MATCH REPORT: COUNTY 2 v 0 FC United

By Chris Larkin

A confident second half display saw County claim a 2-0 victory in their first competitive match against rebels FC United of Manchester.

With just under 3 weeks until the start of the season, Ian Bogie's squad is really starting to take shape and offer even the most cynical County fan reasons for optimism for the season ahead.

The Hatters kicked off with Lewis King, Kyle Jacobs, Jordan Fagbola, Keiran Charnock, Stephen O'Halloran, Rhys Turner, Jamie Hand, Paris Bateman, Chris Sutherland, Phil Jevons and Kris Dennis starting the game against our near neighbours in a 4-3-3 formation.

The first half was fairly even with both teams looking dangerous in patches. United however decided to up the ante and start kicking lumps out of County players as the first half dragged on.

Rhodri Giggs,  brother of Man Utd's more famous Ryan, looked sharp in spells but couldn't quite get the ball to run for him despite decent approach play.

But as both teams continued to size each other up, the Rebels had a couple of decent set-piece chances before County hit back with a good run from Sutherland, who was let down by his wayward touch as another chance went begging.

The referee ended the stalemate of the first 45 minutes which, though entertaining enough, was too short of goal opportunities to be considered a classic.

After the break County made three changes with Ian Craney, James Tunnicliffe and Ian Howard replacing Chris Sutherland, Kyle Jacobs and the hugely disappointing trialist Paris Bateman.

Within a minute, County were attacking and soon had a wonderful chance as the ball bobbled in the area. It was practically begging for a blue shirt to make contact but, unfortunately, when the shot did come in it was blocked by a United defender.

The disappointment didn't last too long though, as a beautifully struck corner from Craney found the head of Tunnicliffe who stuck his bonce in where it hurts to powerfully nod County into a 1-0 lead with just 10 minutes of the second half played.

Just 5 minutes later, following another spell of County domination, a beautiful bit of interplay between Hand and Jevons sets up a shot for Ian Craney who, despite having his effort blocked, got enough on the strike to see the ball bounce out to a well placed Kristian Dennis. The striker, making a name for himself among the Edgeley faithful as a bit of a poacher, duly smashed in the rebound to put County 2-0 up.

And County continued as they started, going in search of a third, with the visitors shell-shocked and firmly on the back foot.

On came Brandon Windsor to replace Kristian Dennis as County continued to press forward with a few decent crosses fizzing across goal and an Ian Craney shot from distance just missing the target.

But County had to be content with their 2-0 win and hugely dominant second half performance as the goals dried up in the run-in to the final whistle.

In the dying minutes, FC United had a half-hearted penalty shout waved away by the smirking referee and, that was it -  the man in black blew for full time with the majority of the 1,707 fans leaving happy after a solid performance.

(With thanks to Hatter-in-Macc for stats and assistance)

TURNER'S TIME IS NOW

Photo by Andy Lambert

By Adam Moss

"Edgeley Park is going to be my stage this year," says Rhys Turner as we discuss his hopes and dreams for his first season with a professional contract.

Rhys Turner doesn't do nervous.

You ask him a straight question and he gives you a straight answer.

Is he nervous about playing in front of good sized crowds at Edgeley Park?

"I don't get nervous when I'm playing. I've never really felt pressure when I'm on the pitch, I just get on with the game. I'm here to play football, why should I get nervous about that?" he says confidently but without a hint of arrogance.

Rhys Turner may be just 17 but he's not like any teenager I've interviewed before. He's focused. Enviably single-minded.

This is his big chance and he's not going to let anything get in the way of him fulfilling his potential and enjoying a momentous first season.

Fortunately for Stockport County fans, most who've seen him play cannot do anything else but agree with his assessment.

Rhys Turner is lightning fast. He seems to have energy to burn. He's young, he still has lots to learn but, there's little doubt, he's going to be a thorn in the side of pretty much every defence he comes up against this season.

So what does he hope to achieve this season?

"I want to emulate the Stockport County players who have gone on to big things - people like Danny Whitehead from last season, and Pilkington," he said.

"County has a history of producing quality players who go on to bigger things. I want to be one of those players.

"This is my first pro contract. It is just the start, I know that. So I have a way to go yet. But I can't wait for the season to start so I can get going."

He says he and the rest of the team know that for this to be considered a successful season then promotion has to be the end game.

"There is no reason why we can't win this league," he said. "In that second half against St Mirren last week we played them off the park at times - and that was their first team.

"We can be a good side. But to win promotion it is all about consistency. If we can manage to be consistent then we will definitely be up there."

And how will County approach the new season?

"We will be attacking teams from the first whistle," according to Turner.

"If I can score more than 20 goals this season then I know I'll have had a good one. The gaffer has been talking to us about going at sides right from the off, attacking them from the first kick of a ball and putting them under pressure. We are definitely going to be an attacking side."

Turner says manager Ian Bogie and assistant Alan Lord has been making the team train in a 4-3-3 formation with himself and fellow striker Kristian Dennis playing off Phil Jevons in a bid to maximise those attacking options.

"Playing with Jevo and Kristian has been really easy in that formation, which definitely works better for me," he said.

"Jevo can be the main man and play in me and Kristian, who both have decent pace. It has been working well for us and the whole team in training."

Turner, a Wigan FC fan (his dad was born there) had a few options when County came calling.

"Yeah, there were a few teams interested but County were the only one to offer me a direct contract while the other teams were offering me trials. It was an easy decision to make, especially as I've worked with Alan Lord for so long through Myerscough College too.

"After hearing good things about the fans I'm expecting big things. And I really can't wait to run out at Edgeley Park for the first game of the new season. It's everything I've been working for."

MATCH REPORT - COUNTY 0 v 1 St Mirren

By Chris Larkin

County may have lost but there was much to celebrate from their friendly match against the Scottish cup holders.

The Hatters kicked off the first of three home friendlies against St. Mirren, with former Hatter Jim Goodwin captaining the visitors from North of the border, and lined up with Ian Ormson, Kyle Jacobs, Kieran Charnock, James Tunnicliffe, Stephen O'Halloran, Paris Bateman, Chris Sutherland, Tom Field, Michael Riley, Ian Craney and Phil Jevons.

There was some really free-flowing football played by both sides in the first 10 minutes but the first real chance of the game fell to St. Mirren with a looping cross-cum-shot being confidently plucked off the line in the air by Ian Ormson.

The game continued in much the same vein for the next 10 minutes with the best chances continuing to fall to the Saints, keeping Ormson on his toes.

But though County won the first corner of the game, no-one could take full advantage of the set pieces, and St Mirren continued to press forward.

The County defence was being tested but, at no stage, did it feel like a St. Mirren goal was imminent as the Hatters back four continued to hold their position and started to look like they're finally starting to gel as a unit, with both full backs - Jacobs and O'Halloran - looking particularly confident.

The teams may have gone in 0-0 at the break but we'd seen an enthralling 45 minutes of football.

There were three changes at the break from Ian Bogie, Lewis King replaced the impressive Ian Ormson, Fagbola came on for James Tunnicliffe and Jamie Hand came on for Ian Craney.

Within a couple of minutes Lewis King had his palms warmed by a well struck free-kick from Jim Goodwin. And Chris Sutherland continued to be impressive on his County debut - his crossing was a bit hit and miss but, his running and ground passes were all full of purpose and promise. And when Jamie Hand came on at half time, constantly biting and snapping at opponents ankles, the team started to look a real threat.

There was a rumble of excitement from the fans as hot prospect Rhys Turner replaced Chris Sutherland and, his impact was almost immediate as a clever run and quick turn of pace left the defenders for dead, leaving the young attacker to shoot from just a few yards out. The strike was somehow blocked on the line as he looked to continue his impressive pre-season.

And Turner's introduction kick-started a good spell of pressure from County with his speed and agility on the ball providing a constant threat going forward.

But, despite County's relentless pressure, Lewis King was still forced into a couple of smart saves to keep out the opposition strikers.

County came close a couple of times, and sensing they may have a chance to push for the win Ian Bogie brought on versatile youngster, Brandon Windsor, replacing Kieran Charnock to freshen up the ranks for the final push.

But with only a couple of minutes left, the deadlock was finally broken and, sadly, not by County.

St. Mirren notched the only goal of the game through Harkins who pounced on a loose ball in the box after some nice forward play by the visitors.

It was to County's credit that the team didn't accept the tie was over and, less than a minute later, Jordan Fagbola powerfully headed just inches over from a corner that should really have won the Hatters a share of the spoils.

The only sour note of the encounter involved impressive full back Kyle Jacobs, who limped off the pitch after picking up a knock in stoppage time.

Fortunately, early indications are that the defender's injury isn't serious.

There were really nothing but positives to take from the game and, while it would have been nice if County had been a bit more daring with their shooting in front of goal overall, to lose from an unlucky goal at the death against the Scottish cup holders is no disgrace and provided many more reasons to be cheerful.

WHO'S WHO IN THE SKRILL NORTH

  

Chris Larkin (Cheadle End Punk's very own Mystic Meg) makes his predictions for the new Conference North season

AFC Telford United

Nickname: The Bucks
Stadium: New Bucks Head (6,300)
Last Position: 24th Conference Premier
My Prediction: 2nd
Manager: Liam Watson
One to Watch: Wes Baynes (Defender)

Telford United have spent big this Summer and have former Southport manager Liam Watson as their new boss. With a string of impressive signings and facilities amongst the best in the whole of non-league, the Bucks will certainly be looking to bounce back at the first attempt. Their most impressive signing? Wes Baynes, a defender who has played in Chester's last two promotion campaigns and has experience getting out of this league. They'll be consistently up at the right end of the table all season but will just fall short of the title.

Altrincham

Nickname: The Robins
Stadium: Moss Lane (6,085)
Last Position: 4th Conference North
My Prediction: 1st
Manager: Lee Sinnott
One to Watch: Damien Reeves (Forward)

Altrincham, with the league's top goalscorer last season, will finish top this season. Last term the Robins were unfortunate to lose in the play-off semi-finals and will be looking to reclaim that Conference National berth they lost in 2011. They're sure to be tough opposition for any team this season. Keeping Damien Reeves at the club will be crucial though. If his goals dry up they'll struggle to maintain an upward momentum.

Barrow

Nickname: The Bluebirds
Stadium: Holker Street (5,000)
Last Position: 22nd Conference Premier
My Prediction: 10th
Manager: David Bayliss
One to Watch: Greg Mills (Midfielder)

Barrow, like County and Telford, are in the middle of a rebuilding job. Despite looking dead and buried by Christmas, they did put up a bit of a fight in the 2nd half of the season but in the end it wasn't enough to put the Bluebirds above the dotted line and they too suffered the drop. They'll adjust to life in the division well enough and a solid upper mid-table finish is certainly not out of the question if they can bulk out their squad between now and the first game and make good use of the loan market.

Boston United

Nickname: The Pilgrims
Stadium: York Street (6,643)
Last Position: 16th Conference North
My Prediction: 9th
Manager: Dennis Greene
One to Watch: Carl Piergianni (Defender)

Misfortune hit the Lincolnshire side in 2007 as they suffered a double relegation, being relegated from League 2 on the last day of the season they were then informed they breached Conference rules and were placed in the Conference North for the 2007/08 season. Despite finishing 10th they were demoted to the Northern Premier League, where they spent two years before winning the play-offs and getting back into the Conference North. They will be looking to continue the strengthening of their promotion chances, having recently signed former Hatter, Carl Piergianni.

Brackley Town

Nickname: The Saints
Stadium: St. James' Park (3,500)
Last Position: 3rd Conference North
My Prediction: 5th
Manager: Jon Brady
One to Watch: Gary Mulligan (Forward)

Brackley achieved their highest ever finish in the 2012-13 season, finishing 3rd in the Conference North and losing in the play-off final to FC Halifax Town. The Saints will be hoping to build on their success of last season and will be looking to make the play-offs again but with the right additions a push for the title is expected.

Bradford Park Avenue

Nickname: The Avenue
Stadium: Horsfall Stadium (3,500)
Last Position: 7th Conference North
My Prediction: 8th
Manager: John Deacey
One to Watch: Tim Ryan (Defender)

Bradford Park Avenue have played in all four professional divisions and are also the only team to have done so to have also played below the 5th tier. The Avenue did very well last season finishing 7th despite being tipped for relegation after their play-off promotion from the Northern Premier League. A similar result, in table terms, is expected again this time.

Colwyn Bay

Nickname: The Seagulls
Stadium: Llanellian Road (2,500)
Last Position: 18th Conference North
My Prediction: 19th
Manager: Frank Sinclair
One to Watch: Frank Sinclair (Player Manager/Defender)

Last season the Seagulls did very well to avoid relegation, finishing two places clear of the drop. And another season of struggle is expected this time around for the Welshmen. They have just enough about them to stave off relegation but a few poor results where points are expected could see them suffer the drop.

Gainsborough Trinity

Nickname: The Holy Blues
Stadium: The Northolme (4,304)
Last Position: 8th Conference North
My Prediction: 6th
Manager: Steve Housham
One to Watch: Dominic Roma (Defender/Midfielder)

A good 8th place finish last season was overshadowed by the club's FA Trophy heroics last time around. They made it all the way to the Semi-Finals only losing to Wrexham on aggregate after losing 3-1 in Wales and upsetting the odds to win 2-1 in Gainsborough.  They couldn't quite get that one goal to take it into extra time. But they'll have another good season this time and will likely just miss out on the playoffs.

Gloucester City

Nickname: The Tigers
Stadium: Whaddon Road (7,066 Owned by Cheltenham Town)
Last Position: 11th Conference North
My Prediction: 20th
Manager: David Mehew
One to Watch: Neil Mustoe (Midfielder)

Despite a solid 11th place finish last season, Gloucester's financial troubles and exile from their home town will see the club struggle and be in a relegation scrap all season. They will suffer the drop in the end, the council money won't last forever and unless they get some investment soon it could quickly become a very sad ending for the Tigers.

Guiseley

Nickname: The Lions
Stadium: Nethermoor Park (3,000)
Last Position: 2nd Conference North
My Prediction: 3rd
Manager: Steve Kittrick
One to Watch: Phil Marsh (Forward)

Guiseley will feel they were desperately unlucky to not be playing Conference Premier football next season, after finishing 2nd in the league. Unfortunately, they lost in the play-offs to FC Halifax Town, who sneaked in through the backdoor and ultimately won promotion via the play-off lottery. Guiseley will again have eyes on promotion and are expected to mount a serious title challenge that will fall just short. They'll make the play-offs though.

Harrogate Town

Nickname: Town
Stadium: Wetherby Road (3,800)
Last Position: 6th
My Prediction: 7th
Manager: Simon Weaver
One to Watch: Matthew Bloomer (Defender)

After a few seasons of struggle, last season saw a complete turnaround for Town after appointing a new club board. The team progressed to the 2nd Round proper of the FA Cup and finished 6th in the league - a huge success given their record in the previous seasons relegation dogfight. With a competent board now in place, Harrogate will again be looking toward a good upper table finish.

Hednesford Town

Nickname: The Pitmen
Stadium: Keys Park (6,500)
Last Position: 2nd Northern Premier League
My Prediction: 22nd
Manager: Rob Smith
One to Watch: Neil Harvey (Forward)

The Pitmen won promotion from the Northern Premier League after beating FC United of Manchester in the final. While promotion was a great achievement it'll be surprising if they don't struggle this coming season. They won't be pushovers but probably don't have quite enough about them to beat the drop,. Their big hope, goalscorer Neil Harvey, could change that if his form is exemplary though.

Histon

Nickname: The Stutes
Stadium: Bridge Road (4,300)
Last Position: 19th Conference North
My Prediction: 21st
Manager: Brian Page
One to Watch: Lewis Taaffe (Forward)

Histon just avoided relegation last season and have been struggling financially for the last few seasons, having finished 16th in 2012 and then 19th in 2013. They'll continue their decline and suffer the drop this time round. It is likely that the ever strengthening league will prove too much for them this time around.

Leamington

Nickname: The Brakes
Stadium: New Windmill Ground (2,300)
Last Position: 1st in Southern Premier Division
My Prediction: 17th
Manager: Paul Holleran
One to Watch: Stefan Moore (Forward)

Leamington romped to the Southern League title by an impressive 12 point margin last season and that momentum will carry on into this season and will help them achieve safety at the very least. Despite being tipped for the drop, the Brakes will finish lower midtable and will cause a few of the 'better' teams a few headaches.

North Ferriby United

Nickname: The Villagers
Stadium: Grange Lane (2,700)
Last Position: 1st Northern Premier League
My Prediction: 18th
Manager: Billy Heath
One to Watch: Ryan Kendall (Forward)

North Ferriby won the Northern Premier League title on the last game of the season, finishing on the same points as Hednesford United. The Villagers are better prepared for the coming season though and have the impressive Ryan Kendall, who notched an astounding 36 goals in 35 games last season, as their secret weapon. They've also signed Nathan Jarman, one of Chester's promotion winning squad last season. They should finish safely above the dotted line.

Oxford City

Nickname: The Hoops
Stadium: Court Place Farm (2,000)
Last Position: 10th Conference North
My Prediction: 15th
Manager: Mike Ford
One to Watch: Jamie Cook (Forward)

Last season was Oxford's first ever term at Conference North level and they had a very good season finishing in 10th place, without ever really troubling the play-offs or the relegation battle. This season will be another one of consolidation for the Hoops, a standard mid-table finish should be on the cards for them.

Solihull Moors

Nickname: The Moors
Stadium: Autotech Stadium (3,050)
Last Position: 9th Conference North
My Prediction: 16th
Manager: Marcus Bignot
One to Watch: Gary Birch (Forward)

Last season saw Solihull finish in the upper reaches of the table, 9th place in the end. This time around it is unlikely they'll finish quite so high. It'll be a semi-comfortable lower mid-table finish, though I'm sure the players will be looking for a repeat performance of last year's good run.

Stalybridge Celtic

Nickname: The Celts
Stadium: Bower Fold (6,500)
Last Position: 13th Conference North
My Prediction: 11th
Manager: Jim Harvey
One to Watch: Adam Pepper (Midfielder)

The Celts are no strangers to County fans, being based just up the road and having been obliging victims last year in County's 5-3 FA Cup qualifier victory. The 2011-12 season was a promising one with them going toe-to-toe with Hyde for the title until the last stretch of the season when they fell away and just missed out on the play-offs. They were disappointed with a tame mid-table finish last season but, once again, they've made no real significant squad additions, so it is likely to be another mid-table finish for them.

Stockport County

Nickname: The Hatters
Stadium: Edgeley Park (10,841)
Last Position: 21st Conference Premier
My Prediction: 4th
Manager: Ian Bogie
One to Watch: Rhys Turner (Forward)

County will be contenders this season. It'll take a month or two to really hit top gear but, when they do, expect a real battle for promotion. In the end I think the Hatters will miss out on the title but will make the play-offs. With a new, exciting strike force, a developing midfield and defence, the team should enjoy its best season in a few years.

Vauxhall Motors

Nickname: The Motormen
Stadium: Rivacre Park (3,300)
Last Position: 12th Conference North
My Prediction: 13th
Manager: Carl Macauley
One to Watch: Louis Moss (Midfielder)

Vauxhall had a solid season last year finishing 12th. It will be more of the same this year for the Ellesmere Port based side. While they have had close calls with relegation in the past, they have remained in the Conference North and will be looking to build on the solid season they have just enjoyed.

Worcester City

Nickname: The Dragons
Stadium: Aggborough (6,250)
Last Position: 15th Conference North
My Prediction: 14th
Manager: Carl Heeley
One to Watch: Stuart Whitehead (Defender)

The Dragons had a reasonable season last year, finishing 15th. Having sold their ground to raise crucial funds for a new stadium, they will lodge with Kidderminster Harriers next season. Worcester will be looking for another solid season on the pitch while they continue to sort out a more permanent home off it.

Workington

Nickname: The Reds
Stadium: Borough Park (3,101)
Last Position: 14th
My Prediction: 12th
Manager: Darren Edmondson
One to Watch: Paul Johnson (Defender)

A once proud Football League side, Workington, like County, will be looking up at the Football League with teary-eyed regret. They will be hoping that a promotion to the Conference Premier isn't too far away but, for now, it will once again be a case of consolidating their place in the Conference North.

MATCH REPORT: Ramsbottom Utd 3 v 4 COUNTY

By Hatter in Macc

The good townspeople of Ramsbottom witnessed two lightning strikes yesterday.

The first was in the form of a bolt during the early morning thunderstorm, which tore through the roof and exploded part of the tower belonging to St Andrew’s Church; and the second in the space of twenty-five crazy, goal-filled minutes at the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium, culminating in a victory for the visiting Stockport County side that, an hour into the game, would have seemed impossible.

Earlier in the evening, the torrential downpour, which had greeted our arrival in the tree-lined West Pennine valley that houses the ground, thankfully subsided to leave us with rain-free, albeit still rather humid, match conditions.

Somewhat different weather, then, than the baking sunshine in which County’s previous three friendlies had been played – although, remember, we were now in Lancashire, rather than Cheshire – and this latest fixture, borne from the link between Alan Lord and Rammy’s Manager, Anthony Johnson, who had played under Lordy whilst at Atherton Collieries, also saw the hosts clad in red and black...a refreshing change from the green worn by our three previous sets of opponents.

County took to the field with, what looked on paper, their strongest starting line-up yet, without a trialist to be seen:

Ormson, Jacobs, O’Halloran, Fagbola, Charnock, Hand, Windsor, Craney, Jevons, Dennis, Turner.

All the more disappointing, then, was a first half that saw Rammy, plying their trade at two levels below the Conference North, dominate proceedings to such an extent that the hosts’ two-goal lead at half-time rather flattered County.

The lead had been taken on 32 minutes - much to the double-annoyance of your correspondent, whose draw-ticket for the time of the game’s first goal was 120 seconds out - when a well taken free kick by Grant Spencer flew in.

Clearly no lessons were learned earlier in the game by County, as a dead ball attempt from the same player a quarter of an hour earlier had struck the post and, indeed, would have been the opener had Ormson not got a touch to it first.

Rammy’s second had followed at the worst possible time, just a minute before the interval, when pocket-sized midfield dynamo, Phil Dean, tied the visiting defence in knots to rifle home.

At this point, I was texting my friends and fellow County fans in as near-downbeat mood as it’s possible for me to muster.

Ok, so it was still only a friendly – but, then again, it was our fourth against lower-tier opposition, and I was seeing no signs of our squad starting to gel. Without doubt, a good half-time talk-cum-rollicking was needed...

As the second half began, an unchanged County side did look, at least, as if they had managerial words of some sort ringing in their ears, and started to inject a little more pace and urgency into the game.

All to no avail initially, though, as Rammy, also still full of running, split the visiting defence to make it 3-0 on the hour, courtesy of Tom Brooks.

Not a happy state of affairs. But cometh the hour, cometh the man...and, within a minute, Rhys Turner had opened his goal-scoring account, popping one in off the post. At least we had something to savour on the drive home.

Within another five minutes, it really was all happening, as Kristian Dennis was on target following a corner. Two consolation goals...now, that seemed a great deal more respectable.

With ten minutes to go, another free kick hit the back of the net. Not one of Grant Spencer’s this time, mind, but a Phil Jevons effort. County, against all odds and expectations, were level.

And the game was drawing to a close, with the fifty or so away supporters preparing themselves for their homeward journeys and feeling pretty chuffed with a share of the friendly spoils, when that man Dennis, from the edge of the area, chipped in a beauty to secure his fifth goal in three appearances and, moreover, a most unlikely victory for County.

Full-time: Ramsbottom 3, County 4.

A turning-point for the newly-assembled squad? Possibly. A morale-boosting win? Certainly.

The playing pool still needs further strengthening for sure, and the four or five players yet to be brought in will be key, but, while a narrow win against an Evo-Stick Division 1 North side shouldn’t  see us getting carried away just yet, a comeback from three goals down surely can't fail to stir the most hardened heart.

Pure footballing theatre, at whatever level. And a decent night out for a fiver.

CHINESE WHISPERS

By Jamie Summers

Just in case you haven’t been awake in the last 24 hours, we’re informed that Kate Middleton has given birth to a child which will one day be our future King.

Hurrah.

Slightly closer to home (and also just a tiny bit more relevant, I think) there was one particularly interesting piece of news last week which, despite being picked up on by some, went surprisingly under the radar by County standards.

This was news which came from former County-man, Steve Bellis. It could be potentially quite big news, at that. Just fancy.

Bellis spoke at a sponsors’ evening at Edgeley Park arranged by current Commercial Manager Phil Brennan last week. He confirmed that people once connected to County’s former Chinese affiliate club, Stockport Tiger Star, are interested in bringing a consortium of businessmen over to invest in the Club.

How serious any talk of a takeover could be and what that may or may not have in store for the Football Club is anyone’s guess. Naturally, as County fans we have all immediately taken a cautious approach to the news; ‘once bitten, twice shy’ and all that, after all.

However, Steve Bellis’ credibility is not in doubt.

He retains huge respect amongst the County faithful for the stellar work he did during his time as Commercial Manager at Edgeley Park and that is something which perhaps lends that little extra integrity to the situation.

Not without reason, foreign ownership has come under huge criticism in recent years. Hicks & Gillett at Liverpool, Venky’s at Blackburn Rovers, Vincent Tan’s colour changing at Cardiff City, the multitude of owners at Portsmouth and the repulsive spending over at City have all helped to fuel the movement to resist English clubs passing into foreign hands.

Usually, it can be argued that there is an ulterior motive for people choosing to buy a Football Club, and that the club’s interests aren’t usually at the heart of such motives; but that isn’t always the case.

I’m not too sure anyone ever truly ‘invests’ in a Football Club, because an investment is a payment likely to see a return. More often than not, money sunk into football is never going to be seen again. It disappears into a dark abyss of greed and misfortune.

Although there are many – too many – examples of foreign owners damaging the fabric of the English game, there are also examples of where it has gone well.

Take Fulham as a case in point; they were taken over by Mohamed Al Fayed in 1997, when they were in what is now League One.

Despite having one of the richest Football Clubs in the world literally on their doorstep (Chelsea), adorned with a star-studded squad and one of the most talented managers in world football, The Cottagers are about to embark upon their thirteenth consecutive season in the Premier League.

Al Fayed recently sold Fulham for around £200 million to Pakistani-American businessman Shahid Khan, who pledged to continue to work of the previous 16 years. Although talk is cheap, a Fulham-supporting mate of mine has only good things to say about Al Fayed (excusing, perhaps, that bloody bizarre Michael Jackson statue) and is cautiously optimistic about Khan.

There are further examples of foreign ownership going well; a case can be made for the success of Sunderland and Aston Villa under their American ownership.

Stood at the other end of this football-obsessed bar, there are also some reminders that ‘home’ ownership isn’t always a guarantee of the Holy Grail of success.

Before their return to the top flight, Newcastle United fans consistently made headlines for their vehement objection to the tenure of businessmen Mike Ashley.

I’m sure no-one needs reminding that since the 2015 Group brought County out of administration back in 2010, we’ve suffered 2 relegations in the space of three seasons, and now find ourselves skulking around the grimy gutters of non-league insignificance.

Foreign ownership doesn’t always end in failure, just as home ownership doesn’t promise success.

County’s association with China began almost a decade ago in 2004, when Bellis was integral to establishing a partnership with Liaoning Tiger Star in the North-East of the country.

County took 50% ownership of the Chinese outfit, which changed its name to Stockport Tiger Star, while former Chelsea manager John Hollins became their manager. The idea was that both clubs would benefit from the partnership; County would tap into the huge Chinese market and Tiger Star would hopefully climb the Chinese leagues.

At first, the partnership was a huge success, helping Stockport County to become a huge name in parts of China.

County made two pre-season trips to the country. In 2004, The Hatters attracted over 20,000 supporters to one of our matches whilst on tour, which was greater than the crowd that Manchester United enjoyed and three times the figure which saw Barcelona play in China in the same year.

Now, it has been hinted that there could be a 10 year anniversary tour of China in the offing for County, where supporters and Club sponsors would be invited to attend and watch the Hatters play on the other side of the world.

Almost a quarter of the world’s 7 billion people live in China, and the Liaoning Province, where Tiger Star were based, is home to almost 44 million people itself.

It’s easy to see why the Club saw potential in branching out in the first place.

This prospective news doesn’t necessarily mean the club is about to be taken over by wealthy Chinese investors (we can dream, can’t we?). But if it does prove anything, it’s that although the name of Stockport County may have dropped off the radar over here, it’s still alive in China.

It is to be expected that news of a takeover, or even interest, is met with scepticism and suspicion by County fans. We’ve had so many false dawns when it comes to investment. Understandably, we’re tired of being promised the Earth and being delivered nothing but disappointment and embarrassment.

After Melrose, 2015, Newton, Conduit, etc. it is old-hat now. I, along with most County fans, was swept away in the hype of Tony Evans’ proposed takeover of the club back in 2011, and look where that landed us.

Now, every time talk of a takeover comes along, it is immediately a case of ‘The Boy Who Cried Wolf.’

We’d be foolish to collectively set ourselves up for another stinging fall. We should take this little snippet of news with a pinch of salt, and treat it with wary caution.

But Steve Bellis rightfully garnered a reputation for the tremendous work that he invested in County over many years.

As with all Chinese Whispers, nobody really knows whether it could be significant or another non-starter.

Perhaps it is cause for some much-needed, restrained, sensible and cautious optimism about our future.

Time will tell, I suppose.

MATCH REPORT: Nantwich Town 1 v 0 COUNTY

By Chris Larkin

County's pre-season tour of Cheshire came to an end with another defeat on Saturday.

The Hatters took on Cheshire cousins Nantwich Town - once again trying out a handful of trialists in the match.

And there definitely seems to be a pattern emerging now with opponents playing in Green and White - they're County's kryptonite.

So, sticking to the norm for the pre-season, County started the game poorly, with a few decent runs and chances for the Dabbers.

One of the rare County attacks ended badly for trialist, Paris Bateman as he went down during a Sortie into the box. Physio Rodger Wylde scampered on to the pitch clearly worried about the player. And on-pitch treatment lasted for a good 10 minutes or so.

After-match reports indicate that unfortunate Bateman seemed to have broken a bone and is unlikely play again, certainly in pre-season. He was replaced by the impressive Ian Howard.

County did start to get into the game a bit more after Howard came on and a few decent attacking moves promised much but resulted in little - maybe the players apparent fear of shooting when on the edges of the box had something to do with that.

And so, inevitably, the first half petered out somewhat uneventfully.

Nantwich Town's winning penalty

Ian Craney came out of the half with much credit though, his passing and calmness on the ball is to be really admired and he could be crucial for the Hatters in the coming season.

The second half started similarly to the first, with Nantwich on top.

Within 10 minutes a silly foul from County trialist Ross Fisher saw the ref point to the spot to give Town a penalty, which the impressive Aaron Burns squeezed home despite a full stretch dive from Ian Ormson.

Just a minute later it appeared County had leveled as a flowing team move resulted in the ball crossing the goal-line. The linesman, though, had other ideas. And much to the displeasure of the County players, staff and fans alike the goal was chalked off.

In the dying minutes, County had a free-kick on the edge of the area which gave them a great chance to draw level.

But they took it quickly and wasted the chance when the referee waved play-on after a Nantwich interception.

Within seconds we had the best moment of a fairly dour encounter thanks to teenage County prodigy, Rhys Turner.

He picked up the ball from the Nantwich clearance, ghosted through a handful of Nantwich players and brilliantly unleashed an incredible piledriver of a shot and that smashed against the post. So unlucky.

The ball landed at the feet of County's forwards from Turner's drive though, and they obliged by putting the ball in the net only for the linesman to, once again, deny the Hatters a goal via the offside flag.

The game ended just a couple of minutes later and the team's tour of Cheshire saw County rack up one win and two losses.

Ian Bogie said after the game that he'd seen enough of the trialists to make a final call on their County futures. And, to be frank, it doesn't look like any of them will be getting good news from the gaffer.


Still, another game, another step closer to full match fitness for those players who are already signed up to next season's Conference North campaign.

THE RIGHT HAND OF THE LORD IS A 'DEVIL'

Jamie Hand

By Adam Moss

In prophecy the right hand of the Lord refers to the Messiah to whom is given the power and authority to subdue his enemies.

And now Stockport County has its own right Hand of the Lord. Jamie Hand and Alan Lord, to be precise.

Jamie Hand has been brought in by the assistant manager and County boss Ian Bogie to be Edgeley Park's new midfield enforcer. 

Just this week Alan Lord described Hand as the 'devil' that the club has been so sorely missing in the middle of the park - a true competitor who will give County the edge in the closest fought battles this term.

Jamie Hand is more than happy to take on that role.

Remember last season when County's 'kids' were forever rolled over by bigger, more powerful experienced teams? Remember when they gave up potential victories because the team simply didn't seem to possess the tools to see out a game to a victorious conclusion?

Happened a lot, didn't it?

No more, according to Hand.

Despite his 'journeyman' tag,  Jamie Hand insists he chose to play for Stockport County this season because he believes 100% in Ian Bogie's commitment to playing the game the right way. A passing game.

Hand had a few offers on the table when he met Bogie and the two discussed how the beautiful game should be played.

He said: "Speaking to the manager it was clear that we both believe football should be played the right way. It's about putting your foot on the ball, looking up, finding a team-mate, passing the ball.

"In my career I've come across a few managers who have absolutely no interest in playing football that way. I've been at clubs where the passing game just isn't in the plan. I've had to leave those clubs because I just can't play for a team or a manager who thinks that way.

"That's maybe why I have played at quite a few clubs over the years. Sure, some I've left to play at a higher level, nearer home or for better money but, in most cases, I've moved on when it became clear that the boss just didn't want to play football the way I think it should be played.

"I don't care what has happened with Stockport County teams in the past but, we won't be losing any games this season because we have been bullied on the pitch"

"Look, even at this level, a player should be able to get the ball down and pass it.

"It is being drilled into us that we all have to be comfortable on the ball, be positive, be hard working."

But he's equally determined that the new Stockport County will not concede a yard of turf or a single 50-50 ball, without a fight.

"I enjoy getting stuck in, that's no secret. At this level, in fact at any level, as a centre midfielder you have to do that or you simply won't survive in a game," he said.

"If everyone in the team gives their all and we go in for everything then the fans cannot ask for much more than that. We have a squad of good quality players - the manager has made sure of that.

"I can tell you this, I don't care what has happened with Stockport County teams in the past but, we won't be losing any games this season because we have been bullied on the pitch.

"I'm getting to know the lads in the team well and I can tell you, the lads here now - they just won't have that."

First things first, though.

Frame of mind and expectation is the order of the day.

As far as Jamie Hand is concerned he won't even countenance talk about putting this club back in the Football League.

"Stockport County is a big club - you only have to walk into the stadium to see that. Everything about this club is Football League but we have no divine right to be there.

"The Football League is not my concern this season. All we are thinking about as a team is winning enough games to put this club back in the Conference National. That's a big problem with a lot of teams, they're looking too far ahead.

"By all means plan for it, but we really can't afford to be looking two seasons ahead as players. We need to focus on the here and now or we'll forget what needs to be done right now.

"It is down to us as a group of players to get us back in the Conference National. Then, and only then should we start thinking about the Football League.

"Our only goal this season is promotion - nothing more, nothing less.

"I'm not being disrespectful to anyone else in our league this season but if we do not get promotion it simply isn't good enough for the team we have got here."

Hand feels Ian Bogie is assembling the right mix of youth and experience to mount that challenge and believes the training the team is doing - repeating basic after basic until everyone is getting it right, every time - is the kind of preparation that will result in plenty of wins during the season.

He said: "Football is all about habits and doing the little things well. In football it is very hard to train badly all week and then play well on a Saturday. We are doing the basics well - training hard. If we can take that into games and do the jobs that are asked of us then it makes all the difference between winning and losing matches.

"Much of my game is about talking to other players. I try to get others around me doing their jobs and keep them organised. Me, Ian Craney and Phil Jevons all have that in our game - I guess it comes from our experience.

"Ian Bogie has brought in players he knows will work well together. Me and Craney, for example. We both know what needs to be done. As long as we continue to work well together then things in the midfield will be fine for us this season."

If his actions are half as direct as his words, it looks like the Cheadle End may have themselves a new hero in the making.

PLAYING AWAY

YOUR INDISPENSABLE GUIDE TO EVERY SKRILL NORTH CLUB

By Jamie Summers

I first tried to sit and gather my footballing thoughts for this week whilst sat overlooking the sea, beer in hand, in Scarborough. The unmistakeable smell of sun cream and ice cream hung in the air as a multitude of tourists slowly baked in the searing heat.

It was too hot, in fact, and I couldn’t put pen to paper to form anything remotely resembling a flowing piece of prose. But in between pondering whether to get another pint in and talking to a supporter of North Ferriby United, what struck me was how lively the North Yorkshire seaside resort is nowadays.

Once upon a time, Scarborough Away would have been a cracking day out. I’ve never experienced it myself, but it’s the type of place that has the potential for creating great footballing memories.

Unfortunately, Scarborough FC were wound up in 2007. Having dropped out of the Football League after 11 years in the late 90s, financial difficulties eventually culminated in their liquidation and expulsion from the Conference North 6 years ago. The Seasiders’ McCain Stadium was demolished in 2011 and is now home to a sports complex.

What struck me in thinking about this is how it’s the type of away day that we could be enjoying this coming season. The Scarf refers to wearing it proudly round our necks at Chesterfield and Crewe, but barring a bloody good cup run, that won’t be happening any time soon.

For the most part, we’re entering into the unknown, excepting the odd trip. Conceivably, Scarborough could even be on our fixture list within a few years. Their phoenix club, Scarborough Athletic, is currently in the Northern Premier First Division, two levels below us.

There are some fantastic stadium names down in the shadowy depths of non-league wilderness. Droylsden’s ‘Butchers Arms’ and Lancaster City’s ‘Giant Axe’ are two that come to mind. My personal favourite is Lewes’ ‘The Dripping Pan’. Sadly, none of these teams compete in the Conference North.

 So, where exactly are we going to over the next 12 months (at least)? How far are we going to travel and what’s in store for the travelling blue and white army? Here’s a potentially boring list; still, you could always take a thrilling trip to the Supermarket, eh?

Between now and the end of April, the blue and white army will cover a total of 3,856 miles following the club this season. With the average away day being 92 miles away from SK3, the concept of a regional division can be quite deceiving.

However, with County never having played 14 of the 21 other teams at this level, it is a new chapter in our Club’s history and an opportunity to go to places that we’ve never been before. Hopefully, those places will bring rich rewards.

We’re starting a journey. Let’s hope that the pot of gold at the end of this particular journey comes with a convenient Promotion too.

Moss Lane (Altrincham FC)  

Distance: 10 miles

Capacity: 6,085 (1,323 seated)

At just 10 miles away, Altrincham are our closest game next season. We’re now competing against the traditional rivals of the mighty Macclesfield Town, while they enjoy the dizzying heights of the Conference. Life’s not fair, is it? Moss Lane is also going to be known as the J. Davidson Stadium after a bout of crap sponsorship.

Bower Fold (Stalybridge Celtic)  

Distance: 13 miles

Capacity: 6,500 (1,200 seated)

Jim Harvey’s Stalybridge Celtic have been a full-time outfit in the last couple of years, but to no avail and they missed the playoffs last term. We’re no strangers to Bower Fold, having been dumped out of the FA Trophy there in 2011. It is the only stadium in the country to face directly north. Saltergate used to face north too, but now it’s a housing complex.

Rivacre Park (Vauxhall Motors)  

Distance: 39 miles

Capacity: 3,300 (350 seated)

Vauxhall Motors are based in Ellesmere Port and are owned by the plant which provides most of the employment in that part of the world. As a fellow Cheshire club, Vauxhall are officially one of our ‘derbies’ along with the two teams above. Eeeeeeek.

Horsfall Stadium (Bradford Park Avenue)  

Distance: 43 miles

Capacity: 3,500 (1,800 seated)

For the first time in decades we’re back playing Bradford Park Avenue once again, whose proud Football League days are now long behind them with the Club being overshadowed in the last 30-odd years by neighbours Bradford City. PA are moving from the Horsfall Stadium soon, in a bid to regain their Football League status once more. Darlington Arena anyone?

Nethermoor Park (Guiseley AFC)  

Distance: 51 miles

Capacity: 3,000 (500 seated)

Guiseley is cushioned neatly within the boundary of the City of Leeds, which, unfortunately for Guiseley AFC, is home to one of the most historically successful Football Clubs this country has ever seen. Competing at the top end of the Conference North for the last few years, Guiseley are tipped to do well this term.

Wetherby Road (Harrogate Town)

Distance: 65 miles

Capacity: 3,800 (500 seated)

Harrogate should, fingers crossed, be a cracking away day. Possibly the most middle-class town in the country, it’s a great place to visit and hopefully it will be worthwhile on the pitch. The ground also has a proper quintessentially Yorkshire name: Wetherby. Ace that, innit?

Keys Park (Hednesford Town)  

Distance: 71 miles

Capacity: 6,500 (Some seats, I think).

Built in the mid-90s, Keys Park is one of the largest stadiums at this level at a capacity of over 6,000. Your guess is as good as mine as to how many seats there are though. The fewer the better tends to be the general rule. Being newly promoted, Hednesford will be an intriguing trip to make.

Llanelian Road (Colwyn Bay)  

Distance: 75 miles

Capacity: 2,500 (500 seated)

Crossing the border to Conwy should hopefully be a highlight of the campaign. Who knows, with the away game being the penultimate game of the season, it might even have something riding on it. Llanelian Road is famous for English people pronouncing it wrong, and supporters sitting on ‘The Hill’ outside to avoid paying for a ticket. After all, to pay is to fail. Ain’t nobody got time for that.

The Northolme (Gainsborough Trinity)

Distance: 79 miles

Capacity: 4,304 (515 seated)

Pretty much exactly due-east of Stockport, Gainsborough is to be found in Lincolnshire, north of Lincoln and south of Scunthorpe. The Northolme doesn’t have much in the way of seating, but does have a reasonable capacity for this level. The stadium is known as ‘The Chapel’. Chapel… Trinity…. Geddit? Hahahaha.

New Bucks Head (AFC Telford United)  

Distance: 88 miles

Capacity: 6,300 (2,200 seated)

New Bucks Head was built in 2003 on the site of the ‘Old’ Bucks Head, where Telford United formerly played. Unfortunately for Telford, the club went out of business pretty much as soon as the stadium was built, and the phoenix club moved in a season later. They somehow managed to have both fewer points and more managers than County last season. Former Southport gaffer Liam Watson took the reins there over summer.

Grange Lane (North Ferriby United)  

Distance: 95 miles

Capacity: 2,700 (not many seated)

North Ferriby is on the Humber Estuary, near Hull in the East Riding of Yorkshire. They won promotion to the Conference North last season by winning the Northern Premier League title and it is their first time in the 6^th tier. The village is known locally simply as ‘Ferriby’ and the club are known as The Villagers.

Damson Park (Solihull Moors)

Distance: 96 miles

Capacity: 3,050 (280 seated)

Solihull Moors is a merger club formed in 2007 out of Solihull Borough FC and Moor Green FC. Damson Park was the home of Borough before Solihull Moors was formed, and the current club finished comfortably in the top half last season. Birmingham City reserves also play at the ground.

Aggborough (Worcester City)

Distance: 109 miles

Capacity: 6,250 (3,140 seated)

After last season, Aggborough doesn’t need any introductions. Kidderminter Harriers’ proper but ramshackle home stadium was the site of our relegation from the Conference as we got stuffed 4-0, when Kidderminster were going for promotion. Worcester City currently play here while they wait for a stadium which, if built, will see them kicked out of the Conference North for being too small at a capacity of just 3,000.

Holker Street (Barrow AFC)  

Distance: 106 miles

Capacity: 5,000 (1,000 seated)

As if relegation wasn’t bad enough, Barrow came down with us. That means that we’ve got to go back to Barrow in Furness, the site of our ‘local’ Boxing Day game in 2011 that sparked the start of our survival that season, where it will most likely be raining. Barrow is home to that comedienne lass that looks like Kym Marsh but isn’t Kym Marsh. Can’t remember her name now.

The New Windmill Ground (Leamington FC)  

Distance: 118 miles

Capacity: 2,300 (Seats? I dunno.)

Leamington have played at the New Windmill Ground since the start of the 21^st century, and fully own their home stadium. Unlike Edgeley Park, the stadium also has a scoreboard that works properly. Local brewers the Warwickshire Beer Company made a special ale in honour of Leamington FC in 2005 after they reached the First Round of the FA Cup. Unfortunately, they were trashed 9-1 by Colchester United.

York Street (Boston United)

Distance: 124 miles

Capacity: 6,643 (5,711 seated)

With almost 6,000 seats, York Street has one of the largest numbers of seating in the division. Boston United were relegated from the Football League in odd circumstances in 2007. Playing Wrexham, it was a ‘winner takes all’ situation to decide which side was relegated. Boston entered administration during the game and went down. They were refused entry into the Conference and entered into the North division. Despite finishing in the top half, they were then demoted again in 2007-08, but immediately won promotion back to the sixth tier the following campaign.

Whaddon Road (Gloucester City)

Distance: 129 miles

Capacity: 7,066 (Well there’s some seats, alright?)

We are familiar with Whaddon Road as the home of League Two side Cheltenham Town. We will be making the trip there next season to play Gloucester City, who play there because their own stadium, Meadow Park, was fatally damaged in the extensive floods of 2007. Plans for a new stadium collapsed earlier this year.

St. James Park (Brackley Town)

Distance: 139 miles

Capacity: 3,500 (600 seated)

Far from the Sport Direct.com Arena @ St. James’ Park, or whatever it’s called nowadays, Brackley Town’s home stadium has a total capacity which is much less than 10% of Newcastle United’s. Brackley enjoyed their first season in the Conference North last season and are one of the favourites for promotion this campaign. They have won the ‘Hellenic League’ twice, but Google Maps tells me that Brackley is nowhere near Greece. Impressive.

Borough Park (Workington FC)

Distance: 145 miles

Capacity: 3,101 (500 seated)

County’s first away game of the season is the long trip up to Cumberland to face Workington. Once Football League members, the club long since fell upon hard times and were dropped from the Football League in favour of Wimbledon in 1977. Workington were once managed by Liverpool icon, Bill Shankly.

Court Place Farm (Oxford City)

Distance: 157 miles

Capacity: 2,000 (250 seated)

The lesser-known of Oxford’s two Football Clubs plays their home games at the 2,000-capacity Court Place Farm, despite the Conference North regulations stating that stadia must have an operating capacity of over 3,000 (see also: Llanelian Road). Last season was their first campaign in the Conference North, and they finished in the top half, 11 points clear of the drop.

Bridge Road (Histon FC)

Distance: 176 miles

Capacity: 4,300 (1,700 seated)

You know how this is the Conference North? Well Histon, situated in Cambridgeshire, can in no way be considered the North, but it falls within the Conference’s ‘border counties’. Histon played in the Conference for two seasons, but were relegated to the sixth tier in 2010-11. Let’s hope the 352-mile round trip is worth 3 points. It could be worse. It could be Plainmoor on a Tuesday night. The southern bastards.

Edgeley Park (Stockport County)

Distance: Depends where you live, I guess.

Capacity: 10,841 (10,841 seated)

Edgeley Park is going to stick out like a sore thumb in the Conference North. With a capacity almost touching 11,000 and being the only all-seater stadium in the division, EP wasn’t built for Conference North football. With a bit of luck, the worst team we see play at EP won’t be Stockport County this season, as has been the case for the last few years. Hopefully, we can reverse the unwanted trend of having the worst home record in England last year with our 21 fixtures in EP this coming season.