The party will begin tomorrow at Edgeley Park to celebrate the beginning of 125 years of Stockport County.
County’s oldest ex-player George Haigh, at 92 years old, will help kick off the celebrations, which most notably incluce a friendly against the biggest club with the biggest history of trophies in the Premier League, five time European Champions Liverpool.
Morecambe are the visitors tomorrow, which will include a return to Edgeley Park for Irishman Sammy McIlroy.
To get in the mood for tomorrows game, I have taken a look back at the history of Stockport County.
1883 – Formed as Heaton Norris Rovers.
1884 – First game recorded against Chelsea.
May 1890 – Become Stockport County FC.
1893 – Adopt nickname of ‘The Hatters’ due to Stockports famous hat-making industry.
1900 – Join the Football League.
1904 – Finish bottom for three years running and not allowed to regain election to Football League.
1905 – Champions of Lancashire League.
1907 – Regain Football League status.
Uruguayan Saves County
1988 – Unknown Danny Bergara takes over County, and in the same season performs the Great Escpae and saves County from almost definite relgation to non-league football.
1989/90 – Danny glorioisly leads County to the playoffs, but are beaten 6-0 on aggregate by Chesterfield (2-0, 4-0.) The future looks bright under Danny Bergara.
1990/91 – It finally happens. The little Uruguayan takes County to Divison Three, missing out on top spot by goal difference.
1992 – Danny leads County to Wembley via the Play-offs as The Hatters see of Stoke 2-1 in the semis, then narrowly taste defeat 2-1 in a controversial game against Peterborough.
1993 – Another Wembley trip, another defeat. County miss out on promotion at the hands of Port Vale.
1995 – A third play-off defeat at Wembley as County see of York in the semi final but miss out agai
Vital Quotes:
Jim Gannon: ‘This squad is going to get stronger.’
‘We’ve already got some fantastic players and I’m looking forward to them being fit and available.’
‘The players we’re bringing in will be in key areas of the pitch where we’ve been lacking.’
‘We don’t need to release anyone from the squad, but if we want to move to the next level we have to improve.
‘I’m just delighted the three players coming in are going to replace three players who will give us very little for the remainder of the season.’
County Team News:
Adam Proudlock is out with a hamstring strain after being taken off against Wrexham. Anthony Elding may start after being dropped to the bench for consecutive weeks, but scoring the winner against Wrexham.
Jason Taylor is now fully fit after recovering from his injury against Macclesfield.
Player to watch: Anthony Pilkington
Pilkington has shown good form as of late, and after a wonder goal against Shrewsbury on Boxing Day, he will be hoping for a start to prove his worth in the County line up.
Morecambe Team News:
Former County midfielder Damian Allen is still not fit, and defender David Artell is suspended due to a sending off for stamping on a player in the famous 3-2 win over Peterborough.
Midfielder Craig Stanley, who has just signed a new contract, could play a part in tomorrows game.
Player to watch: Carl Baker
Scored both goals in the 2-0 defeat at Morecambe, and most of thier play is through this man. County defence will need to be on top form tomorrow.
Match Facts & Stats
County: 23/20
Draw: 11/5
Morecambe: 19/10
Match Prediction:
2-1 County to kick off the celebrations.
Next Fixtures:
Notts County vs COUNTY 5th January L2 (A)
