Stockport County Football Club: Introduction
Stockport County Football Club is a professional football club based in Stockport, Greater Manchester, England. The club has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century and has experienced a rollercoaster of highs and lows throughout its existence.
Firstly, here’s a link to the club’s official website.
History and Formation
- Founded: 1883
- Original Name: Heaton Norris Rovers
- Renamed: The club was renamed Stockport County in 1890, reflecting Stockport’s status as a county borough.
Stockport County: Early Years
Stockport County began playing in local leagues and became a professional club in 1900. They joined the Football League in 1900, initially competing in the Second Division. However, the club found it difficult to establish itself and oscillated between divisions for many years.
Stockport County: Stadium
- Home Ground: Edgeley Park
- Capacity: Approximately 10,852
- Opened: 1901 Edgeley Park has been Stockport County’s home since 1902, making it one of the older football grounds still in use in England. The stadium is located near the town centre and has seen various renovations and upgrades over the years.
Nickname and Colours
- Nickname: The Hatters This nickname comes from Stockport’s historical association with the hat-making industry.
- Club Colours: Blue and white, which are reflected in their home kit.
Stockport County: Significant Achievements
- Division Titles: The club has won several lower division titles, including the Fourth Division (now League Two) in 1967 and 1997.
- Cup Successes: The club reached the final of the Football League Trophy in 1992 and 1993, though they were runners-up on both occasions. They also reached the semi-finals of the League Cup in the 1996-97 season.
- FA Cup: The club’s best performance in the FA Cup came in 1934, when they reached the fifth round.
Golden Era (1990s)
The 1990s were one of the most successful periods in Stockport County’s history. Under manager Danny Bergara, the club achieved several promotions and enjoyed cup runs that captured the imagination of their fans.
In the 1996-97 season, Stockport County finished second in the Second Division (now League One) and reached the semi-finals of the League Cup, famously defeating Premier League sides such as Southampton and West Ham United.
Decline and Non-League Football
In the 2000s, the club faced financial difficulties and a series of relegations. By 2011, the club had been relegated from the Football League for the first time in over a century, dropping into the Conference Premier (now the National League).
Stockport County: Recent Revival
Stockport County spent several years in non-league football, even slipping to the National League North (sixth tier of English football). However, the club began to revive in the late 2010s, culminating in their promotion back to the National League in 2019.
- Promotion to the Football League: In 2021-22, the club won the National League, earning promotion back to League Two after an 11-year absence from the Football League.
Current Status
As of the 2023-2024 season, Stockport County is competing in EFL League Two, the fourth tier of English football. The club has ambitions to climb further up the football pyramid, driven by a passionate fanbase and a stable ownership structure.
Ownership
- Owner: Mark Stott, a local businessman, acquired the club in January 2020. His investment has been pivotal in the club’s recent resurgence.
Stockport County: Supporters and Rivalries
Stockport County has a loyal and passionate fanbase. The club’s main rivals include:
- Macclesfield Town: Historically a significant rivalry, though Macclesfield was dissolved in 2020.
- Crewe Alexandra, Rochdale, and Oldham Athletic: Regional rivals in Greater Manchester and Cheshire.
Community and Culture
Stockport County plays an integral role in the local community, with initiatives that support local causes, youth development, and community engagement. The club’s supporters are known for their dedication, even during the tough times when the club was in non-league football.
Notable Former Players
Some players who have made significant contributions to the club include:
- Kevin Francis: A towering striker who was prolific for the club in the 1990s.
- Bobby Seagull: An influential figure in the club’s earlier years.
- Brett Angell: Another striker who scored many goals for the club.
Trivia
- Hatters Connection: The club’s nickname, “The Hatters,” links back to Stockport’s historical reputation as the centre of the UK’s hat-making industry.
- Record Attendance: The highest recorded attendance at Edgeley Park was 27,833 for an FA Cup tie against Liverpool in 1950.
Stockport County Football Club: In Summary
Stockport County is a club with a proud history, and its recent resurgence has reinvigorated the fans and the local community. The club aims to continue its upward trajectory in the English football pyramid.
