What’s in a name?
The debate is topical – with focus on Asian owners. I reported earlier in S’PORT about the lack of empathy in the Malaysian one changing the historic identity of Cardiff as ‘Bluebirds’. More recently, the Owner at Hull City has requested a name change to ‘Hull Tigers’ apparently to maximize marketing and merchandising value. I’m the first to appreciate heritage and thought a compromise could have been Hull City Tigers. In fact a solution first aired on TALKsport. I was taken to task by a young vociferous upstart, saying how would I like it if we became Stockport County Hatters. Well that option wouldn’t have bothered me. I retorted better than a former proposed ‘County Cobras’. Allegedly the Club’s worst sponsorship deal with a success fee only remuneration dependant on amount of Cobra Lager consumed in North West. I was informed it was single figures of crates in a season – this before Cobra established itself in the UK. The County Cobras quip was no doubt over his head – long before he supported our Club.
Fan ownership is gaining momentum. Surprisingly as though its never materialised before at Stockport! I’ll always remain positive about supporters engagement but when I see the new Board at the Stockport County Co-operative I suspect hidden agendas by some. Indeed, one source supposedly ‘in the know’ expects a rival bid from ‘same old faces’ (and manager) may derail the white knights from China. I would genuinely be interested if a part-share arrangement can’t result would the true County fans want the supporters to try and run the Club again – or let the Chinese Consortium have a go?
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