The EXILE 13 - Newport County AFC v Stockport County

Chairman: Gavin Foxall

Directors: Bob Herrin, Joe Crocker, Kevin Ward, Mark Crook, Mike Everett, Paul Marks, Peter Madigan, Shaun Johnson.

Sporting Director: Darren Kelly

Honorary Club President: David Hando

Manager: Graham Coughlan

Assistant Manager: Joe Dunne

First Team Coach: Jarred Harvey

Goalkeeping Coach: James Hollman

Senior Physiotherapist: Ryan Harrison Analyst: Conor McGaharan

Kit Man: Neil Leek

General Manager: Nigel Stephenson

Club Secretary: Matthew Higgins Academy Manager: Luke Hussey

Media Manager: Ben Wills

Media Assistant: Louis Cartwright-Walls

Commercial Manager: Matthew Owen

Supporter Liaison Officer: Donna Linton

Community Development Officer: Norman Parselle

Club Chaplain: Keith Beardmore

GRAHAM COUGHLAN

It is good to be back at Rodney Parade today for what will be my first fixture at Rodney Parade against opposition that aren’t Colchester United!

Going back to the FA Cup last weekend, I was very satisfied with the manner of the performance due to the fact that we managed to achieve our aim of progressing into the next round of the FA Cup. Colchester changed the way they shaped up and played against us, so it was a different challenge to the one we faced previously against them and it was important we went into the game focussed on making sure we treated the game in the correct manner – which we did. That won’t go down as our best performance of the season however, the most important thing was making sure we were in the hat on Monday evening. It was good to see us get another home draw and we will look forward to facing either Derby County or Torquay United once our opposition is confirmed following their replay next week.

We then travelled to Leicester on Tuesday evening in the Carabao Cup and it was great to see so many Exiles at the King Power Stadium and whilst it wasn’t the type of result we had hoped for, we came up against some high quality opposition and there is a reason why they have had success at the top level of football over the last few years. I felt as though we were very resolute in our shape defensively and definitely grew into the game and improved our threat in the second half. We went there to win the game and that is our mentality in any game we play, regardless of the opposition.

Leading onto today, it will prove to be another competitive game against a team who are performing well in their first season back in the EFL following a period in the National League. They seem to be playing with confidence and they have some good players, but we will make sure we are prepared properly and we ourselves have good players so it should be an interesting game. On that note, I want to welcome Dave Challinor, the technical staff, directors, players and supporters from Stockport County and hope they have a safe journey to and from Rodney Parade.

We’ve put in some good performances over the last few weeks and we are looking to do so again today. I touched on the fantastic support we’ve had at Leicester and other away games recently and I’m hoping for a big, proud and loud crowd here for today to. We are hoping that we can continue building on the connection with the fans that I’ve felt since I came here and we can do that by hearing you and translating your energy from the terraces onto the pitch.

Enjoy the game and get behind the lads.

Graham

I would like to begin by offering you all a warm welcome back to Rodney Parade for today’s EFL League 2 fixture against Stockport County.

AMBER FROM THE ATTIC

A warm welcome back to Stockport County at Rodney Parade this afternoon which gives us a handy opportunity to raid the dusty programme vaults once more, this time looking back to August 1976…

The financial sector in the UK was in a bit of turmoil; Labour’s James Callaghan was in power at Westminster, Gerald Ford was bossing it at the White House, and Elton John and Kiki Dee were trying not to break each other’s hearts in the pop charts as the two ‘Port Countys dashed out at a sun-drenched Somerton Park on Saturday the 21stof August.

This indeed was the opening day of the Football League season, although the First Round of the League Cup had already taken place. We had crashed out to fellow Welsh side, and fellow Fourth Division Swansea City over two legs by four goals to two but had at least won the home leg courtesy of a Gary Bell penalty.

The fifteen-pence priced ‘Blue Note’ announced itself with‘Blue Talk ‘76’ and was looking back at that Swans tie insisting their 4-1 win at the Vetch the previous Saturday had in fact been a little flattering to them. The article wonders that, in Tuesday’s second leg against a Swansea side managed by Harry Griffiths what could have been if Tony Villars’ shot had gone in and not hit a post just after Bell’s spot kick. After welcoming Stockport, there is information regarding our youth set up and it states thatmatches in the Gwent Youth League would be played at Usk or Monmouth, with English and Welsh Cup matches taking place at Somerton.

In ‘Personal View,’ Bettws-based supporter Peter Hopkins looks enthusiastically towards the long season ahead and had felt encouraged by what he had witnessed in the home clash with the Swans, urging his fellow fans to “Get behind the team.” He was also “Impressed by

our new colours.”Those light blue and white strips, a-la-Argentina, that were the brainchild of manager Jimmy Scoular, which were certainly a controversial talking point then and even now, although of course in the sweltering summer of 1976 our internet chat rooms were either school playgrounds, work canteens or public bars!

Page three delivers a round-up of news including the announcement of former full-back David Williams’ return to the fold as our reserve team manager. Meanwhile, another return was noted, although not back to the club, in Len Weare’s return to Newport after living and working in South Africa for two years. Our former, appearance record-breaking goalkeeper was returning to his painter and decorator trade in his hometown.

Overleaf sees two full pages on Stockport, who had drawn both League Cup legs with Workington 0-0. They were led by Bury-born manager Eddie Quigley who was then in his second spell in charge at Edgeley Park. Amongst their ranks they boasted a few players who stir the old memory cells in Ken Fogarty, Steve Massey and former County loanee (from Aston Villa) Frank Pimblett, who had played seven league matches for us the previous March. A footnote in a piece looking at the history between the two teams concludes … “We have never lost to Stockport at Somerton! ”Hold my pint of Allbright Bitter someone…!

The ’Player Feature’concerned veteran striker and new signing from Cardiff City, Brian Clark, who needed just one more goal to become a member of the 200 league goals club. Brian did finally reach that landmark with both goals

in our 2-1 home win over Aldershot on September 18th. The much-loved forward, who sadly passed away in 2010 and managed our reserve team in the 1980’s course was best remembered for a famous cup goal however, even though it was for our then Ninian Park rivals. Nevertheless, even the most hardenedNewport County fan had to be impressed by Brian’s superbly headed winning goal in the Bluebird’s 1-0 European Cup-Winners’ Cup match against Real Madrid in 1971!

As we skip past the middle pages, mostly gobbled up with some lovely action shots from the Swans’ visit, including that Tony Villars’ effort that shook one of the Cromwell End uprights, we arrive at ‘Timeride To ’51’ and a look at our seasonal start some 25 years previously. Apparently, fans were chuffed to see top goal-poacher Reg Parker in our opening day line-up as the star striker had apparently been less than happy with the new terms offered by the club during the summer. The prolific Parker, as ever, was on the score sheet, but sadly his effort was mere consolation as we went down 1-3 at Ashton Gate to Bristol City. Our first home fixture however was a much happier affair as we overcame Northampton 2-0. There was also news that four County players had been selected for the Welsh League XI team to play their Irish counterparts in Belfast, although it’s noted that none of the Welsh team actually played at Welsh league level on a regular basis! For the record, the Somerton four were Ray Willox, Cliff Birch, Billy Shergold and that chap Parker.

In ‘News on Four’ details are given of the summer’s re-election vote where both ourselves and the Stockport Hatters had comfortably retained our precious league status. Cheers guys! Stockport gained 42 votes to our 41, but it’s noted that Workington only edged out leagueseeking Yeovil by two measly X’s, so the warning bell had been duly sounded to the perennial strugglers of the ninety-two.

New faces dropping down from Division Three were Halifax, Southend, Colchester and Aldershot who replaced the class swots of ’75/76 in Lincoln, Northampton, Tranmere and Reading.

Alf Buckley potters along next with his ‘Commercial Scene’ where thanks are given to youngsters Chris O’Reilly (who was 13) and 14-year-old Clive Horton who had spent part of their summer holidays paintingSomerton Park’s souvenir shop. Chris, who sadly passed away a number of years ago, wasa very good footballer and in fact played for the club at youth and reserve team level. Clive, despite being exiled living in Plymouth for 34 years after a stint in the Royal Navy, is still a regular supporter to this day. The featured ‘County Bounty Girl’ bringing atouch of glamour to the programmes pages is 22-year-old Diane Jones

from the Ringland area and her favourite County fella was Gary Bell. Diane also liked watching Newport Speedway.

The last-but-one-page hands out details of our pre-season matches. We had opened with a 4-1 win at Cwmbran before edging out a 1-0 victory at league hopefuls Yeovil. We then whacked five without reply past Brecon Corries. Another success followed at Cheltenham (by three goals to one) before drawing one each (with more weakenedline ups) at Clevedon and losing 0-2 to Llanfrechfa Grange. A stronger team then lost 1-2 at Minehead before another second string XI had runs out at Keynsham (0-0) and Caerleon where we won 4-1.

As previously mentioned, Stockport, without a win ever at our beloved Somerton Park, ended that run with a 1-0 victory thanksto an Alan Thompson goal, watched a largely disappointed 2,746 supporters.

Our season thereafter lurched from one disaster to the another until a new board, early in 1977 took over and appointed “Mr. Miracle” Colin Addison as gaffer, who promptly steered the good ship Newport to safety thanks to an amazing run of form from mid-March culminating in the famous “Great Escape” final day, winner-takes-all showdown against Workington where a scrambled Eddie Woods goal rode us to safety in the unfortunate Cumbrians’ last ever league match.

The ‘other’County, from Greater Manchester, finished comfortably mid table in 14th spot.

Teams:

County: Gary Plumley, Peter Morgan, Gary Bell, John Emanuel, Ronnie Walker, Steve Derrett, Tony Villars, Brian Clark, EddieWoods, John Parsons (Roddy Jones), Andy White.

Stockport (as printed): Ian Holbrook, Derek Loadwick, Alan Thompson, Ken Fogarty, Alan McNeill, Dave Lennard, Steve Massey, Barney Daniels, Terry Park, Peter Fletcher, John Rutter. Sub:Colin Hardman.

View From The Boardroom

It’s been a week of cup fever. Our win against Colchester last weekend saw us progress to the second round in the FA Cup and draw at home against either Torquay United or Derby County. I always find the Cup draws a tense affair and was very pleased with the outcome especially given the selection for TV. Whoever we play I am sure it will be a great atmosphere and occasion. Following the cup theme, the noise created by the travelling fans in Leicester was excellent. Thank you to everyone who made the trip and result aside the boys gave a good account of themselves against a very strong Premier League team.

Today’s game is our Remembrance game. Prior to kickoff the Royal British Legion will parade their Standard and will be joined by a bugler from the Prince of Wales Band. Along with a representative from Stockport County, I will lay a wreath and stand for a minute’s silent reflection in remembrance for all those who gave their lives for our country and our future.

On Sunday the club will be part of the Remembrance Day parade within the city. The club will have representation throughout the club covering Directors, Officials, Supporters, Academy etc. This event has become a firm feature in the club’s calendar.

As part of our Remembrance activities, we would like to welcome the Royal British Legion as our very special Charity of the Day today. The Royal British Legion provides a lifeline for thousands of serving and ex-serving personnel and their families. They work hard to support the most vulnerable in our society, be it older veterans that they care for, those who suffer from social isolation, or those who are simply overwhelmed by the challenges associated with the cost-of-living crisis.

Newport County AFC is a big supporter of the military

and its veterans in the local area and has a very positive relationship with the Newport Veterans Hub. We are a signatory to the MOD’s Employer Recognition Scheme and have recently signed the Armed Forces Covenant.

As we pay tribute to those who have served and sacrificed during Remembrance this year, we hope that you will show your support to all the amazing Poppy Appeal volunteers, some of which we have in the Marquee today. YOU can also support the Royal British Legion by donating via text to 70545; to donate £2 text POPPY2, £5 text POPPY5 or £10 to POPPY10. (97% of the donation goes to the RBL).

We would like to extend a warm welcome to Caerwent JFC as our club of the day.

Caerwent Junior Football Club in Monmouthshire is a friendly club where all ages and abilities are welcome to join in and have FUN. The club has been around since at least 1956 when they beat Garden City U14’s in the Knockout Cup and now boasts over 100 players from the local area aged 5 and upwards spread over our 9 mini and youth teams. Last season their U13 team and coaches were recognised by East Gwent AFL as ‘Team of the Year’ for their outstanding Sportsmanship, commitment, and attitude. On top of this, the league highlighted the support provided by the parents, friends and the community which provides the atmosphere for their players to thrive.

You can find out more at www.caerwentjfc.org.

Finally, I wanted to wish a speedy recovery to our general manager Nigel Stephenson who was taken ill this week at the club’s offices.

Good luck to Graham and lads this afternoon.

Gavin

A warm welcome to all the Directors, Players, and Officials of Stockport County for this afternoon’s EFL league fixture.

APPEARANCES &

GOALSCORERS

2022-23 SEASON Statistics supplied by Gareth Swattridge * OUT ON LOAN. ** NO LONGER AT THE CLUB.

League Cup Total

No Name Apps Goals YC RC Apps Goals YC RC Apps Goals YC RC

1 Joe DAY 5 (0) 0 0 0 5 (0) 0 0 0 10 (0) 0 0 0

2 Cameron NORMAN 16 (1) 0 3 0 5 (1) 0 0 0 21 (2) 0 3 0

3 Declan DRYSDALE

7 (2) 0 1 1 4 (1) 0 2 0 11 (3) 0 3 1

4 Sam BOWEN 3 (2) 0 1 0 4 (2) 0 1 0 7 (4) 0 2 0

5 James CLARKE 13 (0) 0 2 0 2 (1) 0 0 0 15 (1) 0 2 0

6 Priestley FARQUHARSON 6 (0) 0 0 0 6 (0) 0 1 0 12 (0) 0 1 0

7 Robbie WILLMOTT 4 (6) 0 0 0 4 (0) 0 2 0 8 (6) 0 2 0

8 Matty DOLAN 5 (1) 0 0 0 3 (1) 0 0 0 8 (2) 0 0 0

9 Omar BOGLE 17 (0) 7 1 0 3 (3) 2 0 0 20 (3) 9 1 0

10 Offrande ZANZALA 2 (0) 0 0 0 0 (2) 0 0 0 2 (2) 0 0 0

11 James WAITE 9 (5) 0 2 0 4 (2) 3 1 0 13 (7) 3 3 0

14 Aaron LEWIS 9 (2) 0 0 0 4 (2) 1 0 0 13 (4) 1 0 0

17 Scot BENNETT 14 (0) 1 6 0 1 (2) 0 0 0 15 (2) 1 6 0

18 Chanka ZIMBA 0 (13) 0 0 0 4 (1) 2 0 0 4 (14) 2 0 0

19 Thierry NEVERS 5 (6) 1 1 0 2 (1) 0 0 0 7 (7) 1 1 0

20 Hayden LINDLEY 3 (2) 0 0 0 0 (0) 0 0 0 3 (2) 0 0 0

21 Lewis COLLINS 2 (10) 0 0 0 4 (3) 1 1 0 6 (13) 1 1 0

22 Nathan MORIAH-WELSH 11 (3) 3 3 0 3 (3) 0 1 0 14 (6) 3 4 0

23 Harrison BRIGHT 0 (0) 0 0 0 0 (1) 0 0 0 0 (1) 0 0 0 24 Aaron WILDIG 7 (4) 0 0 0 2 (1) 1 1 0 9 (5) 1 1 0 27 Adam LEWIS 10 (3) 0 2 0 6 (0) 0 2 0 16 (3) 0 4 0 28 Mickey DEMETRIOU 16 (0) 0 2 0 4 (1) 0 0 0 20 (1) 0 2 0 29 Will EVANS 11 (5) 2 2 0 4 (1) 2 1 0 15 (6) 4 3 0 30 Nick TOWNSEND 12 (0) 0 0 0 2 (0) 0 0 0 14 (0) 0 0 0 Up

8.11.2022 Pos Team

L F A

1 LEYTON ORIENT 17 12 3 2 26 11 15 39

STEVENAGE 17 11 3 3 24 15 9 36

NORTHAMPTON TOWN 17 9 5 3 29 19 10 32

BARROW AFC 17 10 1 6 24 17 7 31

BRADFORD CITY 17 8 6 3 23 14 9 30

SWINDON TOWN 17 8 6 3 23 17 6 30 7 CARLISLE UNITED 17 7 7 3 26 19 7 28 8 SALFORD CITY 17 8 3 6 19 14 5 27 9 MANSFIELD TOWN 17 8 3 6 26 23 3 27 10 TRANMERE ROVERS 17 7 4 6 18 13 5 25 11 DONCASTER ROVERS 17 7 4 6 20 21 -1 25 12 WALSALL 17 6 5 6 21 16 5 23 13 GRIMSBY TOWN 16 6 5 5 18 14 4 23 14 STOCKPORT COUNTY 17 6 4 7 21 19 2 22 15 AFC WIMBLEDON 17 6 4 7 22 24 -2 22 16 CREWE ALEXANDRA 16 4 7 5 15 20 -5 19 17 SUTTON UNITED 17 5 4 8 16 23 -7 19 18 NEWPORT COUNTY AFC 17 4 4 9 15 20 -5 16 19 ROCHDALE 17 4 3 10 13 23 -10 15 20 CRAWLEY TOWN 16 3 5 8 18 28 -10 14 21 HARROGATE TOWN 17 3 4 10 17 27 -10 13 22 GILLINGHAM 16 2 7 7 6 17 -11 13 23 HARTLEPOOL UNITED 17 2 6 9 15 30 -15 12 24 COLCHESTER UNITED 17 2 5 10 14 25 -11 11 Up to and including 8.11.22

‘LOVE FOOTBALL. PROTECT THE GAME’

To mark the new season, we want to make you aware of new measures being taken across all of football to ensure everyone can have a safe and enjoyable experience. We are supporting strong action from the FA, Premier League and EFL to tackle anti-social and criminal behaviours that put all of us at risk.

This reflects the seriousness of the risks to fans and staff – pyros can burn at 2000 degrees Celsius and cause lifechanging injuries, while entering the pitch endangers players, managers and match officials.

We know those who commit these illegal acts do not represent the majority of supporters. #LoveFootball #ProtectTheGame

Newport County AFC are delighted to announce Luke Hussey as our Academy Manager.

ussey recently joined the club as Head of Coaching after a nineyear spell as part of the youth development team at Bristol City across multiple sectors.

He initially joined the Robins in 2013 as a Youth Development Phase Coach before being appointed the Lead Foundation Phase Coach at the club.

Then, from 2016 until earlier this year, Luke moved on to being the Head of Schoolboy Coaching at Bristol City's High Performance Centre where he was

responsible for the development of all players and coaches from Under-9 to 16 level.

COUNTY IN THE COMMUNITY

WHAT A HALF TERM

During October half term week, we were back to Fit & Fed delivery in Alway. Fit & Fed is delivered to provide a safe place for young people to get physically active and try new sports with their friends. It is also aiming to fight Holiday Hunger and Social Isolation during the half terms, giving young people a chance to express themselves and keep fit while away from school.

The session aims to provide a place where young people can be influenced to make more positive decisions and be exposed to positive role models, instilling good

standards into their everyday life. Young people through Fit & Fed are educated around the importance of a balanced diet and given tips on how to stay hydrated and energised throughout the half terms.

This week we engaged children in football, dodgeball, handball and multi skills sessions. During the lunch breaks, their skills were put to the test to build their own healthy wraps! Over 50 young people were provided with over 200 snacks, with almost 150 meals served throughout the two days!

Walking Football

We were lucky enough to be invited along as guests of Children in Need to their Walk with Joe event at Tredegar House! We attended and showcased our Fit & Fed provision, giving the programme some welldeserved exposure. We took part in the 2KM parkrun which aimed at getting young people moving with friends and family! Staff were lucky enough to chat with Joe Wicks and Spytty was buzzing to meet Pudsey!

For more information around Fit & Fed among other community provisions contact Liam Jenkins – liam. jenkins@newport-county.co.uk

Rainbow Laces campaign

County in the Community (CITC) are supporting Stonewall and The Premier League Charitable Fund (PLCF) with the Rainbow Laces campaign, which was created to help tackle homophobia. CitC staff spoke with participants at sessions and provided some with Rainbow Laces. The iconic Rainbow Laces have become a symbol of inclusion across sport. The Rainbow Laces campaign this year took place between 19th-31st October with Rainbow Laces Day being on the 26th of October, to show support for all LGBTQ+ community in sport and beyond.

A key focus of the partnership with Stonewall encourages LGBTQ+ acceptance among children and young people involved in community and education initiatives such as Premier League Primary Stars and Premier League Kicks. Since the Rainbow Laces campaign started in 2013 over a million people have laced up in support of LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport (Stonewall, 2022).

Coaches, teachers and leaders are equipped with bespoke resources and programmes developed by the League and Stonewall which promote positive attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community.

One participant from a CitC Partner Primary School was given a pair of Rainbow Laces during a PL Primary Stars session. That same participant attended the Newport County AFC Soccer School in October/ November 2022 half term with his Rainbow Laces in his trainers showing his support towards LGBTQ+.

This will be the first Football League meeting between Newport County and Stockport County since the 1987-88 season, with Stockport winning both games that season.

Only one of the 34 Football League matches between Newport and Stockport has ended goalless, with that draw occurring in October 1966.

Walsall have won their last two league matches; they haven’t won three in a row since December 2020, which was a run of four. Stockport have kept a clean sheet in their last four league matches. They haven’t kept five in a row in the Football League since April 2008.

SUPPORTERS' TRUST

WHAT IS THE SUPPORTERS' TRUST?

The Newport County AFC Supporters' Trust is one of more than 140 Supporters' Trusts that exist under the umbrella of Supporters' Direct, a national body that provides assistance to supporters "who wish to play a responsible part i n the life of the football club they support".

The Trust was originally formed in 2001 and took a controlling stake in the foot ball club in October 2015 following a communi ty share issue which saw County supporters raise a magnificent £236,000 in just a month.

Since then, Newport County AFC has been a supporter-owned, communi ty-based club.

The primary purpose of the Trust is to provide funding to the club. Our aim is to donate at least £100,000 a se ason to the club.

As well as being owners of an EFL club, Trust members receive a range of benefits depending on their membership tier. All members have guaranteed priority tickets for cup matches.

More details about the Trust can be found on our website: www.ncafctrust.org

WHO IS ON THE TRUST BOARD?

The Board of the Supporters' Trust cur rently consists of seven elected directors and two co­opted directors. As the Trust is the majority shareholder i n the club, all Trust directors ore also registered with the Football League as directors of the club having passed the EFL's Owners and Directors Test.

Your Trust/Club elected directors are: Paul Marks (Trust chairman), Gavin Foxall, Shaun Johnson, Mike Everett, Joe Crocker, Bob Herrin and Kevin Ward. The two co-opted directors are Mark Crook and Peter Madigan.

HOW CAN YOU HELP THE TRUST?

There are a variety of ways in which County supporters can help the Trust.

BECOME A MEMBER: Becoming a Trust member guarantees you a range of benefits and helps the Trust donate more money to the club. Our aim is to donate £100,000 a season to help the manager.

The membership packa ges are as follows Bronze: £5 a month; Silver: £10 a month; Gold: £20 a month; Plat inum: £50+ a month.

Corporate membership is available at £1,000 a year or £600 for six months. More details here: www.ncafctrust.org/joi n

EASYFUNDRAISING: Join eosyfundroising and you can collect free donations for theTrust (and therefore the Club) every time you buy something online. It won't cost you a penny extra. Just start your online shopping first at www.eosyfundraising.org.uk/causes/ncafctrus t/, then shop as normal. Retailers will then make a small donation to say 'thank you'. T here are more than 3,200 retailers to choose from and so far this scheme hos raised almost £18,500 for the Trust.

VOLUNTEER: T he Trust and t he Club appreciates the many outstanding volunteers who give up their time to help in a variety of ways. If you have the time and skills you think could benefit the club, then please email info@ncafctrust.org

CONTACT THE TRUST

If you have any queries, suggestions, questions or proposals for the Trust, you can contact us via email info@ncafctrust.org or our website www.ncafctrust.org/contact-us

About

Barnardo’s Cymru believes that every child deserves a happy and healthy childhood, no matter who they are or what they have been through. We work with vulnerable children, young people, families, and communities across Wales, helping them to build a better future.

Around 1 in 3 children in the UK are now living in poverty and we continue to support families across Wales with advice and support such as food vouchers and specialist support through our partnership with Citizen’s Advice. We have launched new helplines including one for Ukrainian refugees, and online advice to support parents through our virtual Barnardo’s Family Space and teachers through the Barnardo’s Education Community.

We are very proud to provide a range of support across Newport including family support, mental health and wellbeing, disability support, young carers, care leavers, domestic abuse, child sexual exploitation victims and Fostering.

It is fantastic to have the support of Newport County AFC who have helped us provide opportunities for young people and families to attend matches, get involved more in their communities as well as supporting us directly in our services. Thank you, Newport County!

barnardos.org.uk/wales

INTRODUCING STOCKPORT COUNTY

Welcome …

With three successive League Two victories and a draw, last season’s National League champions STOCKPORT COUNTY looked to have found their EFL feet and are sure to provide a stern test this afternoon.

FACT FILE…

Formed: 1883.

Previous Names: Heaton Norris Rovers (1883-88), Heaton Norris (1888-90).

Ground: Edgeley Park, Hardcastle Road, Edgeley, Stockport SK2 9DD.

Capacity: 10,852 (all-seated).

Previous Grounds: Heaton Norris Recreation Ground (1883-84), Heaton Norris Wanderers Cricket Ground (188485), Chorlton’s Farm (1885-86), Ash Inn Ground (1886-87), Wilkes Field (1887-89), Green Lane (18891902).

Best League Position: 8th Division 1 (second tier), 1997-98.

Best in FA Cup: Round 5, 1934-35, 1949-50 and 2000-01.

Best in League Cup: Semi-Finalists, 1996-97.

Best in EFL Trophy: Runners-up, 1991-92 and 1992-93).

Best in FA Trophy: Semi-Finalists2018-19and2021-22.

Record Win: 13-0 v Halifax Town, Division 3 (North), January 1934.

Record Defeat: 0-9 v Everton Reserves, Football Combination, December 1893.

Record Attendance: 27,833 v Liverpool, FA Cup Round 5, February 1950.

Record Appearances: Andy Thorpe, 555 games (1978-86, 1988-92).

Record Scorer: Jack Connor, 132 (1951-56)

Record Signing: Ian Moore, £800,000 from Nottingham Forest, July 1998.

Record Departure: Alun Armstrong, £1.6m to Middlesbrough, February 1998.

Most Capped Player: Jarkko Wiss, 9 (45) Finland.

1883-2022…

1891-94 Football Combination; 1894-1900 Lancashire League; 190004 Division 2; 1904-05 Midland League; 1905-21 Division 2; 1921-22 Division 3 (North); 1922-26 Division 2; 1926-37 Division 3 (North); 193738 Division 2; 1938-58 Division 3 (North); 1958-59 Division 3; 1959-67 Division 4; 1967-70 Division 3; 1970-91 Division 4; 1991-92 Division 3; 1992-97 Division 2 (third tier); 1997-2002 Division 1; 2002-04 Division 2; 2004-05 League One; 2005-08 League Two; 2008-10 League One; 2010-11 League Two; 2011-13 Conference; 2013-19 National League

North; 2019-22 National League; 2022- League Two.

LAST 10FA CUP SEASONS …

Season League Position

Av. Att:

2012-13 Conference Premier 21 (rel.) 3480 2013-14 Conference North 14 2571 2014-15 Conference North 11 2634 2015-16 National League North 9 3082 2016-17 National League North 8 3477 2017-18 National League North 5 (p/off) 3443 2018-19 National League North 1 (prom.) 3997 2019-20 National League 7 (p/off) 4342 2020-21 National League 3 (p/off) BCD 2021-22 National League 1 (prom.) 7126

BACK STORY … Beginning

This afternoon’s visitors came into being as Heaton Norris Rovers in 1883 following a meeting of keen local footballers from Wycliffe Congregational Chapel. By the start of the next decade, with the creation of the County Borough of Stockport, the club changed their name to Stockport County and ended a nomadic existence by moving into their current Edgeley Park home in 1902.

League History

Stockport joined the Football League Second Division in 1900, replacing fellow ‘Hatters’ Luton Town and, apart from the 1904-05 campaign, remained unbroken Football League members until relegation to the Conference in 2011. The majority of the timewas spent in the bottom tier, Division 3 (North) up to 1958 or Division 4, where they regularly locked horns with the south Wales County! Stockport endured an unbroken 21-season spell in the Football League’s basement, which Danny Bergara’s Hatters ended in 1991, finishing as Fourth Division runners-up, with former Newport County defender Paul Williams topping the scoring charts with 16 goals.

Stockport’s best League finish was eighth inDivision 1 under Gary Megson in 1997-98, two spots off the play-offs for the Premier League and 14 places higher than relegated neighbours Manchester City! A season earlier, thethen third tier Hatters, led by future Cardiff City boss Dave Jones,defeated three Premier League teams before losing to Middlesbrough in the Semi Final of the League Cup.

Non-League Years

Stockport’s descent into Conference North in 2013 was their third relegation in four seasons and, with the decision to switch to part-time football, future prospects seemed uncertain. However, in February 2015, the board of directors issued an open statement on club priorities, focusing on four key points: stability, sustainability, stadium and success. The last few seasons have seen progress on and off the pitch, culminating in last term’s National League championship success with an average crowd in excess of 7000.

Colours of Stockport

Our visitors were known as the ‘Dark Blues’ throughout their Heaton Norris days, switching to a red and white playing kit with their name change to Stockport in 1890. Fourteen years later, former Oldham Athletic boss David Ashworth was appointed manager andinsisted that his new chargesadopt the broad blue and white stripes favoured by Latics at that time. Ashworth departed for Liverpool in 1920, but the colours remained until 1933 when there was a change to white shirts and black shorts. The appointment of legendary German-born former Manchester City keeper Bert Trautmann as manager in 1965 saw a welcome return to blue and white, with white remaining the prominent shirt colour through much of the 1970s. There was a three-season stint in Argentina-style sky blue and white stripes from the late 1970s, though this was abruptly cancelled with the outbreak of the Falklands War in April 1980. Since then, it’s been blue and white, though a seven-season spell in Chelsea style blue/blue/white came to an end this summer with the current blue/white/blue offering.

PAST MANAGER …

For Newport County fans of a certain age, the 5-0 victory at Stockport in November 1979, complete with John Aldridge hat trick, was an epochal moment, a result arguably more significant than the more ‘glamorous’ 2-0 win at Portsmouth three weeks earlier as it showed that Len Ashurst’s side could win away emphatically on the archetypal Friday night in November!

It was also quite an eye-opener for newly appointed Hatters boss JIMMY McGUIGAN, who had succeeded former Manchester City and England winger Mike Summerbee in the Edgeley Park dugout just three days earlier. West Lothian-born McGuigan had won the Fourth Division title with Chesterfield in 1970, enjoyed subsequent success with Rotherham United and, as a former Stockport midfielder, was a popular appointment.

However, the ex-wing half, who was once photographed injecting a little extra bounce into Chesterfield training with a trampoline session, failed to spring any life into Stockport’s season as they ended up 16th. Subsequent finishes of 20th and 18th and a win ratio of under 31% brought an end to the McGuigan era and it was to be another nine years before Hatters eventually exited the fourth tier. Sadly, Jimmy did not live to see it, as he passed away in Chesterfield in 1988, aged 64.

1975-76 Division 4 2-2 (1652) 1-0 (2208)

1976-77 Division 4 0-1 (2746) 1-2 (3450)

1977-78 Division 4 2-2 (4083) 0-2 (3863)

1978-79 Division 4 1-2 (2659) 1-1 (4009)

1979-80 Division 4 3-1 (4727) 5-0 (3407)

1987-88 Division 4 1-2 (1626) 1-5 (2509)

2011-12 Conference Premier 1-1 (1205) 2-2 (3565) 2012-13 Conference Premier 0-0 (2306) 0-1 (3154)

HATTERS TODAY … Championship Plans

Having agreed a 250-year lease on Edgeley Park in February, Stockport have put their plans to redevelop their home ground with a capacity of 20,000 to the public as part of a scheme to bring the club back into the Championship. Non-Executive Chairman Ken Knott explained:

‘Edgeley Park has been our home since 1902 and the club has been a key part of the community in Stockport for 120 years. With our ambition to play Championship football once again, we have a real opportunity to invest in the stadium and create not just the sporting facilities we need, but a ripple effect reaching further into Stockport itself, boosting the town and its economy.We know promotion to the Championship will take some time and delivering the emerging plans will also take time. By proposing to deliver new stands in phases, culminating in a final capacity of approximately 20,000 seats, we can reduce the impact on the club and our neighbours, while still playing at home. Involving our neighbours and supporters early in the process of designing these expansion plans is very important to us. Our aim is to create excitement and ambition not just within the club, but across Stockport.’

MANAGER’S VIEW …

Dave Challinor explaining Hatters’ run of four successive League Two clean sheets to the club’s You Tube channel:

‘We have done the basics well and cut out the mistakes in the defensive third. The basics have been winning first balls and getting bodies around to win second balls. We have made good decisions, and if that decision is to hook things on, there is nothing wrong with that. You can defend as well as you like but you also need a little bit of luck and we’ve had that.’

FAN’S VIEW …

Hatters fanChloe Beresfordspeaking to ‘FourFourTwo’ magazine.

‘I won’t be happy unless we secure another promotion! I honestly feel this is a club that’s going places. The club listens to its fans. This never used to happen, but communication, and associated action, is better than ever.’

RECENT RESULTS …

08 Oct: Bradford City

COUNTY v COUNTY

1958-59 Division 3 2-0 (2447) 1-2 (8079)

1962-63 Division 4 3-1 (2573) 1-1 (3704)

1963-64 Division 4 3-1 (2966) 0-1 (2890)

1964-65 Division 4 2-0 (3815) 0-2 (4497)

1965-66 Division 4 1-0 (2760) 1-2 (3586)

1966-67 Division 4 1-1 (2351) 0-0 (12041)

1970-71 Division 4 3-1 (1479) 2-3 (3752)

1971-72 Division 4 1-0 (3359) 4-4 (1824)

1972-73 Division 4 1-0 (3012) 0-1 (2785)

1973-74 Division 4 3-1 (2546) 1-1 (2780)

1974-75 Division 4 3-3 (2634) 1-1 (1975)

F-A Att:

A 1-0 18615

15 Oct: Grimsby Town H 1-3 9464

18 Oct: Shrewsbury Town (EFL Trophy) H 1-0 1054

22 Oct: Salford City A 2-0 3633

25 Oct: Carlisle United H 2-0 8418

29 Oct: Sutton United H 3-0 8091

01 Nov: Tranmere Rovers

A 0-0 6800

05 Nov: Swindon Town (FA Cup Round 1) H 4-0 4534

Scorers: Madden 6 (1 pen), Sarcevic 5, Wootton 3, Collar 2, Horsfall 2, Jennings 2 (1 pen), Rydel 2, Camps 1, Crankshaw 1, Hippolyte 1, Hussey 1, Johnson 1, Wright 1.

PHIL TANNER MEET THE PLAYERS & MANAGEMENT OF STOCKPORT COUNTY

01 Ben Hinchliffe

GOALKEEPER

Joined the Hatters in May 2016 after four great years with AFC Fylde, with four successive play-off campaigns. Ben’s outstanding record at Edgeley Park includes being the only player to play every minute of every game when County won National League North in 2018-19 and after making his 250th appearance last February he became the first keeper in the club’s history to keep 100 clean sheets.

05 Ash Palmer

DEFENDER

02

Macauley Southam-Hales

DEFENDER

Played 33 times in 2021-22 as the club won the National League title, providing nine assists from right wingback. Macauley joined Stockport in the summer of 2020 on a two-year-deal, signing from Fleetwood Town. He spent 12 years in Cardiff City’s academy and moved to Barry Town before joining Fleetwood in January 2019 and had a loan from there to Hartlepool United.

04 Akil Wright

MIDFIELDER

A key player in last season’s promotion– but at York City who made it back to the National League via the NL North playoffs. Akil joined the Minstermen from Wrexham in 2020 and made a total of 54 appearances for them, scoring six. His previous clubs also include Barrow and AFC Fylde, where he was managed by current Hatters boss Dave Challinor.

Another crucial player in the club’s return to the EFL. Centreback Ash joined Stockport in the summer of 2018 from Guiseley. He was previously with Barnsley, Scunthorpe and Buxton but made his name at North Ferriby United, helping win promotion from National League North in 2016. He has twice been a divisional champion with Stockport, winning NL North in 2018-19and making 46 appearances in all competitions last season.

06 Fraser Horsfall

DEFENDER

A significant summer capture after two seasons with Northampton Town during which he missed only one league game and was named in last season’s PFA Team of the Year. Fraser scored the only goal when County (Newport) lost at Sixfields in February.The 6ft 3in centreback began his career at Huddersfield Town and as well as several loans spells moved on to Kidderminster Harriers and Macclesfield Town.

07 Connor Lemonheigh-Evans

MIDFIELDER

Free transfer signing from Torquay United as one of the top players in his role outside the EFL over several years. The 25-year-old spent three successive seasons on loan at the Gulls from Bristol City before signing permanently. He helped to win the NL South title in 2019 before making the move permanent the following summer and in 2020-21 he scored 10 goals and assisted 14 as the Devon club reached the NL playoff final.

08 Callum Camps

MIDFIELDER

Stockport-born and joined his hometown club in July. The 26-yearold was previously with Fleetwood Town and Rochdale. Callum came through the academy ranks at Dale, making his senior debut at just 17 in April 2013. He went on to make 240 appearances over eightyears, 199 of them coming in League 1. In the summer of 2020 he joined Fleetwood and he played more than 70 EFL games for them.

09 Paddy Madden

STRIKER

Prolific scorer,club captain and last term’s Player of the Year. Paddy, 32, started his career in Ireland with Bohemians. He first hit the headlines at Yeovil Town, where he won the League 1 Golden Boot. A move to Scunthorpe for a reported £300k in January 2014 helped the Iron return to L1 and the goals continued to flow at Fleetwood and after he joined Stockport in March 2021 for an undisclosed fee.

10 Antoni Sarcevic

MIDFIELDER

Joined Stockport after captaining Bolton Wanderers to promotion from League 2 in 2020-21. It was the fourth time in his career Antoni had been involved in promotion from the fourth tier and the second season in succession after Plymouth Argyle in 2020. That in turn was his second with Argyle and he also achieved it with Fleetwood via the 2014 playoffs. His other clubs include Crewe Alexandra, Chester and Shrewsbury Town.

11 Ollie Crankshaw STRIKER

Winger who joined Stockport from League 2 Bradford City for an undisclosed fee in September 2021, signing a three-year-deal. The 23-year-old had been a target for some time while at Curzon Ashton and Wigan Athletic, eventually making the move after a sevenmonth spell at Valley Parade. Ollie totalled 41 appearances last season, scoring 11 times and creating five as the Hatters returned to the Football League.

14 Will Collar

MIDFIELDER

Signed in February 2021 on a free from then Scottish Premier League side Hamilton, initially until the end of that season. Will previously worked under ex-County manager Simon Rusk during his time in Brighton’s academy. He headed north in the summer of 2019, making 25 appearances for Hamilton. He became a mainstay in County’s title-winning midfield three, racking up 11 goals and 10 assists in all competitions.

15 Ryan Johnson

DEFENDER

Dave Challinor’s first signing as County manager, from Port Vale in January. The 26-year-old spent six months at Vale Park after helping Challinor’s Hartlepool side win promotion to the EFL. The Northern Ireland U21 cap was in the academy at West Brom before joining Stevenage in 2013 and becoming their youngest ever EFL debutant. Including loans he went on to play for Boreham Wood, St Albans, Nuneaton and Kidderminster.

16 James Brown

DEFENDER

Attacking right back on a seasonlong loan from Championship side Blackburn Rovers. James joined Rovers from League of Ireland Premier Division side Drogheda United last January for an initial sixmonths. The 24-year-old made his Championship debut on the final day of last season. With Drogheda he won the 2020 League of Ireland First Division, captained the side and was named in the Premier Division Team of the Year.

17 Ryan Rydel

DEFENDER

One of several former Fleetwood players in the squad, having made 13 appearances in League One after coming through their academy and then signing a threeyear-deal at Edgeley Park. Able to play anywhere down the left, Ryan made his Stockport debut as a sub in April 2021. Last season he became a mainstay at wingback, registering 14 assists in 36 appearances and winning the Young Player of the Year award.

18 Ryan Croasdale

MIDFIELDER

Made 50 appearances last season in all competitions as County won the National League. The former Kidderminster and Fylde player is in his third season at Edgeley Park. Ryan was in the academy at Preston and first came to notice at Kidderminster, who he skippered. Fylde paid a reported £50k fee for his services and he helped them win the FA Trophy in 2018-19 andreach the NL playoff final the same season.

19 Kyle Wootton

STRIKER

Summer addition to the squad who hit 37 goals in 115 games for Notts County in the National League, illustrating manager Challinor’s ability to attract the best from that level to Edgeley Park. Kyle cut his teeth at Scunthorpe United and from there went out on loan to Lincoln City, North Ferriby United, Cheltenham Town, Stevenage, FC Halifax Town and Notts.

20 Elliot Newby MIDFIELDER

Joined the Hatters on loan from Chorley in February 2021 after the National League North season was cut short by the pandemic. Elliot impressed enough to earn a permanent deal that April after nine appearances. The attacking midfielder began his career at Bolton, moving on to Barrow in 2016. After spells at Altrincham and Telford he played a key role in Chorley’s promotion to the NL via the 2018-19 playoffs

21 Myles Hippolyte

MIDFIELDER

January window signing from relegation-bound Scunthorpe. Miles spent 18 months with the Iron and before that had five years in Scotland. He is a former Brentford scholar and went on to play for Southall, Tamworth, Hayes & Yeading, Burnham, Livingston, Falkirk, St Mirren and Dunfermline. While north of the border he won the Challenge Cup with Livingston and helped St Mirren win promotion to the SPL.

23 Chris Hussey

DEFENDER

Signed as a free agent in early September on a deal until the end of the season, having been released from his contract by Port Vale. The 33-year-old left Vale after nine months and their promotion from League 2 was the fifth of Chris’s career. Able to play left back and wing back, he has made more than 400 senior appearances in spending time with clubs including Wimbledon, Coventry, Burton Albion,Bury and Cheltenham Town.

25 Vítezslav Jaros

GOALKEEPER

Czech Republic U21 cap on loan from Liverpool. At Anfield since leaving Slavia Prague in 2017 aged 16, Vitezslav helped win the FA Youth Cup in 2019 and played for the Reds’ juniors in the EFL Trophy. He has been out on loan twice, lifting the FAI Cup and winning the League of Ireland’s Goalkeeper of the Year award while with St Patrick’s Athletic and spending the second half of last season at NationalLeague side Notts County.

28 Calum MacDonald

DEFENDER

Left back signed in October as a free agent after leaving Tranmere in the summer. The 24-year-old signed his first senior contract with Derby County in 2016 and was their U23 Player of the Year for 2016-17. The following season brought a loan to Barrow, where Calum made 21 National League appearances. He moved to Blackpool in August 2019 and Tranmere a year later, initially on loan.

29 Connor Jennings STRIKER

Well remembered by Newport supporters having scored the only goal of the 2018-19 playoff final for Tranmere.Connor signed in summer 2020 after four successful years at Prenton Park. He had an earlier loan with the Hatters from Scunthorpe. Including loans his other clubs include Macclesfield and Wrexham. His brother James was also with Wrexham and Stockport and is now Head of Player Development at Edgeley Park. Has just joined Altrincham on loan.

31 Joe Lewis DEFENDER

One of two players brought in from Torquay ahead of the current campaign, along with Connor Lemonheigh-Evans. Joe came through the youth team at Swansea City and appeared for their juniors in the EFL Trophy. He went on to play almost 100 first-team games for Torquay and was their Young Player of the Year last season.

DAVE CHALLINOR

MANAGER

Dave cut his teeth as a manager in North Wales with Colwyn Bay, who he took to their highest status in the English pyramid when they reached what was then called Conference North in 2011.

After 18 months with Bay he moved on to take charge of AFC Fylde in the second tier of the Northern Premier League in 2011-12 and promotion again soon followed, followed by a rise through to the National League.

Fylde peaked in 2018-19 with two Wembley appearances, beating Leyton Orient to win the FA Trophy but losing to Salford in the NL playoff final.

Dave moved on to Hartlepool in November 2019 and again promotion soon became the name of the game, this time to the EFL via the 2020-21 playoffs when theybeat Torquay in the final. After two years with Pools he joined Stockport a year ago and yet another promotion followed when they won the National League.

As a player Dave had a career of more than 400 senior games at centreback for Tranmere, Stockport and Bury and was reputed to have had the longest throw in football.

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