Stockport County v Yeovil Town by Duplexity Artwork

Official Matchday Programme

vs Yeovil Town Saturday 6th February Kick-off 5:30pm

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

Chairman: Mark Stott Chief Executive Officer: Jonathan Vaughan Directors: Mark Stott (Majority Shareholder), Jonathan Vaughan, Ken Knott, Mark Dawson Club President: Steve Bellis Brand and Communications Director: David Ancell Director of Operations: Richard Simkin Life Presidents: Angela White, Robert Smith Bewley, Arthur Collister, Steve Cree, Richard Hill, Mike Flynn, George Hudson, John Rutter Director of Football: Simon Wilson Club Ambassadors: John Fitzpatrick, Freddie Goodwin, Alan Ogley Head of Football Administration: Alex Cowdy First-Team Manager: Simon Rusk Assistant Manager: Dave Conlon Assistant Manager: Mark McGhee Goalkeeping Coach: Karl Lenaghan Physio: Luke Smith Strength & Conditioning: Nick Donnelly Kit Manager: Richard Landon First Team Scouting Consultant: Alan Lord Head of Performance Analysis: Sean Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien Community Foundation: Dave Wardle Website: www.scfcfoundation.com Junior Supporters Club: Ian Butterworth, Brenda Williams Stockport County Lottery: Tom Quayle Historian & Statistician: Ian Watts & Marcus Heap Website: gogogocounty.org Stadium Announcer: Kenny Boxshall Turnstile Manager: Pete Kidd Half-Time Draw: Tony Malone Mascot Supervisor: Louise Mellor Customer Relationship Management Executive: Theo Bielby Videographer: Dan Powell

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Editor: Keith Chapman Editorial Contributors: Andy Monks, David Ancell, Alice Gregory, Neil Simms, Gareth Evans, Steve Beswick, Mike Petch, Paul Dean, Olivia Hanvey, Ian Watts, Mark Heys, Luke Smith, Liam Richardson, Ian Butterworth, Brenda Williams, Greg Hall, Jon Keighren, Oshor Williams, Steven Davies, Dave Wardle, Stephen Kenneth, Steve Bellis, Sam Preston, Alex Cowdy, Sam Byrne. Thanks to: Kirstie Baker at Yeovil Town FC. Design by: Daniel Parker, Duplexity Artwork. Stockport County FC is the trading name of Stockport County 2010 Ltd (7254012), which is wholly owned by Stockport Community Leisure Company Ltd (7240006), a private company limited by shares. The registered office is: Edgeley Park, Hardcastle Road, Edgeley, Stockport SK3 9DD

Inside... 07 18

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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Simon Rusk Hello, and welcome to Edgeley Park ahead of this evening’s game against Yeovil Town in front of the BT Sport cameras. I would also like to issue a warm welcome to Darren Sarll, the players, staff, and officials from Yeovil Town. Darren and his side really look to have turned a corner in recent weeks and come into this game in good form with five wins in their last seven league games – we expect them to provide another stern test for us tonight. I would also like to again welcome Will Collar to the team, who joined in midweek from Hamilton. Will is someone I know well from my time at Brighton, and his versatility, quality and attitude will add to the competitiveness of the squad going forward. With such a busy fixture schedule over the next few months, every member of the squad is going to have to play their part between now and the end of the season, and it is vital that we carefully manage players’ minutes in order to maximise the potential in this group of players. We come into this game on the back of a frustrating result at home to Sutton United on Tuesday night. In what was a game of fine margins, an unfortunate first-half goal made it difficult for us on the night.

Despite the result I was really pleased with the start we made to the game, picking up where we left off at Woking, and also the character the lads showed in the second half in difficult circumstances following Liam’s unjustified red card.

Result aside, it was a special experience for me to manage at Edgeley Park for the first time in midweek, and my only hope is that soon we are able to welcome all supporters back inside the stadium, and get the place rocking again.

There were certainly positives to take from the game that we will look to build on in the coming weeks.

As I said after Tuesday’s game, we want to make Edgeley Park a place we love to play, and that teams fear coming to, and today’s game against an in-form side, in front of the BT Sport cameras, is a great opportunity to show people just what we’re capable of.

It is some small consolation that justice was done following our appeal on that red card for Liam – his contribution to the team as both a player and a leader cannot be underestimated, and it is important to have him available.

Enjoy the game. Simon 05

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County sign Collar

Earlier in the week, County announced the signing of midfielder Will Collar on a free transfer from Hamilton Academical, subject to international clearance. Defensive midfielder Will, 24, has signed a contract with the Hatters until the end of the current season, becoming Simon Rusk’s first signing as County manager.

Will has made a further six appearances for the side this season, before terminating his contract earlier this week, with the club moving quickly to bring him to Edgeley Park.

Collar has previously spent time working under Simon during his time in the Brighton & Hove Albion Academy where he had played since the age of ten, rising through the ranks and making his full debut for the Premier League side in 2018, starting in an EFL Cup tie with Southampton.

County Manager Simon Rusk said: “I’m pleased to be able to welcome Will to the football club. He’s someone I know well from my time at Brighton, and who will complement the squad well going forward for the rest of the season.

In the summer of 2019, he left Brighton to sign for SPL side Hamilton, making 19 appearances in his first season at New Douglas Park, helping the side retain their place in the division – his first goal for the club coming in a crucial 2-1 victory over relegation rivals Hearts.

“Will has good recent pedigree from his time in the Scottish Premier League, and will provide composure and versatility in what is now a very competitive midfield. To have good competition throughout the squad is crucial, as we enter an intense period of the season over the next few weeks and months.” 07

Sam Minihan Sam Minihan is looking forward to putting right the disappointment of Tuesday evening against in-form Yeovil Town at Edgeley Park. On an evening when nothing went right for the Hatters in Simon Rusk’s first home game in charge, the visitors led through an unfortunate own goal and were awarded a penalty when Liam Hogan was unfairly adjudged to fouled Isaac Olaofe, resulting in the County captain being sent off. Although Liam’s red card has since been rescinded the dismissal gave 10-men County a mountain to climb, reducing the team’s chances significantly of picking up something from a tough game. Minihan, who has witnessed many decisions go against County during his time at the club, says he is pleased that Hogan’s appeal against his red card has been successful. “It was one of those nights,” said Sam, who joined the Hatters in May 2016 from Worcester City. “The

ref got it wrong with the sending off and I am pleased that it was overturned. You could see the ball change direction when Liam made contact and his strong reaction to the decision. I felt for him. Maybe if the referee had taken a few more seconds to take the heat out of the moment then he may have came to the right decision. “I’ve watched the game back and I felt we controlled it for large parts. It was a frustrating and strange game. We created chances, particularly in the first half, and two moments have changed it. I think they’ve only had one shot in the game. The first goal was an unfortunate own goal and even when we went down to 10 men I thought we controlled it.” Although County are competing at the top end of the table, it has still been a difficult season with the ongoing pandemic and the postponement of games. 09

“The disruption has been difficult for players, staff, and fans. It’s been a bit stop-start at times, but we’ve got to keep going. It’s been a very good season so far, but it could be a great one. We’re 5th in the league and we’ve got to the Third Round of the FA Cup. There’s still plenty of games remaining and we’ve always finished strong so we are confident.” It’s just over a week since Simon Rusk was appointed as the new County manager and Sam believes he has already made a positive impact in his two games in charge so far. “It’s been really positive,” said Sam. It’s our first full week with the new manager and we are starting to understand what he is like in terms of what he wants. He’s been excellent so far. His knowledge of the game and his understanding are all good and we are enjoying training. In Simon’s first home game against Woking last weekend we were outstanding for the full 90 minutes. It was a good performance on Tuesday too. Mark McGhee has great experience and know-how and of course there’s Dave Conlon who is a great coach and has a lot of respect from the lads. He’s enjoying his role and being part of the club and the manager has put a good backroom team together.” Sam was named County’s Young Player of the Year during his first season with the club. Sam’s second season was disrupted by injury, but he was a vital part of our historic title-winning season, consistently providing breathless displays down the right-hand side, and contributing greatly both in attack and defence. Sam scored three goals in his first season, and also a vital late winner in the 2018/19 season in a 1-0 win over Kidderminster Harriers as County won the National League North, with Minihan making 46 appearances. He followed that up with 39 appearances and one goal (the winner in the 2-1 win away at Wrexham) in the 2019/20 National League season, before signing full-time for the club prior to the 2020/21 season. No-one could have envisaged that the 2020/21 campaign would begin with games being played behind closed doors, which has been a massive change for clubs, but Sam acknowledges that players are grateful to still be allowed to be doing something they enjoy so much. 10

“We’re very lucky to play and grateful to be allowed to do what we love, and to be healthy. It’s been such a difficult time for everyone, who all have their own difficulties. I’ve learned a lot about myself. It’s been difficult not to play in front of the fans and we miss them. For a club like County we have a big following Highlight of your career? Winning the Conference North title. Best goal? Altrincham at home in my first season at County. Best friend in the game? Keano Best advice you’ve been given in football? Actions speak louder than words. Most difficult opponent? Jamal Campbell-Ryce Best stadium played in? The Etihad. Favourite TV programme? Ozarks Favourite gadget? Muscle gun. If you could change one rule in football what would it be? The new offside rule where if your arm is ahead of the defenders but your feet and body are not, then you are still onside. Twitter or Facebook? Twitter.

home and away which is a big advantage. A lot of the new lads haven’t played in front of our fans yet and they ask us what it’s like to play in front of a packed Cheadle End. It’s a strange situation but hopefully the fans will be allowed back into grounds soon.” This evening’s televised National League game marks the return of former County hero Matty Warburton, who is playing for The Glovers after signing on loan for the season from his parent club Northampton Town. And Sam is looking forward to catching up with one of his great friends in the game. “I’m looking forward to seeing Warby again,” added Sam. “He’s enjoying his football at Yeovil and he’s a top lad. The experiences we all had in the title-winning season. We all still keep in touch. Yeovil are in form, we’re playing in front of the tv and at Edgeley Park, so it should be a good game. I always thought Yeovil would pick up. “We won the FA Cup game between the sides in December but we’ve got a new management team now so there have been changes. But we will be prepared and we’re looking forward to it.” 11

Welcome...

Yeovil Town Just ten weeks after last visiting Edgeley Park, Yeovil Town make the 228-mile journey north again, for another televised fixture between these two former Football League clubs.

Our last meeting was an enthralling FA Cup affair in front of the BBC cameras, which County edged 3-2 in extra-time, whereas tonight’s league game goes live on BT Sport. These clubs are no strangers to televised games though. Indeed, Yeovil’s trip to King’s Lynn Town kicked off the season’s coverage on BT Sport, with The Glovers tipped by many at the time to be favourites for promotion. Surprisingly Darren Sarll’s men were to make a stuttering start, with five draws and five defeats in their opening ten games, lumbering them in the relegation zone. A first win of the season finally arrived at the eleventh attempt, with victory at Bromley on December 8th. Frustratingly three weeks would pass before The Glovers could return to action however, with covid postponements writing off 12

Nickname: The Glovers Founded: 1895 Stadium: Huish Park Capacity: 9,565 Address: Huish Park Stadium, Lufton Way, Yeovil, Somerset. Postcode: BA22 8YF Distance from Edgeley Park: 228.4 miles (3 hours 58 minutes) Current league position: 19th

most of the month, and a 6-1 thrashing at Torquay on Boxing Day would have done little to fuel any optimism amongst the Town support as the new year beckoned. 2020 did conclude with a win though, with Aldershot beaten by three goals to nil to secure a first home win of the season at Huish Park on December 28th.

The turn of the year brought a turning point in the season, with momentum maintained from that Aldershot triumph and leading to redemption against Torquay (2-1), as well as victories over Weymouth (3-0) and Dover (3-1). With five wins in their last seven there’s a real feeling that Yeovil are only looking up the table now, as they gradually distance themselves from the drop zone.

The Gaffer: Darren Sarll Darren Sarll was appointed as the club’s new manager in June 2019. Darren boasts a strong reputation for developing young players and possesses a coaching career that has included spells at the likes of Brentford, Rotherham United and Stevenage. Spending the majority of his coaching career at Broadhall Way, Sarll progressed to be the club’s first team manager between 2016 and 2018, guiding Boro to a 10th place finish in 2016/17 whilst earning widespread plaudits for developing youth talents such as Ben Wilmot and Ben Kennedy, with the club receiving a seven-figure fee for the former’s move to Premier League outfit Watford. Most recently Head of Academy at Watford himself, Darren headed to the South West to lead the club’s assault in the National League for 2019/20.

DID YOU KNOW?

For 108 years of their history Yeovil Town we re a nonleague side, be fore reaching the Football Leag ue for the first time in 2003. They ascended to th e Championship in 2013 before ultimately retur ning to the National Leag ue in 2019.

Key to their recent improvement has been finding a formula to create and convert more chances. Midfielder Albi Skendi in particular has stepped up, bagging five goals in the last six games, and team-mates Joe Quigley and Josh Neufville have also been amongst the goals, contributing five between them in the same time frame. The two young strikers are both recent recruits 24-year-old Quigley a permanent signing after departing Dagenham and Neufville, 19, a Luton loanee. Quigley seems to be really settling in Somerset after a nomadic career that has seen him represent 14 clubs so far, mostly on loan. He has seven goals in 13 Glovers games - more than he’s registered for any of his previous payers. Sarll will be looking to his former Republic of Ireland under-21 striker to continue his recent goal glut after allowing last season’s 16-goal marksman Courtney Duffus to leave for Bromley on January 15th. Duffus and fellow front-man Rhys Murphy formed a potent partnership last season, with Murphy also netting 20 times. Between them they spearheaded a play-off push, which ultimately led to a fourth-placed finish. Murphy remains at the club and with former County favourite Matty Warburton also on the books it seems there’s something of an embarrassment of riches up top for The Glovers now, so it’s no wonder the goals and points have been flowing! Confidence must also be flowing in the camp and County can expect a stern test from a refreshed and revitalised opponent today. 13

The Players ALEX BRADLEY (b:Jan 1999 s:Nov 2020) Loan signing made permanent in January. He started with West Bromwich Albion and was loaned to Havant & Waterlooville then Burton Albion, before joining Lincoln City. The full-back has since had a spell with Harrogate Town. CHRIS DAGNALL (b:Apr 1986 s:Nov 2020) Rejoined the club he played for last season. Started in the North West on the books of Tranmere Rovers, and Rochdale after a loan spell, for whom he faced County at Wembley. He was to return to Prenton Park via Scunthorpe United, Barnsley, Bradford City and Coventry City both on loan, Leyton Orient, Kerala Blasters of India, Edinburgh side Hibernian, Crewe Alexandra and Bury. When he ended that second spell at Tranmere he moved to the Glovers. LAWSON D’ATH (b:Dec 1992 s:Aug 2019) In his second spell with the club having previously been loaned to them by his first club Reading.Similar deals saw the midfielder with Cheltenham Town, Exeter City and Dagenham & Redbridge before moving on to Northampton. He has since played for Luton Town and Milton Keynes Dons. CARL DICKINSON (b:Mar 1987 s:Jul 2018) As a youngster switched from Derby County to Stoke City where he progressed from the academy to the first team. The Potters sent him out on loan at Blackpool, Leeds United, Barnsley and Portsmouth. Next stop was Watford, back out on loan with Portsmouth and Coventry, before moving on to Port Vale. The left-back signed from Notts County. MAX HUNT (b:May 1999 s:Dec 2020) Central defender signed in January after being on loan from Carlisle United. He joined them from Derby after starting with Matlock Town who previously loaned him to Belper Town. The Rams sent him out to Aldershot Town.

CHARLIE LEE (b:Jan 1987 s:Aug 2019) Joined from Leyton Orient and also started in London having been with Tottenham Hotspur and on loan with Millwall. Moved on to Peterborough United and then switched to Gillingham after a loan stint. A midfield player, he reached the O’s via Stevenage. ALFIE LLOYD (b:Apr 2003) Forward who has progressed through the club’s youth team. RHYS MURPHY (b:Nov 1990 s:Jun 2019) Forward who was spotted by Arsenal whilst a schoolboy with Wimbledon. They loaned him to Brentford and Preston North End before a move to Dutch side Telstar. On his return to England he appeared for Dagenham and then Oldham Athletic. More loan spells followed before permanent moves to Forest Green, Gillingham. and Chelmsford City. JOSH NEUFVILLE (b:Mar 2001 s:Dec 2020) Forward who joined Luton Town as a youngster from Crawley Green FC. He has progressed to the pro ranks whilst gaining experience on loan at Solihull Moors and Woking, and links up with today’s visitors on a similar deal. JOE QUIGLEY (b:Dec 1996 s:Oct 2020) Forward who started with AFC Bournemouth before adding loan spells with Poole Town, Torquay United, Wrexham, Woking, Gillingham, Newport County and Boreham Wood to his CV. He left for Maidstone United and was with Bromley, having loan spells at Eastbourne Borough and Havant & Waterlooville before joining Dagenham.

ALEX JOHN (b:Feb 2001 s:Jun 2019) A midfield or defensive player who came to the Glovers as a scholar from Swansea City, and earned a pro contract. He has had loan spells at Hull City and Gosport Borough. MICHAEL KELLY (b:Nov 1997 s:Jan 2021) Joined on loan from Bristol Rovers for the rest of the season. The left-back started with Aberdeen as a youngster but moved to Leicester City. A short spell back in Scotland with Hurlford United and time with Stoke preceded joining his current parent club. He had a previous loan spell with Bath City. TOM KNOWLES (b:Sep 1998 s:Nov 2020) Joined from his only previous permanent employers Cambridge United. Whilst with the U’s the right-winger spent time at Cambridge City, St Ives Town and Dartford on loan.

Alex John

JOSH STAUNTON (b:Sep 1995 s:Aug 2020) Defender or midfield man who started with Gillingham before going on to play for Maidstone United on loan, then transferring to Charlton Athletic. After another loan spell, this time at St Albans City, he spent recent seasons in the National League with Dagenham, Woking and FC Halifax Town. MATTY WARBURTON (b:May 1992 s:Oct 2020) No stranger to County fans after earning a move to current parent side Northampton with impressive performances for the club. The attacking player was with Nelson and Maine Road as a youngster, before coming to other club’s attention with Curzon Ashton. Time away with Salford City proved temporary, but when County made a similar move it kicked on his career and led to a that move into the EFL ranks. He is now with the Glovers on loan for the season. Albi Skendi

REUBEN REID (b:Jul 1988 s:Jan 2021) Recent signing from Cheltenham who returns to the club. After a spell with Manchester United the forward started with Plymouth Argyle being loaned to several clubs. He moved on to Rotherham United and West Bromwich Albion, then found his way to Yeovil via Peterborough and Walsall (both on loan) and Oldham. Whilst away he has been with Plymouth, Exeter and Forest Green. GABBY ROGERS (b:Feb 2001 s:Dec 2018) Left-winger who progressed to a pro contract after joining the club’s academy in the summer of 2016. He was previously connected with Torquay and Exeter. ALBI SKENDI (s:Jul 2019) Midfield man who started out at Oxford City, before going on to play for Banbury United and American teams Los Angeles Wolfs and Marymount California University. Back in the UK he joined Stratford Town. ADAM SMITH (b:Nov 1992 s:Aug 2020) Keeper whose first clubs were Middlesbrough and Leicester. He had many loan spells away from the Foxes with time at Chichester, Chesterfield, Lincoln, Nuneaton Town, Stevenage, Cambridge United and Mansfield Town. He found his way to Yeovil, after earlier loan spells, via Northampton, Bristol Rovers and Forest Green. JIMMY SMITH (b:Jan 1987 s:Aug 2020) Signed permanently after a loan spell the previous season. The midfielder worked his way through to the first team at Chelsea and was loaned out to Queens Park Rangers, Norwich City and Sheffield Wednesday. He moved on to Leyton Orient, Stevenage, and Crawley Town. MANNI SONUPE (b:Mar 1996 s:Nov 2020) Winger who has joined after most recently being with Stevenage. He started out with Tottenham, heading to Scotland on loan at St Mirren. On his release he moved to Northampton and had a loan spell with Kidderminster Harriers which he made permanent.

Luke Wilkinson

LUKE WILKINSON (b:Dec 1991 s:Jun 2019) Defender who arrived after three years with Stevenage, he started with the Bristol City Academy, then moved on to Portsmouth, and Northampton on loan. Pompey then sent him to Eastleigh and his next permanent club Dagenham, were to loan him to Boreham Wood and Dartford. He has also had a stint with Luton. MORGAN WILLIAMS (b:Aug 1999 s:Oct 2020) Central defender who joined Coventry from Mickleover Sports. He is on his second loan spell with today’s opponents from the Midlands side. MATTY WORTHINGTON (b:Dec 1997 s:Jan 2019) First played for the club on loan from Bournemouth, who also sent him out to Eastbourne and Forest Green. The midfielder signed a permanent contract on leaving the Cherries where he had come through the youth system.

Rebellious Jukebox Gareth Evans selects Yeovil on the County Rock-Ola, and presses play to discover a link with, and test the credentials of… PJ HARVEY. So, what’s the connection? Well, it was either the goddesslike genius that is ‘PJ’ or Yeovil’s DIY indie kids The Chesterf!elds (exclamation mark respectfully included, as per the band’s logo from the mid-1980s). And there was no scope for doing any kind of reciprocal piece on The Yeovils - or The Yeov!ls - when The ‘Spireites’ come a-visiting here towards the end of next month, so…

Polly Jean Harvey’s connection with the South Somerset town is not through birth. (She was born and raised in the bordering county of Dorset.) But she did attend Yeovil College whilst enrolled on a Visual Arts foundation course - and repaid her seat of learning at the time by performing an early solo gig there in 1991, which remains readily available to watch online. The following year, her debut album

‘Dry’ was released to widespread critical acclaim, which her music has continued to attract to this day - thanks to a body of work that, all told, argues the case for her being the most instinctive and innovative female artist since Kate Bush. Rebellious, too? Let’s ‘Take Five’… 1. The sound Try pigeonholing PJ’s music, and you will be in for a long and fruitless wait. Brought up on the blues, Hendrix and Beefheart records of her parents, before embracing new wave, synth pop and American indie rock in her teens, she launched her career with a myriad of influences around her, and has since drawn upon many more - ranging from Russian folk, film scores and classical compositions to the works of poets and authors. And so with each set of songs, she has adopted a different aesthetic. The primal, dirty blues-influenced ‘Dry’ was followed by the grunge-inflected ‘Rid of Me’, the softer feel of ‘To Bring You My Love’ and some electro-industrial static in ‘Is This Desire?’. The awardwinning ‘Stories from the City,

Stories from the Sea’, in 2000, showed her affection for New York and that City’s sounds of 20-30 years earlier, before she treated us to the unsettling ‘Uh Huh Her’, the piano-driven ‘White Chalk’, the musical war poetry of ‘Let England Shake’ and, just under five years ago, the desolate global vignettes that make up ‘The Hope Six Demolition Project’ - an album she recorded at Somerset House, where, for £15, fans could gawp through one-way glass as PJ and her fellow musicians wrote lyrics, recorded and drank tea. 2. The look Whilst attempting in vain to decide whether Polly Jean should be filed under art rock, avant-rock, punk blues, indie, folk or whatever, you may find yourself further flummoxed by the changes of image she has undergone to reflect the style of each album. The black leggings, turtleneck sweaters and Doc Martens that made up her couture of choice in the early era have variously been followed over the years by ballgowns, pink catsuits, white cotton Victorian gowns, wigs, and make-up worn as warpaint. 3. The collaborations The most well-known of these stems from contributions that PJ

made to a couple of the ‘Murder Ballads’ given a new lease of life (as it were) by Nick Cave, with whom she also enjoyed a brief relationship in the mid-‘90s. Other acts with whom Polly Jean has collaborated include Marianne Faithful, Josh Homme, Mark Lanegan, John Parish and Sparklehorse - as well as Tricky and Radiohead’s Thom Yorke, who helped on ‘Is This Desire?’ And ‘Stories from the City…’, respectively. 4. The accolades PJ is the only artist so far to have won the Mercury Prize twice: for ‘Stories from the City…’

She did attend Yeovil College whilst enrolled on a Visual Arts foundation course - and repaid her seat of learning at the time by performing an early solo gig there in 1991

and ‘Let England Shake’, the latter of which also bagged her an Ivor Novello Award in 2012. Two decades previously, Rolling Stone magazine had voted her Best New Female Singer, and, a year after picking up her ‘Ivor’, she was appointed an MBE for services to music. 5. The complete artist Not content merely with releasing nine quality long-players - as well as a couple of cracking joint efforts alongside Parish - PJ has tried her hand at painting, exhibited as a sculptor, guest-edited the ‘Today’ programme on Radio 4, given poetry readings at the British Library and had poems published. She has also acted, and, most incongruously of all, played a Playboy bunny in the 1998 short film ‘A Bunny Girl’s Tale’ - adding some crooning to an ineffably strange and simultaneously compelling examination of Hugh Hefner’s fluffy creation. Rebellious Jukebox Rating:… Ten (but could easily have been ‘Sixteen, Fifteen, Fourteen’…)

Matty Mainwaring

Phoenix From The County Flames This season we will be talking to past County players about their favourite memories from their time at Edgeley Park. Ahead of this evening’s game, we caught up with former County winger Matty Mainwaring. Matty Mainwaring has packed so much into his 30 years, from playing at Edgeley Park, to realise a childhood dream to compete in Boxing. It’s not often that you meet a sportsman who is able to boast footballing, boxing, acting and modelling pedigree – but that’s exactly the true story Matty is able to tell. From a young age Mainwaring enjoyed a successful but relatively short football career, where he joined Manchester United’s successful scholarship system at the age of 7. “There were quite a few who went on to have great careers in the game. Danny Drinkwater, Danny Welbeck, Tommy Rowe, James Chester. I went to Danny Welbeck’s 21st birthday party.”

My most memorable period has to be my debut season as a pro. I was fast tracked into the first team at 18 years old and playing regularly in League One 18

After five years at Old Trafford he left to join Preston North End’s centre of excellence where he spent a further three years before he was released by Alan Irvine. However, it wasn’t until 2008 when he signed for League One newcomers County that he got his professional break. “Alan Lord took over and he asked me to go on trial,” said Matty. “There were 22 of us on trial. I played in a couple of reserve games against City and Bolton.” Matty holds fond memories of his spell at Edgeley Park. At the age of 18 he enjoyed a lengthy spell in the Hatters side playing 22 games in a full season for County.

“At the time it was unbelievable. Liam Dickinson took me under his wing in the play-off season and I ended up going to watch the lads at Wembley. It was a great weekend. Liam is still one of my best mates. “My most memorable period has to be my debut season as a pro. I was fast tracked into the first team at 18 years old and playing regularly in League One under Jim Gannon. “My debut was a very special day and I can remember it well. The squad was depleted and I was put on the bench. I didn’t think I would get on. I was just pleased to be on the bench! I think we were 3-0 down to Scunthorpe who were doing well at the time and the gaffer told me to come on. “I went on to play for the Republic of Ireland Under-19s and I think I made 22 appearances in the first team and was awarded the Young Player of the Year.” Due to his rising success Mainwaring earned himself an international call-up to represent Republic of Ireland Under-19’s at the end of the season; but it would not be too long later before his career took a rather difficult turn. With the world his oyster, Matty suffered a serious leg break in a pre-season fixture against Grimsby Town in July 2009. The injury kept him out of action for a year and Matty admits he had to learn to walk again. “It wasn’t easy. It was the toughest period of my life. I believe that everything happens for a reason. I got a bad leg break when I was 19 and I was out for the full season, I had to learn to walk from scratch. A lot of people would have thrown the towel in but when I came back I won the bleep test. I have to say everyone at the club was so supportive. Rodger Wylde, who was the physio, taught me how to walk again. Gary Ablett was

THE GAME: Stockport County 4 Hereford United 1 THE DATE: Saturday 31st January 2009 THE COMPETITION: League One THE MOMENT: My first professional goal against Hereford. I was 18 years old. We had a corner and I was on the edge of the box. Ball came in, I beat my marker, hit it with my right foot (I’m left footed), into the net.

fantastic, always ringing me. Everyone was behind me and I was so grateful for the support. “Gary was such a gentleman. He had such a difficult job with what was going on off the pitch but he was brilliant with me and such a down-to-earth gentleman. His record in the game was fantastic and it was so sad to learn he had passed away.” He then went on trial with Hull City in November 2011 and signed a contract with the club in January 2012, but he returned to Edgeley Park on loan and stayed at the club until April 2012, and was released by Hull. He moved on to Hyde, Chester and Stalybridge, but he was intent on realising a childhood dream to be a boxer. A mutual friend arranged a training session with former professional boxer Matthew Hatton and the rest is history. “A mutual friend spoke to Matt [Hatton] for me,” said Matty, who is also a model and has appeared in Emmerdale.“He said he would take a look at me. I did a bit of pad work and he told me I had a lot of talent. “Matt set up some sparring for me which went well, he then he asked me to train professionally under him full-time.” It’s not every day you get to train with a former undefeated European Welterweight champion and Mainwaring expressed the importance of having such an experienced fighter as his coach. Matty is in the final year of a Physiotherapy course at University and he is looking to the future with optimism. “Yes, I will always look out for the County results, it was such a special time of my life and they were great times. I also enjoy doing the video interviews with Chris Ridgway and Dicko, and it’s something I’ve loved doing.”

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Stockport County Colts & Junior Academy The future’s bright, enjoy the journey. Ian Cummins, our Under-13 coach and Charter Standard Committee Member, gives his perspective on what we are doing... So far, it’s been a stop-start season with more stops than starts, but hopefully not too long before we can enjoy our youth football again. The season so far has been very competitive, with the Under-13s moving to an 11v11 format which opens up a completely new form of football including strategies, tactics, and an even more competitive edge. We are currently riding high in Division 1 of the East Manchester Junior Football League which is seen by many as the most competitive in the North West Region. The new challenge following promotion last season is moving along nicely with the team positioning themselves just outside the top three and ready for a strong and confident run-in to the Division 1 title and hopefully a nice little cup run to go along with the league. I personally see this as a huge progression having moved up through the divisions and just fallen short last season when the season was cut short which stopped a fourth successive promotion from when the majority of this squad started out in league football and as they have developed, we may see a progression onto the 16s Academy set-up if not before. We have a strong squad of 32 and have two teams, but are always looking to add to this as the club expands as a whole and we see players developing – if your child is interested in playing football then get in touch and come along to a training session with our FA & UEFA licensed coaches. We have fantastic training facilities at Aquinas College in Stockport and they would receive a very warm welcome from all the players, coaches and all the parents (socially distanced of course!). The Colts and Academy coaches all work towards one main focus of coaching calm football under pressure and this has been our main development point for all players of any age. With our philosophy of

receiving the ball under pressure, playing with a calm head and playing possession football I have found my group coming along in leaps and bounds. Yes, mistakes are made, but we see the bigger picture for the long term and find that the reward outweighs the risk. This, combined with kids playing and enjoying competitive football matches at an excellent competitive standard week-in and weekout, is proving to be paying dividends. Our club philosophy focuses on the players making good decisions which vary with what the moment dictates, and this is optimised with a rational and calm mind, this is a lot harder for the younger players to understand but looking at the players as they grow it seems they have adopted the foundations and philosophy. The original plan of a realistic pathway seems to be coming together and one day you may see some of these fantastic group of players playing on Edgeley Park. As a large squad we have to improve season after season as wearing the Stockport County shirt, which everyone does with pride - brings some responsibility and all the players and coaches handle themselves as Stockport County would expect them to - I personally believe players and parents are a credit to the club. I have broad shoulders as have the other coaches in the group and we certainly

need them, for the style of football we coach and play, week-in and week-out we are often seen as the club everyone would like to get a result against and see this as a compliment for the way we are doing things. All the hard work is done on the training ground and we must thank all the parents of players for backing us and our philosophy by 100%. As a Stockport County Foundation coach and also the County Colts Under-13s coach my coaching role is made a whole lot easier due to the depth of talent we have, not just the Under-13s but throughout the 180 signed players from the age of seven through to Under-16s and 11s Academy. With development comes success and the club will shortly be seeing sessions for ages four, five and six with a new group of County Colts Tots players looking to begin their football journey. The details for these new tots coaching sessions will be announced shortly once we have the go ahead from the FA and can return safely, if you would like to register an interest for your child you can email us at damien@stockportcountycolts.co.uk. You can find us on Twitter @countycolts and also Facebook via stockportcountycolts. Ian Cummins

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Academy It has been a difficult period for all of our Academy players. Due to the most recent lockdown, they have not been able to train or play fixtures for six weeks, they last kicked a ball on December 23rd. However, they have been able to continue their education via home learning. It has been really pleasing to see how they have shown a positive attitude, commitment, and determination towards completing their educational work and the fitness tasks set by our strength & conditioning coach Tom Eastwood. Tom has done an excellent job setting the boys weekly challenges and recording the results using the Strava fitness app. Along with this Under-18 lead coach Mike Jeffries provided the players with non-contact ball manipulation and ball mastery sessions that can be completed with another player outdoors. All credit must be given to the boys who have continued to complete everything we ask of them to a high standard whilst they wait patiently for an update from the government and the FA. It has been important to recognise this and stay connected with all the players on a weekly basis to see how they are coping. They all seem pleased to have a set daily routine to follow and could not wait to get back to training in the best physical shape as possible. Covid-19 has had a huge impact on our second-year players who have now experienced a full year of disruption. March is usually a time of year that second-year scholars will learn if they have a future at the club. This will be a difficult message to deliver this year given the circumstances. Therefore, during this period of lockdown we have set up Zoom calls and webinars for the players to listen to the different options they could pursue should they not be offered a professional contract. Last week, they had a Zoom call with

Jack Hinchy

UCFB to discuss degree and playing options at University. This week they listened to the available scholarship opportunities in America and Spain. As coaches we have a duty of care to help guide as many of our released players as possible into the next appropriate playing and educational opportunities. This is something we talk about with the players from day one as they join the Academy as firstyear scholars. The recent break in training and fixtures has given all the staff the opportunity to plan for the exciting changes that will come into effect for the Academy at the start of next season. News of these changes will be announced on the club website and media channels at the end of this month so look out for this.

Finally, last week Michael Raynes and I were asked to support Dave Conlon with the first team until the appointment of the new manager Simon Rusk. This was a great experience for us both and one that we fully enjoyed. During this time, we were able to see how our recent Academy graduates were performing in the first-team environment and gauge the required profile of any future Academy player wishing to make that step up. We are now looking forward to working with the new gaffer and his staff to integrate a seamless pathway for the next young players. Good luck for the game today! Damien Allen Academy Manager 23

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The Mad Hatterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Quiz with Paul Dean

TRIVIA

WHO AM I?

1. From which team is former Hatter Matty Warburton on loan to Yeovil Town? 2. Who was the manager of Yeovil Town when they played in the Championship? 3. What year did Howard Webb officiate the World Cup Final and who were the finalists? 4. Mo Salah signed for Liverpool from which team? 5. Which fashion brand created the infamous white suits for Liverpool in their 1996 FA Cup Final?

I have held the role as youth team manager, assistant manager and manager of the Hatters.

6. The record for most goals scored in one half in the Premiership is by Jermain Defoe. But how many and against who? 7. Who did the Hatters sign from Yeovil Town in 2006? 8. Who managed the Hatters between 1995 and 1997?

S D T A C K T G C O A D I Y U W Z S H P

F P N V Q V Y H N Z C K N G J U B I C O

H K H L P N M F N K T A Q Q B B A R Y V

S I W P R E M B I U P K S I I S H R B Z

W F O L I W A R J T L X Z I E I M Y S P

K B S C F S L B G Y Q A A C L N W U C C

P Q H N E U D M Z I R E G Y H L A E D M

C E I I M Q D X P R W G K A D I A M F Z

L P L H M B Z J E V P R K H D P C S K T

A M T S N U A T B V D X Q G Q F E M T J

S U O A Q F A U Z R T I P T R Y F R I O

U O N Y V F I B A B N W V U X E D O G R

C C U Z G O I S E I W H N M U Q U K Z L

S O J T T N R H J C R H E P R Q X E P W

N N I R H E G P N Q E M A R M H V G N Y

W L J B D A J T N J I S Z R C T N S Y R

Q Y G N T Z L E W F A Y W S P W U M X Q

V E A N O N U L Z Y M Y G X L W Z I T U

R V W A E X H N V K X V U W F F E D R N

Answers:

Y U U Y B A V O R S D X B E X C E C H I

Who Am I? Bob Kelly

BANKS BUFFON CASILLAS CECH KAHN MAIER NEUER SCHMEICHEL SHILTON SOUTHALL VAN DER SAR YASHIN ZOFF ZUBIZARRETA

Trivia 1: Northampton Town. 2: Gary Johnson. 3: 2010. Spain & Netherlands. 4: Roma. 5: Armani. 6: 5 goals against Wigan. 7: David Poole. 8: Dave Jones.

WORDSEARCH

STOCKPORT COUNTY

SUTTON UNITED

Hinchliffe (OG) 30’, Olaofe 68’

Tuesday 2nd February | Vanarama National League | Edgeley Park

The Hatters’ first home match under Simon Rusk saw them suffer their first defeat of 2021 – as well as missing out on a move up into second place, after a goal in each half enabled promotion rivals Sutton to leapfrog County and do so instead. Ben Hinchliffe, who had unfortunately set the visitors on their way by virtue of a freak own goal, made amends with a penalty save shortly after the break – but the spot-kick still came at a cost, with the dismissal of captain Liam Hogan, and Sutton netted a second against County’s 10 men just over 20 minutes from time.

Steve Bellis Complete Cock-ups, Unfit Joggers & Matalan Checkouts! Football has a funny (but not hilarious) way of taking you to the top of the highest mountain allowing you to wallow briefly in what you have achieved to get there, before kicking you down the same mountain making sure that you roll through a couple of hawthorn bushes on the way down. That’s certainly how it felt over the four days that encompassed last Saturday and Tuesday. Having produced a hugely impressive performance which blew away Woking by half-time we returned to Edgeley Park on Tuesday to face an in-form Sutton side. There was the usual pre-match doubt about the pitch which has not had the time or conditions to recover from the two rain-soaked clashes against West Ham and Notts County. Once again though the ground staff, aided by the usual volunteers and members of the club’s senior management, rolled up their sleeves and worked wonders to get the game on. (I would have helped too but unfortunately I left my wellies next to my gym kit that afternoon so didn’t have the appropriate footwear).

Understandably, Simon selected the same team that had performed so brilliantly in Surrey and we started where we had left off playing some fast-flowing football in the nowexpected matchday rain. On another day we would have been two goals up in ten minutes but the clinical finishing we witnessed at Woking deserted us and instead we found ourselves a goal down in bizarre circumstances following an uncharacteristic error by Ben. It is impossible, of course, to find fault with Ben, he is an outstanding goalkeeper and such mistakes are incredibly rare. Despite being a goal down we were very much in the game but certainly facing a tough challenge against a very wellorganised Sutton side who are clearly well worthy of their current top-three placing. There are times, however, when you realise that it just isn’t going to be your night and Tuesday night was certainly one of them. Sutton broke free through Isaac Olaofe (a name to give our match announcer Ken Boxshall nightmares) and looked like scoring before our captain courageous Liam Hogan appeared from nowhere to make a perfectly-timed tackle sending the ball into touch for a corner. We were still praising the tackle when we noticed the referee pointing to the spot. Even the visiting Directors were shaking their head in disbelief as Sutton’s Harry Beautyman put the ball on the spot. We were just coming to terms with the injustice of the penalty when the ref put the cherry on the icing of the cake of his complete cock up by also sending Liam off. Ben made amends for his first-half error with a stunning penalty save, it was a beauty man! However, playing against a strong side like Sutton with ten men and a goal behind was always going to be a big ask and despite some creditable endeavour on a deteriorating surface it just wasn’t to be.

Captain Courageous... a perfectly timed tackle!

A quick look at the footage from our analysis camera confirmed that it was indeed an excellent tackle by Liam. Not that we needed any confirmation as the referee’s assessor, the fourth official, the Sutton manager and even

the pigeons in the Danny Bergara stand all agreed that it was never a penalty and certainly not a red card. Thankfully the powers that be also agreed and the red card was rescinded on Thursday afternoon but the damage was already done. I was still grumbling about the penalty and sending-off on Wednesday afternoon so I decided to take advantage of the fact that the rain had stopped for the first time in about four years and took Flynn the borderpoo out for a walk. Unfortunately, the walk was almost as stressful as the previous evening thanks to the bizarre effect that Covid has on people. The different extremes are absolutely fascinating. I was walking alongside a local canal and doing my best to keep an appropriate distance and stop my rather overaffectionate dog from drowning people in dog saliva. He is a licker as well as a looker. Most people just smile and keep their distance but then there are the extremes. One woman looked truly horrified that I had the audacity to occupy the same town as her never mind the towpath. She approached me as though I was brandishing a samurai sword and had an aggressive lion on my lead rather than young Flynn who just wanted to lick her ears. I was going to be polite and move to the edge of the canal so she could pass by inland but she had such a scowl on her face that I moved inland at the last minute forcing her to make a very dramatic move towards the water’s edge. I really would have quite enjoyed it if she had toppled into the canal with her screwed-up face that looked like she had just bitten into a coffee-flavoured Revel when she was expecting an orange one. She managed to get past without getting wet or sharing our airspace but the same could not be said about the next canalside individual who happen to be a rather overweight jogger.

Unfit joggers, not great for Covid prevention

had had for lunch and if he did indeed have Covid then we were doomed. I dread to think what the woman who had just nearly fallen into the canal to avoid us was going to do when she heard the heavy breathing jogger bearing down on her. The afternoon was brightened by a very smiley elderly man with a real spring in his step. He had a dog’s lead hanging round his neck which would have been fine if he actually had a dog... but he didn’t. He was, however, clearly a dog lover and not one bit bothered about Covid as he virtually sprinted into my personal space to greet Flynn. I thought Flynn was affectionate but this guy was something else, I am sure he would have licked Flynn if I had let him.

I have never understood jogging as every jogger I see appears to be in complete agony and hating every minute of their chosen form of exercise.

To cap a truly irritating afternoon it started raining again before the end of the walk and I arrived home dishevelled and disheartened by the events of the last 24 hours.

I have always said: “show me a smiling jogger and I might take it up.”

Speaking of irritating I really hate the sound of that woman who does the voice for the checkouts at Matalan. If I ever meet the woman who says ‘cashier number four please’ I will gag her with one of Flynn’s poo bags (a used one too).

This individual was clearly struggling and looked more in danger of a cardiac arrest that contracting Covid from anyone. He was clearly more interested in getting to the end of this miserable jog that someone had clearly pressured him into than worrying about Covid and he passed young Flynn and myself at a distance of about three inches. He was breathing so heavily that we could smell what he

Anyway, back to this afternoon and we once again welcome the TV cameras and our friends from BT Sport. We thank them for their excellent coverage and we hope that the game is an exciting one for the viewers. We also welcome all those who have been able to join us from Yeovil and wish them a very safe journey back south after the game.

Memory Match YEOVIL TOWN

STOCKPORT COUNTY

Fisher 8’

Warburton 34’, Bell 38’, Mulhern 62’

Saturday 10th November 2018 Emirates FA Cup First Round Huish Park Reporter: Gareth Evans

County hit the FA Cup headlines, and progressed to the Second Round for the first time in nine years, after coming from behind to outfight and deservedly beat League Two Yeovil Town at the Huish Park Stadium.

It got even better for the Hatters when, after 38 minutes, Adam Thomas threaded the ball through to Osborne on the right, and the latter’s low cross was turned into the far corner by the right foot of Bell from close range.

Two goals within four minutes from Matty Warburton and Nyal Bell gave the Hatters a half-time lead after they had conceded early on, and a third by substitute Frank Mulhern just after the hour-mark ensured that their name would be in the hat for Monday evening’s draw.

In the second half, with 62 minutes played, the Glovers were caught out by a sucker punch. Hinchliffe’s long clearance caused a horrible mix-up between Baxter and Shaun Donnellan – letting in newly-arrived replacement Mulhern, who had the simple task of rolling the ball into an empty net.

County took to the field on a showery Somerset afternoon with an unchanged 4-2-3-1 line-up from that which had started and won at Curzon Ashton one week previously to extend the side’s unbeaten run in all competitions into double figures. But that sequence looked to be in serious jeopardy after just eight minutes, when the ‘Glovers’ took the lead. Wes McDonald weaved his way into the County box on the left before laying the ball back to his captain Carl Dickinson, whose cross was met by Alex Fisher’s header that looped over Ben Hinchliffe and into the top-left corner. The hosts, meanwhile, had their rhythm disrupted up front, as Olufela Olomola and, subsequently, his strike-partner Fisher were replaced, due to injuries, within nine minutes of each other. And five minutes following Fisher’s departure just before the half-hour, County drew level – following the award of a free-kick two yards outside the Yeovil box for a foul on new permanent signing Elliot Osborne. Warburton took it, and curled to near-perfection a delivery that soared past the outstretched home goalkeeper Nathan Baxter and into the right of the net.

A dozen minutes later, Mulhern almost made it four by way of an audacious chip from distance that beat Baxter but floated narrowly shy of the right post. The advantage was, however, protected at the other end by Hinchliffe, who, having earlier parried behind a shot by McDonald, brilliantly tipped on to the crossbar James’ point-blank header from Rhys Browne’s cross. The Hatters stood firm to see out the tie – and, in so doing, achieved their first Cup victory against Football League opposition since hitting the self-same Glovers for five at Edgeley Park 10 years ago. But any talk that there might be elsewhere of it as a Giantkilling would do them an injustice. For all 14 players who graced the Huish pitch in a County shirt were themselves Giants on this memorable afternoon. Team: Hinchliffe, Minihan, Duxbury, Keane, Palmer (Capt.), Cowan, Thomas, Walker, Bell (Mulhern, 59), Osborne (Downing, 86), Warburton (Dimaio, 59). Unused Subs: Ormson, Stephenson, Etches, Czubik. Booked: Mulhern, Duxbury. Attendance: 2,550 (542 representing The Twelfth Man).

Terrace Talk County would like to extend a warm welcome to the players, staff and officials from Yeovil Town for this live BT Sport televised clash at Edgeley Park. Back in November both sides took part in a five-goal thriller in the FA Cup Second Round in a tie which was settled in extra time thanks to a goal from County midfielder Connor Jennings. Ex-Stockport man Matty Warburton had given the Glovers an early lead within two minutes, but a John Rooney penalty saw the game all square going into half-time. Luke Wilkinson headed Yeovil back in front with a quarter of an hour to go, but Ash Palmer replied minutes later when responding quickest to a Rooney free-kick. Wilkinson had a chance to be the match-winner from the spot after Jamie Stott had felled Joe Quigley but County stopper Ben Hinchliffe guessed correctly to keep the game alive before the younger of the Jennings brothers settled matters and booked County a place in Round Three against Premier League highflyers West Ham United.

especially as Sutton themselves leapfrog behind Torquay, but there are still games in hand on Hartlepool and Altrincham to come over the coming weeks.

It was a bitter-sweet night in goal for Ben again a few days ago against Sutton United, firstly having the misfortune of scoring an own goal but then making amends by saving the penalty in the second half from Harry Beautyman after the referee had seen fit to send off Liam Hogan.

Feasibly there are as many as four teams now vying for a topthree place as of early February and a further seven or so teams still in with a shout of mounting a challenge for the remaining play-off places so it’s going to be an incredibly interesting couple of months ahead.

The final 2-0 scoreline was not the result County had envisaged,

Eleven of the National League teams have been involved in the

There was a five-goal thriller between today’s sides in November

EFL League Two or above in the recent past, including today’s visitors Yeovil, who like County, have been as high as EFL Championship level, and it’s fair to say that returning to League Two is the aim for most, if not all of teams from the fifth tier of the Football Pyramid. Since Boxing Day, Yeovil have won four from the last five matches, including a strong second half showing in a 3-1 win over Dover Athletic at Huish Park last weekend. It’s a big test for County, but one they are capable of overcoming. 33

The County Years

1996

County Historian Ian Watts delves into the archives to bring you some of the Hatters’ more memorable moments from years gone by. Opening game The fixture planners had a New Year treat for the County fans, just as in 1995. County: Neil Edwards, Sean Connelly, Lee Todd, Tom Bennett, Mike Flynn, Matty Bound, Ben Thornley (Chris Beaumont), Jeff Eckhardt, Ian Helliwell (Tony Dinning), Alun Armstrong, John Jeffers. That treat was a journey to Brighton on the first Monday of the year. We made it down there only to suffer an early goal from Ian Chapman who put Albion ahead on eight minutes. Things had turned warmer on the pitch before the Hatters faithful were queuing for their half-time cuppas as Jeff Eckhardt levelled the scores just 12 minutes later. No further goals came to entertain the crowd of just over 5,000 and County were 11th as they headed back up through a blizzard in the Midlands. First debutant Dave Jones’ squad-building took a significant advance early that year with the arrival of Chris Marsden (SCAN 1038). Joining from Notts County reserves, initially on loan. The former Sheffield United, Huddersfield Town and Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder was soon impressing the County fans, after making his debut on 13thJanuary in a disappointing 3-4 defeat at Burnley. He was to become a major part of the following season’s promotion side,and was sold on to Birmingham City in October of 1997.

Chris Marsden receives his SCAN certificate

Summer business Departures at the end of the 1995-96 season were goalkeeper Matt Dickins (to Altrincham), Marc Lloyd-Williams (Bangor C) and two men in Jeff Eckhardt (Cardiff C) and long-serving Chris Beaumont (Chesterfield) who pushed Everton so close in the FA Cup in January’s Goodison Park 2-2 draw. Only a couple of players were to be added with new goalkeeper Paul Jones’ arrival for a bargain fee apparently causing problems at his previous club Wolves, whilst Damon Searle came in from Cardiff. We did see Luís Cavaco in pre-season but he would join a little later in the season.

Last debutant Making his debut in the Auto Windscreens Shield 2-1 win at Doncaster Rovers on 10th December was a player who was to play the most international games whilst on the club’s books. Martin Nash, signed from Vancouver 86ers, would frequently head back over the Atlantic to play matches for Canada, and he retained the club’s most capped player status until Jarkko Wiss came along. Martin has worked as a coach in his home country since retiring. Closing game We ended the year with a trip over the border on 26th December. County: Paul Jones, Connelly, Todd (Paul Ware), Dinning, Flynn, Jim Gannon, Kieron Durkan, Marsden, Brett Angell, Armstrong, Luís Cavaco. The home side established a lead with goals from Steve Watkin (7 mins), and Steve Morris (16 mins) Alun Armstrong scored our instant reply to that second, but it was a few minutes just after the hour that were to make it a happy Hatters Bank Holiday. First up Jim Gannon levelled the scores, and then with 25 minutes left Tony Dinning fired home from the penalty spot as County climbed to fifth as momentum built after their slow start to the season. Wrexham’s side included former Hatters Martyn Chalk and Peter Ward.

Best run 10 Unbeaten (12th October to 19 November) W6 D4 The man in charge Dave Jones had taken over from Danny Bergara as manager. It was the first of several Dave Jones periods being in charge of EFL and Premiership clubs. The success at County in 1997 was to earn him the League Managers Association’s overall Manager of the Season award before one of the teams he had beaten in the League Cup, Southampton, came in for his service that summer. And finally... The team photo shows two Paul Jones’ in County colours. The outfield player progressed from the trainee ranks but did not make a senior appearance. He is now back on the Isle of Man, where he was born, and is a leading light in their plans, delayed by Covid for a season, to join the non-league pyramid. Thanks to all the anonymous donors who have supplied images for this article.

Most appearances in calendar year Mike Flynn 61 (ever present), Shaun Connelly 57, Alun Armstrong and Lee Todd 54 Most goals in calendar year Alun Armstrong 15, Brett Angell 13, Andy Mutch 9 Worst run 6 without win (1st to 20th January) D2 L4

Back (L-R): Alun Armstrong, James Gannon, Matty Bound, Richard Williams, Paul Jones, Neil Edwards, Richard Landon, Tony Dinning, Adie Mike. Middle: Jeff Eckhardt, Paul Jones, Lea Jones, Damon Searle, Tom Bennett, John Jeffers, Sean Connolly, Joe Jakub, Austin Speight. Front: Andy Mutch, Kieron Durkan, Chris Marsden, Dave Jones, Mike Flynn, Paul Ware, Lee Todd.

WOKING

STOCKPORT COUNTY

Diarra 51’

C. Jennings 2’, Rooney 37’, Southam-Hales 45’, Reid 65’ Saturday 30th January | Vanarama National League | Kingfield Stadium

A blistering first half helped County on their way to a stunning 4-1 win over Woking at Kingfield, as The Hatters blew their hosts away in Simon Rusk’s first game in charge. The new boss’ regime got off to a flying start inside two minutes, with Connor Jennings sliding home from close range after brilliant work down the right by talisman John Rooney. Rooney deservedly doubled County’s lead with a superb team goal ten minutes before the break, as he emphatically met Mark Kitching’s low cross and drilled low past Craig Ross after good work by Kitching and Jennings down the left. It was three for the dominant visitors on the stroke of half-time though, as Kitching again escaped down the left and squared for Macauley SouthamHales to fire home his first goal for the club and see County into dreamland territory. The hosts did respond just five minutes into the second half however, as Moussa Diarra headed home from a corner into the near post. But the Hatters put paid to any hopes of a revival in the 65th minute, when Alex Reid sprang the offside trap and smashed powerfully past Ross after a cleverly-timed through ball by Jennings.

Sam Byrne The fortunes of The Hatters in Simon Rusk’s first two games in charge of the club couldn’t have been much different following Tuesday’s defeat to Sutton United. The good news for The Hatters is that captain Liam Hogan will be available for selection after the club successfully turned off the ridiculous red card he was shown on Tuesday - and I know from speaking to Liam after the defeat that the players will be desperate to get back on track today. This week also signalled the official introduction of Rusk to the local press and media via Zoom - although the meeting was an interesting and enlightening chat, it certainly wasn’t as lively as a certain other Zoom call which has grabbed the headlines this week!

I spoke with Simon on the call and found the former Brighton man to be bright, friendly and insightful, but the main thing which came through to me and others on the call was his genuine enthusiasm for the role 38

Simon Rusk met the local press on Zoom this week

The TV cameras are back this evening

We’ve all seen the Somerset outfit’s strengths following that exciting 3-2 FA Cup win in November at Edgeley Park, with Matty Warburton and company running County close in the Second Round.

The County boss touched on recruitment, suggesting that there may well be additions to the ranks as The Hatters look to keep close tabs on Torquay who are going well at the top of the National League - and sure enough, that strengthening got underway soon after the call with the signing of Will Collar.

Rusk will be well aware of the need to keep in touch with the top two in the league, however - and with the new man having a week or so to get to grips with his new players, I expect we may well start to see more early shoots of what Rusk is looking to implement.

24-year-old Collar left Hamilton to link up with County this week, and I know from interactions with Accies fans online that the holding midfielder is a big miss north of the border. For County though, the former Brighton youngster comes having worked with Rusk previously at The Amex and will provide fierce competition to the likes of Lois Maynard and Ryan Croasdale in the centre of the park. As for our opponents today, The Glovers’ league position may be somewhat misleading with Yeovil sitting top of the league form table over the last five games.

Finally, we appear to be edging very slowly towards a conclusion in terms of whether the National League is to continue or not this campaign following the row over Government funding, with more clubs signalling their intentions on how to vote this week. I know County are one of many top division sides within the National League eager to continue, and all being well we may see that come to fruition in the coming days and weeks. With that being the case, three points in front of the BT Sport cameras this evening are even more imperative with the season looking well and truly alive. Enjoy the game! 39

Physio

Luke Smith Good evening everyone. This week we have Mark Kitching out injured with a lower back issue which we expect to have resolved in the very near future. With a very strong squad it is an ideal time for an addition into the team and help to pick up three points today. Enjoy the game.

The Stockport County Sports Injury Clinic To arrange an appointment please call myself on 07557476154. Treatment Injury Assessment and Treatment Sports Massage 1 Hour Sports Massage 1/2 Hour Sports Massage Home Visit

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The

Travelling Fan The day out and getting there An overnight stay was required for the depleted media team ahead of the game in Surrey. In these strange times, only myself and photographer Mike Petch were permitted to attend the game from a media perspective, and as usual our mode of transport came in the form of Richard Landon’s kit van. Home schooling requirements for poor old Lando (‘I don’t do any of this Maths nonsense Liam’), meant a later-than-normal departure time of 6pm. Via a brief Burger King stop-off on the way down, we made it to the players’ hotel in Oxford in good time, arriving at around 9.30pm. Laithewaite Community Stadium County have had some unhappy visits to the Woking’s Kingfield Stadium in recent years, having never beaten Woking in a competitive game. As ever at the minute, each away game provides the unique experience of watching the game in an all-but-empty stadium – although with the torrential rain falling down in the first-half, some County fans may have been grateful for not having to stand in the open top away end down the side of the pitch. Despite some iffy-looking areas of the pitch, and a few irate groundsmen, a second pitch inspection was passed at around 1pm as we took our seats in the thankfully sheltered press area. The game Simon Rusk will no doubt have been hoping for a fast start to his time as County manager, and he got just that two minutes in when Connor Jennings,

Woking v County

Vanarama National League Saturday 30th January, 3:00pm Laithwaite Community Stadium Weather: Heavy rain Distance from EP: 209 miles Journey time: 3 hours, 45 minutes Outcome: A flying start to the Simon Rusk era, as a devastating first-half of attacking football helped County to a big win away from home.

playing in arguably his strongest position on the left-hand side, turned home John Rooney’s low ball in for his third of the season. Buoyed by that early goal, County set about imposing themselves on the game, with Jennings and Kitching causing all sorts of problems down the left-hand side – and it was from that flank that the Hatters deservedly doubled their lead, as a slick move ended with Rooney rifling home Kitching’s cut-back on the edge of the area. On a difficult pitch, County continued to impress by passing their way around their opponents, and

a perfect first-half was finished off in style when Macauley Southam-Hales was on hand to steer home another Kitching cross to all but wrap up the points with 45 minutes still to play. Woking did have their moments in the second half – the aerial presence of Moussa Diarra began to cause problems at set pieces, and it was he who grabbed one back for the hosts, nodding home a corner at the near post. The hosts had their tails up after that goal, but County to a man stood up to the task superbly, limiting their chances to long range efforts before deservedly adding a fourth themselves – with Jennings involved again, as he played in Alex Reid to fire through the ‘keeper’s legs and wrap up a magnificent away performance. Getting away and home time After conducting a first post-match interview with our very happy new manager, we boarded back onto the kit van before beginning our long journey home. As it often does with three points in the bag, the journey home breezed by as we eagerly discussed the talking points of yet another

impressive win away from home, and before you knew it we were rolling back into the gates at Carrington, at around 10pm. Memory of the day An early goal for Connor Jennings, who has worked so hard for a moment like that this season – you could see a weight lifted off his shoulders after that goal, and he went on to produce one of his finest performances in a County shirt. Travelling fan verdict Journey: 8/10 Stadium: 7/10 Overall Match Day Experience: 9/10

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COUNTY JUNIORS

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

Hello, and welcome to our second home game in a run of three. Today’s game has been chosen by BT Sport for today’s televised match, hence the late kick-off. A lot has happened since I wrote the notes for Sutton. We now have a new management team in place.

Mascot

A warm welcome from County Juniors to Simon Rusk our new manager, Mark McGhee as Assistant Manager, and I’m delighted to see that Dave Conlon is to stay on in his position. Simon from what I read comes highly recommended and Mark certainly has the experience to back up Simon and Dave. The games are coming thick and fast. We had yet another postponed game a week last Tuesday at King’s Lynn due to a frozen pitch, another match to fit in a hectic schedule. Back to last Saturday and an away trip to Woking. A team we have not beaten in five attempts. Well, what a start for our new management team, 3-0 up at half-time and even the home side scoring in the first five minutes of the second half could not stop a great away win. A real professional performance by the whole team. That’s all for this week.

Ava is 10. She lives in Sandbach and goes to Wheelock Primary School. Her hobbies are looking after her pet rabbit Buddy and going to County and annoying her older sister Lila. Her favourite players are John Rooney and Sam Minihan. Her favourite County moment was Nuneaton away and watching the players celebrate with the trophy. She is a fourth-generation County fan and promises to keep the Hatters flag flying high.

Ian Butterworth 47

All Past Players Following on from the successful All Past Opponents feature that has run over the last few seasons, we begin our All Past Players series which profiles the men who have worn the County shirts of various colours over the years. The basis of these articles will be the years of research done by those who were or have been official or unofficial historians of the club. Starting back in the 1960s with Simon Myers, through Peter Freeman and Richard Harnwell and on to Marcus Heap and Ian Watts. These researches eventually led to Peter’s books and then to the Stockport County Appearance Number (SCAN) scheme. After starting with Blackburn sides Witton and Rovers (as a reserve) HARRY FLETCHER joined County from Chorley. The centre half went on to play 77 times for the club in the Lancashire League and FA Cup ties over three seasons. HERBERT BAILEY came to County after playing all his previous football in the Midlands and was one of the players recruited for the step up to Lancashire League level. Bailey replaced Tom Axon after the opening match of the season. His best game came at home to Clitheroe in November when he got three goals in a 5-3 win. He had gone by the following season. Scorer of 14 goals in 64 games for the club BOB MANN joined from Scottish side Leith Athletic. His County career was interrupted

by short spells with Stalybridge Rovers and Oldham County, his final spell with us lasting two years. Amateur goalkeeper LEON BOULLEMIER played four games for County after appearing in the Potteries for Stoke and Burslem. He went on to play for Lincoln City, Reading, and Brighton before becoming a referee, a role in which he officiated at a later County game. JIMMY WAINWRIGHT. An experienced left full-back with nearly ten seasons in the game split between Earlestown Albion and Haydock. He went on to serve County well in all our Lancs League seasons, and after our election to the Football League added a final 29 games at that level.

Locally-born player CHARLIE WILSON came to the club after playing for Haydock and Earlestown. After nearly 70 games he impressed enough to be snapped up by League Division 1 side Bolton and soon after began several top-flight years with Liverpool. DAN SUTHERLAND. Forward with a decent 9 goals in 15 career games for County. Despite this he did not last the season with us, moving on to Stalybridge Rovers in January. After joining HARRY BLEARS was a near-permanent fixture for the next two and a half seasons. He first came to the club’s attention when he helped Rossendale beat the Hatters in a friendly match. He was ever-present from his debut until the New Year as County climbed the Lancashire League. In all Harry missed just three of County’s Lancashire League games until a 1-7 defeat brought an end to his time with the club. Inside or outside forward THOMAS SAWYER had a more significant career after leaving County. He joined from and returned to Macclesfield, playing just three times for us at the end of the 95-96

season. Later moves took him to South Shore, Newton Heath and Chorley. ARTHUR LEE came to County from Earlestown, in the summer of 1896. Over the next three years he was selected over 70 times and scored a decent 11 goals from his left-wing position. One of the earliest club legends, TOMMY â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;BEAUTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; HALL had taken the familiar route from Macc to Heaton Norris. He served for four seasons, before a move to Glossop after our Lancs title win. Tommy was back a few years later and managed another five years with Football League games and a second nonleague title before ending with Macclesfield. Winger ROGER BRIDGE played his part in the last three seasons of Lancashire League football in the 19th century. After joining from league rivals Chorley he helped the Green Lane side to year-on-year improvements until the Championship was claimed. Born in Sutton, Cheshire, half back BILLY BOLTON played his football in Macclesfield before joining the Hatters. He had figured for Baptists, St Georges, and more senior sides Macclesfield and Hallefield. He gave good service during his two years with County, being a regular in the side, before heading back to the silk town.

Player Tom Axon Whitehead Alf Chadwick E Coxon Harry Fletcher James Lever Herbert Bailey Pickford James Spencer W Dunn Bobby Haresnape Bert Heyes Baxter Bob Mann

Debut from 13.01.1894 03.03.1894 01.09.1894 01.09.1894 01.09.1894 01.09.1894 08.09.1894 15.09.1894 22.09.1894 29.09.1894 13.10.1894 13.10.1894 10.11.1894 10.11.1894

Moss Thomas Henshaw Leon Boullemier John Kirton Jimmy Wainwright Charlie Wilson Charles Roberts Frank Ferries Robertson Dan Sutherland W Childs George Mycock Rigby Harry Blears Thomas Sawyer John Bradbury Adam Carson John Evans Joe Lee Macdonald Herbert Crawford Arthur Lee Tommy Hall

19.01.1895 23.02.1895 07.09.1895 07.09.1895 07.09.1895 07.09.1895 14.09.1895 28.09.1895 28.09.1895 28.09.1895 26.10.1895 01.02.1896 15.02.1896 22.02.1896 06.04.1896 05.09.1896 05.09.1896 05.09.1896 05.09.1896 05.09.1896 12.09.1896 12.09.1896 19.09.1896

David McFetteridge Ernest Burgoyne William 'Rimmer' Brown William Kennedy George Langley Roger Bridge Arthur Worrall Joe Foster Cooke

03.10.1896 14.11.1896 12.12.1896 12.12.1896 06.03.1897 04.09.1897 04.09.1897 09.10.1897 23.10.1897

Additional None None Everton West Manchester Chorley Newton Heath L&YR Leicester Fosse Crewe Alex Bacup None Rossendale ? Blackpool Stockton Leith Ath Oldham Co Crewe Alex Heaton Norris A Unknown Oldham Co Haydock Earlestown Reddish None None None None Reddish None Rossendale Macclesfield Lincoln C Fairfield Bury Earlestown Wellingborough T Crewe Alex Earlestown Macclesfield Glossop Ilkeston Middleton Newton Heath L&YR Newton Heath L&YR None Chorley Nelson Nantwich None

County Heaven Sandbach Hatter writes: Good evening, and welcome (for the second time this season) to any Yeovil fans who may be reading our fine publication. While I’m sure both sets of fans would relish an opportunity to attend some live football at the moment, I’ll wager the prospect of a 450-mile round trip in early February means it is our guests who are finding it easier to come to terms with watching from afar this afternoon! As is now customary at the start of a new month, I use my half of our article to reflect on the various Games Room winners from the month before. Firstly, in Ceefer’s County Prediction League, Lennie made it two wins on the bounce by adding January’s title to his December trophy, while in the original Prediction League run by Macc and Archie, it was the latter who held on to top the table by just one point. Indeed, Archie is having a good month, games-wise (although that’s nothing new), since he is currently ahead in my latest quiz, where everyone is attempting to work out the link between seven Premier League footballers. Pay us a visit to see if you can work it out – and spot the various hints – for yourself! 50

Finally, in Lennie’s Limerick Lounge, our last two winners were Epworth and Lennie himself, for their lines relating to the postponed King’s Lynn fixture, and the game at Woking, respectively.

1st February 2020 - although it came as a relief, and (having seen the incident on the night from the Main Stand) with a feeling of justice, to see our current skipper’s dismissal revoked two days ago.

Hey there, Maccy, are you all set for somer? (Yes, I know that’s a terrible ‘Somerset’ pun, but we used all the good ones earlier in the season!)

This afternoon’s task will be no easy one, either. Since getting hit for six by relatively near-ish neighbours Torquay on Boxing Day, our visitors from the South West have become one of the National League’s joint-top teams in the form table - with four wins (including a revenge victory in their festive reverse-contest with the real league-leading ‘Gulls’) out of five.

Hatter in Macc writes: Y(e)o, Sandy! And, yes, I am but until it warms up, I shall be keeping on these Glove(r)s! Moving on seamlessly, then, to today’s game, which is the second of three at Edgeley Park in the space of a dozen days - and, hopefully, an opportunity we can take to bounce back from our disappointing midweek defeat against Sutton. At least, and at last, a contest of ours with the ‘U’s’ witnessed some goal-scoring - albeit, unfortunately of course, at the wrong end. And there seems to be something about playing in SK3 at a very early stage of the second month that makes us see red. Before Tuesday night, the most recent Hatter to have been sent off in a home match was Paul Turnbull - on

And, of course, they have among their ranks former County darling Matty Warburton, who, in the FA Cup here just over a couple of months ago, took no time at all to rediscover his penchant for netting at Fortress Edgeley. He has yet to start since the turn of the year - but, as we all are too aware, may well turn out to be a not-so-secret weapon for Yeovil today. Welcome back (again!), Matty. Enjoy the game. Animo et Fide. www.countyheaven.com

Jon Keighren

Imagine Radio County will hope to get back to winning ways in front of the TV cameras this evening after Tuesday’s Edgeley Park debut ended in defeat for new boss Simon Rusk, on a night when a freak goal, an ill-timed injury and a bizarre red card set the tone. Sutton United’s 2-0 win handed County their first defeat in seven, resulting in a slip of two places in the table, with Sutton and Altrincham both leapfrogging the Hatters to leave County in fifth, still 12 points adrift of league leaders Torquay, but with three games in hand. After today, the new management team will finally get to have a full week of training to work with the players and fully assess the squad they have inherited. During such an intense period of Saturday-Tuesday-Saturday matches, there is no time to take a step back, but by next weekend, Simon and Mark will have a much better overview of their assets. It is still early days but I’ve been impressed with the new management team, not only for their enthusiasm but also their depth of knowledge about this level of football. With Simon Wilson and Dave Conlon already well-established in the camp, a scouting network in place led by Matt Jansen and Jonathan Smith, Luke and Nick keeping our athletes in top condition and the tactical insight provided by Sean O’Callaghan, it is a formidable group to be leading County over the remaining four months of the season. Simon Wilson’s encyclopaedic knowledge of players throughout the

It is a formidable group leading County over the remaining four months

football pyramid will be crucial in terms of recruitment as we continue our upward trajectory.

point, and Yeovil have won four out of five since then to climb away from the drop zone.

Tonight, County face improving Yeovil Town. Whilst County’s demise into non-league seemed to happen at an alarming rate, Yeovil’s decline was even more dramatic – relegated from the Championship just seven years ago, the Glovers are now battling it out in the lower reaches of the National League.

The manager, who tested positive for Covid-19 last month, has been able to strengthen his side with a clutch of new singings over the last couple of months including Reuben Reid, Michael Kelly and Max Hunt, and the new faces have had a positive impact.

After a slow start to the campaign – they didn’t win a game until the second week of December - Darren Sarll’s men are now showing marked signs of improvement. A sobering 6-1 defeat at Torquay on Boxing Day proved to be a turning

We also welcome back a very familiar face in Matty Warburton, one of the heroes of County’s National North title team, currently on a season-long loan and hoping to catapult Yeovil towards the top half of the table. It promises to be an intriguing encounter, so wherever you’re watching it, enjoy the game.

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Oshor Williams It’s often said that you can measure a team’s character by the way it bounces back from defeat. If so, all eyes will be on Southampton at St James’ Park today following their 9-0 mauling by Manchester United on Tuesday. After losing to Aston Villa at home in the previous fixture the Saints manager Ralph Hasenhüttl will have no doubt delivered the customary ‘bounce back’ motivational mantra and rather like the pundits he will have viewed the Manchester United game as the perfect opportunity to get what has been a hitherto successful season back on track.

Unfortunately, when Alex Jankewitz was sent off in the second minute of the game, the prospect of a bounce back boost quickly disappeared with the Saints instead being bounced all over Old Trafford by a rampant and ruthless Red onslaught. The final score of 9-0 equals the Premier League record and to compound the ignominy, last year Southampton succumbed to Leicester City at home by the same scoreline. Any defeat is disappointing, but a particularly heavy defeat is positively embarrassing and can have a devastating effect on both collective and individual morale. Before I joined County, I had never suffered what I would call a humiliating defeat. Although I’d often been on the losing side, I can’t recall more than a three-goal deficit in any competitive match in which I played. But as I said, that was before I joined County...

Ralph Hasenhüttl

My first competitive match for the club was a memorable League Cup-tie at home to Crystal Palace in September 1979. The atmosphere was fantastic and Palace were a formidable team. Managed by future England manager Terry Venables their ranks included future England players Kenny Sampson and Terry Fenwick. The 0-0 scoreline was not a true reflection of a dominant County display which should have secured victory by at least a couple of goals. So it was that we went into the second leg at Selhurst Park buoyed with confidence, convinced that we were going

County fell to a 7-0 defeat at Selhurst Park in 1979

to cause a major upset. Regrettably, Crystal Palace didn’t get that particular memo and ran riot thumping us 7-0 a scoreline which frankly flattered us to say the least. That wasn’t the only time my pride and that of the County faithful was violated and dented by a shameful defeat. Back in January 1983 we travelled to Boothferry Park to take on Hull City who were riding high in the Fourth Division whilst we were languishing at the lower end of the table. We knew it was going to be a tough match, but I have to admit it was the longest most excruciating 90 minutes I have endured in my entire football career. In a team containing another future England manager Steve McClaren and a super-talented winger called Brian Marwood, Hull annihilated us to such a degree that we felt fortunate to go in at half-time only 5-0 down. They were irrepressible and I vividly remember that every attack culminated in either a goal, a near-miss or a world-class save from our goalkeeper who from a County perspective was our best player. At one stage it seemed as though Hull fans were jumping out of the stands to come and take pot shots at our goal. I can’t remember what the Manager Jim

McGuigan said at half-time but I’m sure it centred on damage limitation and playing for our pride. We conceded another two goals in the second half taking the final score to 7-0, not a record County defeat but certainly up there with the best or rather the worst of them. And what about the bounce back principle? Were we able to regroup and shake off the emotionally draining effect of our Pantomime performance at Hull? Well, our next match on February 5th 1983 was an equally tough away fixture against Northampton Town FC. Jim McGuigan gave a short motivational talk before the game in which he reminded us that most of us were out of contract at the end of the season. Delivered with his usual measured, menacing, West Lothian inflection Jim said: ‘You lot are not playing for your pride today, you’re playing for your future...’ It did the trick. We won the game 3-2. Enjoy the game. Osh 53

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Deadly Duos Steven Davies

Nyal Bell and Frank Mulhern Welcome to deadly duos where we find ourselves playing Yeovil in the National League.Today, we are going to be speaking about two more recent players who have scored their fair share of goals over the last few seasons: Frank Mulhern and Nyal Bell. Young centre forward Frank was brought in around May 2018 from Guiseley. Frank had come via Leeds and Huddersfield Town youths as well as being capped by the Republic of Ireland Under-18s and 19â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Starting his striking partnership with Matty Warburton and initially bought to replace Jason Oswell, Frank started his County career with a bang by scoring on his debut at Edgeley Park in the 5-1 thumping of FCUM on the opening day of the season. He also went on to score seven goals in nine games in a midseason run. Not one to be hold back from having a pop from the outside the area Frank scored some absolute wonder goals during the campaign, especially against Dover away which won him the Goal of the Season voted by the fans. Also, with some classic goals that were scored like the ones against Altrincham and Boston that were thrown in for good measure, as well as a cheeky little hat-trick against Chorley when he came off the bench.

via the youth system at Rochdale, before coming to County via Gateshead in June 2018. Making his full debut against Alfreton he scored his first goal in a 3-1 win against Leamington scoring three times in five games. For the mid-part of the season he scored a few goals via the bench before finding his feet in the later quarter scoring five goals in his last eight league games. He was also a goal threat last season which was ended prematurely via COVID by netting another six times. Frank was sold to Boston after a loan at Spennymoor where he still is currently on the books, although if rumours are true he sometimes still flirts with the idea of joining his brother Robbie who plays rugby league for Hull.

All of these goals obviously helped us to win promotion of course which Frank played a part in against Nuneaton on the last day of the season.He finished that season scoring 16 goals in 36 games. Nyal started his football career coming up

Nyal Bell

Frank Mulhern

Nyal still plays for the Hatters but previously went out on loan for Halifax scoring three goals in his first eight games, including a thunderous strike over the Christmas period. He was recalled by the Hatters in early January and it will be good to see him back in a County shirt soon. 55

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Talking Football Sam Preston

In recent years, it has seemed like the numbers involved at the top end of English football would keep spiralling up and up, into the billions to the extent where they almost stop being shocking. But the pandemic has revealed the fragile house of cards top-flight finances are built upon. It didn’t quite wash when Premier League clubs plead poverty at the prospect of television revenue disappearing. Or when Liverpool, Tottenham and Newcastle used the government furlough scheme for some staff. Especially when the summer transfer window saw business almost continue as normal, with over £1 billion spent again. But the January transfer window felt different. Only a fifth of Premier League clubs paid a transfer fee for a player. Liverpool spent small on Ben Davies from Preston

Maybe elite football will return to ‘normal’ once fans are allowed back into stadiums and the cash will be flashed once again. But it would be to the benefit of English football as a whole if it didn’t... 58

The amount of money which changed hands was the lowest it had been since January 2015. Clubs such as Arsenal prioritised cutting their wage bill over expensive new recruits. There was no deadline-day panic buying. Even Liverpool parted with around £1.5 million up front to temporarily solve their desperate need to sign central defenders. It’s not just Premier League clubs who are feeling the impact. Barcelona’s finances are shambolic and they are essentially shopping exclusively for players with expiring contracts.

Real Madrid are trying to get their players to agree to a 10 per cent blanket pay cut

Real Madrid are trying to get their players to agree to a 10 per cent blanket pay cut. Gareth Bale’s huge wages pose a major problem at the Bernabeu. It should be stated that the problems at these clubs do not compare to the issues further down the pyramid where the threat of extinction is real for some clubs. The loss of matchday revenue has been catastrophic for some clubs. In comparison, the travails of Premier League clubs feel like another world. But perhaps the winter window was a sign of things to come. A sign that the numbers won’t keep spiralling out of control; that the gravy train will eventually stop. If it does happen, that would likely create a more sustainable, competitive English football pyramid. Fewer clubs overextending themselves chasing the dream of promotion. Less competitive imbalance where the elite talent gravitates to the top. Fewer bumper contracts handed out to players

who end up as expensive outcasts and perhaps a game that more ordinary fans can actually relate to. More emphasis on coaching improvement out of players who are already at the club rather than simply buying a new, ready-made replacement. Chelsea saw a moment of opportunity last summer, spending over £200 million at a time when they thought their rivals were weaker financially. They have since sacked their manager and are looking for another saviour, who may well last 18 months before the whole cycle starts again. Maybe elite football will return to ‘normal’ once fans are allowed back into stadiums and the cash will be flashed once again. But it would be to the benefit of English football as a whole if it didn’t; if the current crisis forced a rethink and a movement towards sensible, sustainable spending which brings the game back to reality. Perhaps it’s wishful thinking but if the summer transfer window is as quiet again, it might mark a sea change at the top of English football. 59

The Hatters v The Glovers

Facts & Figures Head to Head

Goals scored

Previously at EP

Played (all competitions): 9

County: 20

Played (all competitions): 4

County: 4

County: 2

Draws: 4

Draws: 1

Yeovil Town: 1

Yeovil Town: 12

First competitive meeting

Last time out

Saturday 8th November 2008 FA Cup Yeovil Town 1 County 1

Previous games Sunday 29th November 2020 Emirates FA Cup 2nd Round County 3 Yeovil Town 2 Saturday 10th August 2019 Vanarama National League Yeovil Town 1 County 1

They played for both clubs

Wayne Hennessey, Aaron Brown, Joe Edwards, Paul Huntington, Mark Lynch, Gaz Owen, Michael Rose, Anthony Tonkin, Abs Baggie, Dominic Blizzard, Liam Bridcutt, Kevin Cooper, Matty Warburton, Andy Welsh, Kevin Brock, Craig Davies, Wes Fletcher, Antonio German, Martin Gritton, Phil Jevons, Oli Johnson, Scott Spencer, Les Gore, David Poole, Danny Schofield, Jack Stevens, Anthony Tonkin, Leslie Wilkins.

County 3 Yeovil Town 2 Emirates FA Cup Second Round Sunday 29th November 2020 Connor Jennings was the hero as County edged past National League strugglers Yeovil Town in a thrilling FA Cup Second Round tie. The Glovers went ahead when former County hero Matty Warburton’s low strike from 25 yards out took a slight deflection on its way in, before John Rooney made it all square from the penalty spot after Charlie Lee had fouled Ryan Croasdale. Yeovil scored again but Ash Palmer scrambled home another leveller before Hatters goalkeeper Ben Hinchliffe made a brilliant save to deny Wilkinson’s penalty and send the tie to extra time. Connor Jennings gave Stockport the lead in the first half of extra time with a great header from Jamie Stott’s cross to put the Hatters into the prestigious Third Round draw.

Yeovil Town: 1

2020-21

CHE

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

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

Home L 2 2 3 3 2 3 2 2 3 2 3 4 5 1 4 3 3 3 5 4 9 5 7

F 18 19 17 9 11 16 17 10 18 11 6 11 17 13 18 13 7 19 13 11 13 9 5

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

Away L 2 2 3 3 3 2 3 5 4 3 2 5 0 5 4 5 5 6 2 5 4 6 6

Goals

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

Subs

Goals

Subs

Starts

0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 15 2 3 2 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 18 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 17 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 13 3 2 1 4 3 0 0 16 1 1 4 15 2 2 1 16 0 1 4 14 3 0 2 0 0 0 0 9 2 1 1 15 3 8 3 16 0 9 1 6 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 8 0 0 0 3 10 1 1 4 7 0 1 0 - 29 22

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

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

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

F 23 11 10 17 18 6 11 14 14 16 14 17 11 7 12 10 9 7 12 10 7 3 9

A 11 10 8 15 12 5 12 16 12 14 8 17 4 12 13 15 14 19 15 19 8 17 25

W 13 10 10 9 9 9 9 8 7 7 7 8 7 8 7 6 6 6 5 5 4 3 2

D 4 4 3 6 4 3 3 4 6 6 6 3 5 1 3 5 4 3 5 3 3 1 3

Total L F 4 41 4 30 6 27 6 26 5 29 5 22 5 28 7 24 7 32 5 27 5 20 9 28 5 28 6 20 8 30 8 23 8 16 9 26 7 25 9 21 13 20 11 12 13 14

Total

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

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

A 19 17 20 23 20 13 25 20 25 21 14 30 21 15 23 24 23 39 29 36 33 35 44

GD 22 13 7 3 9 9 3 4 7 6 6 -2 7 5 7 -1 -7 -13 -4 -15 -13 -23 -30

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

Cup Starts

Josh Barnes Nyal Bell Richie Bennett Louis Britton Will Collar 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 7 5 4 6 6 3 5 4 3 4 4 4 4 2 3 2 4 2 2 3 2 0 1

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

Player Roll-Call

A 8 7 12 8 8 8 13 4 13 7 6 13 17 3 10 9 9 20 14 17 25 18 19

Subs

Promotion

P 21 18 19 21 18 17 17 19 20 18 18 20 17 15 18 19 18 18 17 17 20 15 18

Biggest Win

Goals

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

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

2 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 18 4 4 2 1 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 15 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 23 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 22 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 19 4 3 2 5 3 0 0 22 1 1 4 19 3 2 1 19 3 1 5 16 6 0 2 0 0 0 0 15 3 3 1 21 4 12 3 21 1 14 1 8 5 1 0 0 0 0 0 14 0 0 1 8 11 1 1 6 10 0 1 0 - 43 26

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

Most Goals

Highest Attendance Lowest Attendance Top Goalscorer

Pts 43 34 33 33 31 30 30 28 27 27 27 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 18 15 10 9

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

Form Last 6 Matches L D D W L D W D L W W W W L W D D W W W D W D W L W L D W W L W D W W W L D W D W D W D L L L W W D D D D L W W W L L W L W L D W W L W W L W L W D D D L D D L W L W L D W L L L L W W W L W D D W L L L W W L L D L L W L L 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 23rd January 2021 Wealdstone 3-4 Aldershot Town Saturday 26th December 2020 Torquay United 6-1 Yeovil Town 1,323 Tuesday 15th December 2020 Weymouth 2-3 Wrexham 337 Michael Cheek (Bromley) 11 = 9 Goals + 2 Penalties Liam Hoganâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s red card against Sutton United has been overturned

# 1 2 23

National League Fair Play Team Notts County 19 Stockport County 22 Yeovil Town 50

1 2 2

Pts 86 108 220

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 Friday 5th February 2021

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2020-21

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

Comp Score A H H A A H H H

Att Pos

NL NL NL NL NL FAC4Q NL NL

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

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

Minihan Minihan Minihan Minihan Minihan ³ Minihan Minihan Minihan

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

Maynard Maynard Maynard Maynard 1 Maynard Maynard Croasdale Maynard

Palmer Palmer Palmer Palmer Palmer Palmer Keane Palmer 1

Hogan Stott Hogan Hogan Hogan Hogan 1 Hogan Hogan

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

H FAC4Q A FAC1 H FAC2

4-0 2-1 3-2

Keane Keane Keane

Stott Stott Stott

Croasdale Croasdale ² Croasdale ¹

Palmer Palmer Palmer 1

Hogan Hogan Hogan

Thomas Kitching Kitching ³

A A A H A A H

NL NL NL FAT3 NL NL NL

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

Thomas Minihan Minihan Keane Minihan Minihan Southam-Hales ¹

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

Maynard Maynard Maynard Croasdale Croasdale Maynard Maynard

Keane Keane Palmer Palmer Palmer Keane Keane 1

Hogan Hogan Hogan Stott Hogan Hogan Hogan

Kitching ³ Williams ¹ Kitching ¹ Kitching Kitching Kitching Kitching

H H H A H A

NL FAC3 FAT4 NL NL NL

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

4 4 4 3

Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Barnes Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe

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

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

Maynard Maynard Maynard Maynard Maynard Maynard

Keane Keane Palmer 1 Keane Palmer Keane

Hogan Hogan Stott Hogan Hogan Hogan

Kitching Kitching Williams Kitching Kitching ¹ Kitching

H H H A A H H

NL NL NL NL NL NL NL

0-2

Hinchliffe

Minihan

Southam-Hales

Maynard ²

Keane

Hogan

Kitching ¹

A A H H A H H

NL NL NL NL NL NL NL

A H A H H A A

NL NL NL NL NL NL NL

A H A H H A

NL NL NL NL NL NL

Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe

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

Key:

CHE

STERFIELD FC

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

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

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

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

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

Jennings C Reid 1 ³ Jennings C Reid 1 ³ 4 Jennings C 1 Reid

Barnes Barnes Barnes Barnes Barnes Barnes Barnes Barnes

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

Keane ¹ Croasdale Croasdale Croasdale ³ Croasdale Croasdale ³ Owen Keane

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

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

Barnes Barnes Barnes

Hopkins ³ Jennings J Jennings J

Maynard ¹ Maynard ¹ Maynard 4

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

Rooney 1 Rooney Rooney Gilmour ² Rooney Croasdale Croasdale

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

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

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

Barnes Barnes Barnes Hinchliffe Barnes Barnes Barnes

Minihan ¹ Kitching ¹ Jennings C ² Hinchy Stott Stott Minihan ¹

Croasdale Croasdale Croasdale ³ Hogan Gilmour Gilmour Gilmour

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

Britton ² Britton ² Britton Bennett Britton Bennett Britton ³

Rooney 1 Rooney 4 Croasdale Rooney Rooney 1 Rooney 1 ³

Bennett ³ Croasdale Bennett Bennett 1 ³ Bennett Croasdale

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

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

Barnes Barnes Hinchliffe Barnes Barnes Barnes

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

Gilmour Gilmour Hogan Palmer Stott Stott

Williams ² Southam-Hales ² Rooney Williams ¹ Williams ¹ Williams ²

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

Rooney

Croasdale

Jennings C

Reid ³

Barnes

Palmer ²

Stott

Williams ¹

Bennett ³

Stanyer

Hopkins

Williams ² Williams ³

Minihan Minihan ¹

Williams ³

Minihan ¹

Palmer 5 Kitching ¹

Bennett ¹ # Keane

National League News CHE

STERFIELD FC

There’s a reduced fixture list in the National League today, with six of our counterparts engaged in FA Trophy action, including the top two teams. League leaders Torquay United face a long journey up north to take on Southport, though Gary Johnson and his men are probably itching for a return to league action instead after seeing their advantage at the top cut to nine points in midweek. The Gulls were the latest victim of in-form Altrincham, going down to a 2-1 home defeat on Tuesday night, despite taking the lead. It was just a fourth loss of the season in 21 games for Torquay, though significantly second-placed Sutton United have three games in hand on the table-toppers, and after taking just five points from a possible 15 recently, Torquay suddenly seem fallible. We all know how Sutton reached second place in the week and great credit must go to Matt Gray’s men for a fine performance here at Edgeley Park. It led to fans on the Sutton message board speculating when they had last won a midweek away game in the north at this level, with the verdict being... never! One place behind Sutton are the form team at present, Hartlepool United. Pools have won five of their last six and look a very strong promotion candidate. They couldn’t beat the weather on Tuesday night though, with their 66

game at Halifax chalked off the fixture list for the third time! Immediately after Hartlepool in the table, and level on points with the North East club, are Altrincham, who leapfrogged County with their eye-catching win at Torquay on Tuesday. Since manager Phil Parkinson took charge at Moss Lane Alty have won 73 of his 143 games in charge, finishing first, fifth and fifth again, securing promotion twice and creating a brand of football that is very easy on the eye and clearly very effective. Even more impressively Alty are one of an ever-dwindling number of part-time teams at this level, a situation brought into stark reality with defender Tom Hannigan’s tweet that he had a work meeting at 10am, the morning after leaving Torquay at 10pm! Ryan Colclough was the matchwinner on Tuesday night, grabbing his second goal for the club since joining from Scunthorpe United in November. The midfielder has 161 Football League games to his credit, having previously represented Crewe, Wigan, MK Dons and Scunthorpe, though he has a court case looming over him at present, with a hearing for an assault charge scheduled for March.

In the meantime, Colclough and co have a day off today, with no fixture scheduled, so it presents a chance for teams around them to close the gap. Indeed, County could overtake our Cheshire neighbours should we win today, though Maidenhead United will also be keen to make the most of the opportunity, as they look to continue their stellar season. The Magpies have defied pundits’ pre-season predictions with pleasure, embarking on a campaign in clear contrast to last season’s relegation battle. They face upwardly mobile Boreham Wood today in an intriguing game that pitches two inform teams together. Both have lost just once in their last six. Finally, a managerial departure occurred in the National League in midweek, with Dean Brennan leaving his post as Wealdstone manager after 19 months in charge, during which he guided the club to promotion from the National League South. Brennan turned down an approach from Barnet in December, though he now leaves with The Stones 18th in the league, having cited tensions at the club as the reason for his departure. It will be interesting to see who steps into Brennan’s role, with a young attack-minded team to take over.

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Stockport County

Yeovil Town

Ben Hinchliffe

[1357]

Adam Smith

Sam Minihan

[1359]

Daniel Leadbitter

James Jennings

[1397]

Carl Dickinson

Liam Hogan

[1395]

Lee Collins

Ash Palmer

[1372]

Luke Wilkinson

Lois Maynard

[1394]

Matthew Worthington

Adam Thomas

[1373]

Lawson D’ath

John Rooney

[1400]

Rhys Murphy

Richie Bennett

[1396]

10 James Smith

10 Connor Jennings

[1339]

11 Matthew Warburton [1375]

11 Jordan Williams

[1404]

14 Michael Kelly

12 The Blue & White Army

16 Gabriel Rogers

14 Mark Kitching

[1398]

18 Albi Skendi

15 Jamie Stott

[1380]

19 Joseph Quigley

16 Jordan Keane

[1370]

20 Alex John

17 Macauley Southam-Hales

[1401]

21 Thomas Knowles

18 Ryan Croasdale

[1402]

22 Charlie Lee

19 Alex Reid

[1399]

24 Joshua Neufville

20 Nyal Bell

[1367]

25 Emmanuel Sonupe

21 Joshua Barnes

26 Max Hunt

22 Harvey Gilmour

27 Alexander Bradley

23 Finley Stanyer

30 Alfie Lloyd

24 Jack Hopkins

31 Max Evans

25 Adam Owen 27 Jack Hinchy 28 Will Collar

Today’s other Vanarama National League fixtures (3.00pm unless stated)

Eastleigh v Solihull Moors Maidenhead United v Boreham Wood Weymouth v Bromley Wrexham v Dagenham & Redbridge

Match Officials Referee Rebecca Welch Assistant Referee 1 Paul Tomes Assistant Referee 2 Jamie Cann Fourth Official Daniel Bruce

Next At Edgeley Park

Aldershot Town Saturday 13th February 2021 Kick-off: 3.00pm Vanarama National League

32 Joshua Staunton [1405]

33 Reuben Reid 34 Christopher Dagnall

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

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