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Posts tagged ‘Danny Bergara’

Nov 2

What if I don’t make it?

A headline pertinent to the many youngsters that aspire to be pros but fall out of the academies at EPL Clubs (or below) and then seek alternative career destinations.  Well this time it’s a warmer news story, as this post seeks to make our followers aware of a new publication prepared by former Stockport County, Marketing Manager, Phil Brennan.

His first book was a winner and previously highlighted in this Blog.  This second in the portfolio of RoseMartin Publications has a novel appeal around the festive period or towards end-Season, when rewards and praise might be forthcoming.  The end-product is self-published, which we know a little about aka “B&B” and “Get those sheep off the pitch”.  Well, here’s the full story to whet your appetite.  Why not mention to prospective clubs or partners – and help a fellow County fan out in the process?

“RoseMartin Publications was originally set up in 2013 to allow the publication of the biography of Danny Bergara ‘The Man from Uruguay’.  More recently the new children’s book ‘What if I don’t make it?’ has been published. It tells the tale of a little boy who wants to be a footballer but is hindered by his inability to play the beautiful game. The book takes us through his growth as a player via a series of poor ‘coaches’ before finding his perfect teacher.  The book is unique in that it can be tailored to be about a boy or a girl, it can also be tailored to feature any football club, from grassroots through to the top club teams in the World.

Having copyrighted the package (characters, idea and content) RoseMartin intend to contact football clubs at all levels with the hope that the book will be made available to supporters and players from each and every club.  It can be tailored to each club both in colour and to include the club crest, making it both a nice souvenir and teaching implement.”

The publication is the brainchild of Phil Brennan and Rob Purdon who are both FA qualified coaches and who between them have well over 25 years experience of coaching junior football teams. Both became involved in coaching after their respective sons became interested in playing football and soon became aware that their children were not receiving the type of teaching that they would expect.

The two began working together at Stockport County when Rob joined the Club from Blackpool FC and due to their mutual love of coaching became firm friends. Phil had written several football poems regarding his experiences during his years coaching and, having seen some of his artwork, asked Rob if he fancied putting some drawings to the stories.

Their first collaboration is “What if I don’t make it?” and having spoken to several clubs already at junior level, the book has been well accepted within the coaching fraternity, with several orders already received.

Phil and Rob would welcome the opportunity to speak to clubs/coaches on a face to face basis when a sample of the book will be made available along with an explanation as to how it can be tailored to each individual club.  For further information please feel free to contact Phil on bergarabook@outlook.com or philbrennan58@yahoo.co.uk.

Dec 27

1 Comment

All I want for Christmas

Is this newly published book…….and I got it!

“Last season a Stockport team, which in turns is inspired, petrified and tickled pink by the little man with the funny accent, at last made soccer sit up and take notice by climbing out of the Fourth Division where they had wallowed for over 20 years. That in itself was testament to Bergara’s passion and commitment to a game that he cheerfully admits dominates his life 24 hours a day. But if lifting County out of the bargain basement was a monumental feat, what he has created since has been well-nigh unbelievable.” [Manchester Evening News, 1992]

The diminutive Uruguayan remains in our hearts – and now has a Stand named after him at EP.  He still remains responsible for one of my favourite quotes: Danny Bergara (R.I.P) when asked about Jim Gannon by another Manager……”I hear he’s a bit volatile”.  Danny’s reply: “Oh yes, very volatile, he can play anywhere”.

Buy your copy of The Man From Uruguay.

May 24

Stockport County Wembley
2 Comments

Gannon mania

So the head ‘lady’ has relinquished her throne. Without the Gibbons in post, the chances of a Jim Gannon return may have lessened. Not only were they his strongest advocates at Board-level, but close family friends. They even adopted his cat!

His first stint in English management was a success with League 2 survival from the ‘jaws of extinction’ – followed by promotion via a Wembley-play off against Rochdale. This time certainly heralded the development of some good young players before the financial woes and need to sell them. Remember, Tommy Rowe, Anthony Pilkington, Liam Dickinson to name but three. The latter’s boots are proudly displayed in our offices. Were these players the results of ‘JG’ or do Peter Ward (assistant) or Alan Lord (youth) deserve the credit?

But can a return to a former managerial seat work? Not always. Gannon was released by the Administrator as an immediate cost-cutting. His remuneration package at that time could most definitely not fit with a package suitable for the Blue Square Premier League hierarchy. His character has been questioned by some former colleagues. The CV and trail from latter posts at Motherwell, Peterborough and Port Vale have shown different traits. It has been suggested that he wouldn’t speak to SKY in interviews whilst at Edgeley Park, because of a dispute over his installation of satellite dish.

He remains a fans favourite. The final note has to go to our ex-Uruguayan maestro, Danny Bergara (R.I.P), when asked about the qualities of Jim Gannon by another manager:…”I hear he’s a bit volatile?”. Danny’s reply: “Oh yes, very volatile, he can play anywhere”.