Official Matchday Programme
vs Altrincham Saturday 2nd January Kick-off 3:00pm
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Stockport County FC Edgeley Park, Hardcastle Road, Stockport, SK3 9DD
Chairman: Mark Stott Chief Executive Officer: Jonathan Vaughan Directors: Mark Stott (Majority Shareholder), Jonathan Vaughan, Ken Knott, Mark Dawson Club President: Steve Bellis Brand and Communications Director: David Ancell Director of Operations: Richard Simkin Life Presidents: Angela White, Robert Smith Bewley, Arthur Collister, Steve Cree, Richard Hill, Mike Flynn, George Hudson, John Rutter Director of Football: Simon Wilson Club Ambassadors: John Fitzpatrick, Freddie Goodwin, Alan Ogley Head of Football Administration: Alex Cowdy First-Team Manager: Jim Gannon Assistant Manager: Dave Conlon Goalkeeping Coach: Karl Lenaghan Physio: Luke Smith Strength & Conditioning: Nick Donnelly Kit Manager: Richard Landon First Team Scouting Consultant: Alan Lord Head of Performance Analysis: Sean O’Callaghan Club Doctor: Amjad Choudry Head of Commercial and Ticketing: Olivia Hanvey Conference and Events Manager: Melissa Ellison Retail & Photography: Mike Petch Online Shop: www.stockportcounty.com/shop Marketing Manager: Alice Gregory Content Executive: Carl Gozem Media Executive: Liam Richardson Ticket Office (matchdays only, from 12:30pm): Sarah Dibben Stadium Safety Officer: Steve Walker Facilities Stadium Maintenance & COVID Manager: Rick Hinks Head Groundsman: Mike O’Brien Community Foundation: Dave Wardle Website: www.scfcfoundation.com Junior Supporters Club: Ian Butterworth, Brenda Williams Stockport County Lottery: Tom Quayle Historian & Statistician: Ian Watts & Marcus Heap Website: gogogocounty.org Stadium Announcer: Kenny Boxshall Turnstile Manager: Pete Kidd Half-Time Draw: Tony Malone Mascot Supervisor: Louise Mellor Customer Relationship Management Executive: Theo Bielby
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Editor: Keith Chapman Editorial Contributors: Andy Monks, David Ancell, Alice Gregory, Neil Simms, Gareth Evans, Steve Beswick, Mike Petch, Peter Attfield, Paul Dean, Olivia Hanvey, Ian Watts, Mark Heys, Luke Smith, Liam Richardson, Ian Butterworth, Brenda Williams, Ian Brown, Greg Hall, Jon Keighren, Oshor Williams, Steven Davies, Dave Wardle, Stephen Kenneth, Steve Bellis, Alex Cowdy, Marcus Heap. Thanks to: Paul Carter at Altrincham FC, Alan Lord, Sue Cordon RIP Design by: Daniel Parker, Duplexity Artwork Stockport County FC is the trading name of Stockport County 2010 Ltd (7254012), which is wholly owned by Stockport Community Leisure Company Ltd (7240006), a private company limited by shares. The registered office is: Edgeley Park, Hardcastle Road, Edgeley, Stockport SK3 9DD
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Club Honours
Football League Division Two Runners Up 1996-97 Football League Division Three (North) Champions 1921-22, 1936-37 Football League Division Three (North) Runners Up 1928-29, 1929-30 Football League Division Four Champions 1966-67 Football League Division Four Runners Up 1990-91 Football League Two Play-Off Winners 2007-08 Football League Division Two Play-Off Finalists 1993-94 Football League Division Three Play-Off Finalists 1991-92 Football League Trophy Finalists 1991-92, 1992-93 Football League Division Three (North) Cup Winners 1934-35 Football League Division Three (North) Cup Finalists 1933-34 Lancashire League Winners 1899-1900 Lancashire Combination Winners 1904-05 Cheshire League Runners-Up (Reserves) 1909-10, 1927-28, 1936-37 Manchester Senior Cup Winners 1897-98, 1898-99, 1914-15, 1922-23 Cheshire Senior Cup Winners 1905-06, 1914-15, 1965-66, 2015-16 Cheshire Medal Winners 1922-23, 1924-25, 1928-29, 1929-30, 1930-31 Cheshire Bowl Winners 1933-34, 1948-49, 1952-53, 1955-56, 1956-57, 1958-59, 1960-61, 1962-63 Cheshire Friendly Trophy Winners 1965-66, 1966-67 Cheshire Premier Cup Winners 1969-70, 1970-71, 2010-11 Vanarama National League North Winners 2018-2019
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County Remembers
Today we remember all those connected with the club who have sadly passed away during 2020. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of all lost loved ones. These include:
John Aldred
Harry Porter
Ben Garnett
Christine White
Brian Garner
Glyn Davies
Ron Worsley
Louise Malone
Paul Kelly
Frank Williams
Audrey Porteous
Alan Massey
Hazel Burke
Karl Lee Smith
Anthony Douglas Marshall
Irene Cassidy
Carol Pownall
Joan Cooper
Horace Harvey
Brian Currie
Marjorie Slattery
Roy Herbert Armitage
Audrey Hamilton
Norman Beverley
Phil Hargreaves
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Neville Garlick
Richard Caville
James Deaville
May they rest in peace
James Gannon Good afternoon and a warm welcome back to Edgeley Park especially to Phil Parkinson, his staff and players, and the officials of Altrincham FC that are able to attend today’s game. Today sees the second half of our Christmas/New Year holiday duel with the Robins. It was honours even at Moss Lane and it was a game that brought some encouragement after a tough week leading up to Christmas. We have built on that within 48 hours with a great performance and a very rewarding result against Wrexham here last Monday. In many ways it was uplifting. It epitomised all the qualities that we should aspire to. Disciplined, positive, tactically astute, and a great combination of possession, switching play, penetration, and end-product. It was a great way to end the old year and provides a renewed optimism and confidence of our potential going into the new year. We start 2021 with a unique fixture. 15 years ago to the day on 2 January 2006 I walked out at EP for the first time as manager. A caretaker manager trying to give his old Club the hope and spirit to survive. Fresh with education and principles to build a team to ensure we never faced that situation again. Play-offs and promotions were to follow. But so were incredibly turbulent times for the Club in between. I was to return for the third time in January 2016 with the club in level six of English football. We began another journey of development and growth. I am very proud that we have had five years of yearon-year improvement and progress since then. We are determined to bring a sixth year in 2021. It isn’t just the significance of the date, as today marks a special milestone for me as County manager. I am very proud to lead the team out for the 500th time. I am a little saddened that we are
I am proud to lead the team out for the 500th time
not able to share today with the fans and all those that have supported me over the years and helped my career in so many different ways. But a thank you to everyone for the part you have played in my journey and the successes we have enjoyed. Enjoy the game. JG 05
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Hello again and a Happy New Year to all our junior members. For our first match of 2021 we have a local derby with our friends from down the road in Altrincham. We were bound to have had a bumper crowd inside Edgeley Park this afternoon but unfortunately due to the restrictions we still are not allowed fans into grounds. Well, that’s the festive season over for another year and what a strange time it has been. In fact, the whole of the past year has been strange. This time last year who could have guessed what was ahead? Football like other sports has seen shut-downs, cancelled games and grounds and training complexes shut for a number of weeks. As we enter a new year let’s hope that things will soon start to return to normality. Due to the holidays I write these notes the day following our game away at Hartlepool. What a night that turned out to be. Four goals and two sending offs was definitely what they say was a bad day at the office. For the Ash Palmer sendingoff I thought that it was a 50-50 ball, yes the foot was high but the Hartlepool player also lowered his head. In any game some are given a yellow card and certainly not a red. The second sending off I don’t think we could have any complaints. I did fear for the worst what the score would end up at, but I think the nine men remaining did a great job in keeping the score down. A pity that they scored that fourth goal in the last minute. By the time you read these notes we will have played the first fixture against today’s opponents and also Wrexham, so hopefully two good results would have got us back on track. That’s all for today, enjoy the rest of the school holidays.
Mascot Name: Finley Age: 8 School: Abingdon Primary School Favourite player: Sam Minihan Finley has been cheering County on this year at home and can’t wait to go back to the ground!
Ian Butterworth 07
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Ryan Croasdale County’s impressive home victory over Wrexham on Bank Holiday Monday saw the Hatters end 2020 with a pleasing return to winning ways. After two difficult away games at Notts County and Hartlepool United, the Hatters bounced back by producing a strong performance against the North Wales outfit. Although Macauley SouthamHales earned the Man of the Match award, so many players were in the running on a day of many plusses for James Gannon. One of those players was Ryan Croasdale, who impressed immensely in the middle of the park, producing a performance full of endeavour, craft, and no little quality. Ryan was pleased with his, and the team’s, performance against Wrexham, which lifted County into
fourth place with games in hand on the top two. “It was a complete performance from the team,” said Ryan. “Our football, particularly in the first half, was really good. In the second half we knew Wrexham would come out and press but we defended extremely well to limit their chances, and really put a shift in. On another day we could have scored four or five but it was pleasing to pick up the three points. “We worked on changing our shape in the days leading up to the game. We’ve got so much quality and strength and depth to adapt to different formations so it was good to go out on to the pitch and put it into practice.
“The squad has a bit of everything – pace, power, good on the ball – but we are still a new team and learning to play alongside each other.” County’s win over Wrexham at Edgeley Park was the side’s first competitive home league game for two months, with the Hatters playing a staggering five successive National League games on the road. The Hatters picked up seven points on their travels - two impressive wins in London at Bromley and Barnet, which was followed by difficult losses at fellow promotion-chasers Notts County and Hartlepool United, before an improved Boxing Day performance at this afternoon’s visitors Altrincham. 09
Ambitious County made numerous eye-catching signings this summer but it was arguably the capture of Fylde midfielder Croasdale which was a real statement of intent. The former Kidderminster man has signed a three-year deal at Edgeley Park. Ryan began his career coming through the academy at Preston North-End, making one competitive appearance for the Club, whilst also enjoying loan spells at non-league Tamworth and Stalybridge. The England C international then spent two years at Sheffield Wednesday before moving to Kidderminster in 2016, scoring his first goal for the Harriers against County at Edgeley Park, in a 1-0 away win. After being named Club Captain in his second year at Kidderminster, Ryan then moved on to AFC Fylde in 2018, for a fee of ÂŁ50,000. He spent two years at Mill Farm, making close to 100 appearances and helping them to the 2019 National League Play-Off final, and to victory in the FA Trophy at Wembley, scoring in their semi-final victory at Edgeley Park.
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He was again on the scoresheet against County last season, but couldn’t prevent his side from falling to a 2-1 defeat, in a season that would go on to see the Coasters relegated. Manager Jim Gannon said: “Ryan is a player I have always admired since I saw him playing for Kidderminster Harriers. He is a hard-working, very conscientious and talented midfielder. He always displays a real array of defensive and footballing qualities that mean he looks comfortable in any midfield role.” “In recent seasons, having watched him in close quarters against County, I have been impressed with the application of his all round athleticism to add another attacking dimension to his game, and he has scored an impressive number of goals from midfield.” “We are very fortunate to find such a talented player available on a free transfer due to the situation he found himself in at his previous club. All I can say is that having met the player, and asked many people in the game about him, he has a great character, and professionalism that belies the way in which he has been treated, and the situation that he and his young family find themselves in.” “I am delighted to have Ryan aboard. Adding another central midfielder for the season ahead was vital in securing the quality and depth needed for a successful campaign. It will be another major boost for our fans as they look forward to the start of the season this weekend.”
Favourite TV programme: Coronation Street Best stadium played in: Wembley Facebook or Twitter: Twitter Boyhood team: Blackburn Rovers Biggest jokers at the club: Macca, Sam Minihan, Roons, and Reidy. Biggest influence on your career: Watching the likes of Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard, who were such great players. Best goal you’ve scored: A long range effort for Sheffield Wednesday in a pre-season game against Sheffield FC in 2016. If you could buy a ticket for one sporting event what would it be: The NBA Basketball in America. If you could offer advice to anyone who is interested in getting into football what would it be: Working hard is a given, but I would say it is really important to get your experience in the nonleague. I was at Preston then went to Sheffield Wednesday and I didn’t play then I went into the nonleague. Clubs want that experience behind you and it is a good thing. Favourite sport apart from football? Tennis
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Welcome...
Altrincham Altrincham FC make the 10-mile journey across Cheshire for the second of our festive get-togethers, looking for their first win against County since 2013 and their first-ever at Edgeley Park.
That Alty victory more than seven years ago was a comprehensive one (3-0), though The Robins have a rotten record against County since, with Boxing Day’s 1-1 draw finally ending a run of six consecutive defeats against The Hatters. Indeed, Yusifu Ceesay’s goal was also the first for Alty against County in five games. However, Phil Parkinson’s men will travel in good heart today, after comfortably adapting to National League life since their summer promotion. The Robins have picked up 14 points on the road from nine games, with wins at Dover, Boreham Wood, Wrexham and Dagenham to their credit so far. They are one of the form teams at the moment too, with six wins and a draw from their last nine games in all competitions. Their success this season has continued an upward trend of enjoyment at the club, ever since manager Parkinson joined from Nantwich Town in April 2017. At the time The Robins were reeling from back-to-
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Nickname: The Robins Founded: 1891 Stadium: J Davidson Stadium Capacity: 6,085 Address: Moss Lane, Hale, Altrincham Postcode: WA15 8AP Distance from Edgeley Park: 10.5 miles (18 minutes) Current league position: 9th
back relegations, dropping from the National League to the Northern Premier League, though Parkinson steered the club back to the National League North in his first season, before gaining a second promotion last summer via the play-offs. Alty have never finished lower than fifth in three seasons under Parkinson’s management. So far the club are on track to achieve their best finish in the National League since 1995.
The Robins have a long history in this division, with this season being their 27th at this level. They were one of the founder members of the league in 1979, finishing as champions in the first two seasons, though that was before promotion to the Football League was guaranteed, with champions needing to be elected by Football League members. Altrincham were denied that opportunity on both occasions and consequently have never played in the Football League.
The Gaffer: Phil Parkinson Phil was appointed on 28 April 2017, the eve of the last game of the 2016-17 season in which Altrincham had been relegated to the Northern Premier League. Phil arrived three days after his former club, Nantwich Town, had lost in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League promotion play-off semi-final at Spennymoor Town. He had managed The Dabbers since February 2015 and in that time he had transformed them from a relegationthreatened club to promotion contenders. As a player, he was a junior at Crewe Alexandra, and then at Reading, before having a year at Port Vale. He made some two-hundred appearances for Nantwich as a player, where he captained the team that won the FA Vase in 2006, as well as leading the Dabbers to promotion from the North West Counties League and UniBond League First Division. Phil enjoyed promotion from the NPL as champions in his first season and reached the play-offs in 2018-19 in National League North before winning promotion to the National League via the play-offs in 2020.
Memory Match:
1st August 2020 Vanarama National League North Play Off Final Boston United 0-1 Altrincham Altrincham sealed a return to the National League with a victory in the National League North promotion final at Boston. Dan Mooney’s second-half goal saw Altrincham edge out hosts Boston 1-0 in the National League North decider. Altrincham secured a second promotion in three seasons at the expense of Boston, who were playing their final game at their York Street home before moving to a new stadium.
Perhaps 2021 could be the year that all changes though, with a play-off push a real prospect. If such success is to be achieved it may be due to Alty’s doughty defence. Goalkeeper Tony Thompson has the jointhighest number of clean sheets to his name in the league so far, with six shut-outs, and the back-line is a well drilled unit, as County found on Boxing Day. At the other DID end of the YOU pitch KNOW? Altrincham reac though hed the third round of the FA The Cup in four co nsecutive seas Robins ons between 1978 and 1982 have . Their record in the competition averaged was better th an any third or just a goal fourth division club du a game, ring th at time. meaning many of their matches are tight affairs. Midfielder Josh Hancock, who followed Parkinson from Nantwich Town in 2017, is the clubs current top-scorer with four goals this season. He’s bagged an impressive 63 goals in 143 games in his three and a half years at the club. Meanwhile, his midfield counterpart Shaun Densmore is just four games away from his 400th for the club. County may have enjoyed the upper hand in this fixture in recent times, though Parkinson’s squad is full of character and quality and it’s likely to be an enthralling and engaging local derby this afternoon. If Boxing Day’s game is a good guide then County need to be very wary of Alty’s threat on the counter-attack; it could well be the key to unlocking their first win in SK3. 13
The Players Jacob Blyth
Yusifu Ceesay
FISAYO ADARABIOYO (b:Feb 1995 s:Oct 2020) Forward who started with Manchester City and Birmingham City as a youngster. After a spell with St Johnstone he went to Crystal Palace. Since then he has figured for Macclesfield Town, AFC Fylde, NAC Breda and at FC Oss on loan, and U Craiova. Back in the UK he played for Warrington Town. Faced County pre-season on trial at Curzon Ashton. JACOB BLYTH (b:Aug 1992 s:Dec 2020) Forward who after playing for Nuneaton Griff and Bedworth United joined Leicester City. The Foxes lent him to Burton Albion, Notts County, Northampton Town, Cambridge United and Blackpool. Found his way to Alty via Motherwell, Barrow and Macclesfield. YUSIFU CEESAY (b:Mar 1995 s:Aug 2020) Winger who progressed from Sporting Khalsa and Alvechurch, to a contract with Blackpool. Whilst there he had loan spells with Boston United, Alvechurch, AFC Telford United, Nuneaton Borough, and Altrincham. RYAN COLCLOUGH (b:Dec 1994 s:Nov 2020) Left-winger who started with Crewe Alexandra, working his way to a pro contract before moving on to Wigan Athletic. He was loaned by them to Milton Keynes Dons, and his most recent club was Scunthorpe United. ANDY DALES (b:Nov 1994 s:Nov 2020) Loan signing from Scunthorpe. The winger moved into the EFL with a switch from Mickleover Sports and has previously been on loan at Dundee and Hamilton Academical. He started with ten years at Derby County, earning a first team contract. SHAUN DENSMORE (b:Nov 1988 s:Sep 2008) Now in his thirteenth season with the club, after joining from his only previous club Everton. Can play on the right of defence or midfield. MATT GOULD (b:Jan 1994 s:Aug 2020) Keeper signed after two seasons with Spennymoor Town. Started his career in New Zealand with Hawkes Bay United and Maycenvale United. Moving to England he was signed by Cheltenham Town. A loan spell with Bishops Cleeve was followed by a switch to Scotland to play for Livingston and on loan to Stenhousemuir. He then made his way to Spennymoor via Stourbridge.
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Shaun Densmore
Matty Kysolo
WILL HALL (s:Sep 2020) Former Salford City youth team player, the central defender has spent time with Whitchurch Alport on loan. CONNOR HAMPSON (b:Aug 1992 s:Nov 2017) Former Hatter who joined us in February 2017 from Curzon, having started with Mossley. After nine months and 25 games with one goal, the full-back or midfielder was loaned to Altrincham, with the move being made permanent by the end of the year. JOSH HANCOCK (b:Sep 1990 s:May 2017) Goal-scoring midfield man whose early football was played in Cheshire appearing for Winsford United, Witton Albion, Congleton Town and back to Witton, after coming through the youth system at Nantwich Town. Next he joined Telford, but was back with Witton after a loan spell, He found his way to Alty via Salford and Nantwich. TOM HANNIGAN (b:Jun 1988 s:May 2016) Central defender who started with Tranmere Rovers but was released at 16 and went on to play for Cammell Laird and Vauxhall Motors. He then spent two seasons with AFC Fylde. BYRON HARRISON (b:Jun 1987 s:Dec 2020) Striker who began his career at Havant & Waterlooville. He moved on to Worthing, Boreham Wood, Harrow Borough, Ashford Town, Carshalton Athletic, Stevenage, AFC Wimbledon and Cheltenham. Two spells with Barrow followed after a stint at Chesterfield, split by a season with Barnet. HARRISON HOLGATE (b:Oct 2000 s:Dec 2020) Right-back or central defender who has been loaned to the Robins by first club Fleetwood Town. Has previously been sent out to Stalybridge Celtic and Ashton United. MATTY KOSYLO (b:Aug 1992 s:Aug 2020) Attacking midfielder who after being with Oldham Athletic started his adult football with County, gaining a professional contract in 2010 after two years as a trainee. He was loaned to Woodley Sports and Salford, before moving on without making the Hatters first team. His career progressed with spells at Ashton United, Hyde, Droylsden and Nantwich. then had a stint with FC Halifax Town and he joins from AFC Fylde.
JAMIE McDONALD (s:Nov 2020) Forward who joined on non-contract terms from City of Liverpool. This ended his second spell with that club, having previously spent time away on the books of Warrington. CURTIS MILLER (b:Nov 2000) Product of the club’s youth team, the forward has spent time at Trafford on dual registration. DAN MOONEY (b:Jul 1999 s:Feb 2020) Wide player who was bought from his only previous club Fleetwood Town. Whilst with the Cod Army he was loaned out to Bamber Bridge, Chorley, Ashton United and Chester FC. JAKE MOULT (b:Feb 1989 s:Aug 2012) Signed permanently in November 2012 having originally joined on loan. He had started with Port Vale before heading south to join Plymouth Argyle. The midfielder who can also play in defence found his way to Alfreton Town via Kidderminster Harriers on loan, Leek Town and Stafford, and later had a loan spell with Hednesford Town. TOBY MULLARKEY (b:Nov 1996 s:May 2019) Started with the Crewe academy, and whilst at Gresty Road was loaned to Leek twice and Witton. The central defender returned to Leek when he left Alex, and then moved to Nantwich, before joining today’s opponents. TOM PEERS (b:Oct 1995 s:May 2019) Came through the youth system at Chester to make the first team. He had loan spells at 1874 Northwich, Marine, Salford and Hednesford. Leaving Chester he was back with Hednesford before signing for Telford followed by Warrington and Droylsden. A spell for FC United of Manchester provides the filling for two Altrincham spells, the first coming when he joined from Nantwich.
Town forward. Since signing he has spent most of his time away from the club with Trafford and Stalybridge Celtic on loan. JOEL SENIOR (b:Jun 1998 s:Oct 2020) Started out as a youngster with Oldham Athletic, but dropped into Sunday football. He rejoined the senior game with Maine Road and his progress was such that he spent last season with Burnley after figuring for FCUM and Curzon. ALISTAIR SMITH (b:May 1999 s:Nov 2020) Loan signing who graduated from the academy at Mansfield Town in January 2019. The Stags previously loaned the midfielder to Loughborough Dynamo, Frickley Athletic and Kettering Town. RITCHIE SUTTON (b:Apr 1986 s:Aug 2020) Central defender who started with Crewe. He switched to Stafford after a loan spell before making his way back to the EFL via Northwich Victoria, Halifax and Nantwich. Signing then for Port Vale, his other sides have been Mansfield, Tranmere, Barrow on loan, and Morecambe. TONY THOMPSON (b:Nov 1994 s:Jul 2017) Goalkeeper who started with Rotherham United, but was loaned out to Curzon, Ossett Albion, Chelmsford City and Southport. He moved on to EFL side Morecambe, before dropping into non-league with Chester and most recent previous club AFC Fylde - with a loan to Warrington. JOEL TORRANCE (b:Apr 2002) Youth-team keeper who was named on the team sheet for several first team games in 19-20 and given a squad number this time around. Has spent time on loan with West Didsbury & Chorlton.
SIMON RICHMAN (b:Jun 1990 s:Jun 2011) Midfielder or winger who started with Bolton Wanderers before switching to the Port Vale youth system. He broke into the first team at Vale Park, but when released he joined his only other club to date Worcester City.
ANDY WHITE (b:Oct 1992 s:Dec 2017) Another Crewe Alexandra product. He made a permanent move to Nantwich after a loan spell. His last stop before Alty was Southport. He can operate as a full-back or wingback on either flank.
ROWAN ROACHE (b:Feb 2000 s:Nov 2020) Attacking midfielder who joined from Bamber Bridge. His youth football saw him on the books of Manchester United and Blackpool. He broke into the first team at the latter and also spent time out on loan with Southport, FCUM, Derby and Lancaster City.
SEAN WILLIAMS (b:Jan 1992 s:May 2018) Former County youth player spotted playing for Myerscough College. We loaned him to Bamber Bridge before he moved on to play for Vauxhall, Hyde, Skelmersdale United on loan and Vauxhall again. Two spells with Colwyn Bay split with time at Halifax followed before his first stint with Altrincham. Whilst away from Moss Lane the midfielder figured for Hednesford, Telford and Warrington.
LEWIS SALMON (b:Nov 2001 s:Nov 2019) Former Manchester United, Port Vale, Leek and Hanley
Dan Mooney
Jake Moult
Lewis Salmon
Sean Williams
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Opposition View During the busy festive season we caught up with Altrincham FC Co-Chairman Bill Waterson to talk about his club’s return to the National League and season so far. How do you assess your season so far? This season is surpassing our expectations. A big step up for us through the play-offs at the end of last season, we have started this season really well. It’s a real shame our fans have missed out on this season so far and we can’t wait to have them back inside the ground. What have been the highlights of the season so far? It’s always great as an unfancied team to put one over the big boys and four away wins this season bodes well for us - the win at Wrexham was particularly satisfying. What are your hopes for the season? We knew we were not coming up just to make up the numbers, but our first priority has to be to survive in this league. We feel we are in a good position to do so and will look to establish ourselves as a National League side. Who are the Altrincham players to watch out for today? We’ve got some great players - some who have been with us for three years or longer and some who have joined us this season. In contention for places from the former category are
Ryan Colclough
Tony Thompson in goals, Shaun Densmore and Tom Hannigan at the back, Jake Moult in midfield and Josh Hancock up top. New this year (OK, last year, 2020 to be exact!) are the likes of Alistair Smith in midfield, Ryan Colclough, Dan Mooney and Yusifu Ceesay up front.
running out 3-0 victors in the National League North, our only competitive win against County. The last time we were in the same league was two years ago in your National League North Championship season and we played you four times, including in the FA Cup and FA Trophy.
What are your memories of games against County? It’s amazing that for two clubs so close geographically we had to wait well over 100 years for our first competitive fixture with you. We used to play your reserves regularly in the Cheshire League in the 1960s but our competitive games with your first team started in 2013 with Alty
What is your prediction for the game? For me Stockport County are one of the favourites for this league, Jim Gannon has a very strong squad at his disposal, and you are playing well. We earned our point on Boxing Day at The J. Davidson Stadium but for me The Hatters go into this game as favourites. 17
Rebellious Jukebox Gareth Evans selects Altrincham on the County Rock-Ola, and presses play to discover a link with, and test the credentials of… THE STONE ROSES. So, what’s the connection? It’s 50 per cent of a connection, to be precise focusing on vocalist Ian Brown, from Warrington, and Altrincham-born guitarist John Squire, who met at Alty’s Grammar School for Boys after the former came to the latter’s aid in a fight with the school bully, and then became friends through a shared love of The Clash. (The classic line-up’s other half comprising bassist Mani and drummer Reni - was Mancunian born and bred.) Brown and Squire were in and out of bands together from as early as 1981 - with an embryonic Stone Roses coming together two years later, before going through a lengthy process of trying out different sounds and line-ups that finally bore good fruit during 1989 with the release of what still stands as an all-time great debut album. It is rather a myth to say that The Roses’ success came out of nowhere, as they had toiled away for half a dozen years beforehand - but, in the eyes of the press which had previously left them unnoticed, they became overnight sensations. How Rebellious can a group be after that? Let’s ‘Take Five’... 1. The songs worth waiting for The band’s eponymous first long player may have been a while in gestation, but, upon release, its songs exploded upon the musical world - complete with the mighty splash of a cover featuring Squire’s artwork inspired by Jackson Pollock. Eleven tracks - each one an anthem - fused rock and dance music with sparkling melodies, and contained between them lyrics of anger against the monarchy and government, as well as proclamations for the self-fulfilling arrogance of youth. ‘The Stone Roses’ 18
set the tone for rock music and accompanying cultural movements in the 1990s - with Britpop especially owing much to the Roses-led baggy scene that came before it. And the band cleaned up when the end-of-year awards were handed out for 1989, before headlining, in the following May, at the ‘Woodstock for a baggy generation’ on Spike Island - where the chemical industry of Widnes had once thrived. Sound problems and bad organisation dogged the event at the time but some 27,000 punters were there, and it has become the stuff of legend. 2. The Roses and the media The band may have had the media at its feet, and was to remain in the news pages of the music press almost permanently for years to follow - but its members showed little interest in promoting themselves. They gave few interviews - and, on those occasions they did, said next to nothing. Neither did they pander to television. When the power failed on them during a live performance of ‘Made of Stone’ for The Late Show on BBC Two, Brown notoriously ignored the apologies of flailing host Tracey MacLeod (“We’re wasting our time, lads”), and shouted over her (“Amateurs!”) as she attempted to move on to a replacement item about photographer Martin Parr. Rock ’n’ roll... 3. They didn’t need John Peel While most bands of the era would have sold their grannies to receive the endorsement of the DJ who helped break unsigned acts into the mainstream, The Roses, rather surprisingly, did not benefit from Peelie’s patronage. This would not prevent
four tracks from the debut album gatecrashing his show’s ‘Festive Fifty’ of fave tracks at the end of 1989 - voted in by some listeners, Peel alleged, out of defiance. But as the great man explained: “I’m slightly mystified by the great appeal of The Stone Roses. I don’t hate them, as one or two people suggested with their votes... but it’s really not true. I was going to say that they sound to me at times like (clean-cut ‘60s Manchester popsters) Herman’s Hermits, but that’s not quite true either. I do that just to annoy you.” 4. The difficult second album ‘The Second Coming’ was one of the most eagerly awaited follow-up albums, which ended up disappointing in pretty equal measure when
Ian Brown, from Warrington, and Altrincham-born guitarist John Squire, who met at Alty’s Grammar School for Boys after the former came to the latter’s aid in a fight with the school bully
it eventually saw the light of day more than five years after the release of ‘The Stone Roses’. The delay arose while both Brown and Squire became fathers, and also because of a lengthy legal battle with Silvertone Records over the band’s wish to terminate its contract. And the record then took an age to make, with 347 ten-hour days spent in putting together a collection of shady, heavy blues rock that had completely ditched the mood and sound of its predecessor and, at best, received mixed reviews. The band, it appeared, had rather lost its meaning and its moment. Reni and then Squire quit, and the latter’s absence, in particular, led to some seriously below-par live performances by a changing line-up which Brown and Mani dissolved in the autumn of 1996. The Roses have reunited, and then disbanded again, in the last decade - but with the two AGS Old Boys continuing to achieve in life by doing what they enjoy: Brown as a successful solo singer; and Squire through his painting. 5. They were once managed by Gareth Evans! Not yours truly, alas - but, rather, the gent who once ran the old Manchester International 1 venue on Anson Road by Victoria Park, between Rusholme and Longsight, and let the band use it as rehearsal space. Mind you, I was living in Fallowfield at the time - so it didn’t stop me from pretending... Rebellious Jukebox Rating:… 10 (Storey Love Song). 19
GAME CHANGER footballfoundation.org.uk
County Ladies Development v Hull City Ladies FC Reserves 20/12/2020
County break from midfield with Millie Edwards
Hull City LFC Reserve team made the long trip across the Pennines to play an FA Women’s National League Reserve Division North match just before Christmas. The weather had been miserable in the morning but thankfully improved for the game. Opening exchanges were lively but County’s superiority paid dividends in the 11th minute. New signing, Leanne Prescott, broke down the right and slipped past two defenders before playing a onetwo with Imy Williams and finishing in the bottom right corner of the net. A great way to start your County career! Hull equalised four minutes later, but County were back in front in the 25th minute, with Prescott and Williams again involved in the build-up. This time it was finished by Elle Turner with her first touch of the game, having come on as sub only 30 seconds earlier for the injured Georgie Drinkwater.
Imy Williams celebrates her goal
presented the ball to Williams from the right for a tap-in past the ‘keeper. 4-1 County. Hull were awarded a late penalty in the 91st minute, which they scored, but that didn’t detract from a good performance by Rosie Emerson’s “Devs” squad. Thank you to Hull City LFC for making the long and difficult journey. For anyone interested in joining the club to play or train with any of our teams contact details are on our website, stockportcountylfc.com or follow the link from the SCFC site. Follow us on Twitter @SCLadiesFC, Instagram @stockportcountylfc and Facebook at Stockport County Ladies FC.
After the break County maintained their lead, thanks to a brilliant save from ‘keeper Jess Linford, deputising for Grace O’Shaughnessy in goal. On 70 minutes County were awarded a free-kick ten yards to the right of the Hull penalty area. Up stepped Masa Butler, who curled a perfect ball in over the head of the Hull ‘keeper to make it 3-1. County didn’t sit on their lead and kept pressing. Imy Williams got the goal she deserved after Missy Von Bargen won the ball back in midfield. Classy passing football from Analise Atkinson and Turner
Masa Butler scored County’s third with a free kick
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Official Partners of The National League
Stockport County Colts & Junior Academy This week’s focus is our Under-10s who have developed over the past few seasons to become one of the teams that truly represents the philosophy of the Colts. They are coached to have the ball under control so that players can then scan to make the best decisions: with composure. This team has moved through from five to seven-aside and next year as Under-11s they will be playing nine-a-side following the structure of the Colts which is to optimise space on the pitch as much as possible. As a result, they currently play at 1:2:3:1 formation in the seven-a-side format and with the retreat line rule (where opponents can only run in from the half-way line once the goalkeeper has re-started play), this often means there is an avalanche of opponents pressing the ball when we try to play out from the back. As such, to truly put the wheels in motion for our philosophy of composure, we need players moving in the right positions with full-backs wide, as well as our wingers who can come in to receive the ball on a half turn, as well as our centre point - the centre midfielder who has to be brave and show for the ball in the busiest area in the centre of the pitch. At this age players struggle to deliver the alternative option of going high and over the back of the opposition, so there can be many mistakes when we try to play on the floor, but nevertheless with development the key objective, we still encourage our players to play possession football. As such, the Under-10s are a great example of a team who have gone through these trials and tribulations to become masters of the ball. With County’s bold first-team plans we are attracting the players who we need to bolster this philosophy and
move it further forward. This is further evidenced by this team’s climb up the divisions in the East Manchester League where they have recently been promoted to the Championship after the Christmas review (they started as Under-7s in Division 5!). In this review the league organisers take a look at which teams are performing well enough to move up a league, so this team’s progress is clear to be seen. We are all very confident for next year at ninea-side that this team will soon be pushing to play in the Premiership and we develop our players ready for post-16 Academy football or to become a Junior Academy team. Well done to the coaches Lewis Beswick and Josh Slack for the amount of effort they put into this team and the way they have also strictly adhered to the principles of our philosophy. Steve Beswick 23
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The Mad Hatter’s Quiz with Paul Dean
Jim Gannon Trivia Quiz Congratulations on your 500th game as the Hatters’ manager 1.
In June 2009 for which Scottish team was Jim Gannon appointed manager of? 2. For which team did Jim make his debut for in 1987? 3. In which year did Jim make his debut for the Hatters? 4. Which manager signed Jim for the Hatters? 5. From which club did the Hatters sign Jim from? 6. Which club did Jim manage prior to his current appointment at the Hatters? 7. When Jim left as a player for the Hatters for which club did he sign? 8. Jim and who else managed the Hatters in season 2005/2006? 9. What nickname was Jim given during his time playing for the Hatters? 10. Jim’s first game as the Hatters’ caretaker manager in 2006 came against which club? 11. Which two other league clubs has Jim managed? 12. In 2016 Jim led the Hatters to victory in the Cheshire Senior Cup against which team?
Answers:
Before Jim Gannon broke my record, I was the Hatters’ longest-serving manager.
Who Am I? Fred Stewart 1. Motherwell 2. Dundalk 3. 1990 4. Danny Bergara 5. Sheffield United 6. Northwich Victoria 7. Crewe Alexandra 8. Chris Turner 9. The Ghost 10. Cheltenham 11. Peterborough United and Port Vale 12. Tranmere Rovers
WHO AM I?
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James Gannon:
500 games in charge of Stockport County Football Club In a modern era of football in which 500 days in management has become a genuine achievement, to witness a manager hitting 500 games spanning across exactly 15 years at the same club in the game is extraordinary. Even more so in the ever more demanding world of football, where the pitfalls are relentless and managers come and go quicker than a race with Mo Farrah. To hit 500 games in management at the same club in English football takes a wide variety of attributes. Dedication. Conviction. Persistence. Skill. And above all, an unbelievable passion both for football and the club you’re in charge of, in James Gannon’s case, Stockport County. James speaks to County Programme Editor Keith Chapman about what leading the Hatters out for the 500th time at Edgeley Park will mean to him, as he looks back on an incredible managerial career at County. 26
James, congratulations on reaching an incredible 500 games in charge at County. Would you be able to describe how your emotions will be on the day? What does reaching 500 games as manager of County represent to you? “I always look forward to every game as it is the culmination of the week’s football work, but it is natural that underlying the normal emotions and thoughts going into this game is the realisation that this is a very special day. When I step back from myself, I can understand why everyone regards it as a remarkable achievement at the Club and within the game in general. It is something I should be proud of and take great pleasure in achieving.” How important is it to have the likes of Peter Ward, Alan Lord and in recent years Dave Conlon and the rest of a strong backroom staff behind you? “I have never felt the manager’s role is a lonely one as you have such great support from your staff. Peter Ward, Alan Lord and Dave Conlon have all been great assistants and friends throughout my time as manager. You cannot work such long days with such nice people without building a great personal and professional relationship. But achieving results is very much a staff-team effort, and at County I have always had such a strong bond with my staff. It has been built from mutual respect, grown friendships, loyalty, shared experiences, and the recognition of each other’s values to the progress of the football side of the Club. I have never made it a secret that the professionalism and work of the staff behind the scenes and players on the pitch is the key to success.”
far more complicated than just popping the ball forward towards the scoring bucket like tiddlywinks. It has strategies, systems of plays, tactics on many levels and it is also very alive with its emotion, passion, chaos and confusion. The key to coaching is unravelling the complexity of the game and showing the players manageable bits of detail than can work for them. As their clarity grows, the understanding and decision-making becomes better and the effectiveness of their role is felt. The level of detail you can go to with players is determined by their open-mindedness, hunger to learn and growing football intelligence. I was fortunate to work with so many that had such great mental capacity to learn the game. They are the ones that appreciate the coaching ‘detail’.”
From all of the players I have spoken to over the years, what they have spoken about is how meticulous and methodical you are in preparing for games. Is this something you picked up pretty quickly from being involved in football? “Anything great that has been built, whether in ancient, classical or modern times is built from millions of pieces put together to achieve something outstanding. My first assistant manager Maurie Price was a great mentor and always commented that I could see both ‘the big picture’ and read the game in its complexity. This felt natural to me as a watcher, a player and a coach. I appreciate the many dimensions of the game and the ‘devil in the detail’ that made something work or capable of being effective. For me football always felt more like chess than tiddlywinks. The game is
How has the game changed as a manager from the first day you walked into County as manager during your first spell to now? “In simple terms the game of football hasn’t changed. The basic elements on the pitch still excite those involved in the game. The physical efforts, the athleticism, fast furious movement of the players and the ball, the display of technical skill, and the ball hitting the net. They haven’t changed, The business of football has. But these paragraphs cannot fully explain the multitude of changes to the way football is run. All I know is that coaching is still relevant and of growing importance in the complexity of the tactical side of the game. I also know that no workforce or company succeeds unless it has the right work culture, team building and emotional buy-in from its workers for the company’s success.”
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In your opinion, what is so special about Stockport County? Is it the close-knit community? The people at the club? “For me, and anyone attached to County for such a long period, it cannot be seen as anything other than the greatest Club. But I appreciate than anyone who has such feelings built at their own club will feel the same about the specialness of their own respective Club that they have become emotional attached to. I bought my first house in Edgeley, a short walk from EP. So, the connection I made through my professional work at the club was reinforced and consolidated by the neighbours, shop-keepers and fans I met every day. They became friends. I became part of the community. They got to know me as a person, and I got to understand them as fans. You play for them, their happiness. At times much more than the money, the manager, the owner. This creates a great connection. The connection has never stopped for me. Also the Club is a unique workplace, a wider community within the walls of the stadium with many people doing different jobs for the Club. When selfless great people are all around, you cannot help but build a great rapport and connection with them. From the cleaner through the volunteers of Help the Hatters, the Community foundation, the office 28
staff, the training ground, the list is endless. For me as a player or manager the Club is so much more than those in your staff room or changing room. I have shared so many feelings and memories with everyone attached to the Club it is very easy to refer to them all as family.�
There have been many highlights over the past 500 games but you’ve also experienced some difficult times... “At a time of such celebration, it doesn’t sit well with me to reflect on low moments, although there have been a few. I am currently in my third period as manager so the two times I was asked to leave my post at the Club are the natural low-points. My disappointment at the time was more in concern for the Club than my own career, and sadly such concern was proven right with the club going on to have disastrous periods in its history. On the bright side, my first day as caretaker manager, the nine in a row league record, winning the play-offs, promotion at Wembley and lifting a Championship trophy are all massive achievements with memories and feelings that will live with me forever.” You have been more than just a manager for Stockport County, doing lots off the field that never gets a mention, such as work in the community. Do you feel that is important and is this what you try and instill into the players? “My role at the club is first team manager, and the impact in bringing excitement, success and progress to the club, cannot be underestimated in terms of how many people we can give an emotional lift in the town of Stockport and throughout our support base. I am in a fortunate position that is respected and appreciated. Therefore, if I can use that position to advocate, support or help and other part of our business or the wider community I understand how it can have a great impact. When I returned to the Club in 2015, I was already very invested in the Club’s youth development structure, the Community Foundation and the Help the Hatters movement. That bond remains very strong. I am very proud of their success. The Community Foundation earned the Community Club of the Year award in 2017 for their outstanding work on behalf of the Club. The Help the Hatters transformed many aspects of the club and recently won the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK. Myself and my young children love attending the Junior supporters meetings. I cannot make my players do anything additional for the Club, but I have let them know how important it can be to building relationships, respect and mutual understanding with the fans and community. They can make such a difference if they would like to. We only have to look at Sam Minihan and the high regard he is held in through his continual hard work in the Community Foundation. A special mention must also go to our owner Mark Stott as
he has now taken the Club’s commitment to the Community to a tremendous level with his recent generosity to the NHS and inspiration behind the Stockport Food for Christmas Campaign.”
Of course, the support of your family has been extremely important in allowing you to carry out your work in management... “My wife Hazel has been a great friend throughout the years and has supported me so much. In life we need professional support to be successful in our chosen field, but we also need personal support and confidence building from people we trust on a human level. Hazel knows me well and recognises much in me that sometimes I cannot see myself. She was tremendously supportive and encouraging when I started out in coaching and management. This is so important for someone when you are on the verge of big changes that rely a certain level of faith and belief. Hazel has also been willing to adapt her and the family’s life should we need to for work and this can often be at the cost of her own enjoyment and emotional security around her. But But I have been very conscious of this and despite working in some places far away I worked hard to make it work without the family home having to move. Much of our life revolves around the simple pleasures of home, children, family, friends and working in jobs we love. In that sense we are happy and very lucky, as she is very contented in our current home, and I am happily working in my dream job.”
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Playing facts
• The legendary Danny Bergara signed James from Sheffield United for £70,000 in 1990. • Jim made seven appearances in 1989/90, scoring one goal, in a 3-1 win over Carlisle United as County made the play-offs. • The following season saw County promoted from the Fourth Division, as Jim made 46 appearances and scored seven goals. • The following season saw Jim and County visit Wembley twice within a week. County would visit Wembley four times in total in the early 1990s under Bergara, losing all four and Jim featuring in all of them. • Once Danny Bergara was replaced by Dave Jones, Jim found himself out of the team at the start of the 1996/97 season, with the Hatters having not one league win to their name after four games. Jim came into the team and the Hatters finished that season runners-up in the Second Division and into the League Cup semi-final. Jim made 59 appearances out of a potential 67, playing in all League Cup games that season. • Jim ended up making 103 First Division appearances for County from 1997 to 2000. • In March 2000, in a game against Manchester City, he suffered an injury which cut short his County career. That game was his final in a County shirt, 10 years and 12 days after his debut. • Jim finished on 480 appearances for the Hatters, scoring 64 goals. • Having served 10 years for the club, he was awarded a testimonial against Manchester City at Edgeley Park.
Management facts
• James came back to Edgeley Park in December 2005, with County nine points adrift of safety in League Two. • He got his first win as Hatters boss in a 1-0 win away at Bury, before drawing 0-0 on the final day of the season against Carlisle to complete the remarkable turnaround. • In 2006-07, Jim’s first full season in charge County made it to the FA Cup Third Round where they lost to Premier League Watford before winning an incredible nine consecutive games without conceding a goal, breaking the Football League record. • The 2007-08 campaign would see the Hatters in the Play-Offs, as Jim guided the team to 17 wins out of the final 24 games of the season. In the Play-Offs, Wycombe Wanderers and Rochdale were defeated to see Jim and County in League One. • At the end of 2008-08, Gannon left Edgeley Park following administration and had spells managing Motherwell, Peterborough United and Port Vale and had a short spell back at County before moving to Northwich Victoria. • Jim was offered the Brighton job in February 2009 but stayed loyal despite County’s difficult financial problems. He kept the club in League One but was made redundant after the club went into administration. • In January 2016, James came back to Edgeley Park for his third spell as manager. • James quickly made an immediate impact as he helped County win the Cheshire Senior Cup in his first season back before guiding the Hatters to an eighth-placed finish in the 2016/17 National League North before making the Play-Offs the following year after winning eight of the final 11 games of the season. • Jim rebuilt the squad for season 2018/19. County went on a 20-game unbeaten run during the season in the league and FA Trophy to climb up the table to challenge Chorley. • After a win away at Nuneaton on the final day of the season, County clinched the title on 82 points to Chorley’s 81, having been 16 points behind the Magpies in November. • Upon promotion to the National League, Jim kept the bulk of the team which won the league and finished seventh in the National League, in a Play-Off spot before the Coronavirus pandemic cut the season short and Barnet replaced the Hatters in the Play-Offs on a points-per-game basis. That summer, Jim signed a new contract as full-time manager.
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Stats
First game – Spell One 02/01/2006 Cheltenham Town (H) First game – Spell Two 19/11/2011 Fleetwood Town (A) First game – Spell Three 23/01/2016 Gloucester City (A)
D 2–2
Coca-Cola League Two
L 2-1
Blue Square Premier
D 0-0
Vanarama National League North
The matches Total Won Lost Drew
225 156 118
44.90% 31.30% 23.80%
81 65 42
First spell 43.09% 34.57% 22.34%
Second spell 18 29.51% 29 47.54% 14 22.95%
Third spell 126 50.40% 62 24.80% 62 24.80%
Nine in a row 13/01/2007 20/01/2007 27/01/2007 30/01/2007 03/02/2007 10/02/2007 17/02/2007 20/02/2007 03/03/2007
Boston United (H) Peterborough United (A) Wycombe Wanderers (H) Wrexham (A) Hereford United (A) Mansfield Town (H) Accrington Stanley (A) Walsall (H) Swindon Town (H)
W2-0 W3-0 W2-0 W1-0 W2-0 W1-0 W1-0 W1-0 W3-0
Coca-Cola League Two Coca-Cola League Two Coca-Cola League Two Coca-Cola League Two Coca-Cola League Two Coca-Cola League Two Coca-Cola League Two Coca-Cola League Two Coca-Cola League Two
Achievements • • • • •
Vanarama National League North Champions: 2018-19 Cheshire Senior Cup Winners: 2015-16 Football League Two Play-Off Winners: 2007-08 National League North Manager of the Month: December 2016, December 2018 National League North Manager of the Year: 2018/19
Biggest wins 05/05/2007 08/12/2007 24/03/2012 07/04/2012 24/11/2012 18/12/2018 09/04/2019
Darlington (A) Wycombe Wanderers (H) Bath City (H) Lincoln City (H) Ossett Town (H) Ashton United (A) Chester City (A)
W 5-0 W 6-0 W 4-0 W 4-0 W 6-0 W 6-0 W 6-0
Coca-Cola League Two Coca-Cola League Two Blue Square Premier Blue Square Premier FA Trophy (Round 1) Vanarama National League North Vanarama National League North
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James Gannon
500 NOT OUT
James Gannon 500 Not Out:
In Tribute... This afternoon’s game marks the 500th competitive game that James Gannon has managed from the County dug-out, a truly remarkable achievement. A host of friends, colleagues, former players and ex County team-mates have been paying their tributes to what promises to be an emotional and special day at Edgeley Park. Here’s how they have reacted to this special achievement.
Firstly, what an amazing achievement to manage 500 games for Stockport County Football Club. What makes this even more impressive is the fact this is at the same club that Jim represented hundreds of times as a player! A truly remarkable achievement Congratulations Gaffer! I first had the pleasure of working with Jim at the start of the 2015/16 season at Northwich Victoria and it was then in January 2016 he was appointed as manager (again!) at this great club and I continued in the role of his assistant. I honestly feel so lucky and privileged to have shared the ‘touchline’ ever since. I have been fortunate to experience winning the league with him in the 2018/19 season and be a part of the highs and celebrations that came along with this. On a personal note, Jim has so many brilliant characteristics including, trust and loyalty and I have total respect and admiration for him. He creates a special environment for staff to work and develop in and supports them at all times. Everything Jim does is for the good of the club and he works harder than anyone else I know. Jim often says he was lucky to come and play for this club, but I feel the club was and is lucky to have him! Dave Conlon, Assistant Manager
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It is an honour to have shared many football matches, meals, chess games and many more moments which have happened along the road on our journey to where we are now, his 500th game as manager of Stockport County the club he loves and admires. From cleaning the changing rooms to taking fans to the prom there is nothing this man would not do for his club. He has a passion like no person I have ever seen and a desire to win, strive to be the best and willingness to be not just good but great. I hope you enjoy today and the rest of the journey, gaffer. Luke Smith Club Physio
500 games for one club...quite an achievement! Many congratulations. Alex Cowdy Head of Football Administration
Congratulations Jim on achieving 500 games as Manager. Thank you for your support and friendship over the years, as well as the many memories, which I will always cherish. Here’s to many more. In late 2015, it became apparent that the football side of the Club’s business needed a complete overhaul. County needed someone special, who loved the Club, who could work under a tight budget and who could put a plan in place which would return County to where it belonged, the Football League. In our opinion, there was only one person for the role and that was Jim. Under Jim’s governance, the Club began to gain momentum. County became Champions of Conference North in 2019 (County’s first league title in 52 years) and narrowly missed being promoted to the Football League I am confident that under Jim’s management, County will be back in the Football League in the very near future. Richard Park Chairman 2016-2020
I’ve known Jim for 25 years, first meeting him when I signed for Stockport County as a player. He has been someone I can share a laugh with, talk to comfortably and someone who has helped me through some tough times. There have been times I’ve needed advice or had problems, Jim has always had time for me in a way that showed me respect and let me speak openly. Jim Gannon isn’t just my colleague, he is my friend. Stemming back all those years to my very first goal for Stockport County, a goal I actually scored from a Jim Gannon cross! Cheers gaffer! Richard Landon Kit Manager
I have had the pleasure of working alongside Jim as a player and a manager but also consider him to be a good friend. There is no doubting Jim’s love for Stockport County and he has consistently gone above and beyond for the club. How many managers are there who would be happy painting the changing rooms? At every away match you will find Jim making sure the visiting team dugout is spotless after the game and I have also often seen him sweeping the visitors changing room to make sure it is left as it was found. 1883
He is also the last off the team CAPTA coach, making sure itSTIC IN FANTA THE MIKE FLYNN BENEFIT MATCH is left clean and tidy. LIMITED EDITION SOUVENIR PROGRAM ME 1 8 T H J U LY 2 0 1 4 , £ 4 . 0 0
That’s Jim, respectful and meticulous in every aspect of the game. Jim’s dedication goes beyond the club and into the community of which he is a major part. He doesn’t think twice about visiting supporters in hospital and it is this commitment that has made him so popular at the club. Mike Flynn 1993-2002
My association with Jim came very early in my life for those of you who do not know us personally, it actually began on the streets or rather the football pitches of Dublin in the mid-eighties. We became friends through football and that friendship, I am proud to say, has stayed strong throughout both our lives. I am now very proud (and lucky) to be a part of Jim’s coaching staff and have nothing but admiration, respect and gratitude for giving me both an amazing career within a great and historic club but to become in some small way a part of the ongoing journey in the career and life of a true County legend, Mr Jim Gannon. Nick Donnelly Strength and Conditioning Coach
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Jim’s dedication, professionalism and attention to detail are just a few of his qualities as to why I am not surprised he has reached this landmark. It’s no secret how much Jim has had an impact on not only my playing career to progress on to full time football but also my coaching and general understanding of the game which I’m incredibly grateful for. This all started with a threehour meeting in Costa Coffee talking all things football in which he blew me away with his knowledge and passion for the beautiful game. Once again a huge congratulations on this achievement Jim and here’s to another 500! I wish you all the very best. Matty Warburton 2017-2019
Jim was - and no doubt still is - a pioneer of the game tactically. His bravery to be different meant he was, and always will be capable of great successes as a manager. Working under him, and part of such a gifted and exciting young team of players at County, was a pleasure I will never forget. Jim’s work ethic and commitment to his role was astounding. I think all of us - certainly myself - owe gratitude to him in some part for bettering our careers after our time at County. It is no shock to me that a man with such commitment and dedication has gone on to achieve such a feat, and he deserves all the recognition that comes his way. Jim McNulty 2008-2009
The first time I met Jim was at a Junior supporters meeting in I think 1990. I don’t think it was his turn officially to attend the meeting but as he lived locally he had dropped in to say hello to everyone off his own back. He also wouldn’t hear of anyone making him a ‘cuppa’ – instead he brewed up for everyone else! This kind of approach has never changed since – he still pops in to as many ‘County’ groups as possible and he is always happy to brew up and ‘do his bit’ for anyone. It did not surprise me when Rochdale reported that he had tidied up the dug-out after the last game - that is what he is like.
Jim has been a diamond as far as County supporters are concerned, whether it be his advice freely given and delivered with an obvious sincerity that makes its mark on everyone he meets, or the many times he has joined a Help the Hatters Working Party, rolled his sleeves up, and mucked in. And Help the Hatters top man John Fitzpatrick (Fitzy), who knows Jim as well as anybody in the Club,testified to his many talents including a fine sense of humour, adding that “when Jim can field the team he wants to, it`s just like watching Brazil!”
I have been both a colleague and a friend in different guises over the 30 years since.
James has been consistently supportive of Help the Hatters over the years and always has time for people despite the pressures of his job.
His knowledge of all things, his recall of events in a match and his attention to detail are phenomenal and he is actually a very loyal, down to earth person who is always happy to help people where he can and who has no airs and graces – he is ‘one of us’!
Throughout all this JG has always been approachable to supporters, and the hard working members of Help the Hatters particularly appreciate the help that he has given us over the years.
Jacci Cooper
Help the Hatters
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What a great achievement, 500 games managing County. I will never forget the time, energy and the crucial role you played in my development. Thank you for trusting and believing in me from the very beginning.
When Jim first joined as a player in 1990 he immediately took an interest in the juniors and started to come along to our meetings, sometimes at very short notice when he lived in Edgeley. From then onto the present day he has always fully supported the encouragement of children and to get them interested in Stockport County from an early age.
I will always look back at my time at Stockport County FC with wonderful memories and cherish the many successes we shared along the way.
We are delighted that since being appointed manager, firstly in 2005, his interest and support has never waned and even in his short spells away from his beloved County he always kept in touch to see how things were going.
Thanks gaffer! Tommy Rowe 2007-2009
Wow! 500 games and still going strong! What an incredible achievement! I think I speak for every player, staff member or supporter who has worked with him, when I say that if you cut him open he would bleed Stockport County. His attention to detail is unparalleled. Massive congratulations on 500 games in charge and long may it continue! The club is in fantastic hands! Matty Mainwaring 2008-2011 & 2012-2013
He is still a great supporter of the juniors and now comes along to our meetings with his family and joins in fully with the children. We have recently held two zoom meetings at Jim’s request where he answered questions from our members for nearly an hour and a half each time. We are pleased to know you as a great supporter of the juniors and also as a friend, we appreciate the time you spend both at our meetings or in our Family Lounge. Again, congratulations on this great achievement and all the best for the future. Brenda and Ian County Juniors Supporters Club James is always so positive towards the Community Foundation and as someone who still lives in Stockport he understands the value of People, Clubs and Projects that help the Community.
Congratulations Jim!
We would like to share a conversation we had with James in one of his regular visits to the Foundation office. We were catching up about a number of community activities along with our appreciation for him and his response just summed up his outlook about the Community Foundation ‘I feel very much a part of the SCFC Community Foundation team. I feel my players are part of their team, and equally I feel that the Community Foundation is part of my team. Our work together is bringing success. That achievement is not just points, play-offs and promotion, but the greater and more lasting sense of pride and involvement. It’s being a part of bringing people together through football and sport in the local community’.
Chris Ridgway
SCFC Community Foundation
Jim Gannon I am fortunate enough to call a friend. As a child he was one of my favourite players, as a manager he’s been exceptional, and as a person I believe he’s a role model. Almost every success County have had during my time supporting, Jim has been some way involved with, and for me it’s been an honour to work with him.
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Firm, Fair, Honest, Adaptable and Demanding. They are the five words or traits to me that make the the Gaffer what he is. A winner. When I think of the Gaffer and the time that I had playing under him I always had a real respect and admiration for the way that he went about his business, especially when it came to training. I think it’s easy to overestimate what you can accomplish in a day but underestimate what you can accomplish over a course of months or years. He never took any shortcuts when developing his teams. He taught us to be adaptable in any situation whilst maintaining composure and great discipline. He created that by hours and hours of hard work on and off the training pitch. It’s a body of work that he takes great pride in and equally I was proud to play a very small part in it and I’ve been fortunate to learn so much from him. Gaffer, congratulations on your remarkable milestone, a milestone that is very rare in today’s game. You deserve all the recognition and accolades you get and I look forward to watching your continued success. Sam Walker 2017-2020
Many congratulations Jim on your 500th game as manager of Stockport County. I feel privileged to have witnessed first-hand your dedication, professionalism and strong work ethic in all that you have done and continue to do for SCFC. You are constantly striving for continuous improvement both on and off the pitch, often using your own time to benefit others in our community. Well done Gaffer, I know just how important this milestone is for you and only wish that the County faithful could be with you to celebrate properly. Gary Burton Director 2015-2020 38
Jim’s dedication to the club and football in general was never in question. I remember Mike Flynn telling me that he roomed with Jim and one night before an away match he woke up to find the light on. Flynny rubbed his eyes and to his surprise saw Jim sat at the desk in the room. He asked him what he was doing sat at the desk at 3 o’ clock in the morning. Jim’s response was that he was making some tactical notes for the gaffer. Even at that early stage it seemed that Jim was destined to end up in a managerial role. He played a huge role throughout some of the most memorable and successful years for our wonderful club. When you think of Jim Gannon then you think of Stockport County and it is fitting that he has reached such an incredible milestone, with more than 500 games as manager over three spells. Steve Bellis
I have been fortunate enough to commentate on Jim’s career as both a player and a manager. As a player, he would often join us for our post-match phone-in and his depth of knowledge and tactical insight was staggering as he talked with the fans on-air. When I joined the Board at County, it gave me another vantage point from which to follow his career and it was a privilege to be able to support his plans for the football department. Jim deserves huge credit for reaching 500 games with one club and, with two promotions under his belt, his place in County history is assured. In football’s modern era, this is a remarkable achievement. Jon Keighren
What an incredible achievement by James Gannon of managing this great club for an incredible 500 games. I have been extremely fortunate to work alongside him in all of his three periods as manager of Stockport County. Each of these managerial periods have produced different working scenarios and challenges for the Gaffa and having witnessed all of them I feel that I can reflect honestly on the man that will leave a legacy at County that I feel will never be equalled. Jim Gannon leads by knowledge, loyalty, dedication, honesty, trust, integrity and genuine love for one club. A remarkable man.
Jim gave me the honour of being captain of this football club at 22 in League 1. We were playing amazing stuff and were looking in a strong position to get the club back to where it should be. Administration then hit us and swept the rug from under us. Jim did everything he could to protect us young lads from all that stuff and made sure we were all ok, during a scary time in our careers which none of us had been through before. Since then during my career Jim has always been on the end of the phone for advice. Even now at the age of 33 and moving into the next chapter of my life and new career he is still a helping hand and offering to help where he can.
Alan Lord Michael Raynes 2004-2010 Only an exemplary boss can inspire his team and his staff on a daily basis. You are that boss, thank you for setting such a great example for me and all my colleagues (friends) at Stockport County. Karlos Leneghan Goalkeeper Coach
Congratulations to James Gannon on his 500th game as manager of Stockport County, I am also very privileged to be the godfather of his son James junior. Jim has done the club proud as a player and manager with some remarkable success and achievements. Jim has gained us promotions,
I would like to say a big congratulations to the Gaffer on a fantastic achievement of managing 500 games. Since I arrived at the club in August 2020 the Gaffer has been brilliant with me. He takes the information I give him on board and adapts it into training sessions and video meetings and this all leads to getting a win on match day. In the short time I have worked with the Gaffer the level of detail he has is fantastic and I have already learnt so much from him. I am proud to be part of his backroom staff helping to get this club back into the Football League where it belongs. Sean O’Callaghan Performance Analyst developed young players, and produced attractive football teams in whichever leagues County have played in. Jim is also a man of values and integrity and those who know him will also vouch for his amazing sense of humour. I along with my friends and colleagues at Help the Hatters
while seeing Jim as a player and a manager have enjoyed both those times and have also loved the commitment and friendship that he gives. Enjoy the day and the occasion James, you deserve it. John Fitzpatrick Club Ambassador
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Peter Ward
Phoenix From The County Flames Today is a very special day for James Gannon as he celebrates his 500th game in the Hatters dugout, a truly wonderful achievement. Continuing our popular series of speaking to former players and managers at the Club, who better to talk to about James as a man and his achievements as a manager than his friend, former Assistant Manager, and County legend Peter Ward... Very few people in the game know more about James Gannon than Peter Ward. Wardy and Gannon go back a long way, from rooming together on away trips to talking tactics in the County dugout as part of the Hatters’ hugely successful management team which reaped so many rewards in 2008, culminating in the memorable play-off final victory against Rochdale at Wembley. “Me and Jim go back a long time,” said Peter, who enjoyed spells at Edgeley Park as a player, assistant manager, caretaker manager, manager and as a coach. “We used to room on a away trips and when we worked together in management, I took one look at Jim’s first training session and knew that we were in good hands. He was so organised and very meticulous in his planning. He made sure the players had all of the information and they were ready. They knew exactly what they were doing and what he wanted them to do. “I met up with Jim at County’s game at Wrexham last season and it was good to see him. I was there for a Fans’ Forum event that Wrexham invited me to but it was nice to talk about old times.” Peter will always have a place in the hearts of County supporters, spending four happy years at County from 1991 to 1995, a period which is arguably the most successful spell of his playing career. Peter, who hails from the North East, was signed by the legendary Danny Bergara and this was the start of a wonderful relationship between club and player from the moment he walked through the door at Edgeley Park.
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Catching up at County’s 2-1 win at Wrexham last season
THE GAME: Wycombe Wanderers 1 County 1 THE DATE: Sunday 11th May 2008 THE COMPETITION: League Two Play-Off Semi-Final First Leg
Wardy and Gannon celebrating after County’s play-off final win at Wembley, 2008
“They were good memories,” said Peter. When I signed from Rochdale, County had just been promoted from the old Fourth Division. They had a good team on the up and good players. I played at Wembley four times and although we went on to lose all four finals it was a great experience to play there. We had some excellent players such as Jim. Big Kev was also an awesome sight and Andy Preece was a great player. It was during his playing days at County that Wardy first met Jim Gannon, and the pair went on to build a formidable partnership in the Hatters dugout. Gannon was appointed following County’s 6-0 damaging loss to Macclesfield Town and he moved to quickly appoint Ward as his assistant at Edgeley Park, and the pair never looked back. Gannon and Ward’s impact was instant and the duo led County from the bottom of League Two up to 5th in League One within two years. The pair also achieved a Football League record of nine consecutive wins without conceding a goal between January and March 2007 and winning the League Two Play-Offs against Rochdale at Wembley in 2009. “I always got on well with Jim and we are great friends. He’s very thoughtful, and he has a great sense of humour. I made the best cup of tea though! We worked very well together. The day we survived against Carlisle on the last day of the season when we were well adrift was also a day that stands out. “When Jim took over, the club was adrift at the bottom of the league, but he quickly got the lads playing. He used the loan market very well. If the administrators had let him continue to run the club then the club would never have gone the way it did. Administration was the worst moment of my career in football. That team was destroyed by the administrators. Jim had offers from higher clubs but he turned them down to help the club then within two weeks we were sacked, it was just awful.
THE MOMENT: It’s got to be Stephen Gleeson’s goal at Wycombe. It was a great goal, the fans came on to the pitch, and Jim punching the air in celebration was my favourite moment. The camera just turned on to him and all you could see was him clenching his fists in the air, it was just a great moment. That season we had lots of great results and played some great football.
“We had such a good team, the likes of Tommy Rowe, Pilkington, Ashley Williams, all benefited from Jim’s management. They went on to have good careers. Jim just knew how to improve players and get the best out of them.” In 2007, County earned their place in the record books as a Football League record NINTH successive win without conceding a goal was sealed with victory over promotion contenders Swindon, a phenomenal achievement that Peter remains proud of to this day. “To win nine successive games and keep nine clean sheets was a brilliant achievement. The lads played some great football. Jim had the lads well prepared, he researched the opposition, and everything was just spot on at the time. To win at Wembley later against Rochdale was also a brilliant day.” Presently County, led by Gannon, are competing at the higher end of the National League table, which doesn’t surprise Wardy, and he can’t speak highly enough of Jim’s achievement of managing 500 County games. “Jim’s done a great job. There’s a new owner, the players, and everything feels right that the club is on the up. What an achievement to manage the same club for 500 games. Congratulations Jim!”
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The
Travelling Fan The day out and getting there After several weeks without an away game of any sort following two weeks of isolation, our trip to Bromley meant an overnight stay for the first time since the opening day trip to Torquay for the media team. Rolling out of SK3 at around 3pm in Richard Landon’s media bus, the trip down was no trouble, arriving at our overnight pit-stop at Luton South at around 8pm. Happily, Luton’s tier two ranking meant there was even time for a substantial meal and drink before bed! An early rise in the morning saw us meet up with the players at their hotel around 10am, before cruising on into London from there. Hayes Lane One of the biggest talking points ahead of just our second ever visit to Hayes Lane was the return of spectators, with 2,000 fans permitted into the 5,000 capacity stadium – and although none (officially) were of a County contingent, it was still a sight to behold. As it was, the media team were situated cameraside, in a separate stand to those returning supporters, giving us a chance to soak in the atmosphere from afar – but with a perfect view of all the action that was about to unfold. The game In arguably our toughest challenge of the season
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Bromley v County Vanarama National League Saturday 5th December Hayes Lane
Weather: Bitterly cold but dry Distance from EP: 235 miles Journey time: 4 hours 30 minutes Outcome: A smash and grab display from the Hatters, as a clinical display saw County leave with all three points. to date, the first half was an entertaining affair that ebbed and flowed from end to end. A fast start to the game was rewarded with the opener, in somewhat fortuitous circumstances via the knee of Alex Reid. Cue a Bromley siege, as County withstood wave after wave of Bromley attacks towards the end of the half, with a combination of superb defending and poor finishing keeping the Ravens at bay.
Having soaked up all of that pressure, County superbly hit Bromley with a sucker punch on the hour mark, that man again John Rooney calmly stroking home from 10 yards to put Jim Gannon’s team in a commanding position. That goal rather took the wind out of Bromley’s sails, and although they did come close again only to be denied by the woodwork, County held on to seal the most crucial of victories away from home, to start their climb back up the league table. Getting away After conducting the post-match interview with a very happy Jim Gannon, we began our journey back up the M40 full of the sense of elation that only three points can bring – although helped by the taste of Dominos pizzas waiting for us on the mini-bus. By the time we got going, most fans present had already dispersed, making it a pretty straightforward journey home for the County media team – mercifully so, with the prospect of another slog down to London just three days later looming large. Memory of the day As good as those three points felt, seeing fans back inside a football stadium for the first time since
March was hard to beat – thankfully the County players managed to give them little to shout about come the final whistle. Travelling fan verdict Journey: 7/10 Stadium: 8/10 Overall match day experience: 8/10 Liam Richardson
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Supporters’ Co-operative
The new Supporters’ Co-operative Board held their first meeting recently, via Zoom to comply with current pandemic restrictions. Top of the items on the agenda was to continue our support for Stockport’s magnificent homeless charity The Wellspring. Recent changes around Edgeley Park have meant that we have lost the use of the cabin in the Cheadle End car park. This was a most useful hub for collecting and co-ordination of donations from County supporters to the Wellspring, and we were unanimous in wanting to keep support for the charity alive in the face of a potentially major obstacle. We felt a certain urgency was in the air for us to act and thus we decided to institute an online appeal in support of the charity and Stockport`s homeless.
Consequently, a Just Giving account has been set up, with the aim of raising £1,000, and we would urge County supporters to support this effort if they can via www. justgiving.com/fundraising/ countysupporterscoopwellspring-92 The following Board positions were also agreed upon for the coming year: Peter Towey (Chairman), John Giles (Vice Chair), Andy Burt (Treasurer), Damian Beaumont (Membership Officer), Ian Brown (Communications and Media Officer) Katye Ebbage (Fundraising Officer), and Emma Mannion (Vice Fundraising Officer).
In addition, Steve Murray and Paul Thompson were coopted onto the Board for the coming year. It was reported that the Club were looking for a face-to-face meeting with ourselves. We agreed we would indicate a willingness to meet face-to-face, but with a fall-back position of meeting via Zoom should Covid tiering restrictions dictate. On membership it was agreed we pursue plans to chase up lapsed members early in the new year, and look at standardising payment renewal dates. Ian Brown Stockport County Supporters’ Co-operative 45
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Terrace Talk A Happy New Year to you all and welcome to Edgeley Park for what will be the first of four home games over the next fortnight. Today it’s Altrincham who make the short journey over from the J. Davidson Stadium so a warm welcome is extended to Phil Parkinson and his players. It’s just seven days since Connor Jennings earned Stockport a late point in the reverse fixture on Boxing Day to move County back into the top half of the table and it’s fair to say Connor was unlucky not to have scored his first league goal of the season sooner having seen one cleared off the line by the Alty defence. Former County players Sean Williams, Matty Kosylo and Connor Hampson have all been part of the Altrincham squad this season and in the case of Kosylo and Hampson both played the whole ninety a few days ago. Sometimes it’s crazy what the fixture calendar can conjure up as it’s only two seasons ago since Stockport beat Altrincham here on Boxing Day and then travelled to the Robins for the return fixture for the first game of 2019, yet here we are a short time later doing something similar albeit vice versa. County won the Boxing Day clash back then 2-0 courtesy of a goal in each half from Jamie Stott and Frank Mulhern, whilst the visit to Altrincham saw Matty Warburton on target just before the half hour. Jim Gannon’s side have a strong record to uphold in this fixture down the years and one thing he will be looking for is some added consistency over the coming weeks in order to cement a place in the top half of the table going into the second half of the season. Altrincham have one of the best records in the league on current form and prior to facing County over Christmas had won six out of their last seven games having beaten Chesterfield, Boreham Wood, Maidenhead United, Wrexham, Dagenham
It’s just seven days since the reverse fixture
& Redbridge and Chester since the middle of November. Only National League leaders Torquay United and fellow promotion hopefuls Notts County had a better record going into Boxing Day so the importance of Connor Jennings’ goal shouldn’t be understated and from a County point of view it helped to stop the rot in a couple of games after what was otherwise an encouraging start to December. Hopefully 2021 can be a decent year for County, what has happened especially over the last nine months has been something none of us could have foreseen so for that it is a miracle that we can still host football at this level and for that huge credit must go out to those who have worked tirelessly on and off the pitch to make it happen. Happy New Year. 47
Physio
Luke Smith Good afternoon everyone. Today we again have a full squad with no injuries from the Wrexham game. Lois Maynard played on Monday without any problems and we look forward to keeping up our low injury list in the busy period ahead. Thanks. Luke
Lois Maynard got through the Wrexham game without any problems
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County Heaven Hatter in Macc writes: A very Happy New Year from Edgeley Park. Here’s hoping there are better times ahead for the world, and all of us in it, during 2021. As we write again with the luxury of not having had Christmas printing deadlines to meet, it was good, at least in footballing terms, to bid farewell to 2020 with something of a smile, following a return to winning ways, and an excellent team performance, against the ‘Robins’ of Wrexham here on the Bank Holiday Monday afternoon. More Robins to welcome today, of course, in the form of near-neighbours Altrincham - with whom we produced an entertaining Cheshire ‘derby’ at Moss Lane a week ago. For that first half of the festive double-header, we made the short jaunt across to Trafford holding on to 13th position while our hosts sat in sixth. Seven days, and only two games for each side, later, the Hatters are up to fourth and Alty down to ninth - which, if nothing else, is illustrative of the rather crazy, stop-start campaign, involving Covid-enforced postponements for between a third and a half of the National League’s clubs at any given time right now.
first three winners of this year’s County Heaven Awards 2020, and it is time to round up the remainder. Thread of the Year – our joint winners were the ‘Music Association’ game (like word association, only with songs) and ‘CV Confessional’, where Heaveners have been able to share their experiences of the current pandemic. Not the most light-hearted of reads, but one that has nevertheless been invaluable. Funniest Heavener – this year’s winner is the man who almost single-handedly kept the ’Bar Jokes’ thread going throughout 2020, and was our host for the awards, Epworth. Games Master of the Year – we are lucky enough to have several high-quality games rooms at County Heaven, and this year’s accolade was shared between Ceefer (for his County-based prediction competition), myself (for my quizzes) and Lennie (for his Limerick Lounge). Staff Member of the Year – no surprises here, as our winner was once again Gazz, for all the hard work he does behind the scenes, keeping County Heaven running smoothly and looking fantastic.
This afternoon promises a good contest, if that on Boxing Day may be anything to go by - although, as was also the case then, it feels such a pity that the fans cannot get in to enjoy it. Hopefully, the wait for their return, even on a partial basis initially, will soon be over.
Heavener of the Year – our final award of the evening went to Hermannsays, for his consistently brilliant match and player assessments following each game (as well as so much more).
Time now to pass the baton, for the first time in ’21, to my esteemed co-writer - suitably suited and booted to continue announcing the plaudits for our forum’s success stories from last year. Take it away, Sandy!
Congratulations to all our winners. If that has whetted your appetite, and you fancy seeing what the fuss is about, why not pop along to County Heaven and sign up? Membership is free, and you are assured a warm welcome!
Sandbach Hatter writes: Thanks, Maccy!
Stay safe, folks. Animo et Fide.
Those who read our column regularly may recall – since it was only five days ago – that last time I revealed the 50
www.countyheaven.com
Jon Keighren
Imagine Radio 15 years ago today, Jim Gannon took charge of Stockport County for the first time as the Hatters drew two-all against Cheltenham here at Edgeley Park. County were on the crest of a slump after a dismal run under Chris Turner (P51 W7), and the Supporters Trust turned to Jim in their hour of need, initially as caretaker manager, with Peter Ward alongside him. In fairness to Chris, he did sign Liam Dickinson for five grand, so it wasn’t a complete disaster, but the transformation after his departure was nothing short of remarkable. County were five points adrift at the bottom of the League when Jim took charge at the start of 2006, but the team went on to secure 35 points in the second half of the season (play-off form by any measure) culminating in a dramatic final-day escape against Carlisle United. 15 years on, and two promotions later, Jim Gannon marks his 500th game in charge of the club. He is by some distance the longestserving manager in the 137-year history of the club, across three separate spells, and it’s difficult to see his tally of 500 games ever being surpassed. Jim wasn’t entirely green as a manager when he came in – he’d spent two years honing his craft
as manager of Dundalk in the Eircom League, and anyone who listened to Jim on our post-match phone-ins could be under no illusion about his tactical acuity. Sadly, there will be no fans here to celebrate today’s incredible milestone, but this is still an opportunity to pay tribute to a man who has written his name large in County history, as both player and manager. This afternoon, we welcome newly-promoted Altrincham back to Edgeley Park, and it is no exaggeration to say that the Robins have been the surprise package in the National League this season. Under manager Phil Parkinson they’ve developed a very effective style of play which has seen them pick up a flurry of 1-0 wins away from home. They are wellorganised, everyone knows their jobs and they’ve got real pace in the final third as we saw with the opening goal on Boxing Day. On Monday they suffered their first defeat in six, losing narrowly 3-2 at Halifax, but Alty remain just outside the Play Offs on goal difference, and Phil deserves huge credit for the way he has
revitalised Altrincham - returning the Robins to the National League after successive relegations is a wonderful achievement. 2020 has been a hideous year, and I know many of our fans face uncertainty as they enter 2021 - some are in dire need of urgent help and support, whether through social isolation, financial difficulties, unemployment, the loss of loved ones or the threat of homelessness. And for all of you, the absence of live football has left a void which has been difficult to fill. I am proud that our club, inspired by new owner Mark Stott, has stepped forward to address some of these issues by supporting the NHS and providing free hot meals for local children of over Christmas. I also hope that our live match streams have provided some small comfort and maintained a link to Edgeley Park whilst our doors have remained sadly closed. This football club has stepped up to support our community in its hour of need, and on this day of celebration, it is also a day to be proud of Stockport County. I want to wish all of you a much happier New Year in 2021.
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Oshor Williams Just in case it has escaped anybody’s attention, today County manager Jim Gannon celebrates 500 games in charge of the club. Accumulated over a 10-year broken period of service, this is a genuinely remarkable achievement. Factor in a decade as a County player during which he totted up over 400 games for the club, and the stats paint a picture of a talented, committed, driven individual who has served the needs of the club over a 20-year period, much to our good fortune. Jim’s career at the club commenced in 1990 almost exactly a year after my own professional career ended due to injury in 1989. However, as someone who lived locally and had spent five of my happiest years at County I was still very much engaged with developments at the club and followed its fortunes closely. There were players at the club who were former team-mates and opponents whom I frequently met for a pint who updated me on events on a regular basis. So, I was aware of the growing stature of manager Danny Bergara as well as the quality of the squad he was assembling which contained players such as Chris Beaumont, Mark Payne, Bill Williams, and my old pal Andy Thorpe. Danny signed Jim for £70,000 (what a steal) and once ‘Big Jim’ settled in he developed a reputation as a solid, reliable performer who could also chip in with important goals. It could be said that his own period of growth and development corresponded to the progression of the club to the previously unimaginable heights of second tier English football. His success as a manager at Stockport County has been no less impressive, and whilst I would like to echo the testimonials chronicling his service to the club in this capacity, my admiration encompasses not only his managerial achievements but his journey from elite performer to the focused, skilled practitioner we have come to know and respect over the years. 52
Jim Gannon goes close in the 1991/92 Third Division play-off final defeat to Peterborough United
In my work at the Professional Footballers’ Association, I am involved on a daily basis with players seeking transition advice and support as they see their playing career drawing to a close. Unfortunately, by the time they begin planning their exit from the game they already have one foot out the door. My colleagues and I try to encourage players to think about their future whilst they are playing, preferably at the earliest stage possible. I have a firm belief that those who become fully formed, well rounded individuals can be successful both during their football career and afterwards when they pursue their second career aims. From his earliest days at County Jim was always developing his wider skills, undertaking qualifications in Maths, Geography and Accountancy, as part of his personal progression plan. Many of his educational attainments were achieved whilst he was helping County rise from the old 4th Division to the second tier of English football (now called the Championship) over a period of eight seasons. And most of the County faithful would agree that it was a golden era during which he played some of the best football of his career. Jim was always moving forward and continued to follow his coaching pathway upon retirement, gaining the highest coaching award possible, the UEFA Pro-Licence.
Jim is an excellent role model and a great advocate for education and continuous development. One of my earliest roles at the PFA was to ensure that youth players at all the North West clubs were progressing through their studies which were (and still are) a mandatory part of the Apprenticeship programme. Whilst at the training ground I often chatted with Jim who took great interest in their progress asking about their attitude and application and encouraging them to give 100% in all their endeavours on and off the pitch. That is probably why he has had such a positive influence on the development of so many young players, helping them navigate the precarious journey from Academy to first team football. I listened to an interview with Jim and Matty Mainwaring a player who Jim brought through the ranks and gave great service to County over two periods at the club. It was great to hear Matty talk about the ‘education’ he received, working under Jim and the confidence he instilled into young players by demonstrating confidence in them. I am sure that is a sentiment echoed by many who have worked under him over the years and there is one thing for which all his players will be eternally grateful... he always gives them Christmas Day off! Enjoy the game. Osh 53
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Deadly Duos Steven Davies
Carl Baker & Jabo Ibehre Hello and welcome to 2021 in what is our first home league game of the year. I hope you all had a very safe and happy Christmas under these exceptional and peculiar circumstances. This month on paper looks to be non-stop with an incredible eight games set to be played. These include a few league games as well as two cup games where we play Notts County in the FA Trophy Fourth Round and, prior to that, in the FA Cup Third Round against Premier League team West Ham United. This year will certainly start off with a bang! Today though we see ourselves back in action in the league against local neighbours Altrincham and for our deadly duos page we are going to be looking at Carl Baker and a player that was drafted in during the latter end of the 2009/10 season for damage limitation. Carl Baker had come firstly through Southport where he helped them gain promotion as well as winning Player of the Season. He then went on to play one season at newly promoted Morecambe where he scored their first ever league goal against Wolves in the League Cup. He was then signed to County for around ÂŁ225,000 where he got off to a jittery start before a knee injury cut short his season at Christmas. The season later was the complete opposite and saw Carl start off by scoring nine goals in his first nine games, including back-to-back away hat-tricks against Brighton and Crewe. He also went on to score the winner against Tranmere which was live on Sky in a 1-0 away win to put him into double figures by October. These performances earned him a deal with Championship side Coventry City for around ÂŁ300,000 where he went on to play well over 150 games, and currently he is still playing in the lower leagues.
Carl Baker
His striking partners at the time whilst playing for County were varied, so it was near impossible to pick one worthy at that time. But one player I did want to touch on was Jabo Ibehre who was a loaned player from MK Dons and was brought in after Carl had left when we found ourselves on a bit of a downwards spiral and bottom of the league. Some facts about this player were while he played for us was that in his second game in a County shirt he secured us a draw which ended what was 12 defeats in a row, and then he went on to single-handedly pull us back from two goals down to earn us another draw against Colchester by scoring twice. Jabo also ended a nine-and-a-half hour goal drought when he scored in 1-1 draw against Walsall, and then scored again against Norwich City and Southend before returning to MK Dons after the season had ended.
Jabo Ibehre
Jabo then went on to play for Colchester, Carlisle and Cambridge where he recently retired from football only last month due to a knee injury.
55
Com Foun scfcfoundation.com
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ALL THE VERY B FROM THE STOC COMMUNITY FOU
mmunity ndation
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BEST FOR 2021 CKPORT COUNTY UNDATION TEAM
Steve Bellis Smokey Robinson, Fitbits and Walnutless Whips! May I begin by wishing you all an extremely happy, healthy and prosperous New Year! I am tempted to say that it can’t be as bad as 2020 but wouldn’t like to tempt fate. I know that it would have been difficult for any government to handle such an unprecedented (I now really hate that word) situation but surely as the world’s sixth richest country we can’t accept being the fifth worst country with regard to Covid cases and deaths. I think Boris should do a remake of that famous Smokey Robinson hit, and rename it ‘Tiers of a clown’. Or we could put Smokey in charge of the country? Yeah, I know he’s 80, but if it’s good enough for the Americans then surely... maybe not!
It is, of course, the time of year for resolutions and I know many will be attempting to stay off the booze or commence a New Year health kick. This might surprise you but having given it some considerable consideration (well, about 20 seconds) I have decided not to do anything. This time last year I decided that 2020 was going to be my get fit year. So much so that I (in one of my drunken Sunday night online purchases) invested in a ‘Fitbit’. Now when I was a lad a fit bit was not something one wore on the wrist but I’ll leave that for another time.
Anyway, to cut a long and rather miserable story and year short, I suffered a detached retina, my lovely mother passed away, a pandemic arrived, we got locked down, opened up again, locked down again, my mum’s dog died and I decided to give the whole fitness regime a miss (in January). I knew it wasn’t going well when my ‘Fitbit’ sent me a friend request (if only that had happened when I was a lad). Speaking of useless online purchases, I also decided to buy a dog whistle as my beloved pup Flynn is about as obedient as my ex-wife.
Anyway, we began the season back in October dreaming of returning to the fourth tier come the end of the season. Little did we know that we would be in Tier 4 by New Year’s Eve. Of course, it’s not the fourth tier we were dreaming of and as a result we will once again have a near empty Edgeley Park this afternoon. I do know for a fact, however, that the management and players take great heart knowing that there are thousands of County fans watching the games on screens of all sizes around the country and indeed the world.
58
Flynn... good job I love him!
I actually heard that God once exclaimed to men that obedient wives would be found in all corners of the world, sadly he then made the world round. Anyway, back to Flynn, to be fair, he can be obedient, when I say ‘Are you coming or not?’ He either comes or he doesn’t but I needed help so I ordered a top of the range dog whistle. It arrived quickly (my daughter Daisy has that Amazon Prime thingy) and I couldn’t wait to test it out. I got Flynn’s harness and strait jacket on and headed into the nearest field. I let him go and he immediately galloped off into the distance. I smugly retrieved the gleaming silver whistle from my pocket and blew as hard as I could. To my huge disappointment it didn’t make a noise, as if the pea was missing. To my even bigger disappointment Flynn was now even further away and I had to run for what seemed like miles to get him back (my Fitbit would have loved me if we were still friends). I trudged back home with mine and Flynn’s tail between my legs and, assuming it was broke, ordered a different one. This arrived and I headed for the park which is smaller than the field so not as far for me to run if it didn’t work. Off Flynn went and out my whistle came. I gave it the best blast since my last breath test and again, it didn’t make any noise. I wasn’t happy. I was even less happy when I was suddenly surrounded by everyone else’s dogs. I was then informed by a fellow dog owner that the whistle isn’t supposed to be audible to humans only canines. Feeling more than a bit stupid,
especially as I had sent the other faulty whistle back, I trudged back to my car. I then realised there was something missing... Flynn. It seems that the whistle is audible to all canines... except Flynn. Good job I love him.
down the road in Altrincham. They are a lovely club with whom we have always enjoyed a very good relationship. The first game of the new year is always special but today’s has an added touch of speciality.
My biggest disappointment of This afternoon Christmas, however, marks the 500th had nothing to do game that Jim has with the dog. My been in charge of brother, knowing the team. I have a sweet tooth and a live It’s a of all things remarkable retro, treated milestone me to a at any level range of old and is fashioned testament confectionery to the What including a relationship happened to three pack of between Jim the walnuts? Walnut Whips. Do and the club. you remember them? I loved them and I was genuinely very There isn’t enough editorial space excited about tucking into them. here to attempt to do justice to his achievements but the one that I waited until the day after Boxing will always stand out for me is Day and let my youngest daughter winning the National League North Daisy have one too. I’m good like Championship. that. This is not just because it was I ripped off the wrapper looking the first Championship the club forward to biting the walnut off the has won for over 50 years, but it top but to my horror the walnut marked the return of the club to was nowhere to be seen, just a national level football and the start flat top where it should have been. of our undoubted return to the football league. In a state of panic I snatched my daughter’s off her (I’m good like So, enjoy the day Jim, thanks that) and was astonished to find for all you have achieved, and I that she didn’t have a walnut sincerely hope we can mark this either. significant occasion with three points this afternoon. I sulked for a bit and then Daisy spotted the fact that they are not Finally, may I wish everyone called Walnut Whips any more, involved with our wonderful club they are simply called ‘Whips’. and indeed with today’s visitors a very happy, prosperous and more When did this happen and why? importantly healthy 2021. Surely walnuts are now not deemed to be offensive? Surely, it must be better than that pile of (insert your own Anyway, back to this afternoon expletive here) that we had to and may I extend a warm endure last year. welcome to our good friends from
59
The Hatters v The Robins
Facts & Figures Head to Head
Goals scored
Played (all competitions): 8
County: 11
County: 5 Altrincham: 1 Draws: 2
Previous games
Altrincham: 6
Last time out
Saturday 26th December 2020 National League Altrincham 1 County 1 Tuesday 1st January 2019 National League North Altrincham 0 County 1
They played for both clubs Goalkeeper: Matt Dickins. Defenders: Danny Adams, Alan Finley, Danny Hall, Connor Hampson, Gianluca Havern, James Jennings, Mark Lynch, Carl Piergianni, James Smith, Matt Woods. Midfielders/Wingers: Danny Boshell, Ian Craney, Ryan Crowther, Kevin Ellison, Micah Evans, Adam Griffin, Andy Kilner, Callum Mantack, Greg Tansey, Paul Turnbull, Jason van Blerk, Greg Wilkinson. Forwards: Nyal Bell, Barry Diamond, Wayne Entwistle, James Hooper, Richard Landon, Jonny Margetts, Matty McNeil, Andy Owens, Joe Piggott, Albert Quixall, Marc Lloyd-Williams.
Previously at EP County: 1 Altrincham: 0 Draws: 1 60
26th December 2020, National League Altrincham 1 (Ceesay, 25) County 1 (Jennings 81) A late Connor Jennings goal nine minutes from time earned County a deserved draw at Altrincham after they had gone behind midway through the first half. Yusifu Ceesay opened the scoring for Altrincham after 25 minutes, slotting home after a Matty Kosylo ball to put the hosts ahead. County created two quick-fire chances within the 31st minute, with Ryan Croasdale meeting a low ball but finding his resulting shot blocked by Tony Thompson. After the break County continued to push for an equaliser, with Lois Maynard denied at point-blank range in the 71st minute but Jennings earned the Hatters a point their efforts deserved. Team (4-2-3-1): Hinchliffe; Minihan, Hogan (Capt.), Keane, Kitching; Croasdale, Maynard; Thomas (Southam-Hales, 65), C. Jennings, Williams; Reid. Unused Subs: Bennett, Stott, Barnes, Gilmour. Booked: Maynard.
2020-21
CHE
Statistics W 6 4 4 3 5 3 4 2 2 4 4 3 2 5 2 3 1 2 2 1 1 1 2
D 1 2 1 1 0 1 2 2 2 3 1 1 3 0 1 1 2 1 2 1 2 0 0
Home L 1 3 2 1 3 2 2 4 3 1 2 2 1 1 2 3 2 4 3 5 4 7 4
F 17 13 14 8 14 13 15 12 7 12 16 7 7 11 4 9 2 15 10 8 4 11 5
D 1 1 1 1 2 1 2 2 2 0 2 1 1 1 2 2 1 0 0 4 1 2 0
Away L 1 2 1 3 2 3 4 0 3 5 4 4 2 3 2 4 4 3 4 1 4 3 4
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2
Goals
0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 2 2 1 1 3 0 1 0 0 1 1 5 1 6 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 20 15
Subs
0 2 0 4 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 3 1 2 0 2 0 0 3 0 3 0 0 8 2 -
Starts
Subs
0 0 12 0 5 0 0 0 13 0 12 0 10 4 11 10 11 11 0 8 10 11 2 0 6 3 4 -
1 0 2 1 4 0 1 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 5 3 1 1 0 5 5 4 1 0 5 4 0 -
0 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 3 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 3 -
0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 4 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 13
F 20 10 9 12 5 8 11 11 9 8 6 10 12 5 9 12 9 9 7 7 7 5 1
A 9 7 9 11 5 10 10 4 9 13 14 13 8 9 6 12 11 9 16 11 20 7 11
W 12 8 8 7 7 7 6 6 6 6 6 6 5 6 5 5 5 5 4 2 2 2 2
D 2 3 2 2 2 2 4 4 4 3 3 2 4 1 3 3 3 1 2 5 3 2 0
Total L F 2 37 5 23 3 23 4 20 5 19 5 21 6 27 4 23 6 16 6 20 6 22 6 17 3 20 4 16 4 13 7 21 6 11 7 24 7 17 6 15 8 11 10 16 8 6
Total
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 3
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
A 15 18 14 14 13 21 20 17 17 17 30 16 14 11 10 22 14 18 30 23 32 27 25
GD 22 5 9 6 6 0 7 6 -1 3 -8 1 6 5 3 -1 -3 6 -13 -8 -21 -11 -19
Play-Offs: Elimination Round (5th v 6th, 4th v 7th)
Cup
Goals
Starts
Josh Barnes Nyal Bell Richie Bennett Louis Britton Ryan Croasdale Jordan Downing Harvey Gilmour Max Greenhalgh Ben Hinchliffe Jack Hinchy Liam Hogan Jack Hopkins Connor Jennings James Jennings Jordan Keane Mark Kitching Lois Maynard Sam Minihan Adam Owen Ash Palmer Alex Reid John Rooney Macauley Southam-Hales Finley Stanyer Jamie Stott Adam Thomas Jordan Williams Own goals Total
W 6 4 4 4 2 4 2 4 4 2 2 3 3 1 3 2 4 3 2 1 1 1 0
Play-Offs: Semi-Finals (2nd v 5th/6th, 3rd v 4th/7th) League
Player Roll-Call
A 6 11 5 3 8 11 9 13 8 4 16 3 5 2 4 10 3 9 14 12 12 20 14
Subs
Promotion
P 16 16 13 13 14 14 16 14 16 15 15 14 12 11 12 15 14 13 13 13 13 14 10
1 0 14 1 9 0 1 0 17 0 16 0 14 4 16 13 12 12 0 13 15 15 3 0 11 7 4 -
0 3 1 5 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 3 1 2 3 4 0 0 3 1 4 0 0 8 5 -
Biggest Win
Goals
National League Team Torquay United Hartlepool United Sutton United Stockport County Notts County Maidenhead United FC Halifax Town Bromley Altrincham Woking Wealdstone Wrexham Eastleigh Solihull Moors Boreham Wood Aldershot Town Dagenham & Redbridge Chesterfield King's Lynn Town Yeovil Town Barnet Weymouth Dover Athletic
Starts
# 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
STERFIELD FC
0 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 2 2 0 0 1 2 2 1 1 4 0 1 0 0 2 1 9 1 11 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 33 18
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2
Most Goals
Highest Attendance Lowest Attendance Top Goalscorer
Pts 38 27 26 23 23 23 22 22 22 21 21 20 19 19 18 18 18 16 14 11 9 8 6
W L D W W D W W L W D W W L D D D L L D L L L
Form Last 6 Matches W D L W W W L W W W L W W W L W L L D W D W L W L D L W L W W L W L W D W L L W W W W D L L L W L D L L D W L D L L W L W L L D D W W L L W D L W W W W L L W L L W L W W L W D W W W W L L D L L W L W D L D L L L L L D L W L L L L
Relegation
National League Records Saturday 12th December 2020 Chesterfield 6-0 Barnet Tuesday 13th October 2020 Wealdstone 2-5 Stockport County Saturday 17th October 2020 Wealdstone 4-3 Wrexham Wednesday 2nd December 2020 FC Halifax Town 5-2 Barnet Saturday 26th December 2020 Torquay United 6-1 Yeovil Town Monday 28th December 2020 Weymouth 3-4 Torquay United Saturday 26th December 2020 Maidenhead United 4-0 Wealdstone 1,586 Tuesday 8th December 2020 Weymouth 2-3 Dagenham & Redbridge 438 Sam Barratt (Maidenhead United) 9 = 5 Goals + 4 Penalties Richie Bennett scored the first goal against Wrexham
# 1 2 23
National League Fair Play Team Notts County 16 Stockport County 15 Yeovil Town 39
1 2 2
Pts 74 80 176
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 Thursday 31st December 2020
61
Kit Sponsorship Ben
Sam
Hinchliffe
01
HOME
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BEN WALKER
STOCKPORT TADPOLES
LEE THORNEYCROFT
A WAY
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AVA RAE FELLOWES
AVAILABLE
BENJI GRIGGS 02
03
John
Thomas
Richie
Rooney
Bennett
HOME
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HOME
ANDY BIRCHENOUGH
MATTHEW STANDING
JACOB THORP
A WAY
A WAY
A WAY
THE ITALIAN
CHARLIE AND HARRY JOHNSON
ADRIAN CAVILLE
07
08
Jamie
09
Jordan
Stott
Macauley
Keane HOME
Southam-Hales HOME
HOME
VIRIDOR
ONLY ONE JIMBO
A WAY
A WAY
A WAY
AVAILABLE
HELP THE HATTERS
ZANE PEAT
15
16
Josh
AVAILABLE 17
Harvey
Barnes
Finley
Gilmour
Stanyer
HOME
HOME
HOME
AVAILABLE
AVAILABLE
PHILL GREEN
A WAY
A WAY
A WAY
AVAILABLE 62
Jennings
HOME
Adam
21
James
Minihan
AVAILABLE 22
AVAILABLE 23
To sponsor a player, please contact Olivia Hanvey on 0161 266 2700 or olivia.hanvey@stockportcounty.com Liam
Ash
Hogan HOME
THE MOORE FAMILY
04
HOME
IAN DOOLEY
MAYNARD FAMILY
A WAY
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05
Maynard
HOME
KEVIN AND SAM BOON Connor
A WAY
£
ARNOLD GORSE MORTGAGES ・PROTECTION ・INVESTMENTS ・ pensions
06
Jordan
Jennings
Mark
Williams
Kitching
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LEE THORNEYCROFT
HELP THE HATTERS
KATE GLASS
A WAY
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AVAILABLE
BIGSY BATT 10
11
Ryan
GREENHILL 14
Alex
Croasdale
Nyal
Reid
Bell
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GARY KIMBER
MIKE WHORRALL
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A WAY
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18
19
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20
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Lois
Palmer
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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 Tue 5 Eastleigh Mon 11 West Ham United Sat 16 Notts County Tue 19 Dagenham & Redbridge Sat 23 Boreham Wood Tue 26 King's Lynn Town Sat 30 Woking February 2021 Tue 2 Sutton United Sat 6 Yeovil Town Sat 13 Aldershot Town Tue 16 Maidenhead United Sat 20 Eastleigh Tue 23 Notts County Sat 27 Chesterfield March 2021 Sat 6 Weymouth Tue 9 Solihull Moors Sat 13
Att Pos
NL NL NL NL NL FAC4Q NL NL
0-1 2-1 3-0 5-2 2-1 1-1 0-0 1-2
- 21 Hinchliffe - 10 Hinchliffe - 6 Hinchliffe - 2 Hinchliffe - 1 Hinchliffe - - Hinchliffe - 2 Hinchliffe - 2 Hinchliffe
Minihan Minihan Minihan Minihan Minihan ³ Minihan Minihan Minihan
Jennings J Southam-Hales ¹ Stott Jennings J ¹ Stott ¹ Stott ³ Stott Stott ²
Maynard Maynard Maynard Maynard 1 Maynard Maynard Croasdale Maynard
Palmer Palmer Palmer Palmer Palmer Palmer Keane Palmer 1
Hogan Stott Hogan Hogan Hogan Hogan 1 Hogan Hogan
Kitching Kitching 1 ² Kitching ² Keane Kitching 1 ² Thomas Thomas Kitching
H FAC4Q A FAC1 H FAC2
4-0 2-1 3-2
-
Keane Keane Keane
Stott Stott Stott
Croasdale Croasdale ² Croasdale ¹
Palmer Palmer Palmer 1
Hogan Hogan Hogan
Thomas Kitching Kitching ³
A A A H A A H
NL NL NL FAT3 NL NL NL
2-0 2-1 0-1 3-1 0-4 1-1 2-0
Thomas Minihan Minihan Keane Minihan Minihan Stott
Jennings J Jennings J Williams Southam-Hales ¹ Williams Williams Southam-Hales ¹
Maynard Maynard Maynard Croasdale Croasdale Maynard Maynard
Keane Keane Palmer Palmer Palmer Keane Keane 1
Hogan Hogan Hogan Stott Hogan Hogan Hogan
Kitching ³ Williams ¹ Kitching ¹ Kitching Kitching Kitching Kitching
H H H H A H A A
NL NL FAC3 FAT4 NL NL NL NL
H H H A A H H
NL NL NL NL NL NL NL
A NL A NL
Dagenham & Redbridge H NL
Tue 16 Barnet Sat 20 Sutton United Sat 27 Hartlepool United April 2021 Fri 2 Aldershot Town Mon 5 Bromley Sat 10 Wrexham Tue 13 King's Lynn Town Sat 17 Maidenhead United Sat 24 Boreham Wood May 2021 Sat 1 FC Halifax Town Mon 3 Wealdstone Sat 8 Dover Athletic Sat 15 Torquay United Sat 22 Woking Sat 29 Yeovil Town TBA
64
Comp Score A H H A A H H H
H NL A NL H NL A H A H H A
NL NL NL NL NL NL
A H A H H A
NL NL NL NL NL NL CSC2
-
Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe
1,031 11 Hinchliffe 792 5 Hinchliffe - 10 Hinchliffe - - Barnes - 13 Hinchliffe - 9 Hinchliffe - 4 Hinchliffe
Key:
CHE
STERFIELD FC
Bold = Goalscorer 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 = 1st / 2nd / 3rd / 4th Sub / = Yellow / Red Card = Penalty = Lost 6-7 on Penalties, = After Extra Time * = Own Goal
Rooney Rooney Rooney 2 Rooney 3 ³ Rooney Rooney Rooney Rooney Rooney 2 Rooney 1 ¹ Rooney 1 Rooney 1 Rooney Rooney Gilmour ² Rooney Croasdale Croasdale
Bennett ² Bennett Bennett ³ Bennett 1 Bennett Bennett ¹ Bennett ² Bennett ³ ² Bennett 1 ¹ Thomas Thomas ² Bennett ² Bennett ² Bennett Britton ³ Bennett ¹ Thomas ¹ Bennett 1 ³
Jennings C ³ Jennings C ³ Jennings C ¹ Jennings C Jennings C Keane Jennings C ¹ Croasdale
Reid ¹ Keane Keane Reid ² Keane Reid ² Reid Reid ¹
Jennings C Reid 1 ³ Jennings C Reid 1 ³ 4 Jennings C 1 Reid Jennings C Jennings C ³ Keane ² Jennings C Keane Jennings C 1 Jennings C
Reid 1 ¹ Reid 2 Reid Reid 2 Reid Reid Reid ²
Barnes Barnes Barnes Barnes Barnes Barnes Barnes Barnes
Stott Jennings J ² Jennings J ² Kitching ¹ Jennings J ² Jennings C ² Hopkins Jennings C ²
Keane ¹ Croasdale Croasdale Croasdale ³ Croasdale Croasdale ³ Owen Keane
Thomas ³ Thomas 1 ¹ Thomas ³ Thomas ² Thomas ³ Southam-Hales Southam-Hales ¹ Thomas ³
Bell ² Reid ³ Reid 1 ¹ Bell Reid 1 ¹ Bell ¹ Bell ² Britton ¹
Barnes Barnes Barnes
Hopkins ³ Jennings J Jennings J
Maynard ¹ Maynard ¹ Maynard 4
Southam-Hales ² Stanyer Southam-Hales Britton ³ Bennett ² Britton
Barnes Barnes Barnes Hinchliffe Barnes Barnes Barnes
Minihan ¹ Kitching ¹ Jennings C ² Hogan Stott Stott Minihan ¹
Croasdale Croasdale Croasdale ³ Hinchy Gilmour Gilmour Gilmour
Williams ³ Thomas ³ Thomas ¹ ³ Rooney 1 ² Southam-Hales ¹ Southam-Hales ¹ Williams ²
Britton ² Britton ² Britton Bennett Britton Bennett Britton ³
Stanyer
Hopkins
Williams ² Williams ³
Minihan Minihan ¹
Williams ³
Minihan ¹
65
National League News CHE
STERFIELD FC
2021 dawns bright then, and what an exciting prospect it could be for some ex-Football League clubs looking to return to that level. Leading the way, and convincingly so, are Torquay United, who have been simply fantastic since the season started. Gary Johnson’s men have an 11-point lead at present, an advantage they extended over their rivals over the Christmas period when smashing six past Yeovil in front of 1,323 fans on Boxing Day and then claiming victory in a seven-goal thriller at Weymouth on December 28th.
promotion contender, which nudged Notts down to fifth. For the home team’s part, Neal Ardley is aiming to steer The Magpies back to League Two at the second attempt, though two losses in their last three games has stifled recent progress. Notts County are also the lowest goalscorers in the current top seven.
The goals have been flying in for The Gulls, with 15 different goal scorers so far, and they have 37 goals to their credit after 16 games - ten more than the next most prolific club.
Alongside the former Football League four (ourselves included) sit two traditional non-league clubs in Sutton United and Maidenhead United who were 20/1 and 150/1 to win the league respectively before we all kicked off.
Are Torquay United champions-elect already then? Could they be set for a return to the Football League after a six-year exile?
The National League is the highest level both clubs have ever played at and for Maidenhead it’s only their third-ever season in this league.
Well, it’s up to the chasing pack to claw back the points and most recently it’s Hartlepool United that have shown the most consistent form, enjoying three straight wins over the festive period to rise from eleventh to second.
In many ways Maidenhead’s campaign so far epitomises the topsyturvy nature of football in the 2020/21 season, where form is affected by so many more external influences than usual.
Like Torquay, Pools have a long, esteemed history as a Football League club and their quest to return to those heights is now in its fourth season, following relegation in 2017. Hartlepool’s most recent win came away to Notts County on Monday, a statement victory over a fellow
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Alan Devonshire’s side started with three straight losses, then surprisingly won five on the run as new signings gelled. They then lost their good form, drawing twice and losing, but had won two of their last three when covid cases in other clubs caused the postponement of three games, creating an almost month-long gap in their season.
Who knows what impact that will have on their latest spell of good form when they resume, though it may help Devonshire as he tries to manage his recovery from hip surgery, which has seen him miss several games recently on doctor’s orders. Down at the foot of the table it looks like an epic uphill battle ahead for Dover Athletic if they are to survive in this division this year. The Whites’ finances were heavily impacted by covid-19, leading to the departure of several key players, and they have lost eight of their first ten games, which leaves them five points from safety at present. Remarkably Dover have had nine matches postponed so far this season, so they do have the benefit of games in hand, though they haven’t won since October 27th and slipped to their fourth consecutive defeat on Monday, when finally returning to action after more than a month without a match. This time last year Dover were a play-off chasing outfit. How quickly times change and what a challenging year 2020 turned out to be, for all National League clubs to navigate. Here’s hoping 2021 brings about a return to the normality we all crave, where weather is the only cause of postponements and fans can safely gather in stadiums once more. Maybe it will see the return of two clubs to the Football League too. Please, footballing gods of fate, let that include County!
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Stockport County 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 17 18 19 21 22
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
Happy New Year to all supporters from everyone at Stockport County FC
Altrincham FC [1357] [1359] [1397] [1395] [1372] [1394] [1373] [1400] [1396] [1339] [1404]
[1398] [1380] [1370] [1401] [1402] [1399]
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 20 21 22 23 24 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 34
Anthony Thompson Andy White Connor Hampson Ritchie Sutton Tom Hannigan Jake Moult Daniel Mooney Sean Williams Jacob Blyth Josh Hancock Yusifu Ceesay Curtis Miller Will Hall Matty Kosylo Lewis Salmon Shaun Densmore Matthew Gould Joel Torrance Tom Peers Joel Senior Fisayo Adarabioyo Rowan Roache Byron Harrison Alistair Smith Simon Richman Jamie McDonald Andy Dales Ryan Colclough
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
Today’s other Vanarama National League fixtures (3.00pm unless stated)
Chesterfield v Solihull Moors Dagenham & Redbridge v Dover Athletic FC Halifax Town v Hartlepool United Weymouth v Eastleigh Woking v Aldershot Town Yeovil Town v Torquay United Barnet v Boreham Wood (5.20pm)
Match Officials Referee Simon Mather Assistant Referee 1 Daniel Jarvis Assistant Referee 2 Scott Taylor Fourth Official Jack Nield
Next At Edgeley Park
Eastleigh Tuesday 5th January 2021 Kick-off: 7.45pm Vanarama National League
For a Traff
Match Sponsor
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