Niall

Age: 7 Hobbies: Riding my bike and playing Minecraft/ Roblox.

Favourite player: Ash Palmer

You will notice that the first stage of our re-launch is linked to the Junior Season Tickets. This is just the early start of our relaunch. We will be meeting the club once this season is over to discuss the next stages and will let our existing members know the full details when we have them. Please keep an eye on our Twitter and Facebook pages over the close season for further details.

Today again there will be no Family Lounge due to Covid regulations. If you want a word with either Brenda or me, just look out for Vernon Bear and we won’t be too far away.

Well, that’s it for another season at Edgeley Park, let’s hope that after today’s game we will still have another match to play this season.

Enjoy the close season and no doubt we will all be back in August.

Ian Butterworth 47

All Past Players Following on from the successful All Past Opponents feature that has run over the last few seasons, we begin our All Past Players series which profiles the men who have worn the County shirts of various colours over the years.

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.

GEORGE WHITELAW The bare facts are this forward scored 18 times in 52 games for us. A later County programme reported that to describe him as eccentric would be an understatement, with his antics during matches nothing compared to his life off-field. Amongst his tricks was to bend over and pretend to pick up the ball, and he once took this further and did pick it up when his manager at another club kept shouting he should hold the ball.

At home in Scotland he enjoyed hunting, shooting and fishing, and apparently he was once caught

by Police laying a trap on Edgeley allotments as dawn was breaking.

COLIN PARRY A local lad who gave good service at centre-half before losing out as the club brought in 48

men with more Football League experience. Colin still managed nearly 150 first-team games before leaving for Rochdale. He returned to the town after retirement and died last year.

HUGH RYDEN Another of our Scottish players he reportedly was with Bangor City although this appears doubtful as he was playing for Bristol Rovers in May. Despite being a regular he moved on the following summer.

Returning in December 1969 his second spell would see Hugh score the goal at Crystal Palace as Fourth Division County knocked out the top-flight side on their own ground in our first great League Cup run.

By the time of his second departure he had 175 games in a County shirt to his name.

JOHN NIBLOE This popular forward figured in just 24 County games as he died in a car crash on his way home to Sheffield following the team’s return from their match at Newport County. The former Sheffield United, Stoke City and Doncaster Rovers player had fitted in well at County and his death impacted on the other players but did

not prevent their FA Cup run, which John had started with the winner against Wigan Athletic in the opening round. Fund-raising games were held at the time for his widow and daughter, and a few years ago they both attended a reunion event organised by the SCAN guardians at which they received a framed replica shirt signed by his teammates who convened at EP that day.

KEITH ALLEN After starting on the South Coast this forward had moved to Cleethorpes in a partexchange deal but he struggled for games and was released, joining County’s ranks. Injury ended a promising first season, and after an operation he found it difficult to recover his form. He left for Luton Town, who had suffered at his hands when he scored a hat-trick for County. The move late in the championship-winning season saw Derek Kevan moving in exchange.

Keith received a Championship medal, which he had missed out on at the time, in an emotional return to Edgeley Park. The medal had been purchased by a fundraising campaign amongst the Hatters supporters.

JOHNNY PRICE Hailing from the North East, Johnny made the town his home despite leaving County for three years at Blackburn Rovers. Reportedly a little shorter than Gene Wilson, he was regarded as a hard worker with no little amount of skill, and playing under several managers he collected 345 appearances for County, scoring 27 times. Like Allen he was a good cricket player and figured in the Fingerpost Flyer’s charity cricket matches for many years, by which time he was running the Grey Horse in Heaton Norris, close to where the lads who started up the club first played.

Player Jimmy Fletcher Bill Lea Tommy Anderson Jack Bennion Bobby Murdoch Alan Lovell Trevor Birch Mike Connolly Jimmy Cunliffe Dave Partridge Kevin Keelan Alan Smith Jack Bentley Charlie McDonnell Derrick Ward Graham Ricketts Graham Beighton Roger Collinson George Whitelaw Reg Cutler Dave Gorrie George Buck Johnny Evans John Wylie Colin Parry

Debut 23.01.1960 15.04.1960 20.08.1960 20.08.1960 20.08.1960 29.10.1960 12.11.1960 12.11.1960 11.02.1961 11.02.1961 03.04.1961 08.04.1961 19.08.1961 19.08.1961 19.08.1961 26.08.1961 04.09.1961 02.10.1961 20.01.1962 18.08.1962 18.08.1962 15.09.1962 10.11.1962 10.11.1962 17.11.1962

Jim Griffiths Carl Davenport Peter Bircumshaw Ean Cuthbert Hugh Ryden

16.03.1963 29.03.1963 24.08.1963 24.08.1963 24.08.1963

John Watt David Johnston Tony France John Stainsby Mike Eckersall John Collins Derek Hodgkinson Dennis Hoggart John Nibloe Peter Phoenix Ian Sandiford Mike Harold George McGowan Frank Beaumont Ken Mulhearn Maurice Tillotson Tony Brooks Frank Peacock Len White Tommy Roberts Keith Allen Billy Haydock Johnny Price

24.08.1963 04.09.1963 07.09.1963 20.09.1963 14.10.1963 06.03.1964 22.08.1964 22.08.1964 22.08.1964 22.08.1964 22.08.1964 04.09.1964 12.09.1964 28.09.1964 07.10.1964 29.10.1964 20.11.1964 12.12.1964 16.01.1965 06.03.1965 21.08.1965 21.08.1965 21.08.1965

David Shawcross Dick Young Len Allchurch Norman Sykes

21.08.1965 21.08.1965 06.09.1965 10.09.1965

Signed From Doncaster Rovers None Torquay United Hull City Barrow Swansea T Aston Villa Wolverhampton W Horwich RMI Manchester United Aston Villa Manchester City Everton Tranmere Rovers Stoke City Bristol Rovers Sheffield Wed Bristol City Carlisle United Portsmouth Everton Reading Bournemouth & BA Preston NE Brinnington Bradford C None Preston NE Bradford C Blackpool Bangor C Halifax T Blackpool Exeter City Darlington York City Torquay United Blackburn Rovers Manchester City York City Doncaster Rovers Southport Blackburn Rovers Manchester City Chester Bury Everton Toronto Italia, CAN Bury Blackburn Rovers Huddersfield Town Everton Grimsby Town Grimsby Town Burnley Blackburn Rovers Manchester City Grimsby Town Sheffield United Plymouth Argyle

49

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Strawberry Radio Jon Keighren

Stockport County could be just two games away from a return to the Football League. After a decade of hurt and disappointment, for the fans inside Edgeley Park today, this could be the start of a very special journey.

Simon Rusk takes his team into today’s game on the back of a record-breaking 18-match unbeaten run, having made the best start by any County manager since the War.

Ten weeks ago, a 78th-minute goal from Paddy Madden secured a crucial point when these two sides last met here at Edgeley Park, and no doubt Simon Rusk will be hoping he can call on his talismanic front man again this afternoon.

But this afternoon, past form will count for little – it’s a straight shoot-out between County and Hartlepool for a place in next Sunday’s Play-Off final.

Whilst congratulating Simon and his team for their achievements, I also want to recognise the huge part played by former manager Jim Gannon to create the springboard to launch County into the top three.

Many of Jim’s signings have played a significant role in extending the current campaign, and no doubt, he will be watching today’s game with immense anticipation. Thank you, Jim. Standing in our way, Dave Challinor and his excellent Hartlepool United side. There may be some disappointment amongst Pools fans that they couldn’t finish in the top three, but any sense of anti-climax was firmly eradicated by last weekend’s 3-2 win over Bromley.

It is far too simplistic to say that Hartlepool’s stuttering end to the campaign had everything to do with the return of Richie Bennett to Edgeley Park. Yes, he had a great impact during his loan spell at Victoria Park, but Pools were always going to face the toughest run-in

Paddy Madden secured a point last time these sides met

of any side in the division, whether Richie was still a part of their squad or not.

Dave Challinor is one of the top managers outside of the Football League and only a few years ago I hoped we might see him take over at County, but it wasn’t to be.

Dave has built an experienced squad with real depth and ability, and Hartlepool are thoroughly deserving of a place in the end-ofseason shoot-out. Even without Richie, Pools have continued to score goals with great regularity, with front men Rhys Oates and Luke Armstrong sharing 28 across the National League this season.

Both strikers found the back of the net when County visited Hartlepool last December, and both scored in the Play-Off win over Bromley last weekend.

Simon will receive a huge ovation from the County faithful this afternoon, and deservedly so. In a short period, he has put his own stamp on this team and the results speak for themselves. He is a deep thinker about the game and his positive strategies gave County a mid-season lift, which has sustained us through to a dramatic and gripping finale.

Whatever the outcome this afternoon, we know we have one major advantage – the Blue & White Army are back. There have been key moments this season when home fans would have made all the difference, and in a sport often decided by fine margins, the fans could be a significant factor today.

Finally, as if he hasn’t done enough for this football club already, well done to owner Mark Stott for footing the cost today for all Season Ticket holders. It is a remarkable and generous gesture, and one which tells you everything you need to know about the man who holds the future of Stockport County in the safest of hands. Thank you, Mark.

Enjoy the game.

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51

Oshor Williams Whilst recovering from my Monday spin class earlier this week someone asked if I was looking forward to Sunday’s big match. After offering my considered view that it would be a close-run game, I went on to predict that home advantage and the return of a vocal Edgeley Park crowd would see County through to the Final. My fellow ‘spinner’ gave me a puzzled look before informing me that he was talking about the England v Croatia tie in the Euros.

He probably thought I was still suffering from a lack of oxygen to the brain after my early morning exertion but in truth my mind was in sharp focus following confirmation that having beaten Bromley 3-2, we would be facing Hartlepool in today’s semi-final. With only one point separating the two sides at the end of the season things could not be more finely balanced, which is why the fans will play a big part in tipping the balance in County’s favour.

All four semi-finalists have a proud and long-standing history and heritage; indeed, Notts County are the oldest professional association football club in the world, and it is testimony to the quality of the National League that such clubs are competing against one another at this level.

All four semi-finalists have a proud and long-standing history

Victoria Park was always a tough place to go, particularly in the middle of January

From a personal perspective I have mixed memories of my encounters against today’s opponents. An early-season home game back in August 1984 saw me experience the joy and pain of scoring at the near post whilst simultaneously clashing heads with Pools defender Tony Smith and being led from the pitch with a severe head wound. But Victoria Park was always a tough place to go to particularly in the middle of January. Irrespective of the result you knew you would come away from the ground knowing you were in a battle, sometimes literally back in the day. I don’t recall winning too many games there during my time at County which is why the solitary point which secured third place may prove so significant. As well as evading the hurdle of another game, it brought the semi-final back here to Edgeley Park.

As a son of Teesside, Hartlepool was right on my doorstep, and I came close to joining on several occasions as a youngster. Located only six miles from where I grew up in Stockton, ‘Pools’ recruited a lot of local talent, particularly young players released by the surrounding big three clubs, Newcastle, Sunderland and Middlesbrough.

They also signed lads who I knew from the local leagues, many of whom went on to have long and successful careers, so I have always had a soft spot for the club. But for today that soft spot will be buried beneath the hard edge of desire and

With only one point separating the two sides at the end of the season things could not be more finely balanced commitment to the solitary aim of seeing County back in the EFL where they belong.

At the close of play today, if we are successful in progressing through to the final, I’m looking forward to celebrating with a few drinks. In fact, it will be a double celebration as I’ve promised to stand a round for our award-winning Programme Editor Keith Chapman in acknowledgement for his endeavours and those of his programme team throughout the season. After living for so long under COVID-19 restrictions it’s been a ‘dry’ year for Osh, and I have to admit I could positively murder a pint. And if we get the right result, it may well be a case of mass murder!

Enjoy the game.

Osh

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Deadly Duos Steven Davies

Stephen Gleeson & Gary Dicker Hello and welcome to Edgeley Park for this play-off semi-final against Hartlepool, or welcome if you are reading on-line and watching via BT Sports.

For the last Deadly Duo we are going to recall two former Irish players who played a big part in not just the promotion season of 2008 but also in the playoffs which climaxed in our win against Rochdale at Wembley.

Dublin-born midfielder Stephen Gleeson was signed to Wolves before being loaned out to the Hatters in 2006 in the hope for first-team football, making his debut against Exeter in a 2-1 win. This kick-started his County career before being called back to Wolves.

Winning over the fans during his time with the Hatters when he played his final game against Hereford United it was dubbed “Stephen Gleeson Day”.

Fellow Dubliner and also a midfielder Gary Dicker was signed for the 2007/08 season and made his debut in the opener against Dagenham and Redbridge. Gary was signed for £40,000 and soon also became a fans’ favourite, playing the majority of the games that season.

Back to Stephen Gleeson who was still at Wolves and had just burst into the first team. In 2007/08 an injury had forced him out so a second loan spell to County was to follow after he had spent some time briefly at Hereford.

Now fast-forward to the tail-end of the season which saw County finishing fourth, securing a spot in the play-off semi-final where we were due to play Wycombe Wanderers over two legs.

Both Gleeson and Dicker played in the first leg where we found ourselves trailing by a goal with less than 10 minutes left. When the ball was headed out of the Wycombe penalty area Stephen Gleeson connected with a volley from 25 yards out that almost Stephen Gleeson broke the net.

Gary Dicker

Over 9,000 packed into EP to watch the return leg where Gleeson and Dicker played a solid game where we came out 1-0 winners, meaning that a Wembley appearance now followed.

Both players made the starting 11 where we hoped to beat Rochdale to gain promotion in front of 35,715 supporters. Dicker played the full 90 and Gleeson played up to the 75th when he then made way for Leon McSweeney, both again played a superb game and were solid in their positions helping the Hatters to a historic 3-2 win.

Gleeson remained at County for the first half of the following season before returning to Wolves and Dicker went on loan to Brighton before signing full-time.

Both played at an international level with both playing at Under-21 level for the Republic of Ireland, with Gleeson later getting capped by the senior squad.

So let me finish this page by wishing Simon Rusk and the team all the very best of luck in today’s game, and here’s hoping that we score something to compare with that Gleeson volley back at Adams Park.

55

Stockport CountyFC FC Stockport County Official Club Sponsors Official Club Sponsors

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Remembering Sara Jamie Kipling (16 March 1984 – 27 April 2021)

Everyone involved at Edgeley Park was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of another one of the County family at such a young age.

Sara first went to County in the 1990-91 season with her Dad when she was aged 7 and she quickly decided that County was her team!

Later in the 90s and into the early 2000s her Dad worked at the ‘Pop in Café’ on Lower Hillgate where Sara also worked at weekends. Sara would walk up to Edgeley Park on her break to buy the tickets as they didn’t finish work until 2:30pm and there wasn’t enough time to walk up afterwards to buy tickets before the match.

Before going to University, Sara took a gap year and volunteered at Yardley Hastings URC near Northampton. She did make it to Peterborough away in August 2003 and was very pleased to see County win 2-1.

Sara and Dave met at University and she took him to his first County match, Chester away, in February 2006. Dave was amazed to find that the County fans outnumbered the Chester fans by approximately 2:1 and everyone (well not the Chester fans) was delighted that County won 2-1!

Sara and Dave continued to attend County matches until the

arrival of their twin daughters in 2014 whereupon their support became a little more ‘sofa’ although Sara’s love for County remained undimmed. Living within earshot of Edgeley Park meant that any cheer carrying on the wind was met with furious checking of the live feeds followed by her own little celebration!

Sara fought a very short battle with cancer and sadly died on 27 April 2021. Sara had an infectious laugh, was caring, kind

and generous and will be sadly, sadly missed.

Our thoughts are with Dave, Victoria and all her family and friends at this very sad time.

57

Talking Football Sam Preston

The England squad announcement drew plenty of consternation online

Perhaps this writer needs to spend less time on Twitter but it felt like plenty of consternation followed the confirmation of Gareth Southgate’s England squad last week.

Four right-backs? Where’s Danny Ings? What about Patrick Bamford?

true in the furore surrounding Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Criticism of the squad tends to take the form of asking why a player wasn’t involved, without suggesting who should drop out.

Southgate also got stick for starting Jesse Lingard the day after he’d told him he wasn’t going to the European Championship.

International performances are also rarely considered by pundits, and that was especially

But the England boss pointed out that there’s always the chance of an injury opening

58

the door to a standby player.

Unfortunately for AlexanderArnold, he was the man to fall foul.

This is an England squad with such attacking talent that it is not clear who should drop out to allow Bamford, the secondhighest home-grown scorer in the Premier League last season, to get in.

Danny Welbeck went to the 2018 World Cup, on the back of scoring five Premier League goals for Arsenal. There were precious few complaints because there were precious few alternatives.

Southgate’s options have come on leaps and bounds since then and that means that England expects once again, for the first time since 2010.

That lowering of expectations seemed to help England in Russia. But what a summer Southgate’s team provided then.

Given what we’ve had to endure since March 2020, how badly the country could do with another similar summer this time around.

Which means it’s surely worth trying to enjoy it. Not picking holes in the squad, asking about the players who aren’t there or reading too much into dour friendly wins.

Enjoying the fact that England have a young, talented and likeable squad working under Southgate – only Alf Ramsey has taken the country further in a World Cup. Since 2018, Southgate seems to have developed a reputation for pragmatism. That’s largely due to his use of a back five and two holding midfielders.

Trent Alexander-Arnold fell foul of injury

Jesse Lingard featured in the friendlies despite not being named in the squad

That’s the exact set-up Thomas Tuchel used to win the Champions League for Chelsea and nobody was calling him dour.

The fact that England are only taking two strikers to the Euros was also held up as evidence that Southgate is safety-first.

Manchester City only had two senior strikers last season and you won’t find anyone calling Pep Guardiola a negative manager.

The fact remains that Southgate needs to find a balance. The defence is the weakest part of the squad and is currently shorn of Harry Maguire.

The midfield needs to protect it somewhat but Jordan Henderson’s fitness remains a major doubt.

The 26-man squad means Southgate has been able to gamble on Maguire and Henderson, reasoning that their leadership will make them valuable to have around even at points where they can’t play.

But if anything can lift the country as it finally opens up after a grim 16 months, it would be England going deep into a major championship.

So here’s hoping – as the famous refrain in Three Lions 1998 goes, we still believe...

59

The Hatters v Pools

Facts & Figures Head to Head

Goals scored

Previously at EP

Played (all competitions): 135

County: 203

Played (all competitions): 67

County: 54

County: 39

Draws: 32

Draws: 14

Hartlepool: 49

Hartlepool: 192

First competitive meeting

Last time out

Saturday 24th September 1921 Division Three North Hartlepool 0 County 0

Previous games Tuesday 22nd December 2020 National League Hartlepool 4 County 0 Saturday 25th January 2020 National League Hartlepool 2-0 County

Hartlepool: 14

County 1 Hartlepool United 1 Saturday 27th March 2021, Vanarama National League County’s second home match within four days against fellow promotion chasers saw the Hatters share the points with second-placed Hartlepool.

Paddy Madden, with his first County goal, secured the draw after ‘Pools’ had taken an early second-half lead through Irish midfielder Gavin Holohan.

County line-up: Hinchliffe; Minihan (Stretton, 74), Keane, Palmer (Capt.), J. Jennings; Newby, Croasdale, Collar, Shaw (SouthamHales, 46); Madden, Reid (Cardwell, 65).

Unused Subs: Barnes, Walker.

Booked: Stretton.

They played for both clubs Brian Albeson, Tony Barras, Billy Brown, Lee Bullock, Joe Bunney, Darrell Clarke, John Coyne, Steve Crowther, Jon Daly, Malcolm Darling, Andy Dibble, Jermaine Easter, Stuart Elliott, Dean Emerson, Wayne Entwistle, Craig Farnaby, Martin Fowler, Ali Gibb, John Graham, Dick Hegarty, Tom Hegarty, Evan Horwood, Jack Jobson, Rob Jones, Harry Kirk, Mark Kitching, Darren Knowles, Frank Knowles, Mick Lester, Derek Loadwick, Ryan McCann, Garry MacDonald, Billy McIver, Leon McSweeney, Phil Malley, Adie Mike, Tommy Mitchell, Ian Moore, Carl Muggleton, Jimmy Mulvaney, Bob Newton, Eddie Nolan, Rhys Oates, Keigan Parker, Martin Pemberton, Frank Pimblett, Malcolm Poskett, Eddie Prudham, Michael Raynes, Mark Robinson, Devante Rodney, John Rowlands, Barry Siddall, Dave Smith, Macauley Southam-Hales, Wayne Stokes, Gavin Strachan, Tommy Sword, Lee Todd, Anthony Williams, Paul A Williams, Ralph Wright.

60

2020-21

CHE

Statistics Home L 3 4 2 4 7 8 7 5 4 8 4 6 10 7 10 8 9 12 12 10 9 14 0

F 43 34 31 36 33 32 30 32 25 33 37 27 30 26 30 31 25 25 32 27 28 16 0

A 16 20 16 19 20 19 28 17 12 30 16 22 34 28 33 25 28 36 51 36 39 39 0

W 11 12 13 8 9 11 11 9 7 10 4 8 8 8 7 5 6 4 3 3 3 3 0

D 5 5 3 7 7 3 6 5 6 4 5 3 7 7 4 4 5 4 5 3 2 5 0

Away L 5 4 5 6 5 7 4 7 8 7 12 10 6 6 10 12 10 13 13 15 16 13 0

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

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

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

0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 4 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 14

A 20 19 16 24 21 24 25 26 28 24 32 26 26 20 33 43 32 35 48 33 59 49 0

W 25 23 21 22 20 21 19 19 18 19 19 17 15 13 15 15 12 11 10 8 7 8 0

Total

0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 4

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 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Subs

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

Goals

0 0 0 2 0 0 13 3 3 4 0 0 3 5 1 5 1 2 3 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 3 2 1 5 2 2 4 1 5 2 2 1 1 7 3 3 1 5 13 0 3 6 0 0 0 0 0 2 4 3 8 17 4 1 16 4 2 0 0 1 0 0 8 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 3 1 10 1 1 1 1 3 11 0 1 2 - 72 50

Subs

0 0 18 0 15 9 31 0 3 0 0 3 0 43 0 40 0 14 26 23 15 13 21 26 9 0 31 33 35 2 1 20 0 11 2 3 20 6 -

F 29 34 38 30 29 28 33 32 24 30 21 26 32 26 29 27 21 20 17 15 22 21 0

D 9 11 14 10 10 6 12 11 12 8 7 9 11 16 7 7 11 6 7 9 10 7 0

Total L F 8 72 8 68 7 69 10 66 12 62 15 60 11 63 12 64 12 49 15 63 16 58 16 53 16 62 13 52 20 59 20 58 19 46 25 45 25 49 25 42 25 50 27 37 0 0

A 36 39 32 43 41 43 53 43 40 54 48 48 60 48 66 68 60 71 99 69 98 88 0

GD 36 29 37 23 21 17 10 21 9 9 10 5 2 4 -7 -10 -14 -26 -50 -27 -48 -51 0

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

Cup Starts

League Subs

Josh Barnes Nyal Bell Richie Bennett Louis Britton Harry Cardwell Will Collar Ryan Croasdale Alex Curran Sam Dalby Jordan Downing Ross Fitzsimons Harvey Gilmour Max Greenhalgh Ben Hinchliffe Jack Hinchy Liam Hogan Jack Hopkins Connor Jennings James Jennings Jordan Keane Mark Kitching Paddy Madden Lois Maynard Sam Minihan Elliot Newby Adam Owen Ash Palmer Alex Reid John Rooney Ryan Rydel Nathan Shaw Macauley Southam-Hales Finley Stanyer Jamie Stott Jack Stretton Adam Thomas Tom Walker Jordan Williams Own goals Total

D 4 6 11 3 3 3 6 6 6 4 2 6 4 9 3 3 6 2 2 6 8 2 0

Starts

Player Roll-Call

W 14 11 8 14 11 10 8 10 11 9 15 9 7 5 8 10 6 7 7 5 4 5 0

Starts

Promotion

P 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 0

2 0 21 1 15 9 37 0 3 0 0 4 0 48 0 45 0 20 27 29 19 13 24 28 9 0 37 39 40 2 1 22 0 17 2 8 20 8 -

0 0 0 3 0 0 15 4 3 5 0 0 3 5 1 5 1 2 4 1 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 3 1 0 0 4 3 2 5 2 2 4 1 5 3 2 1 1 7 3 6 1 6 16 0 3 6 0 0 0 0 0 3 6 3 9 21 4 2 21 4 2 0 0 1 0 0 10 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 3 3 1 11 1 1 1 1 3 14 0 1 2 - 86 54

Goals

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

Goals

# C 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 0 0 0 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 0 0 0 0 2

Pts 84 80 77 76 70 69 69 68 66 65 64 60 56 55 52 52 47 39 37 33 31 31 0

L W W W W L W D L L W W L W L L D L L L L L -

Form Last 6 Matches W W W W L W D D D D W D D D W L L W L W W D W W L W W D W W D W D W W W W L W D W W W D L W L L W L W W W D W W D W L D L D L L W W L W L L W L L L D L W D L L L L W D D L W L L L L L D L W L L L D L L L L D D L L D W W - - - - -

Relegation

National League Records Saturday 12th December 2020 Biggest Chesterfield 6-0 Barnet Tuesday 20th April 2021 Win Wealdstone 0-6 Maidenhead United Most Saturday 17th April 2021 Goals Wealdstone 2-7 Hartlepool United Saturday 22nd May 2021 Highest Notts County 3-0 Weymouth Attendance 4,197 Tuesday 15th December 2020 Lowest Weymouth 2-3 Wrexham Attendance 337 Top Michael Cheek (Bromley) Goalscorer 21 = 16 Goals + 5 Penalties Most Ben Hinchliffe (Stockport County) Clean Sheets 19 = 10 Home + 9 Away

The 1-0 win and clean sheet against Yeovil Town sealed the National League ‘Golden Glove’ for Ben Hinchliffe, with 19 clean sheets this season

# 1 2 22

National League Fair Play Team Stockport County 50 Sutton United 59 Yeovil Town 110

2 1 5

Pts 220 246 490

*Dover Athletic’s results for this season have been expunged for failing to meet fixture obligations, the player roll-call still includes our 3-0 win statistics against them 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 Wednesday 9th June 2021

61

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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 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 Tue 16 Barnet Sat 20 Sutton United Tue 23 Eastleigh 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 Tue 27 King's Lynn Town May 2021 Sat 1 FC Halifax Town Mon 3 Wealdstone Tue 11 Dagenham & Redbridge Sun 16 Torquay United Sat 22 Woking Sat 29 Yeovil Town June 2021 Sun 13 Hartlepool United

64

Comp

Score

NL NL NL NL NL FAC4Q NL NL

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

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

Minihan Minihan Minihan Minihan Minihan ³ Minihan Minihan Minihan

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

Maynard Maynard Maynard Maynard 1 Maynard Maynard Croasdale Maynard

Palmer Palmer Palmer Palmer Palmer Palmer Keane Palmer 1

Hogan Stott Hogan Hogan Hogan Hogan 1 Hogan Hogan

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

H FAC4Q A FAC1 H FAC2

4-0 2-1 3-2

-

Keane Keane Keane

Stott Stott Stott

Croasdale Croasdale ² Croasdale ¹

Palmer Palmer Palmer 1

Hogan Hogan Hogan

Thomas Kitching Kitching ³

A A A H A A H

NL NL NL FAT3 NL NL NL

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

Thomas Minihan Minihan Keane Minihan Minihan Southam-Hales ¹

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

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

NL FAC3 FAT4 NL NL NL

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

-

4 4 4 3

Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Barnes Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe

Southam-Hales ¹ Minihan 5 Southam-Hales ³ Minihan Keane Minihan

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

Maynard Maynard Maynard Maynard Maynard Maynard

Keane Keane Palmer 1 Keane Palmer Keane

Hogan Hogan Stott Hogan Hogan Hogan

Kitching Kitching Williams Kitching Kitching ¹ Kitching

H H H A A H H

NL NL NL NL NL NL NL

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

-

5 3 4 4 6 6 4

Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe

Minihan Southam-Hales Southam-Hales Southam-Hales Southam-Hales Minihan Minihan

Southam-Hales Stott Jennings J Stott Stott ¹ Jennings J Jennings J 1

Maynard ² Croasdale Maynard Maynard ³ Minihan Croasdale Croasdale

Keane Palmer Palmer Palmer Palmer Palmer Palmer

Hogan Hogan Hogan Hogan Hogan Hogan Hogan

Kitching ¹ Williams ¹ Williams Collar ² Collar ³ Walker ¹ Walker ²

A A H A H H

NL NL NL NL NL NL

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

-

4 4 5 4 4 4

Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe

Minihan Minihan Minihan Minihan Minihan Minihan ³

Jennings J Jennings J Jennings J Jennings J 1 Jennings J Jennings J

Croasdale Maynard Maynard Maynard ³ Croasdale Croasdale

Palmer ³ Keane Keane Keane Palmer Palmer

Hogan Hogan Hogan 1 Hogan Keane Keane

Walker ² Walker 1 Walker ² Stretton ² Walker ² Shaw ¹

A H A H H A A

NL NL NL NL NL NL NL

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

-

4 4 4 4 4 4 4

Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe

Minihan Southam-Hales Southam-Hales Southam-Hales ² Southam-Hales Southam-Hales Minihan

Jennings J Jennings J Jennings J Jennings J Jennings J Jennings J Jennings J

Croasdale Croasdale Croasdale Croasdale Croasdale Croasdale ² Croasdale

Palmer 1 Palmer Palmer Palmer Palmer Palmer 1 Palmer

Hogan Hogan Hogan Hogan Hogan Hogan Hogan ¹

Walker ³ Walker ² Walker Walker Walker ¹ Walker Walker ²

A H H H H A

NL NL NL NL NL NL

1-0 4-0 1-1 2-2 1-1* 2,273 1-0 1,689

4 3 3 3 3 3

Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe

Southam-Hales Minihan Southam-Hales Southam-Hales 1 Southam-Hales Southam-Hales

Jennings J Jennings J ³ Jennings J Jennings J Jennings J Jennings J

Croasdale Croasdale 1 Croasdale Croasdale Croasdale Croasdale

Palmer Palmer Palmer Palmer 1 Palmer Palmer

Hogan Hogan Hogan Hogan Hogan Hogan

Walker ³ Walker ¹ Rydel ² Walker ¹ Walker ² Walker

A H H A A H H H

H NLPOSF

Att Pos

-

Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe

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

Key:

CHE

STERFIELD FC

Bold = Goalscorer 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 = 1st / 2nd / 3rd / 4th / 5th Sub / = Yellow / Red Card = Penalty, * = Own Goal = Lost 6-7 on Penalties, = After Extra Time # = West Ham United additional unused substitutes: Jennings J, Stott

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 Hinchy Stott Stott Minihan ¹

Croasdale Croasdale Croasdale ³ Rooney 1 ² Gilmour Gilmour Gilmour

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

Britton ² Britton ² Britton Bennett Britton Bennett Britton ³

Rooney 1 Rooney 4 Croasdale Rooney Rooney 1 Rooney 1 ³

Bennett ³ Croasdale Bennett Bennett 1 ³ Bennett Croasdale

Croasdale Jennings C ² Jennings C ² Croasdale Jennings C Jennings C 1

Reid 1 ² Reid ¹ Thomas Reid 1 ¹ Reid ² Reid 1 ²

Barnes Barnes Hinchliffe Barnes Barnes Barnes

Minihan ¹ Hinchy 4 Minihan ² Jennings C ³ Minihan Palmer ³

Gilmour Gilmour Rooney Palmer Stott Stott

Williams ² Southam-Hales ² Hogan Williams ¹ Williams ¹ Williams ²

Thomas ³ Thomas ³ Reid ³ Thomas ² Croasdale ² Bennett ¹

Rooney Rooney Rooney Rooney Rooney Rooney Rooney ³

Croasdale Bennett Bennett Keane Bennett ² Dalby Dalby ¹

Jennings C Jennings C Walker ² Walker ¹ Gilmour Gilmour Gilmour

Reid ³ Reid 1 ² Reid ¹ Reid Reid Reid ² Reid 1

Barnes Barnes Barnes Barnes Barnes Barnes Barnes

Palmer ² Jennings J ² Stott Jennings J Jennings J ¹ Keane Keane ³

Stott Maynard Collar ¹ Williams ³ Williams ³ Collar ² Collar ²

Williams ¹ Minihan ¹ Minihan ² Minihan ² Maynard Maynard Cardwell ¹

Bennett ³ Thomas Keane Bennett ¹ Dalby ² Bennett ¹ Newby

Newby Rooney 2 ² Newby ³ Newby ¹ Newby ¹ Newby

Dalby ¹ Croasdale Croasdale Madden Madden ³ Madden 1

Collar Cardwell 1 ¹ Cardwell ¹ Croasdale Cardwell 1 Collar

Reid Reid ³ Reid Reid Collar 1 Reid ²

Barnes Barnes Barnes Barnes Barnes Barnes

Keane ² Newby ² Shaw Walker ² Shaw ² Walker

Maynard Collar Collar ² Collar Stretton Stretton ³

Cardwell ¹ Stretton 1 ¹ Stretton 1 ³ Southam-Hales ¹ Southam-Hales ³ Southam-Hales ¹

Bennett ³ Bennett ³ Madden ¹ Bennett ³ Reid 1 ¹ Cardwell ²

Stretton 1 ¹ Rooney Rooney 1 ² Rooney 1 Rooney Rooney 1 ³ Rooney

Madden Madden Madden ¹ Madden 2 Madden 1 Madden Madden 1

Cardwell Cardwell Cardwell ³ Cardwell ¹ Cardwell 1 Cardwell ¹ Cardwell 2 ²

Collar ² Collar ¹ Reid 2 Reid 1 ³ Reid ² Collar Newby

Fitzsimons Fitzsimons Fitzsimons Fitzsimons Fitzsimons Fitzsimons Fitzsimons

Newby Newby ¹ Newby ¹ Newby Newby ¹ Newby ³ Rydel ²

Rooney ¹ Keane Maynard ² Williams ³ Williams Maynard ² Maynard

Southam-Hales ² Minihan ² Minihan ³ Minihan ² Minihan ² Minihan Southam-Hales ¹

Reid ³ Reid Collar Collar ¹ Collar Reid 1 ¹ Reid ³

Rooney Rooney 1 Rooney Rooney Rooney Rooney 1

Madden 1 Madden Madden 1 ¹ Newby Newby Keane

Cardwell ² Cardwell ² Cardwell Cardwell ³ Rydel ¹ Cardwell ¹

Collar ¹ Reid 2 Newby Reid ² Reid Reid ²

Fitzsimons Fitzsimons Fitzsimons Fitzsimons Fitzsimons

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

Maynard ¹ Maynard Keane Maynard Williams ² Williams

Minihan ³ Southam-Hales Minihan Minihan ¹ Minihan Minihan ²

Reid Newby ¹ Reid ¹ Keane ² Keane Newby

Stanyer

Hopkins

Williams ² Williams ³

Minihan Minihan ¹

Williams ³

Minihan ¹

Palmer 5 Kitching ¹

Bennett ¹ # Keane

Rydel ³

65

National League News CHE

STERFIELD FC

After such a closely contested and keenly competed league campaign, it’s no surprise that the play-offs so far have been every bit as enthralling, with two highquality games ending in narrow victories for both home teams.

Notts County led the way last weekend, overcoming Chesterfield by three goals to two, before County’s opponents today, Hartlepool, beat Bromley by the same scoreline the following day.

The two 3-2’s followed completely different narratives however. Notts County’s was a comeback victory, thrillingly secured in the 90th minute when veteran centre-back Mark Ellis headed home from a free-kick to spark scenes of jubilation. Pools meanwhile raced into a 3-0 lead within 24 minutes, before goals for Bromley at either end of the second half reduced arrears on their part.

Those results ensured that the second, third, fourth and fifthplaced teams would contest the play-off semi-finals, with Torquay hosting Notts County yesterday in the first of those games.

Of course, the result from Plainmoor will be known to you all now, though whichever of the four teams meet to secure that prized place in the Football League this time next week, there can be no doubting their pedigree to compete at such a level. Between us all a combined 436 years of Football League service has been amassed, with all four clubs able to reflect on long, unbroken spells in the league that pre-date at least the Second World War. 66

The quest to recapture that status has been an arduous one.

Torquay and County can dwell on days down at step six, in the National League South and North respectively. Notts County fell at the final hurdle last season, losing in the play-off final, and Hartlepool have finished no higher than 12th in their three seasons at this level. Make no mistake, the National League is tough terrain to navigate!

This campaign has been no exception, with Sutton United surprising everyone with their stellar season, securing promotion to the Football League for the first time in their 123-year history in the penultimate game. It’s a fitting example, if ever it were needed, of the tenacity and teamwork required to be the best.

As fans of clubs at this level, we understand that history or wealth provide no guarantee of success.

Battle-hardened supporters of Wrexham FC know this greater than most of course, having longed for a return to the Football League since their relegation in 2008. Perhaps it will have come as little surprise to them then that despite the high-profile takeover of the club by Hollywood actors Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, the results on the final day of the season mean their attempts must extend into a 14th season.

The Welsh club’s draw at Dagenham, combined with Chesterfield and Bromley both winning that weekend, meant Wrexham relinquished sixth spot, dropping two places to eighth.

Agonisingly, they had been in the play-off places after 16 of the previous 20 games.

Manager Dean Keates and eight of his players have since departed, as the new owners look to inspire a change of fortune next season.

Newly-relegated Grimsby Town and Southend United will also be looking for fresh starts as they aim to stem their declines. Supporters of Southend have the sorriest of the two tales, having supported a League One side at the start of the pandemic, just over a year ago, before back-to-back relegations meant an end to 101 years in the Football League. In manager Phil Brown they have a charismatic character who has managed as high as the Premiership, though it may well be a long road back for The Shrimpers.

That’s all ahead, though for now there are just two games left of this National League season. Whoever reaches the Football League will add great value to it, though County have undoubtedly suffered the most and over the longest period. Please, footballing gods of fate, let this be our turn!

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Match Officials Referee David Richardson Assistant Referee 1 Darren Williams

Stockport County 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 17 18 19 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 34

Hartlepool United

Ben Hinchliffe Sam Minihan James Jennings Liam Hogan Ash Palmer Lois Maynard Adam Thomas John Rooney Richie Bennett Connor Jennings Jordan Williams The Blue & White Army Mark Kitching Jamie Stott Jordan Keane Macauley Southam-Hales Ryan Croasdale Alex Reid Joshua Barnes Harvey Gilmour Finley Stanyer Jack Hopkins Adam Owen Ross Fitzsimons Jack Hinchy Will Collar Tom Walker Harry Cardwell Elliot Newby Ryan Rydel Paddy Madden

[1357] [1359] [1397] [1395] [1372] [1394] [1373] [1400] [1396] [1339] [1404] [1398] [1380] [1370] [1401] [1402] [1399] [1407]

[1405] [1406] [1388] [1409]

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 26 29 30 31 33

Ben Killip Lewis Cass David Ferguson Gary Liddle Timi Odusina Mark Shelton Ryan Donaldson Nicky Featherstone Mason Bloomfield Luke Molyneux Rhys Oates Joe Grey Brad James Gavan Holohan Ryan Johnson Claudio Ofosu Josh MacDonald Luke Williams Tom White Aaron Cunningham Henrich Ravas Tom Crawford Jamie Sterry Zaine Francis-Angol Luke Armstrong Adam Campbell Brad Young Jake Cooper

[1410] [1414] [1412]

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 Johnathon Bickerdike Fourth Official Thomas Parsons

National League Play-Off Final Today’s winner will face Torquay United or Notts County at Ashton Gate, Bristol, on Sunday 20th June 2021, 2pm kick-off.

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