Monday 1 April 2024
NEXT HOME GAME: Wimbledon – Today, 3pm
NEXT AWAY GAME: Sutton – Saturday 6 April, 3pm
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, Wombles, and anyone else from The Football Family joining us today, a very warm welcome to your Easter Monday edition of The Scarf My Father Wore.
What do you get if you cross two Hatters with a Womble? The answer is today’s match preview from Ian Brown, Ed Chadwick and Ray Armfield. I appreciate that punchline is more factual than funny, but any humour within me has drained away after seeing various April Fools’ Day efforts on social media this morning. I’ll simply see you all at Edgeley Park, where you can get a crocodile sandwich in the County Courtyard today, plus a snog off Michelle Keegan if you buy a half-time draw ticket.
Our first live event of 2024 is taking place this month. ‘Flynny at the Finger’ – an evening with County legend Mike Flynn – is at The Fingerpost on Wednesday 17 April. Start time 7.30pm. If you’d like to join us, please email thescarfmyfatherwore@substack.com. Tickets are £10 (or £5 for paid subscribers plus anyone who’s written an article for The Scarf My Father Wore). That includes a full colour souvenir programme, and even a little bit of stand-up comedy!
Today’s edition is sponsored by Beespoke Cleaning. A big thank you to Vicky, who has a special offer for The Scarf My Father Wore readers this month. See below for further details.
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: 136.36 miles
Total steps so far: 217,174
Total raised so far: £1,666
Total completed streets so far: 271 (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
Des Junior loves writing about County. But he can never be arsed doing match previews. They’re a bit dull, aren’t they? Paddy Madden’s out for two games with an ingrown toenail…blah blah blah…tomorrow’s referee has handed out more cards than Moonpig…blah blah blah…County haven’t won at Birmingham since 1672.
Fortunately, he has a number of fellow County content creators to call upon. Here’s their thoughts, general chit-chat and score predictions, as County look to keep hold of top spot in League Two with three points.
Ian Brown, hedgegrower
County 3 AFC Wimbledon 1
Best and worst memories from previous games against Wimbledon?
Well Des, the best and worst memories occurred in the same match back in 2002.
County were a long way adrift at the bottom of Division One and knew that defeat at Wimbledon would see us relegated. The game was at Selhurst Park – the stadium that the Dons were using as a base due to the situation regarding their spiritual home at Plough Lane. For travelling County fans the journey was a total nightmare, especially across London.
I cannot remember where Wimbledon were placed in the league at the time, but they were certainly a home bankers. Even so, gallows humour flourished on the way down, and also as we set up almost directly across from the local ultras, in numbers that belied our rock bottom position in the league.
County were only a goal down at half-time, but two goals midway through the second half put the result beyond doubt. The Hatters had to be content with a consolation goal from young Jon Daly – a talented lad who played his heart out for County under difficult circumstances, getting little praise and shedloads of undeserved barracking throughout the later years of his time with us from those within the County fanbase who should have known better.
Although we were expecting to lose at Selhurst Park it was still a massive disappointment to those County fans who turned out on this occasion and supported their team so magnificently. However, this ebullient support of the boys in blue was pretty much constant for 90 minutes and some excellent banter twixt County fans and the locals helped to distract us as the goals went in at the wrong end. Much of the banter concerned the off-field issues Wimbledon fans were having with their then owners, and something approaching a respectful acknowledgement of each other’s prevailing ills ended up with Wimbledon fans chanting in praise of the Blue and White Army – a brilliant heartwarming moment that sticks with me still. So, a bittersweet memory!
I’m expecting County to win today. Wimbers generally give us a game and I expect they will again, but I see us taking all the points with a stirring 3-1 win (Powell to notch one).
Ed Chadwick, Stockport County Supporters Co-operative
County 2 Wimbledon 0
“Six points over Easter would put us very close to promotion.” That’s what you said on Friday, and I’d say you’re spot on with that. Win today, and the finishing line is certainly coming into view. If we do beat the Wombles, when do you think we’ll clinch promotion?
I'm pleased that there are people with bigger brains, more time and (I suspect) not many friends who have spent time working out the permutations that could unfold between now and 27 April.
From what I've seen, it looks like another three wins might be enough. I don't want to be accused of tempting fate here, but I'd love us to have something to celebrate at either the Morecambe or Accrington home games. We all want to be on the pitch with the players again don't we?
That said, can you imagine poor Cashy’s blood pressure if we go on the pitch after the Morecambe game?
So let's say I'd like us to secure promotion at Meadow Lane and then win the league at home the following Saturday. That way, we get a guard of honour at the Racecourse and we can all relax while we watch. That's not much to ask is it?
I expect Wimbledon will provide a somewhat tougher test than Forest Green. Obviously they've got a couple of ex-County players who'll want to prove a point. Realistically, though, we ought to have far too much quality for them. Powell and Camps have forged a superb partnership in the middle and Touray's confidence seems to have recovered. We finally appear to have a bit of much-needed momentum.
Book a spring clean from top to bottom and receive a 10% discount
Look how shiny and spotless that bathroom is. How would you like the same for your bathroom, and all of the other rooms in your house? April is certainly a time to be thinking about a spring clean, and if you book a slot with Vicky at Beespoke Cleaning, you’ll receive a 10% discount, as well as a free gift hamper!
The spring clean includes a full dust, hoover and mop, around skirting boards and windows as well. A deep clean of the bathroom, along with the tiles and grout, is also included in the package, as well as a deep kitchen clean, including splashbacks, cupboard doors, hob & hood and plinth.
Give Vicky a call on 07445 256191 or email info@beespokecleaning.com to check availability.
“The Lemon is much-missed and if there’s any chance he’s surplus to your requirements if you go up then we’d have him back in the blink of an eye“
An interview with Wimbledon fan Ray Armfield, who works as a tour guide at Plough Lane.
Are you going to make the play-offs?
Absolutely not.
Not confident for today’s game then?
I can only see us losing unfortunately. We’ve sold our main goal threat in Ali Al-Hamadi and are working Omar Bugiel harder than a pit pony, throwing him straight into Friday’s game hours after he landed back in the country from Australia having played for Lebanon in two World Cup qualifiers. I can only see 2-0 or 3-0 if you carry on your recent form.
How much are you missing Connor Evans?
The Lemon is much-missed and if there’s any chance he’s surplus to your requirements if you go up then we’d have him back in the blink of an eye. He’s a class act.
How are Ryan Johnson and Joe Lewis getting on this season?
Both started really well and formed a great partnership. Joe’s become a bit of a cult (thank God for spellcheck) with his ‘short shorts’ that even have their own merchandise in the club shop. Really pleased we got him permanently. Ryan’s style is much more laid back. Then both were injured and have been missed, but are now back and should be in contention this afternoon.
Did you enjoy our 5-0 victory over Milton Keynes on the telly last weekend?
Didn’t see all of it but enjoyed seeing the fourth goal in particular. 🍋
Three weeks before that, your own home game with MK looked fairly lively, with a last minute winner and then a bit of handbags after the final whistle. How was it?
I’ve seen us beat them and lose to them at Kingsmeadow but I can’t face seeing them soiling Plough Lane with their presence so I stayed away. I was at FC United v Workington that day (having been to see OMD at the Apollo the night before) and there were loud cheers in their bar when we won. I’ve seen the post-goal and post-match celebrations and that’s been lovely.
What do Wimbledon fans think of MK having a flag that says ‘FA Cup winners 1988’?
It’s done purely for effect and an unintentional lightning rod to attract ridicule. But they live in a “no one likes us we don’t care” echo chamber, so they can’t deduce that.
Why are the curries on Tooting High Road so hot?
I guess it’s South London’s version of The Curry Mile. I’m partial to one, but in Tooting my first culinary port of call is Harrington’s – an old school pie and mash shop.
Vinnie Jones. Footballer or actor?
Well these days, he’s an actor of course. I’m forward to watching him in The Gentlemen on Netflix shortly.
Your new stadium. With its silly wall, and stewards who claim it’s illegal to eat in sight of the pitch, it’s rather depressing isn’t it? Has it all been worthwhile?
The silly wall doesn’t belong to us so we have no control over it, other than to cover more of it with a bigger stand when we can afford to. The stewarding is mixed, but let’s be honest, it’s not a job that attracts the finest minds in the country. Add in a bit of self-importance that hi-vis gives a few people and you’ll get imperfect responses sometimes. I’ve never had a problem interacting with any of them from my perspective. Has Plough Lane been worthwhile? We’ve come home after nearly 30 years in exile and our crowds have gone up 74%. I’d say it was worth it.
And finally… what’s your favourite Easter egg?
If you’re buying then a Cadbury’s Mini Eggs please!
Photo of the day
With the league tables as they are today, County will be heading to the seaside to take on Blackpool next season. I’m no financial expert, but I reckon transport, ticket, programme, food & drink and a night in a hotel might cost a little bit more than £59 per person, as it did back in 1991.
Today in SK
🎬 Cinema
Two films at The Savoy Cinema (SK4) today. Kung Fu Panda 4 (PG) at 12.45pm, 3pm and 5.15pm, followed by All Of Us Strangers (15) at 7.15pm. Click here for tickets.
🍺 Food and drink
The Petersgate Tap (SK1) isn’t normally open on a Monday, but with it being Easter and a County matchday, you can enjoy a few pints today. Pop in before or after the game. Open from 12pm.
🎶 Free jukebox
The Nelson Tavern (SK1). From 6.30pm.
🎸 Live music
Acoustica at Bask (SK1). Tom Collins, Jack & Daisy and Kristina Mann. 8pm.
The Strines Nightingale (SK6) have five days of live music over Easter, from more than 20 artists. Twelve local brewers are involved as well, so you can enjoy a pint (or two!) of real ale with the music.
Random County fan of the day #84 – Daz Sampson!
One final thing before you go… if you’d like a spring clean for your car, carpets, house, oven or even your windows, get in touch with our brilliant bunch of sponsors!
🎨 Art & Gifts: Kate O’Brien Art
🧱 Builders Merchant: MKM Manchester South
🧽 Car Valeting: Rub A Dubz Detailing Ltd
🧼 Carpet Cleaning: A Star Clean Ltd
🏠 Carpets & Flooring: Kingsway Carpets & Rugs Ltd
🐈 Cat Flaps: That Cat Flap Company Ltd
👶 Child Health: The Sleep Nanny
🏠 Chimney Sweep: Three Shires Chimney Services
🧹 Cleaning: Beespoke Cleaning
🚙 Coatings: Colourtone Ltd
🗣 Counselling: Time and Space Counselling
🚘 Driving School: CFN School of Motoring
💷 Financial Services: The Mortgage Mill
🔥 Fire Protection: Radial Fire And Security Limited
🍏 Greengrocers: Waterhouse’s Quality Food
🛁 Grout Refresh & Recolour: GroutGleam Stockport
💇♀️ Hairdressing: C West Hairstylist
💻 IT Services: Bridge Computer Services
🪚 Joinery: SAW Contracts Ltd
👨🍳 Kitchen Appliances: SW Appliances
🌳 Landscaping: PR Landscapes
🔑 Locksmith: APL Locksmiths Ltd
🧤 Oven Cleaning: That Oven Girl
🖌 Painter & Decorator: BGM Decorators
🚑 Personal Injury: Parkers Solicitors Ltd
📸 Photography: Holly Dwyer Photography
🎹 Piano Tutor: Sophie Grace Piano and Keyboard Tuition
🧱 Plastering: DT Plastering Services and Damp Proofing Specialists
🚰 Plumber: GTG Gary the Gasman
🦶 Podiatry: SK Podiatry
📕 Publishing: Victor Publishing
☀️ Solar Panels: Malbern Solar Ltd
👨💼 Solicitors: B.J. McKenna & Co
⚽️ Sports Coaching: UK Sports Coaching Ltd
🪨 Stonemason: LM Stone Creative
🪵 Timber Supplies: Portwood Timber Division of Illingworth Ingham (Manchester) Ltd
☀️ Travel Agent: PTF Travel Ltd
⚖️ Weight Loss: Slimming World Reddish & Bredbury with Shlean
🪟 Window Cleaner: R ‘N’ B Window Cleaning
🧘♀️ Yoga: Greenshoots Yoga