Stockport County v Hartlepool United by Duplexity Artwork

Official Matchday Programme

vs Hartlepool United Saturday 27th March 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

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

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Club Honours

Football League Division Two Runners Up 1996-97 Football League Division Three (North) Champions 1921-22, 1936-37 Football League Division Three (North) Runners Up 1928-29, 1929-30 Football League Division Four Champions 1966-67 Football League Division Four Runners Up 1990-91 Football League Two Play-Off Winners 2007-08 Football League Division Two Play-Off Finalists 1993-94 Football League Division Three Play-Off Finalists 1991-92 Football League Trophy Finalists 1991-92, 1992-93 Football League Division Three (North) Cup Winners 1934-35 Football League Division Three (North) Cup Finalists 1933-34 Lancashire League Winners 1899-1900 Lancashire Combination Winners 1904-05 Cheshire League Runners-Up (Reserves) 1909-10, 1927-28, 1936-37 Manchester Senior Cup Winners 1897-98, 1898-99, 1914-15, 1922-23 Cheshire Senior Cup Winners 1905-06, 1914-15, 1946-47, 1948-49, 1965-66, 2015-16 Cheshire Medal Winners 1922-23, 1924-25, 1928-29, 1929-30, 1930-31 Cheshire Bowl Winners 1933-34, 1948-49, 1952-53, 1955-56, 1956-57, 1958-59, 1960-61, 1962-63 Cheshire Friendly Trophy Winners 1965-66, 1966-67 Cheshire Premier Cup Winners 1969-70, 1970-71, 2010-11 Vanarama National League North Winners 2018-2019

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Simon Rusk Hello again, and welcome back to Edgeley Park ahead of another big game this afternoon. Welcome also to Dave Challinor and his players, as well as anyone else making the journey down from Hartlepool for today’s game. Today we face a Hartlepool side enjoying a really strong season, as is reflected by their recent run of form and league position. Like us, they are a side with good Football league pedigree and will no doubt see themselves as strong contenders for a return to the EFL this season. As always though the message for us is to just keep focusing on ourselves and what we’re doing, and to that end we come into this one on the back of another strong performance against Eastleigh in midweek. The way we controlled the game, in the first half particularly, was great to see against a good side with play-off ambitions of their own. What’s also been pleasing is that the strength of character amongst this group of players has been there for all to see in recent weeks, and we will need to draw upon that once again in today’s game in order to come away with all three points. I’m sure by now everyone has heard the news come through this week about Connor Jennings’ diagnosis. Connor is such a big character in this team, not just a great player

but a great person too, and someone who has been great to have around the Club in my short time here.

standard, and as long as we continue to match that quality with hard work then we’re confident the results will follow.

I’m sure everyone will join me in wishing Connor well in the coming weeks and months – we are all 100% behind him, and will do whatever we can to support his recovery.

Once again, thank you for all of your support right now. We know it’s there, even if it’s not with us in the stadium right now, and we’re all determined to repay that support by giving you something to be proud of going forward.

Looking forward as we approach the business end of the season, some of our play in recent weeks has been of a really high

Enjoy the game. Simon 05

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Club News Design our programme cover competition Congratulations to six-year-old Lacey, who won our ‘Design our programme cover’ competition, sponsored by Together. Lacey’s design is proudly featured as our official programme cover for today’s home game against Hartlepool. Also, a huge well done to Lottie, aged five, who was chosen as the competition’s runner-up. It’s been brilliant to see how much effort everyone has put into their designs; the Club will be showcasing all the entries during our stream at half-time. Thank you to Together for sponsoring the competition and donating the prizes, they are also our match sponsors for today’s home game. Make sure to look out for the virtual County P.E sessions, which are also supported by Together and launching next week.

Paul Turnbull joins academy coaching team We are pleased to announce that former County captain Paul Turnbull has joined the club’s academy set-up as an U18s coach. Paul has made over 250 appearances for the club over four separate spells, was our title-winning captain in 2019, and a 2008 League Two play-off final winner. Academy manager Damien Allen said: “Paul has had an outstanding career as a player; he now has the same ambition as a coach to be a success, and will be a vital part of the academy coaching staff as we drive forward.” Paul Turnbull said: “I am delighted and excited to be returning to the football club as U18s coach. It’s a very exciting time for the club and any young aspiring player. I am looking forward to taking the next steps in my coaching career by working with the staff.”

County sign ‘keeper Fitzsimons We are pleased to announce the signing of former Notts County goalkeeper Ross Fitzsimons on a short-term contract. Twenty-six-year-old ‘keeper Ross joins the Club from Boston United following the suspension of the National League North. He made the move to York Street last Summer and has impressed during his time there, winning the National League North Player of the Month Award in December 2020. He joins the Club in order to provide more stability and competition in the goalkeeping department going into the last phase of the season and will be available for Saturday’s game against Hartlepool at Edgeley Park. Manager Simon Rusk said: “I’m pleased to be able to welcome Ross to the football club. This is again another signing that provides us with good competition in a vital area of the pitch, and also covers the ‘what-if’ scenario of any injuries to Ben and Josh between now and the end of the season. Ross comes with Football League experience from his time at Notts County, and he will be a welcome addition to the squad as we enter the business-end of the season.”

Elliot Newby The unfortunate circumstances in the National League North and South, after the 2020/21 season was recently declared null and void, has certainly been to County’s gain. The opportunity to bring in impressive attacking duo Harry Cardwell and Elliot Newby from Chorley has added another dimension to County’s play, with both players playing a key role in the Hatters’ recent good run of form which has yielded 10 points from the past four games. Attacking midfielder Newby, 25, arrived at Edgeley Park with five goals to his name in a season heavily disrupted by postponements in the National league North, and he has been one of the stand-out performers in the Hatters side with excellent performances against Solihull, Barnet, Sutton United, and Eastleigh. He says he couldn’t have asked for a better start to his fledgling County career. “We’ve got a great group of lads at the Club,” said Elliot, who began his career as a youth player at Bolton Wanderers, and played alongside Tom Walker. “It helps when you know a few of the lads, I came to the Club with Harry and I also knew Richie Bennett and Jordan Williams from Barrow. The Club were doing well and it’s a good place to be. 09

“The Eastleigh game was a great team performance. They are a good side but we needed to do our jobs. It was a perfect mix – a clean sheet, we created chances and scored goals. We’ve felt that we’ve not been far off in terms of our performances and it was great to see everything come together on Tuesday. We got the goals at good times, the second goal killed the game a bit, and it is always pleasing to come away with a clean sheet. “Since the Weymouth game, our recent results have been excellent, with three wins and a draw. We’re happy with that. Sutton away was a very good point. It felt like a win to score so late in the game and keeps us in touch with them. If we had lost it would have been very difficult to catch Sutton but it gives us a lot of confidence and it was a point we fully deserved.” 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. Whilst Chorley were unable to retain their place in the division last season Newby continued to impress, even scoring against County in a 3-0 win at Victory Park. This season Newby also impressed during Chorley’s recent run to the Fourth Round of the Emirates FA Cup, finding the net in the Magpies’ 3-2 win away at League One Wigan Athletic in the First Round.

Now he’s in the thick of a promotion contest at the top of the National League, and Elliot admits that the squad is focused and taking one game at a time. “We prepare week-to-week, game-by-game,” he said. “Obviously our aim is promotion and we want to get as many points as we can and see where that takes us.” Off the pitch, Newby, like many of the squad, was extremely impressed by the County set-up behind the scenes. “The training ground is great. It’s really good and as players we have everything we need. The gym side, the science side, are perfect. It’s the best in the National League. We’ve had quite a few players come into the Club to add to the current group and we’ve got a good mix, it’s a great squad and we’re confident we can continue our good run of form in the weeks ahead.” After a campaign of playing behind closed doors, Elliot can’t wait to play in front of a packed Edgeley Park. “I’m really looking forward to it,” he said. “It was strange to start the season without the fans but it’s something we’ve had to just get on with. I’ve played against County before so I know all about the fans and how well they support the team so I can’t wait. I’m sure once they are allowed into games, they will really help push us on. “When I was at Telford I remember the County fans travelling in numbers and also at Chorley too. They are loud, strong, passionate fans.” County play host to fellow promotion-chasers Hartlepool United in arguably the pick of this afternoon’s National League fixtures. Elliot believes that although Pools will provide tough opposition, there is no reason why the squad cannot go into the game with confidence. “It’ll be a tough game, with two good teams on show,” said Elliot. “I don’t know many of their players too much, but we will give them the respect they deserve. Although there is a lot of football and games to be played, results are becoming more and more important at this stage of the season. We’ve just got to pick up as many wins as we can. “It’s a six-pointer in a sense, but it’s a game we are all looking forward to and one we will be trying to win.”

Favourite TV programme? Game of Thrones Any superstitions? Eat the same food before a game. Best goal? I enjoyed the goal against Brackley this season but I would have to go for my goal at Wigan in the FA Cup for Chorley. Best friend in football? My twin brother Alex, who plays for Rochdale. Highlight of your career? The FA Cup run with Chorley this season. Best stadium played in? The old White Hart Lane. If you could buy a ticket for one sporting event what would it be? World Cup Final Best advice given in football? Sammy Lee at Bolton once said: “You’re only as good as your next game!” Toughest opponents? João Moutinho and Dendoncker at Wolves. If you could offer any advice to any young County fan looking to get involved in the game what would it be? Play every game, embrace it and enjoy it!

Welcome...

Hartlepool United What a game we have in prospect today! Two in-form teams, both pushing for promotion and determined to chase down the league leaders, former players on either side, an ex-County defender in charge of the opposition - it’s got all the makings of a classic.

This is a real “if only fans were here” fixture, for the travelling hordes cheering on Hartlepool United would hugely add to the Edgeley atmosphere this afternoon. It would be like our Football League days of old. A return to such levels looks an increasingly realistic proposition for Pools, whose victory at Dagenham & Redbridge on Tuesday night extended their unbeaten run to ten games, cemented second spot and applied further pressure on league leaders Sutton United. Manager Dave Challinor is currently overseeing Pools’ best form in a decade, with the club engaged in a promotion race for the first time since 2007. Nearly 14 years have passed since Pools achieved promotion to League One in the 2006/07 campaign and remarkably since then the club haven’t ended a season higher than 12th in the table, despite dropping down two levels in that time. 12

FACT FILE Founded: 1908 Stadium: Victoria Park Capacity: 7,865 Address: Clarence Road, Hartlepool. Postcode: TS24 8BZ Distance from Edgeley Park: 133.3 miles (2 hours 19 minutes) Current league position: 2nd

That 12th-place finish came last season - a campaign which started with Craig Hignett in charge but reached a turning point after a 2-1 defeat to County here at Edgeley Park in October 2019. Hignett was sacked the following day with the club 16th, four points above the relegation zone.

In came Challinor, himself recently departed from AFC Fylde despite achieving three promotions in eight years there. Any relegation fears were swiftly cast aside and steady progress ensured a mid-table finish. Ironically, the ex-County defender’s summer squad building seemed to have been dealt a hefty blow when first Mark Kitching and then former Hartlepool loanee Macauley Southam-Hales elected to come to County instead of extending their Pools careers, though no matter, for the North East club have talented players all over the park and have become a highly effective unit. Goalkeeper Ben Killip has represented the England C team and was a Chelsea youth player, defender Gary Liddle is a club legend with over 250 appearances for Pools, midfielder Mark Shelton helped Salford City to backto-back promotions, and up front former DID YOU County loanee Rhys Oates and Luke Armstrong (son of County hero, Alun) KNOW? Hartlepool ha have a potent partnership with 19 ve only had one home grou goals between them so far. nd in their 113 year histo ry, Victoria Park on Claren Oates and Armstrong were both on ce Road. the scoresheet when we last met, with Pools romping to a 4-0 win on a night to forget for County, with Ash Palmer and John Rooney both red-carded.

The Gaffer: Dave Challinor Dave Challinor succeeded Craig Hignett in the dugout at Victoria Park and joined Pools on the back of a long and hugely successful spell as boss at AFC Fylde, during which he oversaw The Coasters’ impressive elevation through the footballing pyramid. When Challinor took the reins at Fylde, the club were playing their football in Northern Premier League Division One North but an ambitious strategy on and off the pitch was to pave the way for a rapid rise. Born in Chester, Challinor began his playing days in the colours of Tranmere Rovers where he came through the ranks to develop into a hugely popular centre-back at Prenton Park.

That continued a poor record for County at Hartlepool’s Victoria Park ground, although the reverse situation applies here at Edgeley Park, with Pools having won on just 14 of their 69 visits. The last time a Hartlepool team won in SK3 was in 2003, with goals from Eifion Williams and Marco Gabbiadini helping secure a 2-1 triumph. Lining up for County that day, trying to stop those two strikers, was Dave Challinor! Hartlepool have won six of their 15 away games so far this season, including notable victories against fellow promotion chasers Notts County and Torquay United, and also boast the best home record in the division. One luxury the club don’t have however is games in hand, having played at least two games more than all of the teams around them. The only side above Hartlepool at present, Sutton United, have three games in hand on them. All Pools can do is to try and maintain their momentum, aiming to benefit from any Sutton slip-ups. Victory here today would open up a nine-point gap on County, whereas defeat would reduce our deficit to three, with two games in hand. As such, it may be seen as a ‘must win’ game for County and perhaps a ‘must not lose’ game for Pools. Either way, it’s certainly a must watch!

The Players LUKE ARMSTRONG (b:Jul 1996 s:Dec 2020) Joined on loan from Salford City. As a youngster he was with Sedgefield FC and Middlesbrough but was released and moved on to Birmingham City. After spending some time in Scotland with Cowdenbeath he signed for Blyth Spartans playing for his father, former Hatter Alun. Middlesbrough signed him on again, and whilst with them he was loaned to Gateshead and Accrington Stanley ADAM CAMPBELL (b:May 2003 s:cs 2020) Midfielder now in the professional ranks after time with Pools’ younger sides. LEWIS CASS (b:Feb 2000 s:Oct 2020) Newcastle United utility player who is on a season’s long loan. He was spotted by the Magpies playing for North Shields Juniors. JAKE COOPER (b:Jan 2001 s:Mar 2021) Rotherham United product who joined on loan. The central defender has previously spent two loan stints with Gateshead. TOM CRAWFORD (b:May 1999 s:Aug 2020) Joined from AFC Fylde. He started with Chester FC, being loaned to Runcorn Town and Leek Town. The midfield player then moved to Notts County. RYAN DONALDSON (b:May 1991 s:Jun 2017) Product of the Newcastle academy system who

made their first team and was previously with Pools on loan from the Toon. They also sent him to Tranmere Rovers, before the attacking midfield man moved on to Gateshead, Cambridge United and Plymouth Argyle. MASON BLOOMFIELD (b:Nov 1996 s:Aug 2020) Well-travelled forward whose first club was Dagenham & Redbridge, with loan stints at Chatham Town, Erith & Belvedere and Maldon & Tiptree. He rejoined the Daggers after time with Chelmsford City, Billericay Town, Grays Athletic, Witham Town, Brentwood Town and Aveley. Next saw a move to Norwich City who loaned him to Hamilton Academical, Fylde and Crawley Town. NICKY FEATHERSTONE (b:Sep 1988 s:Oct 2014) Midfielder who started with Hull City, spending time out on loan with North Ferriby United, Grimsby Town and Hereford United. He made that last move permanent before going on to play for Walsall, Scunthorpe United and Harrogate Town. DAVID FERGUSON (b:Jun 1994 s:Aug 2020) Left-back who started with Darlington and switched to Sunderland before going further afield to join Boston United on loan. Moved on to Blackpool, Shildon, Darlington 1883 and York City from where he joined today’s opponents. JOE GREY (b:May 2003 s:Jul 2020) Forward who was offered a pro-contract shortly after his 17th birthday after impressing in the youth ranks. GAVAN HOLOHAN (b:Dec 1991 s:Feb 2019) Another Hull City product, joining them from Kilkenny, this midfielder had a spell with Alfreton Town before moving back to Ireland. He figured in League football there for Drogheda United, Cork City, Galway United and Waterford before making the switch to Pools.

Ryan Donaldson

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

BEN KILLIP (b:Nov 1995 s:May 2019) Former Chelsea and Norwich keeper who was loaned by the Canaries to King’s Lynn Town and Lowestoft Town. Moved on to Grimsby, and joined Pools from Braintree Town. GARY LIDDLE (b:Jun 1986 s:Aug 2020) Defender or midfielder who first joined the club from Middlesbrough where he started his career. He moved on for spells with Notts County, Bradford City, Chesterfield, Carlisle United and Walsall. Was sent on loan to Pools by the last of those clubs before making the move permanent. JOSH MACDONALD (b:Feb 1995 s:Aug 2020) Former Middlesbrough trainee who moved on to play for Billingham Town and then Marske United. He is a winger, predominantly on the right, who joins after five seasons with FC Halifax Town. LUKE MOLYNEUX (b:Mar 1998 s:Jun 2019) Winger who started with Sunderland and was loaned by them to Gateshead last season. Joined today’s opponents after a loan spell. RHYS OATES (b:Dec 1994 s:Aug 2020) A former Hatter with 12 games in early 2014 on loan from first club Barnsley. The then-forward had an earlier spell with Gainsborough Trinity and later Grimsby and Chester also on loan deals, before being released. Now a defender, he has since had two spells with Hartlepool split when he joined Morecambe, and also had a loan stint at Gateshead. TIMI ODUSINA (b:Oct 1999 s:Aug 2020) Norwich were the first club to employ this defender. He had loan spells with Fylde and today’s visitors before making the move a permanent one. CLAUDIO OFOSU (b:Sep 1998 s:Aug 2020) Right-sided midfielder or winger who joined after a single season with Royston Town. He started with Stevenage, being loaned to Mildenhall Town and Kings Langley, before going on to play for St Neots Town and Biggleswade Town. HENRICH RAVAS (b:Aug 1997 s:Oct 2020) Keeper who came to the UK to play for Peterborough United after being with FK Senica and Spartak Myjava. Leaving the Posh, he played for Yaxley, Boston and Derby County, with loans to Gainsborough and his current season-long deal.

Rhys Oates

MARK SHELTON (b:Sep 1997 s:Aug 2020) Signed after being on loan from Salford. He started with Burton Albion but moved on to play for Ilkeston after a loan with Loughborough Dynamos. Found his way to the Ammies via Alfreton Town, and also had a loan stint with Woking. JAMIE STERRY (b:Nov 1995 s:Dec 2020) Defender signed just ahead of the Victoria Ground meeting with County. He progressed through the ranks at Newcastle to the first team. Released after loan spells with Coventry City and twice at Crewe Alexandra he started this season with South Shields. TOM WHITE (b:May 1997 s:Feb 2021) Central midfield man who was brought in by Blackburn Rovers from Gateshead. Whilst in the north east he had spells on loan with Spennymoor Town, West Auckland Town, Ashington and Scarborough Athletic. He joined today’s opponents on a similar deal from Rovers, after spells with Barrow and Bolton Wanderers. LUKE WILLIAMS (b:Jun 1993 s:Aug 2018) A Middlesbrough midfielder who was loaned to Hartlepool back in 2014. He also spent time away with Scunthorpe United, Coventry and Peterborough, before joining the first of those clubs. The Iron sent him on another loan spell this time with Northampton Town. AARON CUNNINGHAM (b:Feb 1998 s:Mar 2017) Homegrown central defender or midfielder who was due to spend the season with Blyth, his third loan deal with them. BRAD YOUNG (s:May 2019) Another Pools youth product who went with Cunningham to Blyth. 15

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Stockport County Colts & Junior Academy At the Colts we have formations all the way from five-a-side to nine-aside, which tend to mirror the 11-a-side 4-3-3 formation. The reasons for this are so space can be optimised in the pursuit of a possessionbased game, therefore when we get to 11-a-side our coaching methods focus on a front three that is able to create that space. For example, a goalkeeper who has the ball at his feet with a pressing opposition has the option to go long and high, wide to the left or right. We then look at the various options for the front three. Taking this example, if a winger pushes high up level with an opposition full-back he can look for a high ball over the top, however, if he feels that the time is not right or it is too difficult a skill for the goalkeeper to execute, he can look to come in deep to receive the ball to feet. It is at this point that we work on the centre forward who will read the type of delivery that the winger receives. If the delivery gives the opportunity of good control i.e. to feet, then the striker can come in to support deep so that he can get a uninterrupted pass along the floor and then the winger can spin-off for a through ball or pass to feet. If the winger receives a high ball which is going to be difficult to control, the striker can then move

through for a flick-on header. The opposite winger can read these situations and come in narrow if the striker needs support with a flicked header or can delay and wait to see if the striker or winger can get good control of the ball and turn to play a switched long pass and hence stay wide. We do this type of work with our 11-a-side teams especially at Under-14s and above in phase of play situations, which can

be recreated usually in three quarters of a pitch. Understanding these principles are moving our players on beyond the basic level of pass and control though communication is vital for it to work effectively. We soon find players who have academy aspirations will want to learn beyond this level as a well-worked front three can be a real threat to any opponent that employs a pressing tactic. 17

Rebellious Jukebox Gareth Evans selects Hartlepool on the County Rock-Ola, and presses play to discover a link with, and test the credentials of… JANICK GERS. So, what’s the connection? Janick Gers, still wielding his Stratocaster as one of Iron Maiden’s trio of guitarists, is a Hartlepudlian through and through. Born in the town 64 years ago, he was also educated there - at the English Martyrs School and Sixth Form College - before beginning to ply his musical trade with a local band (more of whom anon). Nowadays he lives outside Hartlepool albeit still around the North East, in Yarm, just half an hour’s drive

away - but grew up as, and remains to this day, a diehard ‘Pools fan, who, when not on tour (or, of course, in lockdown), can still be clocked at Victoria Park cheering on his hometown team. Respect, then. But Rebellious, too? Let’s ‘Take Five: 1. First names first Having a memorable and unique kind of monicker is always helpful in the music business - and all the more so if it does not need to be created by deed poll! Janick

A penalty at Pools - but Janick can’t bear to watch…

Gers was born Janick Gers courtesy of a Polish family on the side of his father, Boleslaw, an able seaman who served on two ‘ORP’ ships within Poland’s Navy that brought him, whilst on duty, to England - where he settled and later joined the Royal Navy. While visiting his relatives in the Central European republic as a teenager during the 1970s, young Janick also bought his first guitar at a music shop in Złotów. 2. The New Wave of British Heavy Metal Not a musical genre to which much coverage has been devoted, given that it pretty much remained underground, as well as in the shadow of punk and the more mainstream new wave, during the late ‘70s. ‘NWOBHM’, as an acronym, did not exactly trip off the tongue, either! But what it did do was inspire the creation of some bands with a DIY attitude towards record production and distribution pre-dating the coining of the term ‘Indie’ that still thrives today - and with an immediacy akin to pub rock which was to create dedicated, loyal fan bases in and around their home towns.

Hartlepool had one such combo in White Spirit, featuring Janick on lead guitar - and although the group’s sound was more Deep Purple or Uriah Heep than anything ‘new’ or ‘wavey’, the locals of the day took it to their… erm, Harts. White Spirit served as a good start to Janick’s career, too. After appearing on the band’s 1980 debut album, he moved on to join Gillan. 3. Brave New World Former Deep Purple vocalist Ian Gillan’s self-titled group was to disband in 1982 - whereafter Janick read for a degree in Humanities (Sociology), before embarking on what turned out to be a couple of Iron Maiden connections. First off, he joined Gogmagog, a band including two former Maiden members - and later worked with lead singer Bruce Dickinson on a soundtrack contribution to ‘Nightmare on Elm Street 5’ that led to playing on Dickinson’s inaugural solo album in 1990 and, later that year, filling a guitar vacancy left in Iron Maiden proper. (Ale enthusiast Dickinson, as a fellow Hatter reminds me, has a special link to our own town, following his development with Robinsons since 2013 of Maiden’s awardwinning ‘Trooper’ range of premium beers.) To this day, Janick remains an integral part of one of the most influential and successful heavy metal outfits in history. The purveyors of the dual-axe attack have now sold over 100 million copies of their albums worldwide, despite being considered too ‘unfashionable’ to merit extensive airplay. Janick’s first year in the band really saw them stick it to the Man, though, as their single ‘Bring Your Daughter… to the

Slaughter’ (reworked from a song that he and Dickinson recorded) defied a Radio 1 ban to go straight in at Number One - knocking ‘Peter Pan of Pop’ Cliff Richard’s ‘Saviour’s Day’ off pole position for added measure - and bring the musical curtain down on 1990 with a thunderous crescendo. 4. The X Factor What could Janick possibly have in common, excepting the world of music, with this column’s two most recent subjects - Toyah Willcox and Benny Hill - who featured in our respective Barnet and Eastleigh editions? The answer is that all three have tried their hand at acting. Janick did so rather more modestly, mind, as an uncredited lead guitarist in BBC drama ‘The Paradise Club’.

5. Can He Play With Madness? Janick may be well into his sixties now, but he still cuts an energetic figure on stage with his windmill twirls and other theatrics. In 2019, however, these rather worked against him, as he lost his grip while swinging the guitar around at a show in San Antonio - sending it flying into the crowd where it struck an unsuspecting security guard a grazing blow in the back of his head and shoulders. The guard was shocked but unhurt, the instrument was returned, and Janick sheepishly apologised before the show, naturally, went on. Rock ’n’ roll… Rebellious Jukebox Rating:… a single Number of the Beast upside down. Nine! 19

Mike Flynn

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 big National League game with Hartlepool United, we caught up with County legend Mike Flynn... Mike Flynn is a true County legend in every sense of the word. Few players can lay claim to have achieved such widespread popularity during their time at Edgeley Park. Mike Flynn made 467 appearances whilst at Edgeley Park, during one of the most successful spells in County’s history as the Hatters reached the League Cup semi-final and won promotion to Division One, making him the most successful captain in the club’s history. And it was easy to see why Flynn was so popular as a player – confidence, strength, courage and skill being just some or Mr Captain Fantastic’s main characteristics. The story of Mike Flynn’s playing career at Edgeley Park is a memorable and heroic one and he recalls the unforgettable 1996-97 League Cup run and promotion at Chesterfield as brilliant memories. “The Coca Cola Cup run was pretty special,” said Mike. “To go all the way to the semi-finals, only to be beaten by Middlesbrough who had the likes of Ravanelli, Emerson and Juninho in their team, was a fantastic achievement. In the cup run we beat Blackburn, Southampton, and West Ham. We played against the likes of Matt Le

Tissier and when I coach the young lads at Rochdale I tell them about how close we came. We were the better side at Middlesbrough but we gave them a fright. Luis Cavaco had a oneon-one with the keeper in the second half and if that had gone in, then who knows what would have happened. “We knew we had a good team with some fantastic midfield players.” County travelled to Blackburn and there were over 4,000 County fans there that night, blasting out the songs behind the goal. Rovers had the likes of Kevin Gallacher, Tim Flowers and Tim Sherwood in the team. Interestingly, Tim Sherwood scored an own goal, on an evening when the Hatters had to wear a one-off kit which was really a Romania shirt with a County badge sewn over theirs. The

shirt actually went in to County folklore as it was never available to buy! Next up was West Ham, who fancied their chances of not being the latest County scalp, but they joined the list of departures from the competition at the hands of the Hatters. “We drew down there,”said Mike. “After the match we were in the players’ lounge when they announced that it would be Southampton in the draw for the next round. West Ham’s Ian Bishop said ‘lads you’ve had your chance’ but in the replay Iain Dowie certainly stuck his chance in at Edgeley Park! “Then it was Southampton and up against the likes of Matt Le Tissier. We got through again then it was Middlesbrough in the semi-final against Ravanelli, Juninho, and Emerson. We lost the first leg 2-0. The weather conditions were awful and if Middlesbrough were up against Manchester United I don’t think the match would have gone ahead! In the second leg at the Riverside nobody thought we had a chance and even the Boro fans before the game had the ‘Boro at Wembley’ flags out. However, we took the lead and although we had a man sent off we were so close to getting a second goal late on. “It wasn’t to be but that team had a fantastic work ethic, and was proud to give 100 per cent for the club and the supporters.” In the league, the evening when promotion was clinched at Chesterfield remains another obvious highlight for Mike. “We had a backlog of games from the cup run so we went into the game running on adrenalin,” says Mike. “It was a big ask and the lads put a massive effort in the game. It was our 64th game of the season, I played 64 games, Tom Bennett 63 and Jim Gannon 63, we were running on empty. “We didn’t want to go to Luton on the last day needing to win but we had a great belief. Brett Angell headed in the goal then we were hanging on at the end. Under Dave Jones, we kept clean sheets, we had Angell and Armstrong up front, Marsden and Bennett in the middle, we had a very good team. There were fantastic scenes after the game. It was just a sea of blue or should I say black and white as we played in our away kit. I ended up throwing my shirt in the County end! It was a fitting way to end the season, really.” Given Flynn’s strong affinity to County it was no surprise that he progressed into working for the club as part of the backroom staff as a first-team coach under Neil Young, and then caretaker manager, before working under James Gannon, while also working as a Scout. He also rightfully remains Life President.

THE GAME:

County 2 Manchester City 2

THE DATE:

21st March 2000

THE COMPETITION: Division One

THE MOMENT:

My favourite goal was scoring against City at Edgeley Park. My family were City fans and I had family and friends at the game. I managed to get my City-supporting friends a couple of tickets in the Cheadle End. I scored to put us 2-1 up in front of the Railway End, but I ran the length of the pitch to celebrate in front of the Cheadle End, knew where my mates were, because I saw them in the warm up, so went flying on my knees to celebrate where they were. The fans thought it was for them but it was also for my mates! Scoring against City for County was something special.

“I’ll always love the Club,” he said. “I still keep in touch with Big Kev, Preecey every now and then, Tom Bennett, Sean Connelly, and Coops. They are all great lads.” In September 2017, Mike left County to take a coaching role with League One side Rochdale, one that he thoroughly enjoys. “I’m a full-time Elite A Licence Youth Development Phase Lead Coach at Rochdale and also Under-15s Rochdale AFC academy coach. It’s been difficult over the past year as I’ve been placed on furlough three times, but touch wood, things will get easier now we’re back. It’s affected the young lads in different ways, some more so than others. Some lads lived at home in a five-bedroom house and a big garden so they could keep up their fitness and practice but some lads didn’t have that opportunity. “I’ve learned from some good managers in Dave Jones, Danny Bergara, Gary Megson, Jim, Joe Royle, so I’d like to think I could take that into coaching. Rochdale is like County in that it is very communitybased. “I’m enjoying it and hopefully once the restrictions are over and the fans are allowed back in I can get down to watch County, it’s a great club and I hope they can get back up to the Football League where they belong.”

Harry Barrett reflects on the Northern Section One hundred years ago this month, final arrangements were made for the establishment of Division Three North, a competition as every supporter knows, was won by County, in its inaugural season. The northern section lasted for thirty campaigns, a breeding ground for many an international footballer including George Camsell who went on to score 59 goals in a single season at Middlesbrough. Bill Shankly, forever associated with Liverpool, cut his managerial teeth at Carlisle and Grimsby, later recalling that “pound for pound”, his Mariners team of 1951/52 was “the best set of footballers”, he had managed. Predating National League North, the northern section operated at level three of the football pyramid, rather than level six. Several clubs, County included, have played in both. As with the present level-six successor, issues about financial viability and ground standards were regular items for debate. Indeed, its foundation was the subject of much controversy. The Football League in 1919 consisted of two divisions and 44 clubs, with just six from London and Bristol City, located south of Birmingham. Portsmouth, Brighton, Cardiff, and 1901 FA Cup winners Southampton, among others, were members of the Southern League, regarded by many as the equal of Football League Division Two. There had been talk of extending the Football League in 1910 and matters came to a head after World War One. During hostilities a successful London Combination operated with ten clubs and this led to speculation that the half-dozen Football League outfits might secede to a strengthened Southern League. Such speculation came to an end when the first tier of the Southern League formed a new Third Division in 1920. 22

Several clubs then playing in the Central League, Midland League, North-Eastern League and Lancashire Combination also clamoured to join the Football League. However, the powers that be felt these aspirants would not be sufficiently strong, either financially or on the field,to justify a northern section. In time-honoured fashion the League determined to undertake what now would be termed a due diligence review of those clubs. In March 1920/21 the review was completed and a northern section of 20 clubs agreed. 14 were admitted en bloc – Lincoln, Accrington Stanley, Rochdale, Walsall, Chesterfield, Crewe, Nelson, Tranmere, Hartlepools, Darlington, Ashington, Durham City, Barrow and Wrexham. One place was reserved for a team about to be relegated from Division Two, while Grimsby transferred from what became the southern section, thus becoming the first former top-flight club to play in Division Three North. A vote to fill the four vacancies resulted in Wigan Borough, Halifax, Southport and Stalybridge Celtic being successful A few weeks later County completed the number after finishing bottom of Division two in 1920/21.

The north was particularly hard hit by the ailing postwar economy and many clubs struggled to stay afloat from day one

Just seven of the 20 came from east of the Pennines. Yorkshire and the Humber was poorly represented. Rotherham, Doncaster, Gainsborough and Scunthorpe all failed in the ballot, as did Castleford and Wakefield, whose towns’ folk decided to concentrate for evermore on the oval ball. Walsall became the southernmost-based club and flip flopped between north and south in the following years to maintain geographical balance. Nowadays ‘north’ at level six can mean trips to Bishop’s Stortford, Brackley, Gloucester and Oxford. Before the 1921/22 campaign kicked off teething problems emerged. Halifax were reported as not having a grandstand while major remedial work on pitches had to be undertaken at Wigan and Wrexham. A welcome challenge confronted Accrington, where Stanley sold more season tickets than could be accommodated. Unfortunately clamour for northern section football was not universal. The north was particularly hard hit by the ailing post-war economy and many clubs struggled to stay afloat from day one. More of this next time and a look at that 1921/22 season when County won their first major piece of silverware. 23

Frank Worthington: 1948-2021 Everyone at Edgeley Park were saddened to hear of the death of our former player Frank Worthington who passed away on Monday 22nd March, at the age of 72. As flamboyant off the field as he was on the pitch, Worthington was an entertainer and the words maverick and charismatic are often used to describe a wonderfully gifted footballer. Part of a special group of 1970’s flair players that included talents such as Alan Hudson, Rodney Marsh, Stan Bowles and Duncan McKenzie, he was only to receive 8 England caps. He was never forgiven by Sir Alf Ramsay for arriving at an Under-23 game wearing a pair of cowboy boots and he failed to find favour with his permanent successor Don Revie. In between, caretaker England manager Joe Mercer, a man more appreciative of Worthington’s personality and style of play, was to give him six caps from his seven games in charge. He played with a smile on his face and he was adored by supporters of all of the clubs he played for. He was the kind of player that both sets of fans wanted to watch – likely to score a fantastic goal or show a piece of audacious skill. He loved to play football and this is reflected in the fact that he continued to play professionally until he was nearly 40 years of age. When he retired from the Football League in 1988, he has scored in all of the previous 21 seasons. 24

When he came to Edgeley Park, Stockport County was the last of his eleven Football League clubs. Signed by Asa Hartford in November 1987, he said shortly after “coming to Stockport was just what I needed. It gave me a new challenge, and the chance to play alongside some really good honest lads who try to play attractive football”. Under a new chairman Dave Hunt, player-manager Hartford was reshaping the team and at the time he signed Worthington, he also bought in fellow striker Bob Colville for a bargain £5,000, who was to go on to be leading scorer with 18 goals in all competitions. He and Worthington made a strong partnership of youth and experience. County fans will remember the season for the FA Cup run that resulted in the first 3rd Round tie at Edgeley Park since 1965. A home draw to fellow 4th Division side Leyton Orient was to bring heartache as Colville’s goal was followed by two defensive mistakes gifting the game to the O’s. Those County fans lucky enough to watch Worthington were privileged to be able to observe one of the finest footballers ever to play at Edgeley Park. Worthington’s close control, mastery of the ball and ability to find time to make a pinpoint pass,

County fans have never forgotten to this day. With time to spare in everything he did on a football field, watching Worthington play was a real pleasure. He finished the season having made 21 appearances and scored 6 goals for The Hatters. He left County at the end of the season and continued to play non-League football for another four years, before he brought his career to end. In total he had played over 800 games scoring more than 250 goals. He later returned to Edgeley Park, as an after-dinner speaker, and spoke to a packed event with great humour about his time at County.

were a joy to watch. It was written in the County match programme at the time, that “his skills were apparent the moment he made his debut against Colchester at Edgeley Park. Frank didn’t waste a ball and there was soon a murmur of approval around appreciative terraces”. Watching a football great at close quarters, was something that many

Worthington wrote in 1978, “if I should drop down dead this minute no one could say I haven’t squeezed the maximum from my life. I’ve got no regrets about anything. After all, we’re only on this earth for a while.” We remember his time at Edgeley Park with great affection and we send our deepest condolences to his wife Carol and all of his friends and family at this difficult time. 25

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The Mad Hatter’s Quiz with Paul Dean

TRIVIA

WHO AM I?

1. Which club did Brian Clough move to as manager after his spell as Hartlepool Manager? 2. Who did Jeff Stelling, a Hartlepool superfan, replace as Countdown presenter in 2008? 3. Which two English players have won the World Cup Golden Boot? 4. Which club did Glenn Hoddle join after being sacked as England manager in 1999? 5. Who is the only player to have played for four teams that have won the Premier League but has never won it himself? 6. Who has scored the most Premier League hat-tricks? 7. From which team did the Hatters sign football genius Frank Worthington? 8. Against which team did the Hatters play in the Autoglass Trophy final in 1992?

L N U E A E I T Y A N V G R I H G T O U

W A J D G L S K F Q R P J Q B N K M N K

M K P M V P C T W Q F M Z R A Z A N T A

P I T O Q T P A C P I N N Y T K I V Z D

H J S H R U J B N Z H R E P G P M Y A F

I Z R B P T Q L B T S M I X R X H X I C

G C A M I G E I Q Z A S T Q J R Y Q B E

U J E C D J N V R B R R U R A N B Q U P

A W B E R F P U U G V G A C P H P A Y I

I G R V A O N A N U E D S N U G S I R R

N T H Z E C W I T Z E O W P O X W O T N

X I O Z R A C H C B C X R W Y G D P M I

Q V V M X Y W E Z Y I A L I S S O N P Y

N G O L O K A N T E R P G U G J Z O C R

B G W X A U K C C X T N I L I J G F C R

A L L I V D I V A D A B W Q B V W F D I

N D I W P P G B X B P L B T Y V R U N W

T H Q N G O J R R P I D L Q G J T B P M

R C G M I B K Y K Y E J T F E D F B P M

S E R R O T U G O Y E A H D P H E R Z J

Answers:

ALCANTARA ALISSON AUBAMEYANG BUFFON CAVANI DAVID VILLA GNABRY HIGUAIN LAPORTE NGOLO KANTE OSCAR PATRICE EVRA SHAQIRI TORRES

Who Am I? Trevor Porteous

WORDSEARCH

Trivia 1: Derby County. 2: Des O’Connor. 3: Gary Lineker & Harry Kane. 4: Southampton. 5: Craig Bellamy. 6: Sergio Aguero. 7: Preston North End. 8: Stoke City.

I’m a former Hatter signed from Hull for £1,500 and became Player Manager in 1963.

GAME CHANGER footballfoundation.org.uk

Official Partners of The National League

Steve Bellis Blond-Haired Buffoons, Pub Passports and Lloyd George! There is an understandable tendency at the moment to keep looking at the results of the other teams in and around the top ten teams.

On the bright side it means we don’t have to make the ridiculously long journey to the South East coast in May.

In reality though we just need to concentrate on our own results.

Away from football and it’s been another interesting week in the rather weird circumstances we are currently living in.

We just need to keep winning and we will end up where we deserve to be. The final league table doesn’t lie. If we continue to perform like we did here against Eastleigh on Tuesday night then we will certainly be right in the mix. Even the visiting Directors were full of praise at halftime exclaiming that our first-half display was the best by any team against them so far this season. We only had Harry Cardwell’s goal to show for it, but the performance was worthy of much more and the final score of 3-0 was wholly deserved with the display capped by a brilliant strike by Will Collar.

The Government had a decision to make about protests following the rather ugly scenes at the vigil in memory of Sarah Everard and the more recent ‘Kill the Bill’ protest in Bristol. Now I consider myself to be a left-leaning libertarian but I also like people to stay alive. Personally, I do not think there is any genuine excuse for organising mass events, whether they are described as vigils, protests or anything else for that matter at a time when we are fighting the worst pandemic for over 100 years.

The league table had to be updated yesterday when the National League made their decision (finally) about Dover’s refusal to complete the season. The National League used to be indecisive but these days they are not so sure so it was a relief that a decision was finally reached with the Whites fined £40k, their record expunged (I like that word) and them starting next season with a 12-point deduction. Apparently they are going to appeal? All the best with that chaps! Sadly for us it meant the loss of the three points we earned against them when they visited Edgeley Park back in October. On that afternoon a John Rooney double and an Alex Reid goal completed a comprehensive 3-0 win. 30

My favourite internet image of the week

As well as the obvious increased risk of Coronavirus spread, there are too many people out there who will hijack such events and turn them into a running battle with the Police. So I was confident that even bungling Boris would not allow such gatherings given the current circumstances. I was, of course, completely wrong, our blondhaired buffoon incompetently assisted by his Home Secretary Priti Patel decided that it is indeed fine to protest during the pandemic. So just to be clear... only six people can meet in a group outdoors (or two households) from Monday unless of course you are protesting about something which will be exempt from the rules. So if you fancy an afternoon or evening out with all your family and friends just head to the local park and protest about the price of broccoli or something and you will be absolutely fine. In other news you may also need a passport now to enter a pub? Has the country gone completely mad? I hope you don’t have to get said passport stamped or I will need one with extra pages. The one thing the government has got right, however, is the vaccine rollout (even Boris can’t get everything wrong). Last Monday was my turn to get my jab and I headed off to Alderley Park in anticipation as this meant another excuse to get out of the house. It was wonderfully organised and within a matter of a few minutes I was in and out (my ex-wife always said I was a dab hand at that).

You could protest about the price of broccoli

Thankfully, I had no major reaction to the vaccine other than a sore arm which was fine until Matt Jansen decided to grab me by it after Tuesday’s game. He really can be a right pain in the arm at times. My youngest sister Lavinia amused me in the week. We were watching a programme about 80s music when a wonderful instrumental called Chi Mai by Ennio Morricone (I don’t think he was a local lad) came on the telly. I explained to my sister that it was the theme tune to a TV programme called ‘The Life and Times of Lloyd George’ in the early 80s. She sat there looking completely baffled. I asked what was wrong? With a puzzled look on her face she said: “How could they have done a programme about his life and times in the early 80s? He only died last year when that policeman knelt on his neck.” She was of course confusing our former Prime Minister with George Floyd. Not one for the quiz team my sister!

As I made my way back to the car I wondered just how many pricks would be administered during that day. It was such a slick operation.

Back to this afternoon and we warmly welcome our friends from Hartlepool with whom we have enjoyed many an exciting encounter over the years.

I was instructed not to drive for at least 15 minutes after the jab in case I fainted so I headed back to my car and sat there waiting for the minutes to pass.

They too are well in the promotion mix and it promises to be a very entertaining clash.

It did cross my mind, however, what would actually happen if I did faint? I was sat on my own in my car in a packed car park and no-one would know if I had fainted or not. I tried to get this out of my mind as it was actually making me feel a bit faint.

We wish them a pleasant visit to Edgeley Park and a safe journey back to the North East Finally, have you ever wondered... if our legs bent the other way, what would chairs look like? No, me neither. 31

Opposition View

Eifion Williams is an all-time favourite

Ahead of this afternoon’s game we caught up with Hartlepool United’s Media Manager Alex Chandy. How do you assess Hartlepool United’s season so far? It’s been a season of excitement and encouragement. We are sitting second and you can’t complain about that. A big final push is now needed from the squad. What have been the highlights of the season so far? Highlights have to be the home games against yourselves and also beating both Notts County and Torquay United away from home.

We are sitting second and you can’t complain about that. A big final push is now needed from the squad 32

Which Pools players are the ones to watch out for this afternoon? Rhys Oates and Luke Armstrong have created a formidable partnership and they are certainly very exciting and ones to watch. Who are your all-time favourite players? All-time favourites have to be Eifion Williams and Adam Boyd. What are your thoughts on Stockport County? This will be one of our toughest tests of the season. We know how strong Stockport are and that they’re in good form. We always knew they’d be one of the promotion favourites. Do you have any memories of games against County? Our last game at Edgeley Park ended in defeat but we’ve had two good home results so we’re hoping that can continue. What is your prediction for the game? 2-2.

Terrace Talk On Tuesday morning the news had broken that seventies football icon Frank Worthington had passed away at the age of 72 having suffered with a lengthy illness. Over the course of a 22-year playing career that involved representing no fewer than 24 clubs, Frank was most notable for his spells at Huddersfield Town, Leicester City and Bolton Wanderers, but County also proved to be the last Football League club of his career when he signed for the Hatters from Preston North End in the 19871988 season. Frank made 21 appearances for Asa Hartford’s side scoring six goals before moving on to play in South Africa. Even though he was 39 years of age by the time he pitched up at Edgeley Park the charisma and quality that had followed him round throughout his career was still evident, he will be sorely missed and condolences go out to his family and friends at this time. It has been a time of late where we have sadly seen a number of people with County connections leave us. Former Manchester United and Liverpool forward Phil Chisnall passed away at the start of March. Phil spent just a single season at County in 197172 under Matt Woods and then Steve Fleet before retiring. Back in January it was also learned that John Jeffers had passed away at the relatively young age of 52. “Jinking” John was an apprentice at Liverpool

Will Collar netted his first County goal on Tuesday night

during the time of John Barnes, Peter Beardsley et al so he moved to Port Vale in 1988 in search of first-team football and gave them seven years’ good service before joining County for a couple of years under Dave Jones.

Eastleigh, only unlike the game against Sutton United a few days before, Alex Reid’s effort was merely adding to the advantage built up earlier in the game with County holding a two-goal lead courtesy of goals from Harry Cardwell and Will Collar.

As for the present day, we face one of the biggest tests of the season when second-placed Hartlepool United visit Edgeley Park. Both of this afternoon’s sides are coming into the game on the back of midweek wins so the scene is potentially set for a cracking game of football.

Hartlepool on the other hand went to Dagenham & Redbridge and came away with the points courtesy of a goal from Luke Armstrong just before the interval. That was Armstrong’s eleventh goal of the season since joining the Pools from Salford City at the start of December so he will be one of the opposition identified as a threat by Simon Rusk for this game.

From a County point of view it was yet another late goal which finished the game against

The County Years

1975

County Historian Ian Watts delves into the archives to bring you some of the Hatters’ more memorable moments from years gone by. Opening game Torquay United made the long trip to County on 3rd January for a Friday night game. County: Alan Ogley, Graham Smith, Jimmy McNab, Ken Fogarty, Brian Albeson, Freddie Goodwin, Johnny Price, Norrie Lloyd, John Griffiths, Mick Hollis (Ian Lawther), Harry Kirk. County, who had ended the previous year with a morale-boosting win at Reading, could not build on that result. The crowd were to watch two sides who failed to break the resistance of home keeper Ogley or visitors’ custodian Mick Mahoney, and County were left in 19th place in the Division Four table. First debutant Denton youngster Steve Massey was introduced to the struggling County side for the match at home to Darlington on 28th February. He was to prove one of the few bright spots in the season, starting with a goalscoring substitute debut appearance in a 2-1 victory. Steve left the club three years later for AFC Bournemouth.

Summer business Headline departures were keeper Ogley who moved to Darlington, Griffiths (Kidderminster Harriers) and Goodwin (New Mills). Also leaving were Albeson and Steve Crowther (Hartlepool), Kirk (IK Sirius), Allan Gilliver (Baltimore Comets), Lloyd (Macclesfield) and Peter Clarke had also played his last game as well. The new signings for the start of the season were Ian Buckley and Alan McNeill (from Oldham Athletic), Mike Cross (Bolton Wanderers), Wyn Davies (Blackpool) and John Holsgrove (Sheffield Wednesday). Ian Buckley

Last debutant When County travelled to Scunthorpe on 20th December Steve Deere was introduced into central defence against a team he had spent six seasons with. Steve had come in on loan from Hull City, and he helped County to a goalless draw that day. He stayed with us for a month playing six times. Closing game The last Saturday of the year saw a Cheshire Derby on the Wirral.

County: Paul Hopkinson, Smith, Buckley, Deere, Lee Bradley, Fogarty, McNeill, Hollis, Massey, Mike Cross, Johnny Price. The County fans in the crowd must have been glad to hear the final whistle, yet hopes were high at half time with the score at 0-0. Ronnie Moore scored just three minutes into the second half, and by the end he had added three more himself, and Steve Peplow scored the third in a 5-0 victory. It was Rovers’ 11th consecutive home win. Most apps in calendar year Ken Fogarty 47 (maximum 48), Mick Hollis 46, Graham Smith 45 Most goals in calendar year Mike Hollis 11, Steve Massey 5, Steve Crowther 3 Worst run 7 without win (3rd January to 8th February) D4 L3 Best run 4 games unbeaten (16th April to 16th August) W1 D3 The man in charge Roy Chapman became County boss from 1st September 1975. The performances of his previous club Stafford Rangers, including their KO of the Hatters in the 1974 FA Cup, influenced the decision to appoint him to replace Jimmy Meadows, who resigned pre-season, but not before talks had been held with Malcolm Allison. At the end of a season which was launched with the slogan Fight Back with County, the man in charge at the club, Freddie Pye and his board suspended the manager then sacked him. Later he resumed his role at Stafford.

And finally... Crowds surged for one home friendly and three League games when George Best signed for the club. His time with Manchester United had ended with him being sacked and County were the first step in an attempt to get back into football. He was to score in three of those games, and even away crowds were boosted briefly Roy Chapman despite it with George Best being stated from the start that Best would only be playing in home games. Talk of the spell being extended proved incorrect as the player headed to Ireland ahead of joining the exodus to the United States. Thanks to all the anonymous donors who have supplied images for this article.

STOCKPORT COUNTY

EASTLEIGH

Cardwell 23’, Collar 54’, Reid 90’

Tuesday 23rd March | Vanarama National League | Edgeley Park

County’s home meeting with the ‘Spitfires’ of Eastleigh got off the ground at the third attempt, as the Hatters flew high in SK3 to down their play-off rivals. Strikes in each regular half by Harry Cardwell and Will Collar, followed by a late third goal in added time from substitute Alex Reid, sealed all three points as County kept pace with the top of the table.

Sam Byrne After what has felt like an eternity away from Edgeley Park up until this week, we’re flying into the second huge clash in the space of four days this afternoon against high-flying Hartlepool. It feels only right to start with Connor Jennings after this week’s sad news. After his absence since the 1-0 win over Yeovil Town in early February, the club’s medical team have been working hard with Connor since a fall in training which caused a shoulder injury, with that injury eventually diagnosed as a rare form of cancer as we saw in the club’s official statement this week. The outpouring of support for Connor, James and their family has very clearly established just how fondly the Jennings’ are thought of, and the high esteem in which they’re both held, across the entire pyramid. All of our thoughts will be with Connor throughout his entire treatment and recovery, and I hope he and his family have found some crumb of comfort in the incredible amount of support they’ve received this week from well-wishers across the country. Although Connor’s diagnosis puts football into real perspective, this week’s news has also highlighted the strength and character shown by left-back James Jennings. After hearing about the diagnosis prior to last weekend’s big match at league leaders Sutton, James was adamant that he wanted to play – and, of course, went on to score that dramatic, late equaliser which was celebrated so emotionally by Jennings’ teammates. It has seemed clear that boss Simon Rusk has focused heavily on instilling/reinforcing a real team spirit at Edgeley Park – something Will Collar referenced in his post-match interview on Tuesday evening. That team unity and

All thoughts are with Connor Jennings

togetherness has been on show even more than usual over this past week, and will surely stand The Hatters in good stead as we head into the business-end of the season. That battling point at the bang in-form Sutton on Saturday was swiftly followed up by a dominant 3-0 win over play-off chasing Eastleigh on Tuesday night, with what – for my money – was probably County’s most ‘complete’ performance under Rusk to date.

Harry Cardwell has made a real impact since joining

A big win at Woking on Rusk’s managerial debut and that demolition job at ten-man Solihull earlier in the month were both satisfying days at the office for The Hatters, but given the level of opposition and the sheer dominance throughout most of the ninety minutes, Tuesday’s win takes the mantle as the best of the former Brighton Under-23 boss’ tenure so far. Striker Harry Cardwell and winger Elliot Newby have also made a real impact since joining on loan from National League North side Chorley following the curtailment of that season, and they were joined in excellent showings on Tuesday evening by midfielder Will Collar, who capped a superb night with that stunning second for The Hatters. Collar’s fizzing piledriver at the Cheadle End early in the second half set County well on the way to a comfortable three points – and became yet another superb goal to add to the list of goals you’d love to see in front of a packed Cheadle End! Quietly, Rusk’s side have put together a solid minirun of form, accumulating ten points from the last twelve available, and with County’s rivals (including

today’s opponents Hartlepool) at the top of the National League also pulling wins out of the bag on Tuesday night, it’s certainly a run which has come about at the perfect time. Dave Challinor has undoubtedly done an excellent job in the North East having been somewhat harshly let go by Fylde after a similarly sterling effort in Lancashire over the past few years – and today will provide Simon Rusk and company with a real tough test, as The Hatters look to keep this momentum of the last few weeks going. Sutton United are flying at the top of the table at present, and if they continue in this current rich vein of form, you’d find it hard to argue against Matt Gray’s men as clear favourites for the National League title – but there’s still a relatively long way to go in this most surreal of campaigns, and County will be keen to ensure that they’re hot on the heels of the leaders should any slip-up occur. A big three points today would go a long way to making that happen for The Hatters. Enjoy the game! 39

Physio

Luke Smith Good afternoon everyone. This week John Rooney has progressed to on-field running which is a fantastic step in his rehabilitation. We are anticipating his return to firstteam training very soon and he will hopefully be available for selection in the near future. Secondly, we have Liam Hogan who has a slight ankle issue which we are currently managing very well. He has trained but, as a precaution, was not included in today’s squad. Mark Kitching has seen the specialist

this week and a new treatment plan has been put in place. All being well, we should see Mark begin to progress his rehabilitation significantly. Finally, after the tragic diagnosis of Connor’s shoulder issue, we are taking it day by day and doing as much as we can to maintain his fitness, reduce the likelihood of further complications and keep his spirits as high as possible. Enjoy the game. Luke

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Let’s get a tad optimistic for a change, and acknowledge the possibility that crowds might begin to return to football matches in the UK soon. With that in mind we thought it appropriate to remind County supporters of who we are, and who on the Stockport County Supporters’ Co-operative Board you can seek out should an issue arise! Starting at the top our Chair is retired Emergency Planning, Business and Continuity Officer Peter Towey, who has guided the organisation through some difficult times. Vice-Chair to Peter is the enormously energetic ideas man John Giles, the organisational driving force behind the Hatters’ Half-Marathon, the Community Ticketing Initiative and much more. Our Independent Secretary is Caroline (Caz) Burt. Caroline is Assistant to Secretary and President of the Co-operative Group and provides us with valuable independent advice that keeps us legal and on the correct course! Our finances are expertly handled by Broadcast

John Giles

Operations Analyst and our Treasurer Andy Burt, whilst our Membership Officer is Damian Beaumont who somehow manages to get time to sort our membership issues whilst operating in the public sector as a Digital Comms Manager. Fund raising is in the capable hands of Fund Raising Officer Katye Ebbage and Vice Emma Mannion. Katye is Assistant Team Manager at Capita Travel, and Emma is Office Manager for Hope Borland Associates. Communications and Media are handled by retired Credit Controller (Compass Group / Granada etc) Ian Brown (hedgegrower), and Spinning Top proprietor Mike Swann, and we are lucky to have the help of two highly capable co-opted Board members in Financial and Legal Specialist Steve Murray, whose expert eye is invaluable to us and Technical Accounts Manager Paul Thompson who contributes vital IT knowledge. So, watch out for us on match days, or contact us via www.countysupporterscoop.co.uk Stockport County Supporters’ Co-operative 45

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COUNTY JUNIORS

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

Back at Edgeley Park this afternoon for yet another tough encounter with our visitors Hartlepool United. What a past week this has been with the away game at league leaders Sutton United followed last Tuesday at home to Eastleigh and then today against Hartlepool. All three are around the promotion area in the table, and looking at the forthcoming fixtures none look easy. At Sutton last Saturday, what a match! It was certainly end-to-end and I feared the worst when we went one down. Never-say-die County fought to the end with a great header from James Jennings in the last minute giving us the point. One final point is that in all the screenings this season I have not come across two commentators as biased as the Sutton ones! Looking at today’s match we suffered our biggest defeat of the season, just in the run up to Christmas, at Hartlepool. We were not helped by the double sendingoff and some dubious refereeing decisions (where have we heard that before this season?). The positions of teams near the top of the table are so close together with still a large number of points to play for I can see the final places going right to the end of the season. As mentioned in our last notes we have a limited number of virtual mascot places available. If you want further details please contact Brenda on 07720 591316 or Ian on 07921 810464. I can’t believe that it is Easter this time next week. It must seem strange to you to have just gone back to school and now have another two weeks holiday. We hope you enjoy the weekend the best you can during lockdown and don’t eat too many chocolate eggs at once. That’s all for now. Ian Butterworth

Happy Birthday Happy Birthday for tomorrow to Emma Sorsby, who celebrates yet another birthday in lockdown. We hope you have a lovely day. From the family and all at County Juniors.

Mascots Our mascots for Saturday are brothers Harry and Oliver. Harry is 5 years old and his hobbies are trains and playing Roblox with his siblings and cousin. His favourite player is Harry Cardwell. Oliver is 3 years old and enjoys playing football in the garden and watching Cocomelon on YouTube. His favourite player is Alex Reid.

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.

DAVID YOUNG

Scotsman who had a very brief spell with County, he joined the club in September from Scottish Southern League side Auchinleck Talbot. He earned a place for the Cheshire Medal game after scoring two for the reserves and another brace got him his senior debut. After two firstteam appearances and one further reserve game he headed back to his homeland.

TED CRITCHLEY

Another player to be sold by the Hatters to Everton. Ted would have an eight-year spell with the Goodison side after impressing

with 125 games over five years with us. The right winger was picked up as an amateur after playing for junior sides Spring Gardens, Union Chapel Sunday School, Cheadle Lads Club, and at a more senior level for Witton Albion and briefly Stalybridge Celtic.

HAROLD EDGLEY

A Crewe native who had been fairly nomadic before ending up at the club who played at a ground that sounded like his family name. After appearing for Cheshire sides Whitchurch and Crewe Alex, his CV also showed spells with Aston Villa, Stourbridge, Chesterfield Town, Leicester Fosse and during war time at Port Vale before his spell in London immediately before becoming a Hatter. Harold stayed for just one season, moving to an unknown Cheshire League club.

It was reported that the club’s directors would only allow him to go on the Tour, as the party was to set sail before the end of the season, if County were safe from re-election ERNIE SIMMS

Forward Ernie joined teammate Hardy on the FA Tour to Australia in 1925. He had started in South Shields with the Adelaide side, but entered senior football with Barnsley after being at Murton CW. His reputation increased with Luton Town, but he had returned to the North East before County signed him on, and he started with a brace on his debut against Leicester. It was reported that the club’s directors would only allow him to go on the Tour, as the party was to set sail before the end of the season, if County were safe from re-election. Ernie, after scoring the goal that made this all but certain, kangaroo hopped back to his half. It is a story that we can only hope is true. That goal was one of 21 scored in 69 games for County.

Player Herbert Knowles Joe Griffiths Arthur Rosbotham Alf Forrest James Donnelly Joe Kearslake Charlie Jones William Richardson David Young Gilbert Steele Joe O'Kane Billy Cockburn George West Wilf Woodcock Frederick Tarbuck Tommy Green Jack Wilson Harry Cousins Alf Dolphin Frank Knowles Jimmy MacKechnie Duggie Humphrey Ted Critchley Bobby Morrison George Purcell Fred Broadhurst Harold Edgley Jimmy Griffin Bill Toms Jim Carrick Jack Sambrook Chris Swan Dick Jones Tom Meads Ernie Simms Joe Craven Bob Hutchison Frank Henderson Fred White Harry Dennison Tommy Mitchell George Reid Edward Harries Ben Boardman Roly James Billy Bocking

Debut 01.01.1921 22.01.1921 12.02.1921 16.04.1921 07.05.1921 27.08.1921 17.09.1921 19.09.1921 01.10.1921 29.10.1921 26.11.1921 27.12.1921 08.03.1922 11.03.1922 06.05.1922 26.08.1922 26.08.1922 04.09.1922 04.09.1922 04.09.1922 16.09.1922 21.10.1922 09.12.1922 23.12.1922 30.03.1923 25.08.1923 25.08.1923 25.08.1923 25.08.1923 01.09.1923 08.09.1923 08.09.1923 29.09.1923 08.12.1923 05.01.1924 02.02.1924 09.02.1924 15.03.1924 22.03.1924 30.08.1924 30.08.1924 30.08.1924 01.09.1924 13.09.1924 27.09.1924 04.10.1924

Robert McIntosh George Stentiford Alfred Newman Evan Hooker Bob Blood Billy Johnston Arthur Barlow George Caddick Fred Haslam Billy Morton George Whitcombe Tom Pritchard George Burgess Joseph Johnson John Blunt Samuel Marsland Albert Pearson John Whitelaw

11.10.1924 11.10.1924 18.10.1924 06.12.1924 20.12.1924 20.12.1924 02.05.1925 29.08.1925 29.08.1925 29.08.1925 29.08.1925 05.09.1925 17.10.1925 24.10.1925 07.11.1925 14.11.1925 28.11.1925 28.11.1925

Signed From Bredbury Bury Arsenal Ashton National Manchester local team Wigan Bor Cardiff C Wallsend Auchinleck Talbot Glenburn Rov Stevenston U Rosehill Newcastle Cardiff C Manchester C Rugby Accrington S Durham C Durham C Darlington Ashington Exeter C Bradford (PA) Stalybridge Cel Hyde U Victory WMC Stalybridge Cel Queens Park R Newport Co Coventry C Oldham Ath Liverpool Newcastle U Rochdale Derby Co South Shields St Augustines Nelson Vernon Amateurs None Stalybridge Cel Hartlepools U Fulham Aberystwyth T Macclesfield Brentford Hyde U Everton Newcastle U Stoke Bilston U Stalybridge Cel West Bromwich A Huddersfield T Manchester U Everton Lytham Tollcross Cardiff C Sunbeam Talbot FC Macclesfield Northwich Vic Wolverhampton W New Mills Rochdale St Mirren

County Heaven Hatter in Macc writes: Afternoon, everyone - and greetings from Edgeley Park for the second time this week, with our once again hosting rivals for promotion. Hopefully, we can replicate proceedings from Tuesday night, when an impressive team performance saw off Eastleigh and, in the process, avenged our defeat in the reverse-fixture from earlier this term. The match at Ten Acres last month had seen one goal conceded and a single Hatter (unjustly) sent off, but the visit to Hartlepool shortly before Christmas was all the more ignominious for witnessing four goals in County’s net and two dismissals. Let us hope those demons suffered at the hands of the ‘Monkey Hangers’ that December evening can be well and truly exorcised today. This home fixture is sandwiched in between two against clubs (Eastleigh and Bromley) who, prior to the current campaign, had each paid just the one visit to SK3. ‘Pools, by contrast, enjoyed frequent trips here during our shared Football League years - going back a nice, round 100 years to 1921 when we and they both became founder members of the Third Division North. 50

While many of those years were played out together in that regionalised section, as well as, subsequently, in the new nationwide basement Division Four - where a good few involved seasons of mutual struggle - our clubs did get simultaneously to bid a happy ‘farewell to the Fourth’ by earning a pair of longawaited promotion places in 1991. How fitting it would be now for both to progress hand in hand back up to EFL level… unless, of course, we find ourselves scrapping over just the one available slot! So much, then, for this afternoon’s visitors. And time to stop Monkeying around. How’s it Hanging, Sandy? Sandbach Hatter writes: You cheeky little Monkey! ‘It’ is hanging absolutely fine, thank you very much. Best not mention the nuts though… Now, speaking of ‘Pools’, if you like the occasional flutter then you would be wise to stick some money on County Heaven’s technical wizard, Gazz, taking Macc & Archie’s Prediction League for March, following his impressive six correct predictions out of seven last week, which propelled him into second place and just a point behind MarketHarborough.

Meanwhile, in Ceefer’s County Prediction League, my good mate Macc remains top of the pile by some margin, despite Lennie bagging the most points from the Sutton fixture last weekend (mostly thanks to being the only player to predict correctly the somewhat unexpected 1-1 score line). Over in Lennie’s Limerick Lounge, our three latest victors were Macc, Hermann and, erm, Macc again, for their closing lines relating to the recent fixtures against Dagenham & Redbridge, Barnet and Sutton, respectively. Well played, gents. Finally, by the time this article reaches the Masses (Mr and Mrs Mass, of Bredbury), I will have revealed three of the five players in my latest quiz as being Mikel Arteta, Charlie Adam and Victor Moses. Think you can work out what connects them together? Bravo! Head on over to County Heaven and get involved in the quiz to find out if you’re right. Until next time, fellow Hatters, take care of yourselves… and each other. Animo et Fide. www.countyheaven.com

Strawberry Radio Jon Keighren

All of our thoughts and prayers this week are with striker Connor Jennings following the devastating news that he has been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in his upper arm. Connor is one of the most positive personalities I have ever met in football, and his strength of character and resilient nature will no doubt be tested in the coming months.

Connor Jennings is one of the most positive personalities I’ve met

Although he may have some tough times ahead, he faces the future knowing that his team-mates and everyone at the club stands alongside him, and our best wishes go to Connor and his family, particularly brother James who has been outstanding since joining County. I bumped into Tranmere Rovers’ Club Chaplain a few weeks ago on the Wirral and he was singing Connor’s praises, describing him as one of the nicest people he’s ever met in the game, whilst the messages of support on social media have shown the football family coming together to support him. Manager Simon Rusk spoke very well in his pre-match when he said that it had come as a shock to everyone, but he described Connor as “a strong-willed, spirited lad, and his attributes as a footballer will absolutely be there as a person, he’s a fighter, a winner and he’s bounced back from things before. He remains with us on our journey and we’ll all get through this with him.” Today we are back at Fortress Edgeley where County are defending a six-game unbeaten home run, with just one goal conceded across those games, which has helped to keep the pressure on our rivals at the top of the table.

Hartlepool’s previous boss Craig Hignett was sacked after losing here at Edgeley Park last season, but I don’t think the current gaffer Dave Challinor needs to worry! DC brings his Pools side to SK3 on the back of a wonderful ten-game unbeaten run. I have admired Dave for a long time and his managerial record is tremendous – he’s won promotion at both Colwyn Bay and AFC Fylde and now he’s taken Hartlepool back to the brink of the EFL. Hartlepool’s performances this season are even more impressive when you consider that Dave’s budget was significantly reduced in the summer, leading to the loss of players such as Mark Kitching, but he’s worked wonders within the new parameters to turn around Pools’ fortunes. Tuesday’s 1-0 win at Dagenham & Redbridge cemented their place in second spot, although they have

played more games than any team in the top seven. If their blond-haired striker looks familiar, Luke Armstrong is making his first visit to Edgeley Park since the days when his dad Alun was banging in the goals for Stockport County and writing his name in Edgeley Park folklore. Luke is likely to be partnered by former County loanee Rhys Oates who spent two months here in 2014 making his debut in a 4-1 home win over Vauxhall Motors and scoring in a 2-2 home draw with Barrow. Finally, thank you for the positive reactions to our new partnership with Strawberry Radio. This has allowed us to broadcast commentary of all our remaining home games to fans who don’t access the live streams. Mark Stott has been very keen to provide a way of offering free-to-air coverage to our fans so please join us via the Strawberry website: www.strawberryradio.co.uk

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Oshor Williams There are certain players who can illuminate a game, elevating the dullest encounter with their skill and artistry. Former County player Frank Worthington was undoubtedly such a man. He looked like a film star and played like a superstar. One of his former managers described him as ‘the working man’s George Best’ perhaps with some justification given the fact that they were both charismatic, wonderfully gifted and seemed to attract beautiful partners and press attention in equal quantities during their younger days. Beyond these distractions Frank was first and foremost an incredibly driven player who loved the game relishing every opportunity to display his vast portfolio of talents. That’s why he enjoyed a 26-year career in football and continued to play in every testimonial or exhibition game to which he was invited long after he retired professionally.

They say that practice makes perfect, but in observing how the great players rehearse and prepare for the big stage I would say it’s more a case of ‘practice makes permanent’ 52

I played in the same team as Frank at Preston North End after he was brought in by manager John McGrath to help in our push towards promotion in 1987. He brought style, glamour and authority to the team and McGrath astutely used Frank selectively during that successful campaign, introducing him into the side during key fixtures to lead the line, hold play up and control the pace of the game. But it wasn’t just his contribution during competitive games which was so invaluable. The quality of our training sessions reached new levels when Frank arrived. Although he was an easy-going, laid-back kind of guy with a dry Yorkshire wit and humour, he demanded and expected high standards and led by example bringing quality and intelligence to every training session. When we think of players like Frank, George Best, Rodney Marsh, Charlie George, Eric Cantona etc, they are always described as ‘naturally talented’. But talent alone does not guarantee a lengthy career in football, nor does it assure the respect of your peers which these iconic players command throughout the game. Frank was usually the last person off the training ground, always staying behind with a goalkeeper and a couple of volunteer players practising his control, his shooting, his free kicks or just having a bit of fun with the lads. They say that practice makes perfect, but in observing how the great players rehearse and prepare for the big stage I would say it’s more a case of ‘practice makes permanent’.

I had the privilege of playing with both Frank and Charlie George and both had this incredible ability to ‘freeze time’ at crucial moments during the fire and fury of a high-tempo game. Frank scored many memorable goals including his famous strike for Bolton Wanderers against Ipswich Town in 1979 at Burnden Park. Any County faithful too young to remember this magical moment should look it up on YouTube as it will provide a snapshot of what Frank Worthington was all about. Mere mortals like ourselves are constricted by the limits of both our ability and our imagination, whereas players like Frank knew no boundaries and could visualise and execute things on the pitch which most people could not even conceive. One memorable goal scored for Preston North End against Wolves exemplifies this unique trait. We were 2-1 down at home and pressing hard for an equaliser. With seconds to go we had a free kick and with our last throw of the dice swung the

ball high into the congested penalty area. It was chaotic with bodies all over the place. Suddenly, it fell to Frank who calmly cushioned the ball on his thigh and with absolute calm, executed the most exquisite side-foot volley over the heads of the onrushing defenders and the bemused goalkeeper into the far corner of the net. There are many other Frank Worthington stories I could tell, not least from our end-of-season trip to Spain, but they are best reserved for another time and another forum. For the moment I just want to savour memories of a football legend who graced the stage for nearly three decades, gave pleasure to football purists across the nation and sprinkled a little piece of stardust on Edgeley Park in the twilight of his career. Enjoy the game. Osh 53

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Deadly Duos Steven Davies

Kayode Odejayi & John Marsden Welcome to all County fans and a warm welcome to Hartlepool who are our visitors. On today’s page we are going to look at our deadly duos from the 2015/16 season where we brought a trophy back to EP as we beat Tranmere in the Cheshire Cup. Kayode Odejayi was an ex-Nigerian international who we drafted in after both Kristian Dennis and Scott Spencer departed. He made his debut in a 2-1 win against Boston before getting his first goal for us in a win against FC United in our first away game of the campaign. Some of our fans may have recognised this signing as he scored against Chelsea in a 1-0 FA Cup win when he played for Barnsley, but sadly missed a sitter in the FA Cup semi-final where they could have equalised and possibly even got to the final. Nevertheless, he achieved the League Two playoffs as well as getting the League Two runnersup with Cheltenham and Rotherham whilst also being voted Player of the Year when he was at Colchester. Probably known more for his Mohawk than his scoring record whilst at County, Big K, over the two seasons he spent with us, only scored eight in 54 starts, but you couldn’t fault his work ethic and assisted more than he scored himself. Ever the gentleman he always had a smile on his face and took time out to speak to the younger fans signing autographs and having his photo taken. His striking partners at the time varied but once John Marsden came in during the tail-end of the season, he wasn’t one to miss many chances.

Kayode Odejayi

After starting professionally by signing at Celtic, John sadly broke his foot and couldn’t get into the first team, thus meaning that he had to play non-contract at Rochdale. After scoring eight in 14 he moved to teams including Stoke and Shrewsbury where he was playing in League One before signing for County in 2015. Scoring some vital goals throughout the season including one in the final of the Cheshire Cup John played just over 30 games whilst scoring 10, which statistically is one goal every three games – not too bad for a striker. Both John and Big K moved on after County when Odejayi signed for Guiseley and John Marsden signed for Telford. Both were still playing but sadly due to Covid shutting down the leagues I’m not too sure where they currently are, although whenever I now see a Mohawk I now always think of Big K.

John Marsden

Enjoy the game. 55

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Remembering Roy Davies We were saddened to learn this week of the passing of another of our County family. Roy Davies was a keen Cigarette Card collector and also supported Belle Vue Aces speedway team. He was originally from Offerton and in his younger days was taken to see County by his father. A lifelong County fan and Season Ticket holder, Roy passed away at the age of 82. Roy lived in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire but regularly travelled a round trip of 330 miles for Home games. He was a very popular figure and will be very sadly missed by all who knew him, including everyone at Edgeley Park. Match days simply won’t be the same without Roy arriving at the ground after his train journey from the South. Our thoughts are with all of Roy’s family and friends at this time. Rest in Peace Roy and thank you for your loyal support. Roy Davies 1.10.38 - 18.3.21 Words provided by Kevin Lee 59

The Hatters v Pools

Facts & Figures Head to Head

Goals scored

Previously at EP

Played (all competitions): 134

County: 202

Played (all competitions): 66

County: 54

County: 39

Draws: 31

Draws: 13

Hartlepool: 49

Hartlepool: 191

First competitive meeting

Last time out

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

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

Hartlepool: 14

Hartlepool United 4 County 0 Tuesday 22nd December 2020, Vanarama National League County fell to a heavy 4-0 defeat at Hartlepool United in December on a bizarre night at Victoria Park, in which The Hatters were reduced to nine men. An early opener by former County loanee Rhys Oates gave Dave Challinor’s men the perfect start, before Ash Palmer was dismissed for a debatable high boot on Luke Armstrong. An unfortunate Richie Bennett own goal made it two for the hosts just after half-time, before Armstrong made it three with a close-range finish and then doubled his tally in the final minute – whilst County’s John Rooney was shown a second-half red card for dissent. County line-up: Hinchliffe; Minihan, Palmer, Hogan ©, Kitching; Keane, Rooney, Croasdale; Reid, Bennett (Southam-Hales, 62), Williams. Subs not used: Barnes, Stott, Gilmour, Britton.

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

2020-21

CHE

Statistics Home L 2 3 4 2 5 2 3 3 5 6 4 4 6 6 6 5 3 4 6 9 6 11 0

F 31 23 22 16 24 19 21 18 23 24 25 13 17 21 20 14 17 15 24 20 18 8 0

A 12 13 13 9 14 8 14 11 11 24 19 14 15 19 21 16 10 12 25 26 24 30 0

W 9 6 8 7 5 6 6 4 6 6 5 6 5 4 4 5 3 2 2 2 3 1 0

D 2 5 3 3 5 3 4 5 2 3 4 6 5 4 3 2 1 4 3 4 1 2 0

Away L 2 4 3 5 1 6 6 4 6 3 4 4 7 8 6 7 9 9 9 6 10 8 0

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

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

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

A 12 14 16 15 8 20 19 17 17 13 17 17 24 29 20 20 20 22 32 16 33 32 0

W 18 16 15 13 13 12 12 11 13 11 11 9 10 10 10 9 8 8 8 7 5 3 0

D 6 8 6 8 7 8 7 10 3 8 6 12 8 6 5 7 7 5 5 6 6 4 0

Total L F 4 49 7 40 7 48 7 40 6 36 8 37 9 43 7 34 11 39 9 43 8 40 8 35 13 36 14 42 12 36 12 27 12 26 13 26 15 34 15 31 16 31 19 20 0 0

Total

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

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

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

Subs

0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 18 7 3 2 0 4 0 0 3 2 2 1 4 4 1 1 17 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 29 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 27 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 14 3 2 1 12 5 2 2 21 3 1 5 15 2 2 1 2 1 0 1 21 0 1 5 22 6 0 3 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 17 2 1 1 25 4 11 4 23 0 11 1 0 1 0 0 10 5 1 0 0 0 0 0 11 0 0 1 1 2 2 0 3 10 1 1 8 1 1 0 6 9 0 1 0 - 43 34

F 18 17 26 24 12 18 22 16 16 19 15 22 19 21 16 13 9 11 10 11 13 12 0

A 24 27 29 24 22 28 33 28 28 37 36 31 39 48 41 36 30 34 57 42 57 62 0

GD 25 13 19 16 14 9 10 6 11 6 4 4 -3 -6 -5 -9 -4 -8 -23 -11 -26 -42 0

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 Ross Fitzsimons Harvey Gilmour Max Greenhalgh Ben Hinchliffe Jack Hinchy Liam Hogan Jack Hopkins Connor Jennings James Jennings Jordan Keane Mark Kitching Paddy Madden Lois Maynard Sam Minihan Elliot Newby Adam Owen Ash Palmer Alex Reid John Rooney Nathan Shaw Macauley Southam-Hales Finley Stanyer Jamie Stott Jack Stretton Adam Thomas Tom Walker Jordan Williams Own goals Total

D 4 3 3 5 2 5 3 5 1 5 2 6 3 2 2 5 6 1 2 2 5 2 0

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

Player Roll-Call

W 9 10 7 6 8 6 6 7 7 5 6 3 5 6 6 4 5 6 6 5 2 2 0

Starts

Promotion

P 28 31 28 28 26 28 28 28 27 28 25 29 31 30 27 28 27 26 28 28 27 26 0

Biggest Win

Goals

National League Team Sutton United Hartlepool United Torquay United Stockport County Notts County Wrexham FC Halifax Town Eastleigh Chesterfield Bromley Maidenhead United Boreham Wood Altrincham Yeovil Town Aldershot Town Dagenham & Redbridge Woking Solihull Moors Wealdstone Weymouth King's Lynn Town 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 9 4 2 1 5 0 0 3 2 2 1 4 4 1 1 23 4 0 2 0 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 34 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 32 0 2 2 0 1 0 0 20 4 3 2 13 5 2 2 27 3 1 5 19 3 2 1 2 1 0 1 24 3 1 6 24 9 0 3 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 23 3 3 1 31 5 15 4 28 1 16 1 0 1 0 0 12 7 1 0 0 0 0 0 17 0 0 2 1 2 2 0 8 11 1 1 8 1 1 0 8 12 0 1 0 - 57 38

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

Most Goals

Highest Attendance Lowest Attendance Top Goalscorer

Pts 60 56 51 47 46 44 43 43 42 41 39 39 38 36 35 34 31 29 29 27 21 13 0

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

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

Relegation

National League Records Saturday 12th December 2020 Chesterfield 6-0 Barnet Tuesday 13th October 2020 Wealdstone 2-5 Stockport County Saturday 17th October 2020 Wealdstone 4-3 Wrexham Wednesday 2nd December 2020 FC Halifax Town 5-2 Barnet Saturday 26th December 2020 Torquay United 6-1 Yeovil Town Monday 28th December 2020 Weymouth 3-4 Torquay United Saturday 23rd January 2021 Wealdstone 3-4 Aldershot Town Saturday 26th December 2020 Torquay United 6-1 Yeovil Town 1,323 Tuesday 15th December 2020 Weymouth 2-3 Wrexham 337 Michael Cheek (Bromley) 15 = 11 Goals + 4 Penalties

Man of the Match Will Collar scored a goal of the season contender from over 20 yards against Eastleigh

# 1 2 22

National League Fair Play Team Notts County 34 Stockport County 34 Yeovil Town 85

2 2 3

Pts 156 156 370

*Dover Athletic’s results for this season have been expunged for failing to meet fixture obligations, the player roll-call still includes our 3-0 win statistics against them Cut off dates for number of yellow cards in league matches only, cups are different: 5 = Following 23 fixtures, 10 = Following 37 fixtures, 15/20 = End of the season Automatic league suspension starts next match after an offence, automatic cup suspension starts next match after an offence in the same competition Yellow cards are specific to each competition, red cards apply across all competitions All details up to date as of Friday 26th March 2021

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2020-21

Fixtures & Results Date Opposition October 2020 Sat 3 Torquay United Tue 6 FC Halifax Town Sat 10 Dover Athletic Tue 13 Wealdstone Sat 17 Chesterfield Sat 24 Chesterfield Tue 27 Solihull Moors Sat 31 Weymouth November 2020 Wed 4 Chesterfield Sat 7 Rochdale Sun 29 Yeovil Town December 2020 Sat 5 Bromley Tue 8 Barnet Tue 15 Notts County Sat 19 Guiseley Tue 22 Hartlepool United Sat 26 Altrincham Mon 28 Wrexham January 2021 Sat 2 Altrincham Mon 11 West Ham United Sat 16 Notts County Tue 19 Dagenham & Redbridge Sat 23 Boreham Wood Sat 30 Woking February 2021 Tue 2 Sutton United Sat 6 Yeovil Town Sat 13 Aldershot Town Tue 16 Maidenhead United Sat 20 Eastleigh Tue 23 Notts County Sat 27 Chesterfield March 2021 Sat 6 Weymouth Tue 9 Solihull Moors 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 Tue 11 Dagenham & Redbridge 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 2-0

5 3 4 4 6 6 4

Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe

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

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

Maynard ² Croasdale Maynard Maynard ³ Minihan Croasdale Croasdale

Keane Palmer Palmer Palmer Palmer Palmer Palmer

Hogan Hogan Hogan Hogan Hogan Hogan Hogan

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

A A H A H H

NL NL NL NL NL NL

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

4 4 5 4 4

Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe

Minihan Minihan Minihan Minihan Minihan

Jennings J Jennings J Jennings J Jennings J 1 Jennings J

Croasdale Maynard Maynard Maynard ³ Croasdale

Palmer ³ Keane Keane Keane Palmer

Hogan Hogan Hogan 1 Hogan Keane

Walker ² Walker 1 Walker ² Stretton ² Walker ²

A H A H H A A

NL NL NL NL NL NL NL

A H A H H H A

NL NL NL NL NL NL NL

C-C

Hinchliffe Hinchliffe Hinchliffe

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

Key:

CHE

STERFIELD FC

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

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

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

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

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

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

Barnes Barnes Barnes Barnes Barnes Barnes Barnes Barnes

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

Keane ¹ Croasdale Croasdale Croasdale ³ Croasdale Croasdale ³ Owen Keane

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

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

Barnes Barnes Barnes

Hopkins ³ Jennings J Jennings J

Maynard ¹ Maynard ¹ Maynard 4

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

Rooney 1 Rooney Rooney Gilmour ² Rooney Croasdale Croasdale

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

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

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

Barnes Barnes Barnes Hinchliffe Barnes Barnes Barnes

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

Croasdale Croasdale Croasdale ³ Hogan Gilmour Gilmour Gilmour

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

Britton ² Britton ² Britton Bennett Britton Bennett Britton ³

Rooney 1 Rooney 4 Croasdale Rooney Rooney 1 Rooney 1 ³

Bennett ³ Croasdale Bennett Bennett 1 ³ Bennett Croasdale

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

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

Barnes Barnes Hinchliffe Barnes Barnes Barnes

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

Gilmour Gilmour Hogan Palmer Stott Stott

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

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

Rooney Rooney Rooney Rooney Rooney Rooney Rooney ³

Croasdale Bennett Bennett Keane Bennett ² Dalby Dalby ¹

Jennings C Jennings C Walker ² Walker ¹ Gilmour Gilmour Gilmour

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

Barnes Barnes Barnes Barnes Barnes Barnes Barnes

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

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

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

Bennett ³ Thomas Keane Bennett ¹ Dalby ² Bennett ¹ Newby

Newby Rooney 2 ² Newby ³ Newby ¹ Newby ¹

Dalby ¹ Cardwell 1 ¹ Cardwell ¹ Madden Madden ³

Collar Croasdale Croasdale Croasdale Collar 1

Reid Reid ³ Reid Reid Cardwell 1

Barnes Barnes Barnes Barnes Barnes

Keane ² Newby ² Shaw Walker ² Shaw ²

Maynard Collar Collar ² Collar Stretton

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

Bennett ³ Bennett ³ Madden ¹ Bennett ³ Reid 1 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

The big National League news stories of the week have been the managerial manoeuvrings at Notts County and Bromley, who both parted company with their managers in midweek, despite both teams being in play-off positions. Neal Ardley left his post at Notts County on Wednesday and less than 24 hours later Ian Burchnall was announced as his successor.

Smith’s 225th and final game in charge of Bromley was against Sutton United on Tuesday, which resulted in a 3-1 defeat.

Ardley leaves Notts in sixth position, 14 points behind table-toppers Sutton United, and in the semi-final of the FA Trophy. He had been in charge since November 2018 and was highly regarded for providing stability and restoring pride at a club that had gone through five managers in the two and half years prior to his appointment.

That victory extended league leaders Sutton’s outstanding unbeaten run to 11 games, with nine wins recorded in that time.

Nonetheless, Alexander and Christoffer Reedtz, the Danish owners of Notts County, whose takeover at the club occurred seven months into Ardley’s reign, stated that a recent assessment into numerous factors, not just recent results, had concluded “...we can be better and a change is needed to take us to the next level.” In comes Burchnall then, a Leicesterborn coach that has worked in Scandinavian football for eight years, first in Norway at Viking and most recently in Sweden, taking over from current Brighton boss Graham Potter at Ostersunds. Burchnall seems to have made quite an impression on the supporters of the clubs he’s managed, with Viking fans starting a petition to urge the club to reinstate him after his sacking there and Ostersunds fans hosting a party to thank him for his work after he stepped down last year.

Neal Ardley

Notts fans will be eagerly anticipating the impact he might have at their club, with a return to the Football League undoubtedly top of their wish-list and still a realistic prospect with 17 games to play, including games in hand on all of their rivals in the race for promotion. The Magpies face step seven side Hornchurch in the FA Trophy today and are hot favourites to secure a trip to Wembley. What a prospect for Burchnall in his first game in charge! Meanwhile, in a bad week for my namesakes, Neil Smith was dismissed at Bromley after five years in post there, with his side seventh in the league. Smith’s departure was marked with a quote from Bromley chairman Robin Stanton-Gleaves which was very reminiscent of that previously mentioned about Ardley, referencing a review into all aspects of performance concluding that: “...a change of leadership is required for us to progress further on our journey.”

Sutton are on the road again this afternoon, this time heading up to West Yorkshire to face Halifax, who have eyes on promotion themselves. The home side are one point and one place away from the play-offs at present and had won five out of their last six games, prior to last Saturday’s loss to Eastleigh. Any points for Halifax could see them leapfrog Bromley, who face a daunting trip to Wrexham today. The Welsh club are in fifth place, unbeaten in six, and have lost just twice at home, conceding only nine goals in 14 games. We’re really heading into the business-end of the season now and it’s clear from the managerial changes and fine form being displayed that every effort is being made by those in contention to make the most of the opportunity that lies ahead. It’s sure to be a fascinating run-in! Finally though, I’d like to extend my very best wishes to Connor Jennings in his fight against cancer. We’re all rooting for you, Connor, you can beat this.

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Stockport County 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 17 18 19 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34

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

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

[1405] [1406]

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

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

[1388] [1409] [1410]

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

Chesterfield v Weymouth Dagenham & Redbridge v Torquay United FC Halifax Town v Sutton United King’s Lynn Town v Eastleigh Solihull Moors v Aldershot Town Wrexham v Bromley Yeovil Town v Barnet Maidenhead United v Altrincham (6:15pm)

Match Officials Referee Lewis Smith Assistant Referee 1 Alex Gray Assistant Referee 2 Alan Hull Fourth Official Jamie Rhodes

Next At Edgeley Park

Bromley Monday 5th April 2021 Kick-off: 5.30pm Vanarama National League

[1411] [1413] [1412]

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