County v Notts County
Plus! An interview with Tom Wagstaff from Notts County Talk and the third instalment of Des Junior’s Great Big Review of 2023
Friday 22 December 2023
NEXT HOME GAME: Notts County – Today, 7.45pm
NEXT AWAY GAME: Barrow – Tuesday 26 December, 3pm
Dear County fans (the Stockport and the Notts variety), pour yourself a cup of tea, crack open one of the Christmas tubs of Celebrations or Quality Street that you’ve been staring at for the last six weeks, and put your feet up with the latest edition of The Scarf My Father Wore ahead of the madness of Mad Friday / Frantic Friday / Black Eye Friday. (I never knew today had so many different names.)
Today’s edition is jam-packed. I’ve published two articles on the same day before, but I don’t think I’ve ever included THREE! It’s the perfect time of year for gorging on those things you enjoy though, isn’t it? Today’s Christmas cracker of goodies includes the thoughts of Ian Brown, Jon Keighren, Andrew Barlow and Jonathan Baker ahead of tonight’s game, an interview with Tom Wagstaff from Notts County Talk, and part three of my Great Big Review of 2023, which takes us back to March – a month when County completely forgot how to win at home. Fingers crossed that isn’t the case this evening.
This edition today is a great example of what I’m trying to do with The Scarf My Father Wore going forward – making it even bigger and better with loads of cracking County content. I do need your help, though.
Nick Babrovskie from Heaton Norris became a paid subscriber recently, leaving the following recommendation as he signed up: “The Tea Party of the digital age.”
I’m extremely flattered to receive such a compliment, but before we go any further (and conscious of the fact The Tea Party editor Dave Espley is one of our subscribers) can I be absolutely clear I’m not putting myself or my (online) fanzine on that pedestal. The Scarf My Father Wore has been going for a year; there’s a long way to go to reach the heights of The Tea Party, which is just as synonymous with 90s County as Bergara and Big Kev. And anyway, even though I like to think I’m quite amusing (my mates are always laughing at me…!), I don’t think I’ll ever be able to come up with a punchline such as the one that appeared on the front cover of The Tea Party issue 73.
That still cracks me up even today!
I don’t mind admitting, however, that I am trying to replicate the concept of The Tea Party. When County were doing well, the fanzine was simply there to entertain supporters, taking a light-hearted look at the club whilst mocking Burnley and Stoke as much as possible. I still want to do all of that.
When County weren’t doing so well, or when certain people with a surname beginning with E wanted to rename the club Manstock County and cart us off to Maine Road, the fanzine was there to give supporters a voice to be heard, rallying and bringing us together in a common cause. I don’t want to summon an army of County fans and march them to Mark Stott’s offices in Alderley Edge. But I wouldn’t hesitate if our esteemed owner suddenly decided to move us into Old Trafford and call us County United or the Manchester Mavericks or the Stockport & Stretford Swingers. (Please don’t do that Mr Stott if you’re reading, we’re all rather fond of EP. Although the Stockport & Stretford Swingers might be fun for a season or two…)
In all honesty, though, my personal dream for 2024 is to move back to Stockport and write about County every day, on a full-time basis. The generous backing of advertisers has already allowed me to pursue this journalistic calling on a part-time basis. If you’re willing to support me as well, I can quite literally turn the dream into reality, and pop even more articles, photos and interviews into your inbox every morning. Have a read of today’s edition first, and if you feel content like this is worth paying 17p a day for (which goes down to 13p if you sign up for the year!), please click on that button. I’ll be able to treat myself to a tub of Celebrations as well. (Which is actually a bare-faced lie, as Cadbury Heroes shits all over them.)
Today’s edition is sponsored by UK Sports Coaching. A big thank you to Matt. Aside from the coaching, they also have a great studio available to hire in Welkin Mill. An ideal space for dance, martial arts, children’s parties or local community groups. To check availability, call 07891 205763 or email info@uksportscoaching.co.uk.
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: 46.68 miles
Total steps so far: 83,302
Total raised so far: £1,027
Total completed streets so far: 24 (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, ahead of County’s final home game of 2023.
Ian Brown, hedgegrower
County 4 Notts County 1
The County derby. Best and worst memories?
The best is fairly recent: a Tuesday night game in 2021-22. I remember there being a good crowd filling EP with supportive noise well before kick-off and County, maybe inspired by this massive show of support, powered their way to an excellent 3-0 win under the floodlights against a good Notts County side who were made to look distinctly ordinary.
The goals came via a belter from Ollie Crankshaw and a fine brace from Paddy Madden, and for once against this usually obdurate Notts side, an outstanding team performance secured a crucial win for County.
The worst by some distance was in 2003-04 when Sammy Mac was manager of County.
I could never quite work out where we were heading under Sammy. We had some really good players on our books but no consistency. One of those players, Mark Robertson, always gave his best and on this occasion played out of his skin at Meadow Lane, but he was fighting a lost cause as the Hatters were filleted and stuffed by Mr Kaye the referee and his liner Mr Potter.
It started after just two minutes when Paul Hefferman blatantly handled the ball en route to scoring Notts’ first goal. The ref possibly didn’t see it, but the liner was right in line and most certainly did, though his flag stayed down. Before we’d even played half an hour, he kept his flag down once again as the same player received the ball in an offside position before making it 2-0.
Michael Byrne nicked a goal back for County after the break and for a time we looked likely to confound the fates. But shortly afterwards Sammy Mac took John Hardiker off, and within three minutes we leaked another goal when Ali Gibb, who had dropped back to fill Hardiker’s position, handled in the box. Our luck was out; Notts scored the penalty and Hefferman added another goal of dubious validity at the death to make it 4-1 as the first verses of “Arthur Brownlow” rang out inside Meadow Lane.
Jon Keighren, Stockport County
County 2 Notts County 0
How’s your voice holding up after having to commentate on EIGHT County goals last Saturday?!
Sutton was the most fun I’ve had in the commentary box for ages! Loved every second, and it was great chatting with the Asp for a good while after the game, too. The voice is fully recovered now and ready for Notts. I don’t think we will see a repeat but having lost at home just once in 13 months, I’m going 2-0 for County.
Andrew Barlow, Hatters Matters
County 3 Notts County 1
Notts County, Barrow, Bradford and Mansfield. That’s looking like a horrible set of festive fixtures. How many points would you be happy with realistically?
We certainly have quite the conundrum over the festive period with games against teams currently lying in 6th, 2nd, 14th and 4th to come over the next 11 days. For me I’d be happy with six points from that run of matches and anything more would be a bonus. Dave Challinor has already stated that reinforcements will be on the way as soon as the January transfer window opens so if we are still top of the league when this happens then that bodes well for the future and our promotion ambitions.
The aim over the festive period has certainly got to be not allowing any of our promotion rivals to gain any points on us, so worst case scenario I’d be happy with a point against Notts County, Barrow and Mansfield. The easiest game based on league position alone is the away game at Bradford but even they have picked up their form since Graham Alexander was appointed as manager, so what looked like a good chance of three points away from home a few weeks ago has now turned into another really tough assignment.
Notts County are wobbling slightly after a fantastic first few months back in the Football League so now is the perfect time to play them. With it being the season of goodwill, I hope the Notts defence is as generous to our attackers as they were to Shrewsbury’s in the FA Cup a few weeks ago. I couldn't believe some of the goals they laid on a plate for the Shrews in that match. I'm going for a 3-1 win and back-to-back wins at Edgeley Park to set up a mouthwatering clash against Barrow on Boxing Day.
Jonathan Baker aka Geordie Hatter, The County Away Day Show
County 2 Notts County 1
What percentage probability would you place on County winning 8-0 again tonight?
Well, Des – taking a rigorously scientific approach to this conundrum, I’ve reviewed the results of the 58 games County have contested across all competitions during 2023, and note that on four occasions (Gillingham at home, 0-0; MK Dons away, 2-1; Harrogate away, 3-1; and Tranmere at home, 2-0 home) the final score has replicated that recorded for the previous fixture.
That works out at just under 7% of all matches – or in bookmaker’s terms, chances of approximately 14/1. On this surely entirely failsafe and comprehensive basis, I rate the odds of more like several hundred to one being widely offered by the High Street Turf Accountants in respect of a repeat of last Saturday’s scoreline at Edgeley Park tomorrow evening be quite uncharacteristically generous, and am intending to call into the Cale Green branch of Coral this morning to lay a hefty wager about the 8-0 home win.
I fully encourage all members of the County Nation to follow my lead, and can offer (if reassurance may be needed as to the arithmetical credentials backing up my confident prognosis) evidence of an ‘O’ level in mathematics at Grade ‘E’, awarded in June 1986. In other words, we may as well start spending our winnings straight away.
As for an actual prediction? Well, that’s another matter entirely, of course. I’m going for a win – but by a margin narrow enough to bring us somewhere nearer down to earth following last week’s bonanza. Just the 2-1 to County, with the winner from Wootton against his former employers to make the three points even sweeter for our No 19. Bring it on, under the Friday night lights!
Register now for the Greater Manchester Cup in 2024!
UK Sports are currently taking bookings for the Greater Manchester Cup, which kicks off in April 2024.
All competitions are sanctioned by the FA, with low, medium and high level groups available.
If you missed our piece yesterday, there’s also a few spaces remaining for the forthcoming Greater Manchester Christmas Cup.
December dates take place at Hazel Grove Sports Centre, with January events at Stockport Sports Village.
Wednesday 27 December, kick-off 9am: Under-7s (fully booked)
Wednesday 27 December, kick-off 1pm: Under-8s (one space remaining)
Thursday 28 December, kick-off 9am: Under-9s (fully booked)
Thursday 28 December, kick-off 1pm: Under-10s (one space remaining)
Friday 29 December, kick-off 9am: Under-11s (one space remaining)
Friday 29 December, kick-off 1pm: Under-12s (one space remaining)
Tuesday 2 January, kick-off 9am: Under-8s (one space remaining)
Tuesday 2 January, kick-off 1pm: Under-10s (three spaces remaining)
For further details, please call 07891 205763 or email info@uksportscoaching.co.uk.
A chat with Tom Wagstaff from Notts County Talk
Stockport County 8 Sutton United 0. Are you lot shitting yourselves ahead of tonight?
With our defence at the minute... yes we are!
You’ve lost all three games in December in all competitions (and six out of eight if we include November). Is this a good time to be playing you?
100%. We look completely shot of confidence at the moment.
You’re currently 6th. What do you need to do in the January transfer window to come and join the top three party with us and Wrexham (and Barrow)?
Buy. Some. New. Defenders. ASAP.
Have you got sick and tired of playing Wrexham yet?
Absolutely! We went out of the FA Cup to Shrewsbury and we were gutted, but they drew Wrexham in the next round and suddenly nobody cares anymore.
From our Football League ivory tower, it was bloody entertaining watching your title scrap last season. What was it like experiencing that first-hand?
Very, very draining – and for the most part the title race wasn't that enjoyable. But to go up the way we did through the play-offs will be hard to match ever again. Leading for about a minute across the whole of the play-offs is absolutely crazy.
We sometimes like to sing: “You’re only here for the County!” How will Notts fans react if we sing that tonight?
Our fans are pretty good humoured (you have to be supporting Notts), so we would probably just have a laugh to be honest.
What’s your thoughts on Stockport County – A) the club B) the manager C) the fans?
A fantastic club and one I hope continues to do well.
Dave Challinor could easily be managing higher than League Two (just like Luke Williams).
Last time we came to your place on that Tuesday night in the National League, the fans were electric.
What’s the rivalry like with Forest across the city?
Forest fans say they don't care about us, but I think they secretly do. I can't stand them and personally hope they are relegated this season.
What’s your take on why Forest are historically more successful than County when the grounds are so close together in the city?
Good question. I'm really not sure, but I’m pretty confident that in four or five years we’ll be much closer together than we currently are.
How realistic is it for Notts County to get back to the top flight one day?
If Luton can do it then I can't see why we can't. You just need to be well-run, with a vision that doesn't change, or get too damaged with key players or managers leaving.
Have you all recovered from the Munto-Sven-Campbell calamity?
I'm 28 and the club are in the best hands we've even been in, so I'd say so. But, it's definitely something that will follow us around for a long time.
As you’ve just said, the club does appear to be in good hands at the moment, in terms of manager and owners…
Notts fans love them. We're finally owned by people that want to keep the club sustainable and run things the right way. And the fact Luke Williams has been linked to so many jobs already this season tells you all you need to know about him.
Best and worst memories as a Notts County fan?
Worst: Relegation to the National League.
Best: Archie Mair’s second penalty save at Wembley when I realised we were almost going back up.
Why did Notts County used to be called the Lambs?
Did we? That's a new one to me. You learn something new every day!
What’s your prediction for tonight?
It will be something stupid because we can attack but can't defend. I'm going to be positive and say we won't lose. 3-3.
Photo of the day
Gusto, Manchester
Ben Plunkett bumped into Ryan Croasdale at Gusto (just off Deansgate) the other night.
“He was having a meal with his family so I didn’t want to pester him but he was happy to have a quick photo. Proper nice lad.”
Des Junior’s Great Big Review of 2023: Part 3 – March
Saturday 4: Doncaster (H) 0-0
Tuesday 7: Gillingham (H) 0-0
Saturday 11: Colchester (A) 1-0
Saturday 18: Mansfield (H) 1-1
Saturday 25: Swindon (A) 1-0
Friday 31: Salford (H) 1-1
Friday’s edition of The Scarf My Father Wore has been rather jolly and festive so far. I’ve told you to crack open the Christmas tubs of Celebrations and Quality Street, Jon Keighren‘s spoke about the 8-0, and we’ve even had a quote from Hayley Cropper.
I’m afraid Des Junior is turning into Des Scrooge for the next few minutes, though, dampening your festive spirits by taking you back to March, which was a very boring month indeed. The following article is the dry turkey sandwich you’re given on Boxing Day; it’s the moment your mum pulls out the Monopoly when all you want to do is snooze on the sofa; it’s the moment Mrs Brown’s Boys comes on the telly. (And if you enjoy that show please unsubscribe from here immediately.)
Am I being harsh on Dave Challinor’s men? After all, County were unbeaten in March. But it was a rather dull month, and in my opinion those eight points we dropped at home was the main reason we missed out on automatic promotion (although I think that will actually be a blessing in disguise when we’re enjoying our title party in North Wales eighteen weeks tomorrow…).
County improved as the month progressed, but it started with a right old couple of Brussels sprouts. (And if you enjoy those please unsubscribe from here immediately.) Two 0-0 draws at Edgeley Park, first against Doncaster on the Saturday, then Gillingham on the Tuesday.
“Frustrating,” was the verdict of Matt Cuss after Donny. Steve Parfett went with “disappointing” after the Gills stalemate, followed by: “Another failure to deal with a side happy to play for a draw and shithouse their way to doing so. Last night felt like a Rusk, not a Challinor performance.” Let’s just leave those two games there shall we?
I do have to give a shoutout to Gillingham fan Harry Kinslow, though. Harry travelled up to Stockport on the train on his 20th birthday to watch his 99th consecutive Gills game, before catching a lift home on the coach. Fair play to the lad.
For the second time in three months, Dave Challinor was named League Two manager of the month. And for the second time in three months, it wasn’t a curse; County won 1-0 at Colchester the following day. Kyle Wootton scored the only goal of the game in Essex, as the Hatters climbed a place to 5th, four points behind Stevenage in 3rd.
“Phew,” said Bob Carey in his match report for us. “We needed that. Not hugely convincing but we were solid.”
Bob didn’t write a great deal on Wootton’s winner, mainly as he didn’t see it. “Remember Frank Mulhern’s wonder goal at Dover a few years back? I missed it as I was queuing for a hot dog. Well I missed Wootton's winner on Saturday as I went for a pee. If I hadn't washed my hands I would have seen it. I'm taking hand sanitiser next time.”
Paddy Madden looked to have clinched another 1-0 win for County the following Saturday. But with 93 minutes on the Edgeley Park clock, Lucas Akins headed home a dramatic equaliser for visitors Mansfield. County were now six points off the top three.
Dave Challinor’s men were having more joy away from home. A week later, they won 1-0 at Swindon. The home side were reduced to ten men in the first minute when Jacob Wakeling brought down Kyle Knoyle in the box. Paddy Madden missed the penalty, and it was a nervy afternoon in Wiltshire after that, with Ryan Croasdale’s winner not arriving until the 80th minute. An absolutely vital three points, though, especially with Stevenage and Carlisle losing.
Unfortunately, more frustration was to follow back in SK3, with Salford in town for a Friday night clash. County led once again, Connor Evans on target after just six minutes, but the visitors earned a point through Callum Hendry’s stunning volley shortly after the break.
March ended with County in 5th place, just three points off the automatic promotion places, but all four teams above us had games in hand. And – perhaps more worryingly – so did most of the chasing pack below…
Des Junior’s Great Big Review of 2023
Today in SK
🎶 DJs
Bask (SK1) have recently been granted an extended license, which means you can now party until 3am on a Friday night! Last entry 1.30am.
The Nelson Tavern (SK1) have their resident DJ playing on a Friday night, with Dicko (Ian Dickinson) on from 8pm till 1am.
🍟 Food and drink
Lunch deal at The Dog & Partridge (SK2). One course for £7 or two courses for £11. 12pm - 2pm.
Lite bite meal deal at The Friary (SK3). Cod or haddock, served with chips, and a side of peas, curry or gravy. Plus tea or coffee. £9.95. 11.30am - 8pm.
Fish Friday at Platform 5 (SK8). Joseph Holt’s beer battered fish with chips, salt and vinegar scraps, tartare sauce and your choice of Manchester caviar and peas. Served with a drink. 12pm - 8pm. £14.95 per person.
Treat yourself to lunch at Mediterranean Cafe & Bar (SK23). A full range of mains, salads, jacket potatoes, paninis, baguettes and wraps.
🎤 Karaoke
Alexandra (SK3) with DJ Big Ace. 8pm.
🎸 Live music
Live acoustic sessions at The Jolly Sailor (SK3). Featuring a variety of local musicians, from solo artists to duos and bands.
One Day at The Crown Inn (SK6). Covers band. 9pm.
Friday Fiesta at TRUNK (SK7). Great company, tasty tapas and flowing drinks – what more could you want? Call 0161 222 9260 to book a table, and mention “The Scarf My Father Wore” to receive a 15% discount off the normal tapas menu.
Charlotte Mary at The Rectory (SK8). 8pm.
DJ Des
The final County home game of 2023. Friday night before Christmas. 10,000. Top of the league. No better place to be. Let’s have a bit of “Stockport” by Frankie Vaughan.
Would you like DJ Des to play a particular song for you? Email thescarfmyfatherwore@substack.com with your requests/shoutouts!
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