Proper Football
Whilst the Stockport County Supporters Club and YTYT have in the past tried to position the ‘County’ offering, thought this video crystallized some of the proposition. All about Grimsby Town but nothing fishy about this production.
Posts tagged ‘stockport county supporters’ co-operative’
Jan 31
It’s good to share
Latest news release issued from Stockport County Supporters Co-operative:
“Each shareholder was asked to clarify their intentions prior to the end of last season. Former Chairman Peter Snape, Mike Clark, David Dyson, Ken Graham and Stewart Vann have each decided to write off their outstanding loans and gift their shares back to the club.
A Club spokesperson said: “The Club is indebted to Peter, Mike, David, Ken and Stewart for this extremely generous gesture. Each of the aforementioned individuals was there for the club in its hour of need, investing their personal finances into Stockport County to ensure that the club survived. We thank them wholeheartedly for their support then and also for their support now which allows the club to advance its search for further investment.”
Former Shareholder Mike Clark said: “Stockport County is an integral part of our town and I had no hesitation in supporting the club in its hour of need. The club is in safe hands and I wish the remaining shareholders and the board of directors well in their search for new investment to secure its future. I have also informed the board that if I am able to help in any way in the future then I am more than happy to do so.”
Six other shareholders have decided to retain their shareholding and to continue to support the Hatters financially. Simon Bellamy, Sharon Brammall, Malcolm Cooke, Richard Park, Spencer Fearn and Stockport Sports Trust are working together with the board of directors and the current management team at Edgeley Park to continue the rebuilding of the club. The clarification of the shareholding situation also allows the club to progress its search for new investment.
The club is currently awaiting the decision of two other shareholders and expects this to be clarified in the very near future.”
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?
Proud to be “County”
Once again our fans show that they are the best. Brilliant County fans….and a few other clubs’ supporters besides. The inaugural “County Charity Cycle” from Stockport County FC to Southport FC was a resounding success. Last Saturday, all 70 cyclists completed the course (48.7 miles) without any major incidents and judging by the pledges the Organisers hope that the fundraising targets will be reached. It’s not too late to show your appreciation by making a donation in recognition of these sterling efforts. Please visit: www.mygift.org.uk/countycharitycycle
The fundraising event was set up to raise monies towards St Ann’s Hospice and Stockport County Supporters Co-operative. Everybody really enjoyed the day and it is hoped that this may become an annual fixture. The photograph attached shows the start of the race outside Edgeley Park with Rob Clare heading the field.
Sarah Bennett, Community Fundraising Officer for St Ann’s Hospice said “I just wanted to say congratulations on the event on Saturday. Not only did the weather hold off but everyone made it to the match (eventually!) in one piece! Please extend my thanks to all your volunteers and associated partners for the ride.”
Adrian Stores, Director, Stockport County Supporters Co-operative commented: “This really showed what Stockport County fans are all about. Everyone is justifiably proud of the day.”
In addition, other feedback includes:
“Just wanted to say a massive thank you for arranging the County Charity Cycle. I thought it was great turn out for its first year and the morale on the day was great – I loved it!”
“Many thanks for an extremely enjoyable event on Saturday. It was extremely well organised and a real success.”
“Many thanks for putting on such an enjoyable event last Saturday.”
“Fabulous day, what County is all about IMVHO”.
Bike ride photographs are on: www.facebook.com/countycharitycycle
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