Stockport County v Chesterfield by Duplexity Artwork

Official Matchday Programme

vs Chesterfield Saturday 27th February Kick-off 3:00pm

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

Chairman: Mark Stott Chief Executive Officer: Jonathan Vaughan Directors: Mark Stott (Majority Shareholder), Jonathan Vaughan, Ken Knott, Mark Dawson Club President: Steve Bellis Brand and Communications Director: David Ancell Director of Operations: Richard Simkin Life Presidents: Angela White, Robert Smith Bewley, Arthur Collister, Steve Cree, Richard Hill, Mike Flynn, George Hudson, John Rutter Director of Football: Simon Wilson Club Ambassadors: John Fitzpatrick, Freddie Goodwin, Alan Ogley Head of Football Administration: Alex Cowdy First-Team Manager: 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 O’Callaghan Club Doctor: Amjad Choudry Head of Commercial and Ticketing: Olivia Hanvey Conference and Events Manager: Melissa Ellison Retail & Photography: Mike Petch Online Shop: www.stockportcounty.com/shop Marketing Manager: Alice Gregory Content Executive: Carl Gozem Media Executive: Liam Richardson Ticket Office (matchdays only, from 12:30pm): Sarah Dibben Stadium Safety Officer: Steve Walker Facilities Stadium Maintenance & COVID Manager: Rick Hinks Head Groundsman: Mike O’Brien Community Foundation: Dave Wardle Website: www.scfcfoundation.com Junior Supporters Club: Ian Butterworth, Brenda Williams Stockport County Lottery: Tom Quayle Historian & Statistician: Ian Watts & Marcus Heap Website: gogogocounty.org Stadium Announcer: Kenny Boxshall Turnstile Manager: Pete Kidd Half-Time Draw: Tony Malone Mascot Supervisor: Louise Mellor Customer Relationship Management Executive: Theo Bielby Videographer: Dan Powell

county

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, Ian Brown, Greg Hall, Jon Keighren, Oshor Williams, Steven Davies, Dave Wardle, Stephen Kenneth, Steve Bellis, Sam Preston, Alex Cowdy, Chris Ridgway, Sam Byrne. Thanks to: Nick Johnson at Chesterfield 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... 05 32

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 again, and welcome back to Edgeley Park.

A warm welcome also to James Rowe, and all the players and staff visiting today from Chesterfield. James has done an excellent job since taking over at the Club – they come into this game in good form, having continued to strengthen the side over the course of the season, and they will provide another challenge for us this afternoon. For us, we’re looking to build on what was a good display from us against Notts County on Tuesday night, despite the result not going our way. It’s vital now that we continue to improve, play with energy, and retain the belief that the results will come – we’ve certainly deserved more in recent weeks than what we have to show for. It must be said that we’ve been on the end of some disappointing decisions in recent weeks, at crucial moments in games too, but they say these things even themselves out over the course of a season, and we can’t afford to start feeling sorry for ourselves.

to play for, and with the way the players have been pushing hard to improve means we’re excited about what lies ahead for this team. I would also like to say a big thank you to everyone who has made myself and Mark McGhee feel so welcome since coming into the Club a month ago – too many to mention individually, but I am grateful to everyone who has helped us settle in to our new surroundings. Already during my time here, the one thing that has stood out is how much this club means to so many people, and to the town of Stockport – I hope in the coming weeks and months that we can give everyone something special to get behind, to repay your support. Even though you’re not in the ground at the minute, the lads continue to feel your support from a distance, and I know that they are all desperate to get us back to winning ways again. Enjoy the game.

Despite almost being in March, there is still a long way to go this season, with plenty of points still left

Simon 05

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Club News The Club are proud to be supporting Level Playing Field’s ‘Weeks of Action Campaign’

County Sign Chorley Duo We are pleased to announce the loan signings of Chorley duo Elliot Newby and Harry Cardwell, who have joined until the end of the season. Newby, 25, began his career as a youth player at Bolton Wanderers, before joining Barrow in 2016. After successful spells at Altrincham and AFC Telford, Elliot made the move to Chorley in the summer of 2018, playing a key role in the Magpies’ promotion to the National League via the play-offs in his first season. Disability Charity, Level Playing Field, is celebrating its 17th ‘Weeks of Action’ campaign, which starts today, Saturday 27th February and lasts two weeks, until Sunday 14th March. The charity focuses on encouraging more disabled fans to watch ‘the beautiful game’ and the key objective of #WeeksOfAction is to raise awareness of good access and inclusion and how it benefits disabled fans and the wider community. Look out for the players who will be warming up in the ‘Weeks of Action’ t-shirts.

Fixture Update

He is joined at County by Scottish striker Cardwell, 24. The former Grimsby forward joined Chorley permanently in the summer, having had a loan spell at the Club in January 2020. Harry, who has one cap for Scotland Under-21s, has previously spent time at Reading and Brighton’s academy before a three-year spell with Grimsby in the Football League. Both players impressed during Chorley’s recent run to the Fourth Round of the Emirates FA Cup, each of them finding the net in the Magpies’ 3-2 win away at League One Wigan Athletic in the First Round. Welcome to County, guys!

Player Sponsorship Opportunities Our fixture at home to Eastleigh on Tuesday 23rd March 2021 has been given a new kick-off time of 7pm.The fixture was originally scheduled to kick off at 7:45pm, but has now been brought forward. Full match details for this game will be announced in due course.

With the Club’s recent signings, new opportunities are available to sponsor our players home and away. For more information and to see what sponsorships are available, please contact olivia.hanvey@stockportcounty.com 07

Ash Palmer Centre-half Ash has made a huge impression on Hatters’ fans during his twoand-a-half seasons with the Club. Now in his third season at County, Ash, like so many of us, has found this the most difficult of seasons, and is looking forward to the day Edgeley Park is able again to play host to thousands of Hatters’ fans! “It’s been very strange to be honest,” said Ash, “Here at County we have a massive following home and away and it really is an advantage so when the fans come back it can only be a positive for everyone. We all can’t wait for the fans to be back in!” County head into this afternoon’s game hoping to pick up a much-needed win after Tuesday’s frustrating draw with Notts County, a game the Hatters deserved three points from. “I thought we did well and did enough to win the game. But we have got to take the positives from keeping a good team relatively quiet and try to build on it. “I’m 100% convinced the results will start coming with the performances and the quality we have in the squad. 09

“It’s been a strange season so far for obvious reasons (Covid), and it’s been very stop-start. “We’re not 100% happy where we are at the minute but we are confident we can kick on and make a push for the second half of the season. “We’re always trying to work on new things but ultimately what we have been doing hasn’t been far off just maybe a little bit of luck and rub of the green which you can’t train for.” In the early part of his career, Ash previously spent time with Barnsley, Scunthorpe and Buxton, but made his name at North Ferriby United, helping them to win promotion from the National League North in 2016, and winning the Player of the Year award in the same season. Then he moved on to Guiseley, where he spent two successful years with the Lions, making more than 70 appearances and captaining the side. In the 2018/19 season, Ash was a crucial part of County’s defence that won the National League North, captaining the Hatters on occasions as well as proving a goal threat, even scoring the opening goal in County’s memorable 3-0 win at Nuneaton which clinched promotion.

Following promotion to the National League, Palmer remained a crucial part of the County defence, making 40 appearances and scoring six goals in 2019/20. He has built on his performances and is now an integral part of the County back-line, forming a solid central-defensive pairing with Liam Hogan. The Hatters have brought in a number of new faces recently with the signings of Will Collar, Sam Dalby, and on-loan Chorley duo Harry Cardwell and Elliot Newby. With the National League North season now null and void, the move will allow Harry and Elliot to test themselves at a higher level and Ash feels that the new signings have settled in well. “The new lads have seemed to settle in ok,” said Ash.“We have a good group here and everyone is welcoming so I can imagine it would be easy as a new player coming in.” County host in-form Chesterfield today who arrive in SK3 in great form, unbeaten in their last six games and winning their last two, and Ash expects a tough, competitive game this afternoon. “We’ve played them three times this year due to the FA Cup game being rearranged,” recalled Ash.“The replayed game was probably one of our best performances of the season, but they have a new manager now, new players, and they are doing well so it will be a tough test.

Favourite TV programme? Monday Night Football. Any superstitions? No superstitions really but like to eat the same thing before the game at the same time. Best game? Nuneaton away. Favourite career moment? Promotion with County. Boyhood team? Leeds United. What is the best advice you have been given in football? Don’t come off the field wishing you’d have done more. Best friend in football? Will Hatfield (Darlington). If you could offer any advice to a County fan looking to get involved with football what would it be? Work as hard as you can and dedicate yourself to the game. “I know big Dents well but he’s injured at the moment so won’t be playing. “The gaffer and coaching staff have been informing us of their strengths and weaknesses throughout the week. Like I said they’ve had some good results recently and seem to be on a roll so we will have to be at it on Saturday. “We are very confident, the squad we have is too good not to be successful.” 11

CHE

STERFIELD FC

Welcome...

Chesterfield Manager James Rowe brings his in-form Chesterfield team to town today, looking for a tenth win in the 14th game since his arrival.

The relatively short journey from Derbyshire to Edgeley Park is one many Spireites players will be very familiar with by now, with today’s game pitting the two clubs against each other for a third time here in SK3 in just three months. Any confidence lost when slumping to a 4-0 FA Cup replay defeat at EP in early November has well and truly been restored under new management, with Rowe’s revival of his new team one of the stories of the season so far.

Nickname: The Spireites Founded: 1866 Stadium: Technique Stadium Capacity: 10,000 Address: Technique Stadium, 1866 Sheffield Road, Chesterfield, Derbyshire Postcode: S41 8NZ Distance from Edgeley Park: 38.5 miles (1 hour 17 minutes) Current league position: 13th

Any confidence lost when slumping to a 4-0 FA Cup replay defeat at EP in early November has well and truly been restored under new management 12

Previously, positive results were rare events, set against a backdrop of decline that had seen The Spireites slump from League One to the National League relegation zone in just two seasons. The team struggled to adapt to their first season at this level in the 2018-19 season, though the appointment DID YOU of John Sheridan in January 2019 KNOW? saw an initial upturn in form, which Today’s game is the 100th meeting betw enabled a 15th place finish. een thes

e two clubs. We firs t faced each other 121 year s ago, in 1900.

Last season history was to repeat itself, with a poor start to the season leading to a January managerial change, with John Pemberton this time entrusted with securing safety. Which he did, just about, with the club finishing 20th.

Yet again The Spireites started this season poorly, dropping as low as 21st in the table and struggling for victories. Since Rowe arrived from Gloucester City however everything seems much rosier, with the 37-year-old bringing that much craved ‘new manager bounce’, having steered his former club to the top of the National League North table.

The Gaffer: James Rowe James joined the Spireites from National League North side Gloucester City at the end of November. Rowe has turned their fortunes around this season, taking them from a relegation scrap to a promotion challenge with just one defeat in 13 games in all competitions. He has signed 13 new players and Chesterfield are playing an attractive style of play while keeping clean sheets. The Spireites have only been behind for five-and-a-half minutes in league games during his tenure.

His instant impact started with a win at Weymouth, just two days after joining, with striker Akwasi Asante making a goalscoring début having followed Rowe from Gloucester. A nil-nil draw with Aldershot followed, before a hugely impressive 1-0 win on the road against second-placed Sutton United - Chesterfield becoming just the second club to win away at Sutton this season. When Barnet were battered 6-0 at home four days later, with Asante bagging a hat-trick, there was a real sense of momentum building, which has continued apace since the turn of the year. In recent weeks The Spireites have defeated promotion-chasing Notts County and Wrexham, and drawn away at Boreham Wood. They also gained a very respectable 2-2 draw at Dagenham, despite playing over 80 minutes with ten men! Another Asante goal, his eighth in 13 games, secured a 1-0 win over Altrincham on Tuesday night. What an impact Asante and Rowe have had in such a short time! No doubt they will be confident of keeping the good times going this afternoon, as this upwardly mobile team aim for the play-off places. With several games in hand and a settled side delivering results it seems only a matter of time before Chesterfield are considered serious promotion contenders. A win today would strengthen those claims and further fuel optimism of a Football League return. 13

The Players ADAM PRZYBEK (b:Apr 2000 s:Jan 2021) Goalkeeper on his third loan spell away from Ipswich Town, after they previously sent him to Braintree Town and Concord Rangers. He joined them after starting with West Bromwich Albion who sent him out to Worcester City and Rushall.

sides Neerlandia and HFC Haarlem before signing on for Birmingham City. Sent on loan to Northampton Town and then twice to Shrewsbury Town, his next permanent employers were Kidderminster Harriers. That move to Chester came via Solihull Moors, Grimsby Town and Tamworth.

GEORGE CARLINE (b:Mar 1993 s:Dec 2020) Attacking midfielder who started with Cadbury Athletic and progressed to Solihull via Redditch United and Hednesford Town. Moors loaned him to Leamington, and after his release he signed for Gloucester.

LIAM MANDEVILLE (b:Feb 1997 s:Jun 2019) Forward who came through the Doncaster Rovers academy to first-team level. He had loan spells at Whitby Town, Colchester United and Morecambe. Joined after his release by Rovers.

DAVID BUCHANAN (b:May 1986 s:Jun 2019) Former Roach Dynamos schoolboy who moved to Bury from Bolton Wanderers. He progressed via Hamilton Academical and Tranmere Rovers to Preston North End. The left-back dropped out of the EFL after playing for Northampton. JOSEF YARNEY (b:Oct 1997 s:Jun 2019) Right-back or central defender who started with Everton before joining Newcastle United. They loaned him out to Morecambe and Chesterfield, a move later made permanent. WILL EVANS (b:Oct 1991 s:Jul 2018) Central defender whose career began with Swindon Town, before moving on to Hereford United and Newport on loan. His two most recent clubs were Eastleigh and Aldershot Town.

MARCUS DINANGA (b:Jun 1997 s:Jan 2021) Started with Burton Albion (who loaned him to Mickleover Sports), Matlock Town, AFC Telford United and Hartlepool United. The forward then joined Telford permanently before a switch to Stevenage, from where he came in on loan. LUKE CODDINGTON (b:Jun 1995 s:Jun 2019) Son and grandson of former Hatters trialist Matt and his father John, this keeper started with Middlesbrough, with loan spells at Guiseley, Guisborough Town and Spennymoor Town. Moved on to Huddersfield Town, finding his way to our opposition via Northampton, with further loan spells at Wrexham and Guiseley.

MILAN BUTTERFIELD (b:Jan 1998 s:Aug 2020) Laurence Maguire LAURENCE MAGUIRE Midfielder who came to the UK from (b:Feb 1997 s:Jul 2015) Robin Hood FC in Bermuda and Laurence made his way through the joined Walsall. Loan spells with Rushall ranks of the Spireites after joining aged Olympic and Leamington followed and then he moved on 14. A left-back or central defender, he has had a spell on to Kidderminster. He was sent on loan to Guiseley for a loan with AFC Fylde. month earlier this season. JOE ROWLEY (b:Jun 1999 s:Apr 2017) Midfield player who progressed from the club’s youth team. CURTIS WESTON (b:Jan 1987 s:Jul 2018) Londoner who started with Millwall before joining Swindon. After a stint with Leeds United, who loaned him to Scunthorpe United, the midfielder moved on to Gillingham and then Barnet. AKWASI ASANTE (b:Sep 1992 s:Nov 2020) Former Chester FC player, who followed his manager from Gloucester City. His career started with Dutch

JOEL TAYLOR (b:Mar 1996 s:Dec 2020) Left his first club Stoke City for Kidderminster after a loan spell at Rochdale. Kiddy sent the left-back out to Halesowen Town, but he moved on to Chester from where today’s opponents bought him. JAK MCCOURT (b:Jul 1995 s:Dec 2020) Returned for a second spell after the demise of Macclesfield. The midfielder started with Leicester City, moving on to Barnsley after loan spells with Torquay United and Port Vale. His first stint with the Spireites came when he switched from Northampton and he left to sign for Swindon.

JACK CLARKE (b:Jan 1999 s:Jan 2021) Midfielder who joined on loan to the end of the season after a similar spell with Yeovil Town. He has worked his way through the age group sides at Aston Villa.

LUKE RAWSON (b:Mar 2001 s:Jan 2019) Former academy striker who has had spells on loan at Matlock, Sheffield FC, Brighouse Town, Handsworth and went to Alfreton Town in December.

NATHAN TYSON (b:May 1982 s:Aug 2020) Another forward recovering from injury, which he suffered against County. After playing for several EFL clubs he joined Chesterfield from Notts County.

HAYDN HOLLIS (b:Oct 1992 s:May 2019) Central defender who joined after he spent last season on loan from Forest Green. His first club Notts County sent him out for spells with Barrow, Hinckley United and Darlington.

SCOTT BODEN (b:Dec 1989 s:Jan 2019) Sheffield United product who was with Sheffield FC and IFK Mariehamn of Finland before joining Chesterfield for a first spell. The striker’s career progressed with Macclesfield Town, FC Halifax Town, Newport County, Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Wrexham, and Gateshead, before returning to the Spireites.

GRANT SMITH (b:Nov 1993 s:Jan 2021) Joined Wealdstone for a short spell earlier this season after leaving Lincoln City who had also loaned him to Maidstone United and Boreham Wood. The goalkeeper started with Fulham and Brighton & Hove Albion, moving on to Hayes & Yeading United after a loan spell with Bognor Regis Town. He then returned to Bognor and played for Boreham Wood before signing for the Imps.

JAMIE SHARMAN (b.2001 s. 2018) Sharman is a young central defender who made the progression from the club’s academy to the first team squad, after signing his first professional contract in the 2018/19 season. He won the Academy Player of the Year award at the end of the 2018/19 season, helping with his progression to first-team football. He also spent time on loan at Kidderminster Harriers in the National League North, where he gained valuable first-team experience. Sharman signed a contract extension in the summer of 2020. JACK MCKAY (b.1996 s.2019) Born in Glasgow, McKay began his youth career at Doncaster Rovers, progressing through the academy and being named Academy Player of the Year in 2013. He made his first-team debut against Sheffield United the following year. The striker went on to sign for Leeds United in 2016 before joining Cardiff City in 2018. McKay initially joined the Spireites on loan, before signing permanently in the summer of 2019, ahead of the 2019/20 season. He is on loan at Airdrie.

MARTIN SMITH (b:Oct 1995 s:Jan 2021) Started his career with Sunderland and was loaned to Gateshead and Carlisle United. His travels then took the midfielder to Kilmarnock, Coleraine on loan, Swindon and Salford City from where he joined on loan after a similar spell with Chorley. ALEX WHITTLE (b:Mar 1993 s:Jan 2021) Former Hatters’ trialist who started with Liverpool, his next pro club being Dunfermline Athletic. His career then progressed via Fylde, Southport, York and Forest Green. After that EP trial the left-back has figured for Warrington Town, Boston United and Gloucester. REGAN HUTCHINSON (b:Aug 2001 s: 2019) Former Rotherham midfielder. GAVIN GUNNING (b:Jan 1991 s:Jan 2021) Spotted by Blackburn Rovers playing for St. Joseph’s Boys in Ireland. They loaned the central defender to Tranmere, Rotherham United, Bury and Motherwell. He had two spells with Dundee United And also played for Birmingham, Oldham Athletic, Greenock Morton, Grimsby, Port Vale, Forest Green Rovers, Billericay Town and Gloucester.

TOM WHELAN (b:Apr 1996 s:Nov 2020) Joined Yeovil from Salisbury but then spent time on loan with Chippenham Town and Weymouth. The midfield Jonathan Smith man’s early clubs were Verwood and Poole, and at one point Salisbury loaned him to Bury. He made his DYLAN WHARTON ( s:Oct 2019) Weymouth move from the Glovers permanent, but then scholar who had a pre-season trial after being released by decided to head north. the club and the goalkeeper earned a contract as a result. JONATHAN SMITH (b:Oct 1986 s:Nov 2018) Permanent signing after a loan deal from Stevenage. The midfielder’s earlier clubs were Morecambe, Fleetwood Town on loan, Forest Green, York City, Swindon and Luton Town. TOM DENTON (b:Jul 1989 s:Sep 2018) Proven striker at this level. His most recent previous clubs were North Ferriby United, FC Halifax Town and Alfreton.

ADI YUSSUF (b:Oct 1992 s:Feb 2021) Forward in on loan after being with Wrexham on a similar deal. Parent club Blackpool previously sent him to Solihull, having signed him from there, and Boreham Wood. He started with Leicester and after time on loan at Tamworth found his way to Solihull via Burton, Lincoln, loans to Gainsborough Trinity, Harrogate Town, Histon, and further permanent spells with Oxford City, Mansfield Town, Grimsby Town and Barrow.

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LOIS MAYNARD

Rebellious Jukebox Gareth Evans selects Chesterfield on the County Rock-Ola, and presses play to discover a link with, and test the credentials of… ‘PHILTHY ANIMAL’ TAYLOR. So, what’s the connection? Phil Taylor - best known collectively from the classic Motörhead line-up, and individually, throughout his career, as ‘Philthy Animal’ - was born in Chesterfield’s south-east suburb of Hasland. It has been over five years now since his rather untimely death at 61, but his legacy lives on in a sub-genre of metal music spawned by his fast and furious drumming, while his coiffure of the day influenced many a youngster’s punk or metalhead hairstyle. Rebellious, too? Let’s ‘Take Five’… 1. The accidental invention of thrash metal Talk thrash, and the key exponents that automatically get cited for playing metal at extreme velocity are the ‘big four’ of Anthrax, Megadeath, Metallica and Slayer. But they owe it to Motörhead’s

His legacy lives on in a subgenre of metal music spawned by his fast and furious drumming, while his coiffure of the day influenced many a youngster’s punk or metalhead hairstyle ‘Overkill’, released in 1979, and, most particularly, to Taylor, whose double-time kick-drum pattern on the song took an already fast and aggressive band up to new levels of tempo, beat and intensity. Imagine what the end of the world might sound like if set to music, and you’re getting there… and, like so many good musical innovations, it came about by accident, after Taylor, having acquired some new kit, started playing two bass drums together in practice. His bandmates, Ian ‘Lemmy’ Kilmister and ‘Fast’ Eddie Clarke, overheard him, ‘Overkill’ was written on the spot, and the rest is history. 2. A ‘colourful character’ There was rather more to ‘Philthy Animal’ than the double-time drumming - whether working fast behind, or living fast away from, his kit. Listen to

‘Ace of Spades’ from 1980 - arguably, the definitive Motörhead anthem - which, after its second chorus, is lifted by a series of quasi-jazzy rimshots played by the inventive Taylor. Earlier in 1980, he had suffered a broken neck after being lifted up by a friend in a test of strength and then dropped on his head - hence his wearing of a neck brace in the ‘Ace…’ video. And a previous incident, in which he broke a hand while punching a man outside his flat in London, had not deterred him from his band duties, either; he simply continued to drum by attaching a stick to the hand with gaffer tape until the injury healed. Trouper! 3. The hirings and the firings After spending his formative years in Leeds, and taking drum lessons at the city’s College of Music, Taylor had met Lemmy in 1975 and joined Motörhead while the band was working on its first album. Lemmy had been having problems with the then-drummer, Lucas Fox, and, moreover, Taylor could not only drum but also had a car and could give the band’s frontman a lift to the studio where they were rehearsing. Having got the gig as Fox’s replacement, Taylor himself put the finishing touches to the group’s best-known membership by introducing Lemmy to guitarist ‘Fast’ Eddie - with whom Taylor had worked while painting a houseboat. ‘Philthy Animal’ was to leave Motörhead in 1984, shortly after appearing with the band in an episode of ‘The Young Ones’ - and a second time, having rejoined three years later, and then been given three warnings “to get his act together” when his abilities and commitment came into question, during the early stages of recording the ‘March Ör Die’ album in 1992. Taylor finished one track on it ‘I Ain’t No Nice Guy’ - before getting his P45, and

Having got the gig as Fox’s replacement, Taylor himself put the finishing touches to the group’s best-known membership by introducing Lemmy to guitarist ‘Fast’ Eddie

three other drummers were used in the course of its completion. 4. Other drumming ventures Taylor had kept busy after his initial departure from Motörhead - to which he later referred as taking ‘a three-year holiday’ - by making appearances with Waysted, Operator (with former fellow Motörheader, Brian ‘Robbo’ Robertson) and Frankie Miller’s touring band. And after leaving the band for good, he plied his trade with The Web Of Spider (featuring Iggy Pop on guitar) and The Deviants, as well as joining thrash metal outfit Overkill on stage at the Islington Academy for a set that naturally included a cover of the groundbreaking song after which the group was named. 5. First of the gang to die The Motörhead trio we most fondly remember did get to reunite on 6th November 2014 - well, kinda - when Lemmy and ‘Fast’ Eddie invited ‘Philthy Animal’ up from the floor as they prepared to play ‘Ace of Spades’ at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham. Their old drummer did indeed join them, but only to wave to the crowd and then leave the stage. One year and just under a week later, he was no more - to be followed late the next month by Lemmy, and by Eddie a couple of years or so after that. As Lemmy remarked upon Phil’s passing: “I think this rock ’n’ roll business might be bad for the human life.” RIP, the three Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers. Rebellious Jukebox Rating:… ‘Too Late, Too Late’ - solid eight. 19

Sean Connelly

Phoenix From The County Flames This season we talk to past County players about their favourite memories from their time at Edgeley Park. Ahead of this afternoon’s game, we caught up with popular former County full-back Sean Connelly, who recalls his favourite County memories... When you are voted in to be part of an all-time County XI, it says everything you need to know about Sean Connelly’s nine-year spell at Edgeley Park. Sheffield-born Sean was studying for a degree in Physiotherapy and playing for his local side Hallam when he was spotted by County, and he signed a contract in 1992 on the understanding that he was able to finish his degree course. Nine years, 363 appearances and six goals later, the rest, as they say, is history. There were so many wonderful memories from Connelly’s time at the Club. But it was the 1996-97 season that will always be fondly remembered by everyone connected with the Hatters. Clinching promotion to the old First Division – the second tier of English football – at this afternoon’s visitors Chesterfield was a wonderful night in the history of the club. But that wasn’t all, there was also the memorable League Cup run which took the Hatters all the way to the semi-finals – narrowly losing out to starstudded Middlesbrough in the semi-finals. Assembled, coached and brilliantly managed by Dave Jones, this County side achieved the impossible – defeating Premier League big-guns Southampton, West Ham and former league title-winners Blackburn Rovers. “I’ve got lots of good memories of my time at County,” said Sean, who is Medical Services Manager and Lead Physiotherapist at the Football Association of Wales.

“The season we got promoted and the game at Chesterfield was a great night. When I was at Cardiff City and they got promoted I told the lads to make the most of it as nights like those don’t come around too often. “When I watched the games from that season we never looked out of our depth and we were a very good team. “We were very much together, there was no disharmony and we had a great spirit. We produced some great stuff and some of the players proved that they could go on to a higher level.”

THE GAME: County 2 Tranmere Rovers 1

THE DATE: 14th August 1999

THE COMPETITION: Division One

THE MOMENT: It would be easy to say the goal at Middlesbrough but I’ll go for my goal against Tranmere Rovers at Edgeley Park.

County’s cup shocks against Southampton and West Ham are still talked about to this day – and shown on various television programmes which demonstrates the enormity of what Dave Jones and his players achieved.

“We played some great football under him and although I was extremely grateful to Danny I really enjoyed playing for Dave.

“It was surreal,” admitted Sean. “It was such a special atmosphere at Edgeley Park. Southampton and West Ham were wellestablished Premier League clubs but we were never overawed and they were good nights. There was also the time we beat Manchester City 3-1 at Edgeley Park. You look at what has happened to both clubs since then but we played them off the park that day!

“The likes of Tom Bennett and Andy Mutch provided experience, they were great players. We achieved a lot together and Dave gave us the chance to express ourselves. It is strange because we did not have a very good pre-season but we certainly had a great season. We played some great football. We played so many games, sometimes three times a week, but we were so confident and had a great dressing room.

“Everybody wrote us off against Middlesbrough, they had some special players such as Juninho. I know I scored but I don’t know why I went forward and in the 250-odd games I hadn’t scored I still can’t explain why I made that kind of run! Middlesbrough had their chances but Luis Cavaco went through and we also had good chances. We had nothing to lose and we came so close.”

“Andy Kilner gave the players a lift and he was a breath of fresh air when he took over. He had a difficult job.

During his nine years at Edgeley Park Sean played under four different managers – Danny Bergara, Dave Jones, Gary Megson and Andy Kilner – who all had a different approach to management. “I’ve got many fond memories of playing under Danny,” said Sean. “He was a great man. Danny was special in his own ways. I think of Danny flip-flopping down the corridor in his slippers. He was a funny, interesting and inspiring man in his own way. What he did was put Stockport County on the map and it started a great era for the club, which was carried on by Dave Jones.

“I left in 2001 and it would have been nice to have stayed and got to ten years and a testimonial for County. When I left for Wolves it didn’t quite work out but when I played for Tranmere I got to experience something similar to what I experienced at County. Not too many people can turn round and say they’ve played over 300 times for the same club. And there are not too many of those 300-plus games that I didn’t enjoy – I loved my time there. “I still keep in touch with Kevin Cooper, who is my best mate, Mazza, Tony Dinning, and others. “I’ll always keep an eye out for how County are doing. It’s a great club, they have a new training facility now, and I wish them well. I hope they get back into the Football League because that’s where they belong.”

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Stockport County Colts & Junior Academy The importance of psychology in the modern game. Whilst there are so many different philosophies and opinions on how the beautiful game should be played – one thing we think is a must is the need for a clear strategy that everyone understands. Whilst we may all have our own opinions about certain styles of play, consistency and clarity in coaching gives players less to worry about and more to focus on when they are on the pitch. As a result, at the Colts we have a very bold philosophy as we feel that technique is of paramount importance in developing the very best players and future winners. We only have to see the changes in styles in the Premier League now to understand that good technicians can perform and win at the highest level. We feel this can now be truly pitted against the physical attributes that once may have been the priority in player selection. The Head Coach’s experience of this approach in many post-2000 Academies led to the development of the philosophy which is very similar to the Spanish tiki-taka model that led to a surge in team success at Spanish La Liga and international level. Undoubtedly – in the growth years, many children can play against similar aged players who can stand twice as tall! There is no doubt this has an impact, but we like to look at the bigger picture where players moving into post-puberty end up having similar strength and physical abilities as they quickly catch up. Through our own experiences of seeing players who were once bagging goal after goal at grassroots level - maybe because they had a powerful shot or could out-sprint/out-muscle opponents – we often find these players soon disappear down the ranks if they aren’t coached to develop technically and psychologically. Of course, the old adage ‘mind controls body’ needs paying attention to if we can realise the

There has been a development in the tiki-taka philosophy that led to Spanish success

importance of players who can make astute, clear decisions when they are under pressure. The Colts have a training programme that gives players an opportunity to make those decisions by avoiding over-interference: with coaching/management styles from the sideline based on the same clearthinking concept. It’s so tempting for parents/ coaches to shout “shoot’’, for example, when a player is through on goal, but this frequently breaks the concentration of the player and they often fluff their lines. That’s why we always ensure our parents work with us in realising that composure and focus should be our common goal and to let their children play without over-interference. Confidence is then allowed to grow and this along with patient and stepped coaching will allow players to achieve higher-end goals. 23

Official Partners of The National League

Supporters’ Co-operative The last few weeks have highlighted a lot of issues that are worthy of debate. However, with the world in limbo due to the raging Covid pandemic, there is one that appears to strike a chord and unite County supporters, namely that something is not entirely right with the referees who have been in charge of our games of late. Massive over-simplification? Possibly, possibly not. What I would say is that further down the UK football pyramid you go the better the standard of refereeing is. I would particularly commend those brave individuals who turn out for park football and the like, doing a difficult job, faced with possibly the most unforgiving set of touchline critics you could wish to come across. But, is it not reasonable, when referees are claiming professional status, for us to expect a decent standard of officiating at games, and of late, as far as matches involving County are concerned, and referees hailing from the south, this standard has slipped, with County players being red carded in consecutive matches, only for the cards to be rescinded on the first working day following both matches, after the damage was done and games lost. Look into our history and you see the same pattern... from Mr Willis at Old Trafford in 1978 (a penalty and a free-kick to Manchester United in injury time) and the ‘Harrow Horror’ Mr Elleray (too many occurrences to list) and beyond. At this point I risk a rebuke from the Supporters’ Cooperative Board, when I confess to being impressed with some officials... Uriah Rennie, even before West Ham 1996/97 was a favourite as was Mr Hernandez somewhat earlier, and if there is a reason to be

Uriah Rennie

hopeful that things might get better it comes from the female refs that are emerging - Amy Fearn and the excellent Rebecca Welch being just two! Surely we deserve better, but do not hold your breath. Ian Brown Stockport County Supporters’ Co-operative 25

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The Mad Hatter’s Quiz with Paul Dean

TRIVIA

WHO AM I?

1. Which manager signed Kevin Davies for Southampton from Chesterfield in 1997? 2. Which team did former Chesterfield manager Arthur Cox move to in 1980? 3. Who was the manager who first named David Beckham as England captain? 4. Which former Chelsea player has been crowned African Footballer of the Year four times? 5. Which player has played in the Conference, League Two, League One, Championship, Premier League, and played in the World Cup? 6. Which club did Ron Atkinson last manage in the Premier League?

I was a centre half who made 272 appearances from 1952-63 for the Hatters.

7. Who replaced Dave Jones as Hatters manager in 1997? 8. Who was signed from Chesterfield in 2002 and played 84 games for the Hatters, scoring 45 goals?

A Z G W T O Y G N W S U F A F R H A F E

H T T M N K M A X I G A R R S U R L M C

B D J A Z A F R Z S D A K P A E J A A K

A O L E F E G Q E Y D L P S S T V U G E

R D Z U T I B O B O I L A I U E S L G N

O E A S I N M E N N R J M M K P M I B B

L M I D G I E A S Z I D A N E N M K O A

E D A U A T S Z X T H M H R O V W S Y U

B Q H W L A S X A Z L H W E R S W B Y E

B Y C S H L I X C K I Z I P K G C V V R

Q M N I N P K M K B O C K C W X V I E V

L K I J P P D P V W Q R O O V N T J M A

A O R F K I R L R X D W U G M D Z L Y N

W S R G G M C R U Y F F X N R U V E W B

F A A R T J X H D U C T X X S A L S A A

P D G N O K P X Q F U B I X R E X P U S

R D F B W P W V Q W C U I N P M E M B T

Q H H V L U C D C G V X K W I C B W M E

Y T N R T T T U V X G O D K Q I N V S N

Answers:

M U L L E R R I E O X N O H M Q D X B B

Who Am I? Ken Hodder

BARESI BECKENBAUER BEST CRUYFF DI STEFANO GARRINCHA MALDINI MARADONA MESSI MULLER PELE PLATINI PUSKAS RONALDO VAN BASTEN ZICO ZIDANE

Trivia 1: Graeme Souness. 2: Newcastle United. 3: Peter Taylor. 4: Samuel Eto’o. 5: Steve Finnan. 6: Nottingham Forest. 7: Gary Megson. 8: Luke Beckett.

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Steve Bellis Urban Skiers, Dog Poo Bags and Wet Beer Gardens! If there really is such a thing as ‘Lady Luck’ she is obviously on holiday at the minute. Once again on Tuesday, despite another very good performance we were left with only one of the three points we thoroughly deserved thanks to an erroneous offside decision and a crossbar depriving us of two goals. I don’t know whether Simon Rusk ran over a black cat when he first drove into Carrington but he certainly has been devoid of any good fortune since his arrival at the club. Surely this must change and we will soon be rewarded for our efforts on the pitch rather than having players receive red cards that are then rescinded and losing players to injury after shocking challenges. We can of course also help ourselves by being much more clinical in that all-important final third. At least we have had some decent weather this week which has highlighted a new phenomenon. Have you noticed all these people walking round pretending they are skiing? Everywhere I look there seem to be people with ski poles but no skis walking around the country and even the streets. I know people can’t get away at the minute but walking round with ski poles is just ridiculous. Even more ridiculous was the decision this week to change the name of Mr Potato Head. Yes, the kids’ toy that first hit the market in 1952 has undergone a ‘gender rebrand’ (whatever that means) and is now just ‘Potato Head’. Who comes up with this stuff? It’s pathetic. Back to getting outdoors though and there are some odd folk out there. Being the proud (sometimes) owner of a dog I get out much more than I did (or ever wanted to) and I never cease to be amazed by the general public. Firstly, there are the complete plonkers who go to McDonald’s then find a nice spot to park up and enjoy the view while eating their 20 chicken nuggets and gulping their heart attack-inducing milk shakes.

Imaginary skiers are everywhere

Then when they have finished they throw the packaging into the beautiful countryside that they have just been enjoying. I can’t believe just how selfish these people are and whilst it isn’t very Christian, I hope the shakes induce the heart attacks sooner rather than later. Then you have my fellow dog walkers. One of the main things that puts some people off owning dogs is the fact that they have to deal with their poo. Now this didn’t seem to be an issue in the 70’s and 80’s because all the dog pops came out hard, turned white and magically disappeared into a powder (at least that’s how I remember it). These days things are not so simple. It might be the modern diet or maybe the bits of Big Mac left in the grass by those aforementioned oxygen-thieving litter louts but the poos these days can vary by the hour. Thankfully most people are equipped with poo bags which come in a variety of colours and unfortunately thickness. Anyone who thinks they are being clever by buying cheap dog poo bags soon instantly regrets it the first time their finger goes through the bag and into the squishy faeces contained within. The problem is that having carefully picked up said poo, what do you do with the now warm and squishy bag?

Unfortunately, not everyone is as thoughtful as me and far too many other dog owners think it is acceptable to chuck it over a wall or even worse hang it in a tree/bush. From a distance it can be deceiving. I once saw a bush and thought someone had tied little notes or ribbons to it like they do in certain situations. I was looking forward to getting nearer but soon regretted my decision to get a close up when I realised that the bush was actually decorated with various coloured dog poo bags. It was literally hanging. So, if you are reading this and you have a dog, take his/her bloody mess home with you. Rant over! Anyway, enough of that, it has been a momentous week in terms of getting the country back to normal with bumbling Boris finally laying out his roadmap out of lockdown.

Even Chris Whitty looked happy

Bins seem to be non-existent in the countryside these days so thoughtful people like myself carry it (or them if Flynn has had a curry) round and if there is no bin, take the bag(s) home and put it in the bin. This isn’t great when you have driven to the walk as the smell of the poo emanates from the bag and overpowers even the strongest Magic Tree car air freshener.

I have a table booked in the beer garden of my local at 12 noon on 12th April. You can bet your life that we will endure the wettest April since records began

Even Chris Whitty looked relatively upbeat as the man who doesn’t possess a comb and who has managed to waste 22 billion quid on a useless track and trace system and had recorded the worst Covid death figures in Europe and beyond stood tall and proud as he outlined our return to normality. Credit where it is due of course, the vaccine roll-out has been a spectacular success but very few people are capable of getting everything wrong. There were three key dates for me personally. April 12th... pubs open but only those with outdoor areas, May 17th pubs open and we are allowed inside and possibly fans in football stadia, then June 21st everything open. So, I have a table booked in the beer garden of my local at 12 noon on 12th April. You can bet your life that we will endure the wettest April since records began. One final thought... how on earth did Robert Palmer concentrate when making the ‘Addicted to Love’ video? Wherever you are watching, enjoy the game.

How did Robert Palmer concentrate?

Opposition View Today’s view from the visitors is Chesterfield fan Phil Tooley. How do you assess your season so far? The opening nine games in the National League were far from where the team needed to be but all seven losses in those games were by the odd goal.

midfielder Tom Whelan is suspended, but the team has gained six points from his first two games off. Who are your all-time favourite Chesterfield players? Ernie Moss, who was a shorttime Hatter, is the ultimate legend whilst Rod Fern, Danny Wilson and Tommy Lee are all right up there.

However, the goal concession level was very disappointing and when James Rowe came in, that was a major area where changes were needed. Ironically, despite new faces coming in numbers, the back three, now incredibly mean, is made up entirely of inherited players. Since the new gaffer moved in, we’ve become the form team, winning for fun and in some style. A total of 13 new faces have come in making the current Spireites a very different proposition to the team that lost twice to County in the Autumn. No more looking over the shoulder, all eyes are focused upwards at the moment. What have been the highlights? A stunning 6-0 win over Barnet and a strong 1-0 win at Notts County have provided the two biggest highlights, with Akwasi Asante at the heart of much of what the team is achieving. What are your hopes for the rest of the season? Anything but the play-offs will be a disappointment, with the top three not beyond our grasp. 32

What are your thoughts on County? I was not surprised that the team has settled into the National League very well. Goals in only one of the last six games is a real surprise and must be a worry, but in Reid and Rooney there are plenty of goal threats.

Ernie Moss is the ultimate legend

Which Chesterfield players are the ‘ones to watch’ on Saturday? Plenty! Asante is unplayable at his best, George Carline down the right is Mr Consistent and possesses a dangerous throw, whilst Jak McCourt can split any defence with a pass. Unfortunately our star attacking

Do you have any particular memories of games against County? Beating County 4-0 in the playoff first leg in 1990 takes some beating! Calvin Plummer’s finest hour. The second leg win was decent too! No comment on Paul Williams’ throw-in during the Football League Trophy a year or two later! What is your prediction for the game? After two wins on the last two games, I’d settle for a draw, 0-0 looks the most likely score. I can’t see us losing at the moment.

Terrace Talk Today’s visitors Chesterfield have shown no mercy since they restarted their National League campaign and whilst their results have inadvertently helped County in the Hatters’ own quest for promotion they must now face off against each other this afternoon at Edgeley Park. The Spireites hadn’t played since January 30th due to the coronavirus crisis but their results since resuming play over the last week have seen them defeat both Notts County and Altrincham, both of whom are, like County, vying for those Play-Off places. Last weekend at Meadow Lane they won 1-0 against Notts County and on Tuesday night they recorded the same scoreline at home against Alty with Dutch striker Akwasi Asante scoring the decisive goal just after the halftime interval. It has been quite a few months for Chesterfield manager James Rowe since he left Gloucester City to replace John Pemberton last November and aside from a New Year defeat at Solihull Moors and the uncertainty of the current pandemic their form has been amongst the best in the division. A win for County could move them back into the automatic promotion reckoning depending on other results elsewhere and the fact that Eastleigh and Notts County do not play could be an added bonus for Simon Rusk’s side. Equally, opposite number Rowe will know that maximum points on the road will put them back in touch with the Play-Offs and with as many as four or five games in hand compared to some of their nearest rivals.

Harvey Gilmour’s midweek effort was ruled out for offside

It was stalemate in midweek for County as their third meeting of the season against Notts County ended goalless. Harvey Gilmour had the ball in the net in the first half but ultimately the celebrations where cut short by the linesman’s offside flag. Pre-game against the Magpies, Simon had been able to go to Chorley and bring in both Elliot Newby and Harry Cardwell on loan until the end of the season. Elliot is a midfielder who began at

Bolton and his twin brother Alex is currently starring for League One side Rochdale, whilst former Scotland Under-21 international striker Harry has some experience of the EFL during a spell at Grimsby Town. They could make their debuts in today’s game having not signed in time for the game a few days ago and everyone connected with the Hatters wishes them well in their time at the club over the next few months. 33

The County Years

1965

County Historian Ian Watts delves into the archives to bring you some of the Hatters’ more memorable moments from years gone by. Opening game We made the short trip to Chester to open an eventful year. County: Ken Mulhearn, John Collins, Ean Cuthbert, Mike Eckersall, Colin Parry, Frank Peacock, John Watt, Frank Beaumont, Ian Sandiford, Derek Hodgkinson, Peter Phoenix. The game reflected County’s League form rather than their FA Cup exploits as the Cestrians claimed a comfortable win. Mickey Metcalf opened the scoring after 32 minutes and a County player from the previous season Hugh Ryden added another on 35. Hugh got his second with 26 minutes left and Metcalf also ended the game with a brace. First Debutant Fourteen days later the visit of Torquay United gave County fans their first sight of a player who perhaps epitomised the directors’ plan to take County up the table. The first of several veteran players to join the club was highlypraised forward Len White. He had been scoring regularly for 15 years with Rotherham United, Newcastle United and Huddersfield Town. Len could not make a difference on this day, County lost 0-2, but his goal threat would be important throughout his time with the Hatters, ably

Back (L-R): Graham Beighton, Frank Beaumont, Ean Cuthbert, Ken Mulhearn Middle: Jimmy Stevenson, Colin Parry, Matt Tillotson, Ian Sandiford, Peter Phoenix, Harold Allcock, Billy Newton Front: Derek Hodgkinson, John Collins, Vic Bernard, Trevor Porteous, Tom Roberts

justifying his £1,750 fee before joining Altrincham in the summer of ‘66. Summer Business Somewhat surprisingly a season that saw the side finish bottom, albeit with a fairly comfortable re-election, only saw a few departures. Peter Phoenix (who joined Wigan Athletic), Anthony Brooks (untraced) plus the retirement of Trevor Porteous. Replacing them was a list that included some men who would go on to be regarded as club

legends. Winger Johnny Price (Burnley), halfback David Shawcross (Manchester City), plus defender Billy Haydock, and forwards Dick Young and Keith Allen (all from Grimsby Town). Last debutant It was as early as 10th September that the last new man of the year made his Hatters debut. Norman Sykes (SCAN 685) had been bought from Plymouth Argyle for £2,000 and was straight into the side helping us beat Crewe Alexandra 2-0. Norman was more regarded for several years with Bristol Rovers. He would stay with us for 17 months before being sold at a slight profit to Doncaster Rovers. Closing game The last match of the year, which ended up being on Friday 17th December, showed that despite their improvement County were still a work in progress.

Most goals in calendar year Len White 21, Keith Allen 10, Ian Sandiford 6 Worst run 5 without win (16th January to 6th February) D1 L4 Best run 6 unbeaten (13th November to 10th December) W4 D2 The man in charge This year brought an end to Trevor Porteous’ first spell with the club. After his summer retirement he initially stayed on as manager, but soon after his role was renamed Team Manager, as it was announced he would be responsible to Bert Trautmann. Trevor was demoted further in October when Eddie Quigley took over, and resigned from the club.

County: Mulhearn, Collins, Cuthbert, Parry, Sykes, Shawcross, Len Allchurch, Haydock, Young, Allen, Price. Dickie Marshall and Ron Smith scored after a goalless first half at Haig Avenue to give Southport a 2-0 victory. This repeated the scoreline by which the Lancashire side knocked us out of the FA Cup in a Second Round replay at Edgeley Park four days earlier - in front of 15,416 on a Monday night. The result left County in a mid-table 13th position, still a great improvement on their near season-long bottom place of 1964-65. Most apps in calendar year Ken Mulhearn 48 (of 50), Ean Cuthbert and Len White 43

Len White scores at Anfield

Porteous pictured as the money rolled in thanks to the Cup tie with Liverpool

And finally... When County travelled to Anfield as the bottomplaced Division Four club to face Liverpool in the FA Cup Fourth Round, Bill Shankly reportedly gave the game a miss and went on a scouting mission ahead of a upcoming European game. Arriving back he reportedly asked an airport official, were there any shocks in the FA Cup. The response, what other than your lot only drawing with Stockport County. Thanks to all the anonymous donors who have supplied images for this article.

STOCKPORT COUNTY

NOTTS COUNTY

Tuesday 23rd February | Vanarama National League | Edgeley Park

The Hatters returned to midweek action on Tuesday night under the Edgeley Park floodlights for a third meeting in just over two months with Notts County. Following league and FA Trophy defeats against the Magpies in the previous encounters, another tight contest saw the two County sides play out a goalless draw.

Sam Byrne A lot has changed since County went top of the National League with a 2-1 win at then-struggling Chesterfield in October. Both sides are under new management, and it’s fair to say that while The Hatters are still going through a period of transition under Simon Rusk, it’s equally fair to say that The Spireites have thrived since luring former Gloucester boss James Rowe to Derbyshire. Just one defeat in Rowe’s time at the club since has already seen EFL sides reportedly keeping tabs on the man who took Gloucester City top of the National League North. Rowe has been backed by the club, bringing in no fewer than thirteen new signings, including a fair chunk of his trusted former Gloucester players. I know County photographer Mike Petch is enjoying constantly reminding me about how I inadvertently referred to The Spireites as ‘Gloucesterfield’ on an away trip recently as it happens, I clearly wasn’t too far wrong!

The Spireites have thrived under James Rowe

It’s hard to argue with Rowe and Chesterfield’s results; a superb run of form which has seen the side move to within touching distance of the National League play-off spots. It’ll certainly be a tough test for Rusk and County, with the likes of Akwasi Asante proving a hit since his move from Gloucester - and I’m sure Rusk will rue how The Hatters seem to be coming up against the in-form sides in the division with some regularity!

It is great to see Mark Kitching back in contention this afternoon

As far as County are concerned, results clearly haven’t been where Rusk and company will have envisaged in the early days, but I think there are plenty of reasons for optimism across this side. The recently-returned Tom Walker will make a big difference for the remainder of this season, while it’s proven a huge boost to have the superb Ryan Croasdale back this week.

With key players gradually making their return to the side, I’m looking forward to The Hatters getting back amongst the goals

But for me, the key to County’s attacking threat is Mark Kitching - a man who Hatters fans will be delighted to see back in contention today onwards. The former Hartlepool man is one who I’m certain will have County fans on their feet when we’re finally able to see supporters back in stadia, and so much of County’s chances have come down that left. I’ve felt for Rusk in that he’s been unable to really implement one specific system given the chopping and changing he’s been forced to do since his arrival, with Connor Jennings, Tom Walker, Ryan Croasdale, Mark Kitching, Macauley Southam-Hales and Jordan Keane all being unavailable at various spells. County have certainly looked solid at the back under their new boss, even against a strong Notts County side at Edgeley Park on Tuesday evening but with key players gradually making their return to the side, I’m looking forward to The Hatters getting back amongst the goals after this recent lean spell without the creativity of Kitching & Co. Enjoy the game! 39

Physio

Luke Smith Good afternoon everyone. This week we have Adam Thomas and Macauley Southam-Hales on the injury list. Adam Thomas has an ankle issue which has resolved quickly and he has completed his first on-field session. Adam is likely to return to first-team training next week and should be available for selection for our next game. Macauley will be a few weeks longer due to his ankle injury picked up from Eastleigh FC. We have been working very hard to reduce the pain, swelling, and increase his ability to weight bear. He is working extremely hard in the

gym and when you see him next, he should be just as quick and strong as before. Our squad is looking excellent at the minute with players returning from injury and progressing well in training as well as new arrivals who are pushing themselves with the aim of being part of the match-day squad. Our focus on recovery from game to game is excellent. The monitoring of our players is a vital part of identifying when players need to be rotated and have the best chance of playing as many games as possible this year. Enjoy the game everyone.

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Travelling Fan The day out and getting there Stricter than usual restrictions for this game at Maidenhead meant it was a restricted media team making the journey to down to Berkshire for this one on board the kit van, or the Landomobile as it’s affectionally known. Keen as ever for an early start, kit-man and designated driver Richard Landon set a departure time of 11:30am before, in true Lando style, beginning to usher us out of the Edgeley Park door at 10:45am. Once we hit the road, it was all plain sailing down to the hotel in Oxford, where the players were enjoying their pre-match meal – we even bumped in to a familiar face whilst there, as Danny Lloyd’s Tranmere were staying at the same hotel ahead of their game against Oxford United. Once the van was loaded up, we made the rest of the journey to York Road, arriving at around 5:15pm. York Road This game marked an extraordinary occasion for Maidenhead United and York Road, with the fixture landing 150 years to the day since their first-ever game played at the stadium. York Road is recognised by the FA as being the oldest continuously-used football ground in the world by the same club, having been home to Maidenhead since 1871, and it was a massive shame to all involved that fans were not present to mark such a special occasion. Our last trip here was memorable for the fact it was our last game played before the curtailment

Maidenhead v County Vanarama National League Tuesday 16th February 2021 York Road

Weather: Another miserably cold and wet evening down South Distance from EP: 186 miles Journey time: 3 hours, 10 minutes Outcome: A hard-fought encounter with nothing to separate the two sides, as the Hatters were held on the road. of last season, with the slightly surreal backdrop of a packed stadium just days before we entered a National Lockdown for the first time. It was a very different experience this time round, as we took our place in the sheltered press area on the far side of the pitch. The match After the frustration of failing to find a way through against Aldershot at the weekend, this game followed a similar pattern against a dogged and determined Maidenhead side with play-off aspirations of their own after a fine start to the new season.

Despite a dominant display throughout the 90 minutes, the Hatters struggled to break down the Magpies’ defence, largely being limited to efforts from distance against a side content to sit back and play for a point. Despite our toils, County so nearly snatched the points in the very final minute of stoppage time through the now typical moment of jaw-dropping inspiration from John Rooney, who flicked the ball up in the air and unleashed an extraordinary dipping volley that produced an equally magnificent save from the Maidenhead goalkeeper, who tipped it onto the crossbar. That was as good as it got that night though, a rare moment of quality that in truth stood in contrast to the rest of the game, with a point a piece probably a fair result come the final whistle. Getting away With no camera staff permitted to attend that night, we were unable to film Simon Rusk’s post-

match assessment, which did at least mean a slightly earlier than usual escape for the media team, as we began our journey back up the M40. There were a few stoppages along the way for refuelling – both for the van and for ourselves, before we arrived bleary-eyed at Carrington at approximately 2am, getting back just minutes before the team coach. Memory of the day Not too much to shout about for this one, so would have to be the unexpected chance to bump in to Danny Lloyd again – his Tranmere side went on to beat Oxford 2-0 to reach the final of the Papa John’s Trophy final at Wembley next month, so a massive congratulations to him. Travelling fan verdict Journey – 6/10 Stadium – 8/10 Overall match day experience – 6/10 Liam Richardson

SNAPPED! Hatters midfielder Harvey Gilmour shares a laugh during a busy week’s training at Car rington this week!

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COUNTY JUNIORS

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

Welcome back to Edgeley Park for our second home game of the week against Chesterfield. Our visitors have made the short journey over the Pennines for today’s game which under normal times would have seen a bumper crowd inside the ground. Chesterfield’s results have picked up after a slow start to the season, so we should see a competitive match this afternoon. Streaming of games is not ideal but it is better than nothing. Since our last notes we will have played away at Maidenhead in a rearranged game from January and last Saturday at Eastleigh. A draw away at Maidenhead on the Tuesday night was another game where we should have taken all three points. We had most of the possession but again like the Aldershot game could not put the ball in the net. At Eastleigh we were up against it with being down to 10 men after 30 minutes, had three penalties turned down and a John Rooney shot hit the bar in the last minute. Obviously not County’s afternoon. Following on from today’s match we are away on our travels to Weymouth and Solihull Moors before returning here to another two home fixtures with Dagenham & Redbridge and Barnet. That’s all for this time,

Mascot

Matthew is 9 and his all-time favourite County player is Matty Warburton. His current favourite County player is John Rooney. His hobbies are playing football, riding his bike, taekwondo, and playing on his Playstation.

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.

JOSEPH BOSTOCK

An amateur player who found the competition for the left-back spot was just too strong as he was up against Beaut Hall and Arthur Waters. He did make two senior appearances in the Lancashire Combination season and the following year his sole Football League game came in a 2-1 win over Hull City at Edgeley Park. He stayed on the club’s books and presumably moved on in the summer of 1907 when the club scrapped their reserve side.

FRED CRUMP

A 5ft 7in centre forward who made his debut as County hosted Chelsea in their first-ever Football

League game. He scored an impressive 32 goals in his 95 games for the Hatters after signing from Stalybridge Rovers. Before his County spell he had travelled the country with time at Stourbridge, Derby County, Glossop and Northampton Town. He joined the drift to the Southern League by signing for Brighton for the 1908-09 season.

ARTHUR WORSLEY

One of the many players brought in from the Edgeley White Star side Arthur became the last to break into the first team. After two games in his first season with the club Arthur had to wait until March of 1907 before he returned to the side. The chance came when another former White Star man Jimmy Heywood was sold to

Blackburn Rovers. Arthur played five more games as County claimed a midtable place.

ALBERT AMBLER

Previously in the Football League back in 189901 with Newton Heath. He then spent five seasons with Colne before County swooped. He didn’t get a regular place until the end of the season - just in time to win a Manchester FA Senior Cup finalist medal. In May 1908 Exeter City, who had recently turned professional, recruited three of County’s players in Tom Craig, Tom Green and Ambler, the latter as player trainer. He then retraced his steps to Colne and finished as the old head in County reserves.

JIMMY MOLYNEUX

This goalkeeper made his last County first team appearance 18 years after his debut, appearing in 167 peace and war time games for us in total. He had played for sides on the Wirral before starting his first spell at Edgeley Park. In August 1910 Jimmy was sold to Chelsea for £550 and he stayed with them, aside from wartime, until rejoining County, now as a veteran, in January 1923.

Player John Turner Harry Hancock Joseph Bostock Ernie Cresser Fred Crump George Dodd Bob Manson Arthur Pemble Joe Schofield Fred Hancock Sam Farrant Ernest Nixon Joe Frail Tommy Butterworth Walt Roberts Sammy Dodd Tom Hegarty James Goodwin Dick Hegarty Alfred Robinson Arthur Worsley

Debut 11.02.1905 04.03.1905 11.03.1905 02.09.1905 02.09.1905 02.09.1905 02.09.1905 02.09.1905 02.09.1905 16.09.1905 14.10.1905 21.10.1905 04.11.1905 18.11.1905 18.11.1905 25.11.1905 14.12.1905 30.12.1905 30.12.1905 27.01.1906 07.02.1906

Thomas Porter Billy Kennedy Tommy White William Lees Fred Smith Albert Ambler Joe Beswick Harold Mitchell George Smith Jimmy Molyneux

14.04.1906 01.09.1906 01.09.1906 10.11.1906 10.11.1906 26.12.1906 05.01.1907 02.02.1907 16.03.1907 01.04.1907

Tom Stokes Clifford Bradley Tom Craig Bob Carter Tommy Galloway Lol Abram Syd Owen Jack Yuill Albert Cook Albert Worth Arthur Aaron Herbert Connell Ralph Goodwin

01.04.1907 08.04.1907 13.04.1907 02.09.1907 02.09.1907 07.09.1907 09.09.1907 26.10.1907 09.11.1907 15.02.1908 29.02.1908 03.03.1908 17.4.1908

Ike Burden Bert Elkin John Horrocks Bill Martin Peter Proudfoot

01.09.1908 01.09.1908 01.09.1908 01.09.1908 01.09.1908

Jimmy Settle Ben Whitehouse Jimmy Kenyon

01.09.1908 01.09.1908 28.11.1908

Signed From Hull C Port Sunlight Winsford team Barrow Stalybridge Rov Rock Ferry Brynn Cen Kings Norton Manchester U Rock Ferry Bristol C Stoke Middlesbrough Bury Heaton Norris Sheffield Wed West Hartlepool Hanley Swifts West Hartlepool Sunderland Edgeley White Star Hyde Northern Nomads Brighton & HA Clyde Buxton WiganCo Colne Cheadle Tonge Oldham Ath Port Sunlight Chelsea Davenport None Falkirk Burslem Port Vale Ayr Colne Stoke Oldham Ath Burslem Port Vale Heaton Norris Northern Nomads Heaton Norris Stalybridge Rov Preston NE Walsall Leyton Lancaster T Clapton Orient Chelsea Greenock Morton Everton Chelsea Unknown

County Heaven Hatter in Macc writes: Afternoon, everyone - and greetings, for the second time this week, from Edgeley Park. Welcome, as well, to Chesterfield - our fourth successive visitors (following Yeovil, Aldershot and Notts County) with whom we have done Football League battle. Of those, the ‘Spireites’ are especially worthy of mention for featuring in memorable County matches - albeit for better or worse! Most recently, and on the plus-side, it was, of course, at Chesterfield’s former Saltergate ground where Brett Angell, on a rainy Monday evening in late April 1997, headed home an early goal to secure our promotion from the League’s third tier. Happy nights. But seven years prior to that, on a sunny Sunday afternoon during mid-May, a four-goal thrashing at the same venue in a first leg of the Fourth Division Play-offs had put paid to County’s promotion chances. And Saltergate was also the scene, back in 1902, of the Hatters’ heaviest-ever FL loss (8-1) - after four players missed the train from Edgeley to Chesterfield, and we had to take to the field with seven men (one of whom promptly broke his ribs to make it a mere half-dozen!).

Sandbach Hatter writes: Well, on the basis I am penning these words on Tuesday morning, prior to the Notts County fixture (such are our printing deadlines), erm... I have absolutely no idea! Alas, the fixture list has conspire-d against me, so I shall a-spire to make some wild predictions about what MAY have happened since Tuesday, instead. Let’s see… how about Ben Hinchliffe scoring a hattrick from his own box against the Magpies, eh? No one saw that coming. And Messi revealing County to be his favourite English club of all time, in that mid-week interview? That was quite a turn up for the books, too. But, I suppose the biggest shock of all, was when Fudgie revealed he would get a round in as soon as the Edgeley pubs are allowed to re-open. I took it too far, didn’t I? Oh, well, I tell you some people who ARE good at making predictions, and that’s my esteemed co-contributor, Maccy (who currently leads Ceefer’s County Prediction Competition, narrowly, ahead of Mini-Herm), and County_fan, who is likewise clinging onto a slender lead in the original Prediction League run by Macc and Archie.

Back, though, to the present - and, having faced Notts County on a third occasion in the current campaign for Tuesday evening’s tight stalemate, we go one better with Chesterfield against whom it is a fourth contest since October. The Hatters are undefeated - at least in open play - over the previous three, following our televised league triumph at the Technique Stadium. and (noting this as a potential pub quiz question for future years) an FA Cup win here in what has been the 2020/21 tournament’s only replay thus far. Let us hope that we can make it a hattrick of victories today.

Meanwhile, the latter (as expected) claimed victory in my latest quiz, by being the first to spot that the initials of the seven Premier League footballers could be re-arranged to spell – somewhat belatedly – ‘HAPPY NEW YEAR’, with Lennie and Bradninch claiming the silver and bronze medals, respectively. Well done to all three.

So much for our visitors, then. Now, Sandy - what’s been tran-spire-ing in Heaven since Tuesday?

www.countyheaven.com

That’s all for now. Until next we (virtually) meet, take care of yourselves. Animo et Fide.

Chris Ridgway

Imagine Radio Welcome back to Edgeley Park, and welcome to Chesterfield - a team very much on the rise and high up the form table. It’s always interesting playing Chesterfield, the history with them always makes it a bit romantic from a County perspective - not just because of that night (although obviously that is a pretty major reason), but they’re a step closer to the size of club one associates County with, another club who has fallen on hard times and doesn’t really belong in nonleague. The way both teams’ seasons are going, it might not be a surprise to meet them in the play-offs as well. The talk this week has all been about the latest roadmap announcement from the Prime Minister, and that this could all be in the rear-view mirror midJune, maybe even in time to have the fans in for a game or two. I have to say, it’s that kind of talk that gives real optimism and light at the end of this long, dark tunnel. The thought of a few beers after a County match on Edgeley is a welcome one, and now one it appears we can look forward to. To matters at hand, another frustrating draw was the order of service on Tuesday, another dubious decision going against

credit to the manager. This is one of those situations where it feels like nothing is going right, when in reality we’re the finest of margins away from really clicking into gear. In recent weeks we’ve seen a missed penalty, a disallowed goal, two red cards that were overturned alongside a new manager and new players coming in. If those fine margins go the other way, we’re all celebrating a great start for the new manager, and how the new chapter has started so well. I really felt for Simon Rusk after Tuesday night

County, one that made me really feel for Simon Rusk. It’s not unusual for new managers to have transition periods, he’s got a great reputation and we know what these players are capable of so there’s not a worry, but when it happens this often, you can only feel for the guy. Make no mistake, this is not me being an apologist for anyone, I don’t think he needs that - we played Notts County off the park on Tuesday, and that’s

A win against Chesterfield today, a club with whom we share history, heritage and stature and you can guarantee it will feel like a weight lifted. The old proverbial ‘in off the backside’ type game we’d all take now if it meant three points. Let’s hope we put this blip behind us today, it’s certainly been worked for and with the news of the end of the virus in sight, and even the sun making an appearance this week - it could be the lift we’ve all been after. Enjoy the game.

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Oshor Williams If I asked the question ‘What are you looking forward to once everything goes back to normal?’ most of the County faithful would doubtless cite a 3-0 home win in front of a packed Edgeley Park as being high on their list of priorities. Whilst that goes without saying I have been pondering the pleasures people are yearning for once the ‘all clear’ is announced and we emerge like spring-time flowers reaching up to kiss the sun after the bleak chill of winter.

After being holed up in my ‘bunker’ as my converted home office is affectionately known, the sense of liberation derived from driving along Princess Parkway listening to my Spotify playlist is indescribable.

For those who have been isolated or separated from their loved ones it may just be a smile, a hug and a cup of tea. Others may crave that long overdue holiday abroad, indeed many folks have booked holidays in advance gambling on being able to travel for the first time in nearly a year.

I will freely admit that just to prolong the exhilaration of my grand day out I set off early and drive around the deserted streets of Manchester like an excited overseas visitor on the tourist bus.

Although I’m working from home, I have to call into our city centre office every few weeks to authorise grant and bursary forms.

I have been pondering the pleasures people are yearning for once the ‘all clear’ is announced and we emerge like spring-time flowers reaching up to kiss the sun after the bleak chill of winter 52

Experiences of the Covid era vary widely subject to a range of diverse situations and circumstances. We may be ‘all in this together’ as the government reassured us back in March, but we are certainly not all in this together equally. Differences in age, wealth, health, employment and culture have all impacted on the COVID experience. When we first locked down, I remember being so thankful that we live in a house with a back garden. Thanks to the wonders of technology and the unusually warm weather, I was able to work outdoors whilst my furloughed wife Linda plied me with tea and biscuits throughout the day. For those living in an inner city flat with a couple of young kids, lockdown would have been an entirely different challenge.

Watching a 3-0 home win in front of a packed Edgeley Park is something to look forward to!

The most defining demographic over this period has probably been age. For both young and old, isolation and separation from society has had a profound effect on mental health and wellbeing. There is much research surrounding the effects of loneliness during Covid which has in itself reached epidemic proportions during this crisis. When we hear the word lonely, we tend to think of the elderly, yet surprisingly young people are suffering a higher sense of loneliness by comparison to other age groups. This is compounded in young adults who are fulltime students or single parents. Who could forget the images of Manchester University students confined to the halls of residence and insensitively surrounded by fencing and security guards like prisoners in Guantanamo Bay? Self-isolation amongst the elderly has deprived them of most social activity. Those who are already lonely, isolated, or secluded have also lost the use of daycare facilities, community centres and places of worship.

to get the morning paper as it is often the only time she speaks to anyone in person throughout the day. So back to the original question. What are you looking forward to once everything goes back to normal? Depending on your age and preferences it might be: • • • • • • • •

A drink with friends A world cruise A rave in Ibiza A tea dance at the local community centre A romantic restaurant meal A round of golf A spin class at your local health club A trip to the theatre

And yes, indeed, a 3-0 home win in front of a packed Edgeley Park stadium! The list is endless. But here’s the thing, almost every activity on our wish list requires one vital element. It provides us with much of our validation and sense of self-worth. It is, of course, other people. If we didn’t value each other before March 23rd 2020 we certainly will when we reconvene in the physical world in the (hopefully)not too distant future. Enjoy the game.

I spoke to an elderly neighbour who told me that the highlight of her day was going to the newsagent

Osh 53

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Deadly Duos Steven Davies

Ian Moore and Brett Angell Welcome to another edition of deadly duos. I am going to include, in today’s page, two of my favourite strikers that I saw play at Edgeley Park during the late 1990s. The first striker that I will write about was bought for a club record fee that still stands, when he was bought for £800,000 via Nottingham Forest. Ian Moore started out playing for Tranmere Rovers, making around 60 games within three seasons. He flirted with the Championship play-offs, and being a regular first-team player paid off for Ian when he was picked for the England Under-21s. He was then sold to Nottingham Forest for £1 million before coming to County to replace Alun Armstrong who had been sold to Middlesbrough. I remember him scoring a fair few which according to the stats work out about one goal per four games. He also assisted in a fair few and was a very technical player. By his own admission, Moore said that he felt he didn’t have the best of his first season under Gary Megson, but Andy Kilner managed him better and got the best out of him. This certainly seemed to be the case as after eight goals in 19 games during the 2000/01 season, Burnley stepped in with a £1 million offer during the transfer window. Ian played over 200 games for Burnley before moving to Leeds in 2005. He then moved to Hartlepool before going full circle back to Tranmere playing over 120 games. The next player who is going to feature in today’s page is probably my favourite player to have worn a County shirt (twice). I am obviously talking about the big man Brett Angell. I thought he was an excellent player as a kid and even though I missed out on him playing for us for the first time I was lucky enough to see him play for us the second time round. He was a well-respected player although not known for his fancy footwork but more known for his presence in the air on corners and set-pieces as a profound goal-scorer with his heading techniques.

Brett Angell

When he was signed for his second spell during the mid-1990s you could tell by the fans’ reaction that he was well-received the first time round and there are two main things that I will always remember about Brett when he played for us. The first time recently that we ever played City at Maine Road when our goalkeeper at the time had to be subbed off due to biting his tongue, up stepped Brett to cover between the sticks and to his credit made a decent save and didn’t concede (the same couldn’t be said for a certain Mr Nixon who was in net for us at the time conceding four to his self-confessed favourite team…). The second occasion was the goal that took us to the old First Division via promotion with a goal against Chesterfield. Which looking back was probably one of the most famous goals in our history.

Ian Moore

I hope this game brings back some memories of the previous times we have met Chesterfield over the years, and hopefully some decent goals by the next generation of deadly duos.

Thank you to our NHS

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Talking Football Sam Preston

If the government’s progress along its roadmap out of lockdown goes as expected, football stadiums up and down the country will be full for the opening weekend of next season. The standard EFL season will have finished before some supporters are allowed back in during May, but National League and Premier League sides could still play one or two games in front of fans this term. Apparently, the prospect of playing the final day of the season in front of fans is not without complications. Some top-flight clubs are objecting, claiming it would be unfair for potentially crucial matches to be played in front of supporters when the vast majority of games this season have not. Is this really the tipping point in terms of sporting integrity this season? Some Premier League games have already been played in front of fans, while most others haven’t. Champions League clubs are playing ‘home’ ties in different countries and still being punished by the away goals rule when they concede. There’s been a frantic schedule, hardly any preseason and postponements to factor in – but playing the last game of the season in front of limited numbers of supporters is where the line is? It’s ridiculous.

Arsenal played Benfica in Rome

The conversation around the integrity of the season also raises the question of whether this is another ‘asterix’ season.

Sheffield United have missed their home atmosphere this season

Those who achieved anything in 2019/20 – winning a title in front of no fans or getting promoted on points per game – will be deemed in some quarters to require a little asterix next to their achievement to note that the circumstances surrounding their triumph take some of the shine away. Perhaps there’s an argument that this season is different. We all knew what we were getting into at the start and it has been (largely) the same throughout. But it’s been such an uneven, crazy season, where almost every team has had to put up with some inconvenience that anything won this year may come with a caveat. For some, it will be even simpler. A title or promotion won behind closed doors means less. But the situation will be even worse for other clubs. What about those who get relegated in these unique circumstances? Sheffield United’s home atmosphere was vital last season; now shorn of it this year they look set for abject relegation.

Those who achieved anything in 2019/20 – winning a title in front of no fans or getting promoted on points per game – will be deemed in some quarters to require a little asterix next to their achievement Clubs lower down the pyramid, finances decimated by Covid-19 will drop to lower tiers. It may take years to return. So while most supporters will await their return to stadiums with anticipation about seeing their side in the flesh again, resuming those matchday routines and feeling part of something again, full stadiums should also mark a return to fairer, more relevant competition next season. 59

The Hatters v The Spireites

Facts & Figures

CHE

STERFIELD FC

Head to Head

Goals scored

Previously at EP

Played (all competitions): 94

County: 145

Played (all competitions): 47

County: 45

County: 31

Draws: 17 Chesterfield: 32

First competitive meeting Saturday 27th October 1900 Division 2 (old) County 3 Chesterfield 1

Previous games Wednesday 4th November 2020 Emirates FA Cup County 4 Chesterfield 0 Saturday 17th October 2020 Vanarama National League Chesterfield 1 County 2

They played for both clubs Chris Marples, Carl Muggleton, Richard O’Donnell, Alan Goodall, Kevin Gray, Danny Hall, Shane Nicholson, Damon Searle, Josh Thompson, Javan Vidal, Steve Yates, Chris Beaumont, Danny Boshell, Phil Brown, Kevin Cooper, Connor Dimaio, Lewis Montrose, Jon Nolan, David Perkins, Lee Richardson, Tony Coyle, Ishmel Demontagnac, Micah Evans, Gary McSheffrey, Jamie Ward, Luke Beckett, Delial Brewster, Barry Conlon, Craig Davies, Kristian Dennis, Martin Gritton, Ian Helliwell, Glynn Hurst, Jason Lee, Ernie Moss, Chris O’Grady, Marvin Robinson, Alex Whittle.

Draws: 10 Chesterfield: 136

Chesterfield: 6

Last time out County 4-0 Chesterfield Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round Qualifying Replay 4th November 2020 From having a Cup run that had ended two weekends earlier, the Hatters’ Cup was to run over once more – after first-half goals from Richie Bennett and Alex Reid, together with two John Rooney penalties following the interval, saw them prevail in their replayed Fourth Round Qualifying FA Cup-tie against Chesterfield at Edgeley Park. Although the ‘Spireites’ had won the original contest in SK3 on penalties, they were subsequently found by the FA to have fielded an ineligible player for it – and, having been granted an unexpected second attempt, County, in home action for the fourth time in a dozen days, made no mistake in securing a place in the First Round proper at Rochdale. Team (4-4-2): Hinchliffe; Hogan (Capt.), Keane, Palmer, Stott; Thomas, Croasdale, Rooney (Southam-Hales, 81), C. Jennings; Bennett (Maynard, 66), Reid (Hopkins, 85). Unused Subs: Barnes, Stanyer. Man of the Match: Hogan.

2020-21

CHE

Statistics Home L 3 2 3 2 4 2 2 4 5 5 4 5 4 3 2 5 3 4 3 5 9 8 5

F 21 25 21 16 19 12 14 9 15 12 19 21 19 18 14 18 13 9 19 16 15 7 9

A 12 8 13 9 10 8 6 10 16 13 18 19 10 13 5 15 9 11 20 19 26 22 18

W 8 6 4 4 4 6 5 6 5 6 5 4 4 4 3 3 3 4 2 3 2 1 0

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

Away L 2 2 4 3 2 4 6 3 5 5 3 2 4 5 6 5 6 6 7 6 5 7 6

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

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

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

A 12 11 10 14 5 13 20 12 19 18 14 8 13 16 16 21 17 19 24 21 11 30 17

W 14 13 12 10 11 10 10 9 10 9 9 8 9 8 9 8 7 7 6 6 5 3 3

Total

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

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

Subs

Goals

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

Subs

0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 18 4 3 2 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 1 11 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 23 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 22 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 14 3 2 1 6 5 0 0 17 1 1 5 15 2 2 1 18 0 1 4 16 6 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 14 2 1 1 20 3 9 4 21 0 9 1 10 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 11 0 0 1 3 10 1 1 3 0 0 0 6 9 0 1 - 30 28

F 25 13 11 16 7 18 16 18 21 17 13 13 13 18 11 16 12 12 9 10 8 10 3

D 5 4 4 8 4 7 6 7 4 6 5 7 3 6 3 5 5 5 5 3 4 3 1

Total L F 5 46 4 38 7 32 5 32 6 26 6 30 8 30 7 27 10 36 10 29 7 32 7 34 8 32 8 36 8 25 10 34 9 25 10 21 10 28 11 26 14 23 15 17 11 12

A 24 19 23 23 15 21 26 22 35 31 32 27 23 29 21 36 26 30 44 40 37 52 35

GD 22 19 9 9 11 9 4 5 1 -2 0 7 9 7 4 -2 -1 -9 -16 -14 -14 -35 -23

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

Cup

Goals

League Starts

Josh Barnes Nyal Bell Richie Bennett Louis Britton Harry Cardwell Will Collar Ryan Croasdale Alex Curran Sam Dalby 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 Elliot Newby Adam Owen Ash Palmer Alex Reid John Rooney Macauley Southam-Hales Finley Stanyer Jamie Stott Adam Thomas Tom Walker Jordan Williams Total

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

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

Starts

Player Roll-Call

W 6 7 8 6 7 4 5 3 5 3 4 4 5 4 6 5 4 3 4 3 3 2 3

Starts

Promotion

P 24 21 23 23 21 23 24 23 24 25 21 22 20 22 20 23 21 22 21 20 23 21 15

Biggest Win

Goals

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

Subs

# 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 21 6 4 2 1 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 1 17 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 28 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 27 0 1 2 0 1 0 0 20 4 3 2 7 5 0 0 23 1 1 5 19 3 2 1 21 3 1 5 18 9 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 20 3 3 1 26 4 13 4 26 1 14 1 12 5 1 0 0 0 0 0 17 0 0 2 8 11 1 1 3 0 0 0 8 12 0 1 - 44 32

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

Most Goals

Highest Attendance Lowest Attendance Top Goalscorer

Pts 47 43 40 38 37 37 36 34 34 33 32 31 30 30 30 29 26 26 23 21 19 12 10

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

Form Last 6 Matches W L D L W L W W W W W W L W D D W W W D W W W L D W D D L D D W W L D W L L W D W D L W W W L L L L W L D D L L W L D D W D D W W W D L L W D L W D L L W W L W D D L L W D D L W L L L D L D L L L L W L L W D L L L W L L D L L W 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) 12 = 10 Goals + 2 Penalties Harvey Gilmour’s red card last weekend against Eastleigh was overturned after an appeal

# 1 4 23

National League Fair Play Team Notts County 23 Stockport County 28 Yeovil Town 67

2 2 3

Pts 112 132 298

Cut off dates for number of yellow cards in league matches only, cups are different: 5 = Following 23 fixtures, 10 = Following 37 fixtures, 15/20 = End of the season Automatic league suspension starts next match after an offence, automatic cup suspension starts next match after an offence in the same competition Yellow cards are specific to each competition, red cards apply across all competitions All details up to date as of Thursday 25th February 2021

Kit Sponsorship To sponsor a player, please contact Olivia Hanvey on 0161 266 2700 or olivia.hanvey@stockportcounty.com

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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 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-1 0-0

5 3 4 4 6 6

Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe

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

Southam-Hales Stott Jennings J Stott Stott ¹ Jennings J

Maynard ² Croasdale Maynard Maynard ³ Minihan Croasdale

Keane Palmer Palmer Palmer Palmer Palmer

Hogan Hogan Hogan Hogan Hogan Hogan

Kitching ¹ Williams ¹ Williams Collar ² Collar ³ Walker 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

Happy birthday, Martin! Happy 40th birthday to lifelong County fan Martin Clarke, who celebrates his special day tomorrow. Happy birthday Martin from everyone at Stockport County FC!

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 Rooney Rooney Rooney Rooney Rooney

Croasdale Bennett Bennett Keane Bennett ² Dalby

Jennings C Jennings C Walker ² Walker ¹ Gilmour Gilmour

Reid ³ Reid 1 ² Reid ¹ Reid Reid Reid ²

Barnes Barnes Barnes Barnes Barnes Barnes

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

Stott Maynard Collar ¹ Williams ³ Williams ³ Collar ²

Williams ¹ Minihan ¹ Minihan ² Minihan ² Maynard Maynard

Bennett ³ Thomas Keane Bennett ¹ Dalby ² Bennett ¹

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

Another round of fixtures were ticked off on Tuesday night, with many teams in this surreal season finally reaching or surpassing the halfway-point of the campaign. It’s shaping up to be a very interesting second half to the season, especially at the top end, with an intriguing and engaging battle for first place between Torquay and Sutton occurring. A 90th-minute penalty, converted by the everreliable Harry Beautyman, secured a 2-1 victory for Sutton at Dagenham, though the same scoreline also saw Torquay past Solihull Moors, ensuring the Devon club retain their four-point lead at the top going into today’s games. It’s a lead that looks increasingly in jeopardy though, with Sutton boasting three games in hand and in fine form too, having won four on the run. Elsewhere the play-off positions are prized property, with as many as 15 teams in contention for one, considering the backlog of games some have to catch up on. Ten games ago, Hartlepool were one of those mid-table teams aiming to improve, now seven wins and a draw later they find themselves in third place. Tuesday night’s match with Wrexham marked manager Dave Challinor’s 50th game in charge at Pools, during which he’s achieved a highly respectable 44% win ratio. He couldn’t oversee a win in Wales though, with a goalless draw the result. Strangely, all the teams from third to seventh in the table drew 0-0 on Tuesday night. It’s certainly tight toward the top! 66

Lower down the league the cessation of action in the National League North and South leaves fans without a relegation battle to follow, which is no doubt a sweet relief to Barnet supporters, whose woes worsen by the week. The latest loss for the beleaguered Bees, a 15th in 21 games, came at fellow strugglers King’s Lynn Town on Tuesday, who romped to a 5-1 win at The Walks Stadium. To compound matters it was a former Barnet player, striker Michael Gash, that did the damage, bagging a brace to give his current team the half-time lead, which was emphatically extended in the second half. Barnet boss Tim Flowers described his sides performance as “like watching children play”, lamenting a lack of pride and desire on the pitch and some “absolutely pathetic” defending. Barnet are second bottom in the table, only two points ahead of Dover Athletic, who fulfilled six fixtures less before stating their intention to cease playing in light of the recent vote to continue the league campaign. With nine losses in their last ten games Barnet prop up the form table, so you’d imagine the last thing they would welcome is a trip to Hartlepool today, to take on the most in-form team in the league! It’s all a far cry from last season, when just over seven months ago Barnet were in the semi-finals of the play-offs. Football, hey?

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CHE

Stockport County 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

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

STERFIELD FC

Chesterfield FC [1357] [1359] [1397] [1395] [1372] [1394] [1373] [1400] [1396] [1339] [1404] [1398] [1380] [1370] [1401] [1402] [1399] [1367] [1407]

[1408] [1405] [1406] [1388]

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 33 39

Adam Przybek George Carline David Buchanan Josef Yarney Will Evans Laurence Maguire Joe Rowley Curtis Weston Akwasi Asante Liam Mandeville Marcus Dinanga Luke Coddington Milan Butterfield Joel Taylor Jack Clarke Jak McCourt Nathan Tyson Scott Boden Jamie Sharman Jack McKay Tom Whelan Jonathan Smith Tom Denton Luke Rawson Haydn Hollis Grant Smith Martin Smith Alex Whittle Regan Hutchinson Dylan Wharton Gavin Gunning Adi Yussuf

The numbers in brackets are each player’s unique Stockport County Appearance Number (SCAN), showing his position in the list of players to make their debut for the club in a senior competitive game. For more information please visit www.scanscheme.org

Today’s other Vanarama National League fixtures (3:00pm unless stated)

Boreham Wood v Solihull Moors Bromley v Altrincham King’s Lynn Town v Weymouth Wrexham v Wealdstone Yeovil Town v Dagenham & Redbridge Hartlepool United v Barnet (5.20pm)

Match Officials Referee Adam Herczeg Assistant Referee 1 Elliott Heward Assistant Referee 2 Jake Topp Fourth Official Gareth Thomas

Next At Edgeley Park

Dagenham & Redbridge Saturday 13th March 2021 Kick-off: 3.00pm Vanarama National League

For a Traff

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