22 photos from a midweek trip to the Midlands

Plus! Dan Ellis tells us why he got in trouble with Tony Dinning one Christmas…

Dec 05, 2024

Thursday 5 December 2024

If you’d like to write an article for The Scarf My Father Wore, share a few snippets or photos, or advertise your business, please email thescarfmyfatherwore@substack.com.

Dear County fans, Stopfordians, Birmingham supporters, and anyone else from The Football Family joining us today, a very warm welcome to your Thursday edition of The Scarf My Father Wore.

I’ve got 22 photos from last night’s trip to Birmingham to share with you today, along with a cracking Christmassy chat with former County player Dan Ellis.

Today’s edition is sponsored by Bridge Computer Services. A big thank you to Mark.

Thanks also to Two Fat Blokes who sponsor our Birmingham City content on the website.

Finally, I’m currently walking every street in Stockport to raise money for mental health charity Mentell. If you’d like to make a donation to help me reach my target, please click here.

Total distance so far: 176.31 miles

Total steps so far: 284,130

Total raised so far: £2,027

Total completed streets so far: 399 (Click here for the full list, which includes reports and photos from every day of the walk.)

Further information on the walk can be found by clicking here.

Des Junior

6 reasons why you should update to Windows 11

Whether or not you should update to Windows 11 depends on various factors, including your current setup, your specific needs, and your willingness to adapt to changes. However, Windows 10 is reaching end-of-life in October 2025. Today, Mark from Romiley-based Bridge Computer Services shares six key points to consider when deciding whether to update to Windows 11.

1) MODERN INTERFACE AND DESIGN

Windows 11 offers a refreshed user interface with a centred Start menu, updated icons, and a more modern look.

2) IMPROVED PERFORMANCE AND EFFICIENCY

Enhanced performance optimisations, including better handling of system resources and improved battery life for laptops.

3) ENHANCED GAMING FEATURES

Windows 11 includes DirectStorage, Auto HDR, and better integration with Xbox Game Pass, making it more appealing to gamers.

4) VIRTUAL DESKTOPS AND MULTITASKING

Improved support for virtual desktops and new multitasking features like Snap Layouts and Snap Groups.

5) BETTER SUPPORT FOR TOUCH AND PEN INPUTS

Enhanced experience for devices with touchscreens and stylus support.

6) SECURITY ENHANCEMENTS

Improved security features, including hardware-based security like TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot requirements.

➡️ For further details, or any other IT queries you might have, give Mark a call on 0161 408 3201 or email info@bridgecomputerservices.co.uk.

A cracking gift idea for Birmingham and County fans this Christmas!

If you’re looking for a special gift for the Birmingham or County fan in your life this Christmas, how about one of these classic road signs from Two Fat Blokes.

The 50cm x 11cm road signs are made of 3mm metal composite, printed in high resolution directly onto the face for indoor and outdoor use.

You can also personalise the signs by replacing the road name, post code and chant with your choice of text.

There’s lots of other teams featured on the website too, from City and United to Liverpool and Everton.

➡️ Click here to purchase the Birmingham road sign.

➡️ Click here to purchase the County road sign.

The County Advent Calendar: Day 5 – Dan Ellis

Born in Stockport, Dan Ellis made his debut for his hometown club in April 2006, coming off the bench late on during our 3-1 victory at home to Shrewsbury in League Two. He made nine appearances for the Hatters under Jim Gannon, before moving into non-league.

First of all, Mr Ellis, I’ve got a special hotline to Father Christmas. He’s asked me if you’ve been naughty or nice this year?

Ah, I’m always the nice guy. Or at least I try to be!

What was the best thing about being a footballer at Christmas?

The Christmas nights out were always the fun part. Although I did get in a bit of trouble with Tony Dinning (skipper at the time of our Xmas do in 2006) for putting some pictures of our party up on Facebook. I was only 18 at the time so thought nothing of it, but it didn’t go down too well when we lost our next fixture a few days later as fans immediately pointed the finger to the pictures of the Xmas do, which inevitably included evidence of alcohol being consumed! I soon learnt my lesson… keep those things private!

And the worst?

For a player at any level, it’s difficult having to be away from the family across the festive period, especially with so many games to focus on during that time. Staying focused, fit and healthy – including us being in training on Christmas Day to prepare for Boxing Day – wasn’t as easy as sitting back and watching all the football over Christmas as I get to enjoy now! Wouldn’t have changed it for the world at the time, though.

What does a typical Christmas Day look like in your house?

With a 6-year-old daughter, the magic has certainly been brought back into it over the past few years. Typically we’ll host and have every family member round for the day, including dinner. Plenty of emergency chairs come out on the day for sure! I personally like to start the morning off with a nice fresh run before the household wakes up. You always feel less guilty then when you’re gorging on all the food and drink throughout the day. A nice little mid-morning pint in the local with friends and family is also a highlight!

What’s your favourite Christmas film?

Home Alone and Home Alone 2 can’t be beaten for me. But if I manage to sneak a film in whilst alone, the Die Hard films are also top notch.

What would be the best Christmas present underneath the tree for you this year?

One more chance to pull on the famous blue and white of County and play in front of those amazing fans with this current brilliant bunch of players would be the ultimate dream. I might be 36 now, but I’ve still got it… I think!

County have got Huddersfield away, Rotherham away and Birmingham at home over the festive period. How many points are we getting?

Seven points would be a good haul, especially with those fixtures against Birmingham and Huddersfield in there. With such a quick turnaround in games over Christmas, it’s vital to remain professional and focused throughout, which I’m sure the lads will do. It would give them a fantastic opportunity to push on for automatic promotion heading into the new year.

Where do you get your Christmas tree from?

I’m a loyal Notcutts customer! Every year we’ll head to Woodford and grab a nice fresh one from there. I leave the decorating of the tree to the wife though. I pick my battles carefully.

What’s your best Christmas cracker joke?

What happened to the burglar who robbed an advent calendar?

He got 25 days.

Are you organised when it comes to Christmas shopping or are you a Christmas Eve petrol station sort of guy?

I promise myself every year to get organised, typically going on a buying spree over Black Friday! So I’m fairly organised but there’s always that inevitable last minute scramble for something I’ve forgotten. Not quite a petrol station dash, I just rely on Amazon Prime to come to my rescue with a next day delivery.

Have a fantastic Christmas, County fans! May it be a safe and merry one for you all, and fingers crossed for a fantastic 2025. Championship… we’re coming for you! All the best, and see you around at Edgeley Park for a game or two.

Photo of the day

St Andrew’s, Birmingham

If you’re a regular reader, you’ll know I like to take a load of photos when I’m watching County, home and away. But last night, I got papped myself! Here’s a photo of me taking a photo. It’s a bit Inception or The Matrix innit?

Today in SK

🎬 Cinema

Two films at The Savoy Cinema (SK4) today. Gladiator II (15) at 5.30pm, followed by Heretic (15) at 8.30pm.

➡️ Click here for tickets.

🍹 Food and drink

Happy Hour at Covent Garden Café (SK1) between 1.30pm and 2.30pm. If you spend £20 or more you get to roll the dice, and if you roll a 6 your bill is half price!

The Nelson Tavern (SK1) have a great range of offers throughout the week, including £5.50 for drinks off the Doubles Bar, a comprehensive range of shots for £1.50, and 3 for £7 on Jägerbombs.

Enjoy a coffee and a cake for only £6 at The Dog & Partridge (SK2). 12pm - 4pm.

Pop in for a pint at Heaton Hops (SK4), CAMRA Pub of the Year for Stockport and South Manchester.

Bitter £2.30 a pint all day at The Cross Keys (SK8).

Cocktails are 2 for £12 at Flute & Firkin (SK12) from 3pm till 7pm.

A number of venues are featured on The Scarf My Father Wore such as AMP (SK1), The Crown (SK2), The Alexandra (SK3), The Crown Inn (SK6), The Steelworks (SK6), The Three Tunnes (SK7) and The Ram’s Head (SK12). Support them this festive season by popping in for a few drinks.

Random photos of County players at other clubs

#64 – Odin Bailey, Birmingham

Odin Bailey, on the bench for County at St Andrew’s last night, started his career with Birmingham. He made eight appearances for his hometown club, scoring once – a last minute winner at home to Middlesbrough in the Championship.