Doncaster, Wimbledon, Colchester, Crewe, let’s have a catch-up with you… and Salford too
Not just one, but two previews for you today, as we’re heading to Harrogate after we’ve spoken to Salford
Sunday 16 July 2023
NEXT HOME GAME: Huddersfield – Saturday 22 July, 3pm
NEXT AWAY GAME: Chester – Tuesday 18 July, 7.45pm
Dear County fans, Stopfordians, and any Salford or Harrogate supporters joining us today, a very warm welcome to your Sunday edition of The Scarf My Father Wore.
Fewer people buy newspapers these days, but if you do, you’ll know they’re a little bit thicker at the weekend – and that’s just Boris Johnson’s column in the Daily Mail, arf arf! With Saturday specials and Sunday supplements, there’s more to get your teeth into, and that’s what I like to do with The Scarf My Father Wore if I can (in an online sense, obviously).
I try to upload at least one article Monday to Friday for you to read on the train in the morning, or dare I say it, when you’re on the toilet during your dinner hour. But at the weekend, when you’ve probably got more time on your hands, I like sticking a little bit extra in your inbox, to enjoy with your brew or your bacon butty. As it’s a Sunday, I thought I’d share two of our 2023-24 previews with you this morning, so here’s Salford fan Martin Cooper – host of Dirty Old Podcast – and Harrogate regular Oscar Taylor for your reading pleasure.
Finally, a big thank you to Wes from Oak Health Osteopathy, a 5-star reviewed osteopathy clinic in the heart of Cheadle Hulme, for sponsoring today’s edition. If you’re suffering with any aches and pains at the moment, give Wes a call on 07852 130685 or email wes@oakhealth.co.uk and he can book you in for a 60-minute initial appointment which includes case history, examination and treatment.
Enjoy today’s issue.
Des Junior
Our place: Tuesday 28 November 2023, 7.45pm
Their place: Tuesday 12 March 2024, 3pm
Last win at our place: Saturday 20 May 2023, League Two play-off semi-final second leg, 2-1 (AET, 3-1 on penalties)
Last win at their place: Saturday 22 October 2022, League Two, 2-0
Today’s Sky Bet title/promotion/relegation odds: Us – 6/1 11/8 50/1 Them – 16/1 7/2 20/1
Are you glad County lost the play-off final, or would you rather be playing Carlisle this season?
To be honest I wasn't bothered whether County went up or not. However, it was a little sweet that you got beat on penalties. What goes around, comes around. Overall, I'd rather play County, as it’s always good to have what’s considered by some as a derby.
In terms of your summer transfer business, where have Salford been shopping?
If we're using supermarkets as a gauge, I'd say Tesco. We've improved in areas that needed strengthening, although I still think we're a couple of signings short. Luke Garbutt and Ossama Ashley are two great additions that are an upgrade to what we had. We've also re-signed existing players from last season so we have the continuity of a good team.
With the current energy crisis, the government have ordered all Football League clubs to switch off one thing that uses power for the whole season. What are you choosing?
The players can turn the speakers off in the changing rooms. Use your phones instead!
Which team do you most want to beat this season?
Can I say all of them? If I have to pick, I'll say Wrexham. Back in the Football League, with Hollywood owners, it’d be great to bring them down a peg or two.
County haven't played MK Dons since 2009-10, so we're a little out of the loop. What's your current thoughts when it comes to MK Dons away – boycott the game, happy to attend, or reluctantly go without spending any other money on food, drink, programmes etc?
Personally, I don't get to away games, but it's about supporting your own club, ensuring your team gets over the line, so I'd say it's just another trip away.
The Conservative party are in disarray at the moment. They've contacted your club and asked your chairman and manager to join them, to bring some new ideas to the table. Which roles would they be most suited to?
Nicky Butt, chief whip. Just sounds like a title that suits. Butt's the CEO and I'm sure he's using his whip to get the club on the up.
Let’s go with Neil Wood as prime minister. The boss, the one who makes the rules for the team, who will lead them to success.
There's a huge game at Moor Lane this season. You're 1-0 up with 15 minutes to go when Just Stop Oil protestors invade the pitch and get the game abandoned. How are Salford fans reacting?
I’d rather not answer this question.
Newport County, Notts County, Stockport County. Snog one, marry one, avoid one.
Snog Notts, marry Newport, avoid Stockport.
Ryan Reynolds gets in touch and says he wants you to take him on a Hollywood-style night out when Wrexham visit. He wants the nicest meal in town, followed by the swankiest bar, and then the best hotel. What are your recommendations?
I'd ask Gary Neville for a discount at Hotel Football. One-stop place for food, drink and accommodation.
There's a quote saying "Stockport Isn't Shit" which has taken off around our town, with the words proudly displayed in bars and on various bags and t-shirts. What quote would you use to promote Salford to people who think it's not that fashionable?
“You can't polish a turd, but you can roll it in sprinkles.”
Which Salford player is most likely to end up in League Two's team of the season?
Elliot Watt was fantastic last season, gaining a truly deserved spot in the League Two team of the season, and I'm backing him to repeat that achievement again.
Early predictions for 2023-24?
I think Salford and County will both go up, with Bradford as champions. Wrexham, Notts County and Gillingham in the play-offs, with MK Dons winning promotion. Crewe and Morecambe to go down.
Click on the links below to read the previous 2023-24 previews we’ve published so far.
Crawley / Crewe / Grimsby / Mansfield / Newport / Swindon / Tranmere / Wimbledon
Having an injury or being in pain doesn’t necessarily mean you have to stop playing golf
Golf. Some of our subscribers will have already scrolled further down the page at the mere mention of that word. That’s OK, it’s not for everyone. But I do know many of our readers enjoy a round of golf, so this one’s for them today.
While injuries can be frustrating, they don’t have to completely halt your golfing pursuits. By working closely with a specialist who understands your injury and its implications, you can modify your playing style, adapt your practice routine, and explore alternative formats that allow you to continue playing golf while giving your body the time it needs to heal. Remember, the love for the game doesn’t fade with an injury; it merely takes on a new form.
Oak Health Osteopathy provide their patients with the highest quality osteopathic care for golf-related injuries and pain. Through personalised treatment plans and expert guidance, they aim to help their patients achieve optimal physical health and performance.
Visit osteopathcheadlehulme.co.uk for further details.
Photo of the day
Roots Hall, Southend
A Southend fan took this photo the other day. It’s fair to say it doesn’t look like pre-season preparations are going too well in Essex.
County have played at Roots Hall on 16 occasions – a John Rooney winner securing all three points on our last visit in August 2021 – but it could be a very long time before we visit the Shrimpers again, and they might even be AFC Southend United the next time we meet.
Supporters protested outside chairman Ron Martin’s house over the weekend, with the club seemingly on the brink of going under, with a £275,000 tax bill that needs to be paid next month. Unless Southend can find a new owner, this could be the end for a club competing in the Championship as recently as 2006-07.
Today in SK
☀️ Bask In The Sun
A full day of live music, drinks and food at Bask (SK1), all in support of Child Bereavement UK. Free entry – although make sure you donate a few quid!
🍽 Food and drink
Andrew Arms (SK6) have recently launched their new Sunday menu, with a three course meal priced at just £19.95. Call 0161 484 5392 to book a table.
Simply Sunday at TRUNK (SK7). Sunday brunch including face painting and colouring competitions. 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.
🎶 Free jukebox
The Nelson Tavern (SK1). 3pm - 6pm.
The Scarf My Father Wore works closely with venues on a daily basis to bring you the most comprehensive guide to all of the best offers and events taking place across the whole SK region. Click on the links below for full details of everything taking place in your area over the next few weeks.
SK1 / SK2 / SK3 / SK4 / SK5 / SK6 / SK7 / SK8 / SK9 / SK10 / SK11 / SK12 / SK13 / SK14 / SK15 / SK16 / SK17 / SK22 / SK23
Doncaster, Wimbledon, Colchester, Crewe, let’s have a catch-up with you… and Harrogate too
Their place: Saturday 14 October 2023, 3pm
Our place: Saturday 3 February 2024, 3pm
Last win at their place: Saturday 11 February 2023, League Two, 3-1
Last win at our place: Saturday 25 April 2015, Conference North, 2-1
Today’s Sky Bet title/promotion/relegation odds: Us – 6/1 11/8 50/1 Them – 100/1 18/1 10/3
Are you glad County lost the play-off final, or would you rather be playing Carlisle this season?
I think both teams were pretty equal last season and I’m sure yourselves and Carlisle both felt you deserved to go up. I wasn’t too fussed either way. Whether we’d be facing County or Carlisle this season, we’d probably lose either way.
In terms of your summer transfer business, where have Harrogate been shopping?
We’ve been shopping all over the place for players, so I’d say we’ve been to the big Tesco, picking up bargains in the reduced aisle but also going for Tesco’s Finest when we can.
With the current energy crisis, the government have ordered all Football League clubs to switch off one thing that uses power for the whole season. What are you choosing?
I would love to switch off the ticket scanners so we can get rid of e-tickets and go back to paper ones. I love getting a proper ticket that I can keep hold of but the e-ticket era is killing that joy.
Which team do you most want to beat this season?
Bradford are always a great one to beat. We were unbeaten against them before they did the double over us last season (although we knocked them out of the FA Cup) so it would be nice to get back to winning ways against them.
County haven't played MK Dons since 2009-10, so we're a little out of the loop. What's your current thoughts when it comes to MK Dons away – boycott the game, happy to attend, or reluctantly go without spending any other money on food, drink, programmes etc?
This will be our first time playing MK Dons. I’m pretty sure I’ll still attend as boycotting the game will only have a negative affect on our players, but I’ll certainly spend as little money as possible in the ground.
The Conservative party are in disarray at the moment. They've contacted your club and asked your chairman and manager to join them, to bring some new ideas to the table. Which roles would they be most suited to?
We’ve got a father-and-son duo as chairman and manager, so I’d stick them in the same department. They could take a key role in defence, as we were in deep trouble halfway through last season, before some great signings sorted out our defensive issues which ultimately kept us in the Football League.
There's a huge game at Wetherby Road this season. You're 1-0 up with 15 minutes to go when Just Stop Oil protestors invade the pitch and get the game abandoned. How are Harrogate fans reacting?
Mainly shocked that they’ve picked one of our games for a protest! Unless we draw one of the big boys in the cup, I can safely say there won’t be a single Just Stop Oil member targeting us this year.
Newport County, Notts County, Stockport County. Snog one, marry one, avoid one.
Newport are the easiest to avoid as they have pretty poor fans and it’s not a place I’d want to visit every week.
Stockport for a snog – I wouldn’t mind going to a game in the Cheadle End one day to experience that fantastic atmosphere – but I couldn’t choose to marry you over Notts. They have a history that other clubs dream of, an incredible fanbase, and an attractive style of play.
Ryan Reynolds gets in touch and says he wants you to take him on a Hollywood-style night out when Wrexham visit. He wants the nicest meal in town, followed by the swankiest bar, and then the best hotel. What are your recommendations?
We’re a town that’s literally full of tea shops so he’s got plenty of choice when it comes to a nice bite to eat and a brew. I’d have to take him to Bettys – it’s ridiculously overpriced but he could cover the bill and he’d probably be able to skip the queue as well.
As for a hotel, Grantley Hall is about 25 minutes from the ground, but that’s about as swanky as you can get. Several other celebrities have visited before so I’m sure he’d love it.
There's a quote saying "Stockport Isn't Shit" which has taken off around our town, with the words proudly displayed in bars and on various bags and t-shirts. What quote would you use to promote Harrogate to people who think it's not that fashionable?
Harrogate is known as a nice place but people think it’s overly posh and not very “northern” so it would have to be something like: “Harrogate has normal people too.”
Which Harrogate player is most likely to end up in League Two's team of the season?
Luke Armstrong. How a bigger club hasn’t taken him off us is beyond me. His goal haul last season in a year we really struggled was incredibly impressive, his work rate is unbelievable, and he’ll do whatever he can to feed off the scraps we often supply him with.
Early predictions for 2023-24?
I think this season is really tough to call. I’d put County down as champions as I believe you lot were the best performing team over the second half of last season, and you have a very strong squad.
Notts County in 2nd; their recruitment over the summer has made a top team even better and they should expect to be right at the top.
I’m tempted to back Doncaster for 3rd. They had a terrible season last year but look to have sorted themselves out and could be a dark horse this time around.
Wrexham, Bradford, Barrow and Salford (sadly) in the play-offs. Wrexham v Bradford in the final, where Wrexham go up and consign Bradford to another year in League Two.
I’m hoping we can beat the drop, so I’ll say Newport and Crawley to go down, although things could get pretty tight at the bottom.
Click on the links below to read the previous 2023-24 previews we’ve published so far.
Crawley / Crewe / Grimsby / Mansfield / Newport / Swindon / Tranmere / Wimbledon
We’ve got everything from Art & Gifts to Yoga
We might not have found a psychic from Poynton or a dominatrix from Davenport just yet, but we’ve pretty much got you covered for all other products and services you might need across Cheshire and Greater Manchester. Just take a look at this little lot…
Art & Gifts - Bags - Builder - Butcher - Carpets & Flooring - Chartered Accountants - Cleaning - Coach Hire - Coatings - Dog Walking - Financial Services - Fire Protection - Football Prints - Gardening - Glazier - IT Services - Kitchen Appliances - Locksmith - Osteopath - Painter & Decorator - Party & Event Services - Personal Trainer - Physiotherapist - Plasterer - Plumber - Recruitment - Removals - Security Equipment - Shoe Repairs - Sports Coaching - Timber Supplies - Tutor - Vintage Clothing - Window Cleaner - Workwear - Yoga
On a serious note, our sponsors help us to keep The Scarf My Father Wore completely free of charge for everyone (rather than paying for a subscription, like most Substack websites) so if you do enjoy our daily offerings, please support them whenever you can. Make a mental note to yourself that whenever you need a cleaner, or a plumber, or a solicitor (or if you are looking for a dominatrix, send me a private message as I know a cracking lady in Heaton Moor…), check out our own directory before you head over to Google or Yell.com. Loads of the businesses we work with are County fans, and we’ve often got great offers for our readers as well.
Click here to have a look at all the businesses in our directory.