“I don’t really see the game against County as revenge”

Ryan Latham drops in ahead of Saturday’s huge clash between 6th and 5th at the Toughshit

Wednesday 12 March 2025

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NEXT HOME GAME: Burton Albion – Saturday 29 March, 12.30pm

NEXT AWAY GAME: Bolton Wanderers – Saturday 15 March, 12.30pm

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

It’s less than nine months since Ryan Latham from Trotter Chatter last joined us, but a lot’s happened during that time. Bolton suffered their biggest ever defeat at Edgeley Park, Steven Schumacher’s replaced Ian Evatt in the dugout, and Peter Kay’s started comparing his audience members to Lisa Riley. We cover all of that, and more, in today’s edition.

A big thank you to Gareth from Forever Home Dog Training for sponsoring today’s edition of The Scarf My Father Wore.

Thanks also to Luke and Hannah at LBL Roofing & Building Ltd who sponsor our Bolton Wanderers content on the website.

You’ll also see the advert for my comedy night at the end of this month. I’ve got 10 tickets left, which I’d love to get rid of. We’ve got a fantastic line-up, including Mike Newall (Britain’s Got Talent) and Chris Washington (Live from the BBC, Mock the Week, Richard Osman’s House of Games). Drop me a message if you’d like to come along.

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: 216.74 miles

Total steps so far: 353,516

Total raised so far: £2,270

Total completed streets so far: 474 (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

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• Odin Bailey scored County’s fifth goal back in November, putting the cherry on top of County’s biggest ever victory over Bolton (Photo credit: Mike Petch)

We last had a chat in June, as part of our build-up to the new season. When I asked who you most wanted to beat, you said the following: “Has to be Wigan. We’re sick of losing to them, and in a shocking manner. For us to break that hoodoo would be huge.” Is that still the must-win when you go to their place in April (having lost at home) or would you rather get revenge on us for the 5-0?

Since appointing Schumacher we seem to be squashing many hoodoos, one being beating teams in the top six. Wigan is still a big one but I've never been more confident going into that particular game. I don't really see the game against County as revenge. We had a different line-up at Edgeley Park and we haven't really held a grudge since. However, it is a six-pointer and a game I think we can win.

How are Bolton playing under Schumacher compared to Evatt?

So much more attacking football. Gone are the days of laboured passing across the back five. We now have a rotation of three formations, utilise players in the positions they’re supposed to play in (wingers and full-backs), and are showing grit and determination.

Were you one of the lucky ones who got a ticket to watch the 5-0 thrashing at Edgeley Park?

No, I watched it from home. Didn’t make the game any easier. I would say I was lucky not to go, to be honest.

This is your sixth consecutive season below the Championship (five in League One, one in League Two). How pissed off are you that Bolton haven’t made it back to the second tier yet?

If you’d asked me this in May after the play-off final I’d have said very. But I see the Schumacher era as a fresh start and we won't be putting too much pressure on him to do it this season (although I wouldn't rule us out).

I’ve seen some Bolton fans saying you can finish 2nd now. Do you honestly think you can push for automatic promotion?

My heart says why not? My head says we’ll need to do it in the play-offs. We’re top of the form table in League One and playing some great stuff. Bolton Wanderers seem to be back so I'm daring to dream.

What’s your prediction for the weekend?

2-0 to Wanderers. (Gotta keep believing.)

Why are there no fucking trains to Bolton on Saturday?

I’ll be driving in so I’m not really sure. A train from Stockport to Horwich isn’t the quickest anyway!

How did it feel losing to non-league Stockport County in the FA Cup?

Old news! Circumstances have changed so much since then. It felt like it meant a lot more to County than it did to us.

• Photo credit: Bolton Wanderers FC

Your ground is called the Toughsheet. Discuss.

A very tongue in cheek name yes, but the money the company is putting into the club takes that taste away. Local lads who love the club so can't complain. (We still call it the Reebok anyway.)

Is there anywhere decent in Horwich for County fans to get an early pint on Saturday or should they just go straight to the ground.

Horwich is a decent area for a pint or two. County will have The Beehive as their designated pub, which isn't bad and tends to be a good atmosphere for away fans.

What’s your thoughts on Sharon Brittan?

Sharon has a lot of good credit with Bolton fans, but the management of Ian Evatt has been very poor - she doesn't seem to be ruthless enough to make difficult decisions. Hopefully the introduction of a new sporting director will help. She showed weakness not sacking Evatt sooner, leaving Schumacher with a mountain to climb with no January transfer window to utilise.

And finally, is Peter Kay a bit of a tit these days or does everyone in Bolton still love him?

He's a lot more irrelevant these days; he isn't really in the public eye. I've heard Chinese whispers that he's a bit rude and greedy, but nothing substantial. Boltoners still think fondly of Phoenix Nights and Max and Paddy!

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Introduce your dog to the wonderful world of scent work

Any dog can be trained to detect scents. If it’s something you’re interested in learning more about with your own dog, Gareth from Forever Home Dog Training is hosting a new course shortly. It’s a six-week course, as part of the introductory bronze level.

➡️ Visit foreverhomedogtraining.com for further details.

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Photo(s) of the day

In the build-up to the recent home game with Blackpool, I spent all week sharing the 55 photos I’d snapped at the seaside earlier in the season - our best away day of 2024-25 so far. With Bolton coming up on Saturday, I’ve decided to do the same again, as our 5-0 victory at home to the Trotters is certainly the EP highlight of the campaign to date. I took 20 photos on that memorable November afternoon, so there’s four each day for you.

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LBL Roofing & Building

Any Bolton fans (or indeed, any County fans living in that neck of the woods) joining us today? If you need any roofing work doing at home, LBL Roofing & Building are dedicated to providing top-notch services with an unwavering commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

With extensive experience serving Bolton and the North West, their team of skilled professionals specialise in all aspects of roofing, from minor repairs to complete roof installations. They understand the importance of a durable and reliable roof, which is why they focus on precision, attention to detail, and using the highest quality materials in every project.

Whether you're a homeowner in need of a roof repair or a business requiring a full roof replacement, they offer tailored roofing solutions that are built to last. With LBL Roofing & Building, your roof's integrity is their top priority, ensuring that their work not only meets but exceeds your expectations.

➡️ Visit lblroofingandbuilding.co.uk for further details.

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Today in SK

🎬 Cinema

Two films at The Savoy Cinema (SK4) today. September 5 (15) at 2.30pm, followed by A Complete Unknown (15) at 5.15pm.

➡️ 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. Also, double up for £2 on premium spirits.

Enjoy a coffee and a cake for just £6 at The Dog & Partridge (SK2). The perfect excuse for a catch-up! 12pm - 4pm.

Bitter £2.30 a pint all day at The Cross Keys (SK8). Plus, discounts on certain lagers between 12pm and 6pm.

A number of venues are featured on The Scarf My Father Wore such as The Crown (SK2), The Alexandra (SK3), The Crown Inn (SK6), The Three Tunnes (SK7), Flute & Firkin (SK12) and The Ram’s Head (SK12). Support them this month by popping in for a few drinks and a bite to eat.

🎸 Live music

Pete Levene, former presenter and producer at Pure 107.8 FM, is at The Steelworks (SK6) for an evening of rock & roll and discussion. 7.30pm.

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Random snippets from old County programmes

#17 - County v Tranmere, 25 April 1986

County’s final home game of the 1985-86 season was a Friday night clash with local rivals Tranmere. Player-manager Les Chapman thanked the fans for their support throughout the campaign.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the County supporters for their efforts throughout the season. The travelling fans have done a great deal in helping the team achieve an excellent away record. I’m sure you all share the frustration and disappointment that we missed out on promotion at the final fence but nevertheless it has been an eventful season and fans and players alike can look back on it with pride. Let us hope we can commence next season with confidence and the ambition to progress to even greater things and achieve the ultimate goal - promotion!

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🧱 Plastering: DT Plastering Services and Damp Proofing Specialists

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