“I randomly placed my fingertip on the fixtures in the newspaper and ended up going to County’s away game at Bradford”
The story of Macca from Wolverhampton, who’s followed County for 50 years
Thursday 18 January 2024
NEXT HOME GAME: Harrogate – Saturday 3 February, 3pm
NEXT AWAY GAME: Notts County – Saturday 20 January, 3pm
NOTTS COUNTY COACHES:
Bredbury Con Club: FULL
Crofter: FULL
Fingerpost: FULL
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Dear County fans, Stopfordians, and anyone else joining us today, a very warm welcome to your Thursday edition of The Scarf My Father Wore. It was bloody chilly in Chester this morning (there’s a canal somewhere underneath all that snow) but the sun’s out now. Time for an afternoon walk I reckon, which is the first part of my quest to get in shape before I turn 40! More details below, and I’ll keep you posted along the way.
As for today’s edition, how does a Wolverhampton Wanderers fan end up following Stockport County for 50 years? Robert McNally has the brilliant answer to that question in the latest instalment of our ‘Meet the Subscribers’ series.
Today’s edition is sponsored by That Oven Girl and Radial Fire and Security. A big thank you to both Fay and Dan.
Fay’s currently taking bookings for the rest of January and February. If the state of your oven fills you with dread, give her a call on 07487 252758 or email thatovengirl21@gmail.com.
Dan operates throughout the UK, specialising in the supply and service of a variety of different ranges of fire protection equipment. 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: 46.68 miles
Total steps so far: 83,302
Total raised so far: £1,037
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
Robert McNally (“Macca”) is 66 years old, and was born and bred in Wolverhampton. He’s followed Wolves all his life, and still lives in Wolverhampton today, but he’s also supported County home and away for 50 years, following a random trip to Bradford in 1974. He’s in a relationship, and works as a site manager.
Favourite thing about The Scarf My Father Wore?
The opportunity to read all the different stories from other subscribers, young and old.
Where do you normally read your daily dose of The Scarf My Father Wore?
Usually during my spare time at home when I’m not working.
How or why did you become a County fan?
I randomly placed my fingertip on the fixtures in the newspaper and ended up going to County’s away game at Bradford. The welcome I received from County fans on the train, such as Ian Lancs and China, was fantastic. There was an instant connection with County fans that day, learning all the different songs whilst playing cards. County lost 2-0 but it shows how much I took to the club as I started taking Fridays off work to follow County’s Friday night games that season.
What does Stockport County mean to you?
As a club, County are held deep down in my heart. The club means everything to me, it’s in my blood. There’s some County fans I became friends with 50 years ago who I still see today.
What was your first County match?
Bradford away. Saturday 28 September 1974. We lost 2-0.
Where do you sit inside EP?
Season ticket holder in the Cheadle End. LT3.
Who else is in your usual County matchday crew?
Lynn Firth, Dylan Smith and Archie Palethorpe. All sat together.
Always meet up with friends before the game, including David Hobson, Tyler Hobson, Ian Lancs, Tim Brown and Les Braithwaite. Used to include Lisa Braithwaite as well, who will never be forgotten by any of us. 💙
Who is your favourite ever County player?
I quite liked Chris Marsden. Thought that he controlled the midfield as midfielders should and pushed the team forward. Tommy Sword was a great player as well, so I’d say those two.
Favourite current player?
Olaofe.
Who is your favourite ever County manager?
Dave Challinor.
Favourite ever game?
County 3 Manchester Citeh 1. Saturday 29 November 1997.
What is the biggest sacrifice you have ever made to get to a match?
As I’m also a season ticket holder at Wolves, I once gave away my ticket for Man United at home, preferring to travel to Torquay to watch County on a cold February day in 2010-11. County lost 2-0 and Wolves won 2-1. It was well worth the trip, though, spending the day with a great bunch of Hatters on the minibus to watch my beloved County at the other end of the country.
What’s the funniest thing you’ve seen at the match?
When a fan was asked to come down from the floodlights at Luton. He jumped onto the flat roof of the bar and went straight through it!
Favourite matchday boozer?
Edgeley Conservative Club.
Favourite matchday tipple?
I enjoy a bitter if I’m travelling by train or coach. But most home games I drive up so it’s strictly Coca-Cola.
Favourite County song?
“Stockport County scoring, Cheadle End is roaring, matches never boring, when you come to Edgeley Park, oh we’ve got a notion, that we’ll win promotion, let’s raise a commotion, in the Cheadle End.”
Worst County song?
“Stamping on a Burnley fan…”
Best thing about being a County fan?
Mixing with good people from Stockport.
Worst thing about being a County fan?
My worst experience was those days the club came close to folding after falling into administration.
Most despised rival club?
Burnley and Bradford due to the historic banter between the clubs.
Most despised rival player?
Billy Bremner for his cheating dives in the penalty area.
Do you collect any County/football related memorabilia?
I have a room which is like a shrine to County. It’s full of pendants, scarves, flags, books and all sorts.
Any chance encounters with County players?
Only the once, very briefly. Steve Cree obligingly sorted me a pass to the Players’ Lounge after a game. The County players came into the room and started signing autographs and chatting with us. Then a delivery of about 20 pizzas arrived in boxes and were stacked on the bar. No sooner had the pizza delivery man placed them down than Jim Gannon walked in and said to the players: “You won’t need those pizzas, I’m taking you all out for a Chinese!” And as quick as that, they followed him out of the room, leaving myself and others to polish off the pizzas.
Can you play football to any sort of standard?
Growing up I played right wing for my school team, often winning man of the match. In one particular game I scored four goals in a 5-0 win over Wolverhampton Grammar, and all four goals were on the dodgy side!
Goal 1 – The ball came across and I mistimed the header and it went in off my shoulder.
Goal 2 – I swung my leg too early and the ball went in off my opposite knee.
Goal 3 – I took a corner and the wind took the ball into the far corner of the net.
Goal 4 – Their defender and goalkeeper got into a tangle together and in an attempt to get the ball off them I accidentally toe-poked the ball into the net.
Their manager was asking about me at the end of the game saying how good I was. I never meant to score any of the goals the way I did, but I still accepted the glory!
As for these days, I stopped playing football a long time ago.
Anything you’d like to say to finish?
I’d like to thank Des and all The Scarf My Father Wore writers for providing great content on a daily basis. All the best to the club and the supporters for the rest of the season. Here’s hoping we’re kicking off in League One in August!
I’ll share one final story with you before I go, from the day I first met a very good friend – Kevin “Moose” Moss. It was in February 2010 and we sat together in the Cheadle End. County were 4-0 up against Wycombe and Moose was praising me for bringing the team some luck. Then, Wycombe started their comeback. 4-1… 4-2… 4-3… with a few minutes remaining it was all Wycombe as they piled on the pressure, corner after corner, chance after chance. Moose turned to me and said: “If we lose this one, you can sod off back to Wolverhampton!”
County held on to win 4-3, and we’ve been friends ever since. (Although we were relegated to League Two that season.)
And finally, here’s a few of Macca’s favourite things…
Film: Cass.
City: It’s not a city, but I’m saying Stockport. A town full of character and good people.
Food: Steak & kidney pie and chips.
Drink: Cup of tea.
Band: Slade.
Click on the links below to read our previous interviews with The Scarf My Father Wore subscribers.
Matt Allen / Matthew Ashmore / John K Bilsbury / Phil Brennan / Bob Carey / Graham Hall / Des Hinks Junior / Jack Isherwood / Peter Jaquiss / Nick Lee
Let’s play a game of ‘Spot the Difference’!
Can you spot the difference between the two photos above? It’s not exactly the hardest game you’ll ever play, is it? That’s because Fay from That Oven Girl is very good at what she does!
The “before” photo is your oven on a Sunday afternoon, after it’s taken a battering with roast chicken and potatoes and vegetables.
The “after” photo is your oven once you’ve given Fay a call, and she’s got it looking brand new for you once again.
Book your oven cleaning slot by calling Fay on 07487 252758 or email thatovengirl21@gmail.com.
Get in touch with Radial Fire and Security
As you know, we like to have a laugh and a joke at The Scarf My Father Wore, but something like fire protection is a serious matter, so we’ll get straight down to business. Radial Fire and Security are a leading commercial fire safety company with over 20 years’ experience, operating throughout the UK, specialising in the supply and service of a variety of different ranges of fire protection equipment. If you’re looking for cover, or simply to obtain some further information, give Dan a call today.
Visit radialfire.co.uk for further details.
Photo of the day
I turn 40 this year. Crikey. It’s time to get fit I reckon.
This photo is possibly the most boring one I’ve ever uploaded on here. I get that. The photo is for myself more than anyone, just to stick a marker down on day one.
It’s my birthday in a little over 36 weeks’ time, which I’d like to get in shape for, but I’m going to dedicate 52 weeks to this little challenge. Yep, a whole year. I’ll even include a brief update each week for you (which hopefully won’t be as boring as that sounds).
Producing The Scarf My Father Wore every day of the week has actually been very good for me in many ways, getting back into a regular routine. By typing this today, I’ve now made myself accountable to you lot on a weekly basis, so let’s see if that acts as motivation to shift 20 years of cheese and chocolate (and the odd pint or vodka and Coke on an away day…).
I’m 15st 5lb as I write this, just about to head out the door for an afternoon stroll. Part 1 of 52 will be with you next Thursday. (Watch me break my ankle on the ice in the next five minutes…)
Today in SK
🎬 Cinema
Two films at The Savoy Cinema (SK4) today. Typist Artist Pirate King (12A) at 6pm, followed by Ferrari (15) at 8.30pm. Click here for tickets.
💿 DJ
Hallelujah (indie night) at Bask (SK1). Plus, free pints of Bask Lager available between 8pm and 10pm. Free entry.
🥘 Food and drink
Whether you like it hot or cold, head down to Coffee Block (SK1) to get your matcha fix. 8am - 5.30pm.
Ignore the “beer police” and support your local pub in January. If you’re in Stockport today, pop into The Petersgate Tap (SK1) for a pint or two. 12pm - 11pm.
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 - 7.30pm.
Are you giving Dry January a go? The Crown Inn (SK6) have a great selection of non-alcoholic beers and ciders, plus nozeco!
Two main meals for £20 at Cheshire Line Tavern (SK8).
Enjoy a taste of India with Curry Thursday at Platform 5 (SK8). £14.45 for a curry, which includes rice, naan bread, poppadoms, mango chutney and a drink. 12pm - 8pm.
🎶 Free jukebox
Nelson Tavern (SK1). From 6.30pm.
🎱 Free pool
George & Dragon (SK7). 6pm - 9pm.
🎤 Karaoke
Enigma (SK1). 8pm. (And there’s a 10% discount on all drinks!)
Random County fan of the day #18 – Lee Worrall!
One final thing before you go… if you’re looking to learn to drive in January, or lose a few pounds after Christmas, or even get some work done at home, please contact our fantastic advertisers!
🎨 Art & Gifts: Kate O’Brien Art
💈 Barber: STUDIO26 Haircare
🪟 Blinds & Shutters: Bauhaus Blinds & Shutters
📚 Bookkeeping: Eleven Accounts Services Ltd
🍰 Cake Maker: Claire Green Bespoke Cakes and Catering
🧽 Car Valeting: Rub A Dubz Detailing Ltd
🧼 Carpet Cleaning: Pro Clean Carpet Services
🏠 Carpets & Flooring: Kingsway Carpets & Rugs Ltd
🐈⬛ Cat Sitting: The Crazy Cat Ladies Cheshire
👶 Child Health: The Sleep Nanny
🤹♀️ Children’s Entertainment: Stockport Hero Hire
🧹 Cleaning: Beespoke Cleaning
🚙 Coatings: Colourtone Ltd
🦮 Dog Training: Paws High Peak Dog Training
🚘 Driving School: CFN School of Motoring
💷 Financial Services: The Mortgage Mill
🔥 Fire Protection: Radial Fire And Security Limited
🍸 Gin: Hatters Gin
🛁 Grout Refresh & Recolour: GroutGleam Stockport
💇♀️ Hairdressing: C West Hairstylist
🛠 Home Improvements: Menzies Develop & Build
💻 IT Services: Bridge Computer Services
🪚 Joinery: SAW Contracts Ltd
👨🍳 Kitchen Appliances: SW Appliances
🔑 Locksmith: APL Locksmiths Ltd
🚐 Minibus Hire: Westfield Minibuses
🧤 Oven Cleaning: That Oven Girl
🖌 Painter & Decorator: BGM Decorators
🧱 Plasterer: Tate Plastering Services
🚰 Plumber: GTG Gary the Gasman
📕 Publishing: Victor Publishing
🛖 Roofing: ADM Roofing Services Ltd
☀️ Solar Panels: Malbern Solar Ltd
⚽️ Sports Coaching: UK Sports Coaching Ltd
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That is brilliant. I love how we lost 2-0 but Macca's enthusiasm wasn't dimmed one bit. I also wonder if he knows my pal Steve, who also supports Wolves (where he is from originally) and County- a similar age I think- goes home and away with his son Jake- a lovely bloke.
Other thoughts: Great to see a mention for the famous Lancs AKA Dosser Jacket in this one- one of the first County fans I talked to also and very much welcomed me into the fray! And I agree with Macca- and with John K Bilsbury by the way- that the 'stamping on a Burnley fan' song should have seen its end a long time ago. Embarrassing to hear that from the young ones up there who otherwise and generally I think do an admirable job of keeping the noise and encouragement going.