It’s the 1st of December, which means it’s time to open… The County Advent Calendar!

Former County striker Martin Gritton answers a sackful of Christmas questions

Dec 01, 2024

Sunday 1 December 2024

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Good morning boys and girls. Have you opened window number one on your advent calendars yet? You might have already tucked into your chocolate today, but you’ve still got The Scarf My Father Wore’s advent calendar to open up! No chocolate I’m afraid, but throughout December, we will be hearing from a number of former County players for a little bit of a Christmas chinwag. It’s Martin Gritton first, who also sent me a cracking picture (from his Grimsby days) when I asked him if he had any sort of festive photo to accompany the article!

There’s also 14 of my own snaps from yesterday to have a look at, with County eventually seeing off Brackley Town in the second round of the FA Cup.

Today’s edition is sponsored by Colourtone and Kitchenwide. A big thank you to Paul, and also to Alex and Marie.

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: 176.31 miles

Total steps so far: 284,130

Total raised so far: £2,027

Total completed streets so far: 399 (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

Martin Gritton made 11 appearances for County during our first season in the Conference in 2011-12.

First of all, Mr Gritton, I’ve got a special hotline to Father Christmas. He’s asked me if you’ve been naughty or nice this year?

Always nice Des, just keep your expectations low and you won’t be disappointed.

What was the best thing about being a footballer at Christmas?

Having a valid excuse to avoid Christmas festivities. Being able to fit into my clothes.

And the worst?

Being an unused sub on Boxing Day. Ho Ho Ho.

What does a typical Christmas Day look like in your house?

It depends whose house I’m in. Invariably it’s clearing up wrapping paper 9-12, eating 12-6, drinking 6-finish.

What’s your favourite Christmas film?

Bad Santa.

What would be the best Christmas present underneath the tree for you this year?

Ibuprofen.

County have got Huddersfield away, Rotherham away and Birmingham at home over the festive period. How many points are we getting?

I’ve not followed it closely enough to comment, but you’d be delighted with six points from that lot eh?

Where do you get your Christmas tree from?

The loft.

What’s your best Christmas cracker joke?

How many clickbait journalists does it take to change a lightbulb?

The answer will shock you…

Are you organised when it comes to Christmas shopping or are you a Christmas Eve petrol station sort of guy?

I would say the former. Who wants to be known as the latter?

Give your car a lick of paint

Granted, Stockport used to be a little rough around the edges. But the town’s getting a good old lick of paint these days, with fancy new offices, apartments, bars and restaurants springing up. You can’t be driving up and down the A6 in a tatty car with chipped paintwork, so give your car a nice lick of paint too. Colourtone is your go-to company for that. They’ve been servicing the automotive and industrial markets in Cheshire and Greater Manchester for decades, and carry an extensive range of car paint and industrial paints.

➡️ Visit colourtone.com for further details.

FA Cup second round day in photos

5 questions with Marie from Kitchenwide

What was the best moment with your business in November?

We took on two new members of staff as we continue to grow which was very exciting for us.

What’s your plans for the business in December?

December is our busiest month, getting everyone’s kitchens, beds and units delivered before Christmas. We’re in touch with lots of the local fitters and joiners making sure everything lines up with them fitting all the bespoke items.

What would you like to promote to our readers this month?

We’re wanting to become the local supplier for all the fitters and joiners in the North West, so we’re looking to build more relationships.

What are you hoping Father Christmas will bring you this year?

Health and happiness for all the team at Kitchenwide and all our customers. That would be a lovely gift!

How does a typical Christmas Day look in your house?

Get woken up by my two very excitable kids, followed by a strong coffee whilst we watch them open presents. We then crack open the prosecco and start preparing the Christmas dinner. My husband always cooks the turkey on the BBQ so he’s usually got that going. The rest of the day is spent playing with the kids, drinking more prosecco and ending the day with cheese and a Christmas film. I can’t wait!

➡️ Visit kitchenwide.co.uk for further details.

Photo of the day

Edgeley Park, Stockport

It’s December! 🎄🎅🎁

Season’s greetings to all our readers. (Even the ones from Wrexham!)

Today in SK

🎬 Cinema

Three films at The Savoy Cinema (SK4) today. The Wild Robot (U) at 1pm, Paddington In Peru (PG) at 3.30pm, and Gladiator II (15) at 6pm.

➡️ Click here for tickets.

🍽 Food and drink

Enjoy a delicious Sunday roast at The Crown (SK2) or The Three Tunnes (SK7) with homemade Yorkshire puddings and all the trimmings. Served till 6pm.

Enjoy a pint or two at Heaton Hops (SK4), CAMRA Pub of the Year for Stockport and South Manchester.

A number of venues are featured on The Scarf My Father Wore such as AMP (SK1), The Dog & Partridge (SK2), The Alexandra (SK3), The Crown Inn (SK6), The Cross Keys (SK8), Flute & Firkin (SK12) and The Ram’s Head (SK12). Support them this festive season by popping in for a few drinks.