Stockport County - Big Dreams, Small Club

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Stockport County FC

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In the 1998/99 season, there were two historical footballing achievements in the Greater Manchester area. Manchester United completed the treble, landing Alex Ferguson his 'Sir' status. Meanwhile, Stockport County were one league above Manchester City, for the first time in the club's history. Since then? You know part of the story, 'noisy neighbors' soared battling the previously dominant United machine. This has been ongoing for numerous seasons now, but what of Stockport?

After relegation from the second tier in 2002 (same year City were promoted to the Premiership), 'The Hatters' have spent subsequent years on a slippery slope. Third tier became fourth tier, fourth became fifth and guess what followed? Yep, the sixth tier of English football, with the club stuck in the Vanarama Conference North. Expectations are low, dreams are fading and this club appear to be going nowhere. Stockport need new direction, they need hope.

Here's the moment where you expect me to state my desire to save the club, to do what has never been done, to reach the top and become victorious. That may be the aim, but this is Stockport County... Wish me luck.
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[Webmeister]

Humble Beginnings

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Often in life, big dreams start with humble beginnings.

Shaking hands with the chairman, contract talks had concluded and the dotted line had been signed. I was the new Stockport manager. Dubbed as one of the 'next big things' in English management, my decision would be a surprise for many. The media mocked, proclaiming a lack of ambition, yet the challenge to take this club from the very bottom to the top, was more ambitious than they could possibly imagine.

Refusing to bite on their cynicism, I smiled. 'You'll see my ambition soon enough'.

Meeting the club's staff was the next step. Immediately, I took aside Buster Perry (Head of Youth Development). With regret, the meeting ended with his redundancy. His ability was questionable, but his brilliant name was hard to release. The role was to be covered between myself and assistant Phil Brown (not former Hull boss). I asked Brown to gather the remainder of the team. Nervous faces were quickly reassured, their jobs would be safe. Their quality was lacking, but for the time being stability would be important. One addition joined; scout Lee Maybury. Experience from his time with Portsmouth would be useful to tap into the pool of free agents currently in the market.

With this important step taken, developing a stronger understanding of the squad was necessary. Each member of staff pointed towards the compiled profile of Scott Spencer. Striker, 25 years old. Main asset is raw pace, with good striking instincts for this level. Early promise in the player's career, soon dwindled in many respects. Everton invested a reasonable amount in the striker, who eventually failed to make the grade. Has strong goalscoring pedigree, as demonstrated with his spell with Hyde. Working part time in his family's cleaning business around the football, Spencer has the quality to clean up in front of goal...

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It was clear that any success would revolve around his talent. Scanning through each player meticulously, assessments were made. The teams core was strong, with the need to add depth to the squad. Tall centre back Danny Gregson was moved to the first team squad, having previously spent time with the under 21s. I saw potential in him, presuming we could avoid direct pace in opposition. Five signings shortly followed; impressive winger Matt Chadwick, limited centre back Decio Gomes, creative midfielder Junior Konadu, giant striker Vinny Mukendi and young winger Richard Tomassen. Chadwick entered with high expectations, while the remaining newbies offered strong depth to the squad.

Naturally, a team meeting followed their arrival. Introducing myself properly to the recently formulated squad, I stated the mid table expectations stipulated by the board. Encouraging the team, I highlighted the potential to make this a memorable season, the first of many. Leaving a highly motivated room, my work here had begun.
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