“Jim Carrey’s an absolute fruitcake and always makes me laugh”

Cheer yourself up after last night’s cup exit to Bradford by opening another window on The County Advent Calendar, and find out which former Hatter loves The Grinch…

Dec 11, 2024

Wednesday 11 December 2024

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

Tony Hancock joins us today for a Christmas chat, and there’s also a handful of photos from Edgeley Park last night, as Bradford ended our Vertu Trophy hopes and dreams.

Today’s edition is sponsored by Pate & Lever Roofing. A big thank you to Barry.

Thanks also to MAN v FAT, sponsoring The Scarf My Father Wore throughout 2024-25. You can register for just £1 using the code TSMFW. Scroll down for a list of their local venues.

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: 192.73 miles

Total steps so far: 311,804

Total raised so far: £2,192

Total completed streets so far: 469 (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

Tony Hancock made his County debut on Boxing Day 1988, coming off the bench to replace Brett Angell during a 2-1 defeat at Torquay. He scored on his home debut seven days later, in a 4-0 victory over Exeter. That was one of five goals Tony scored for County in 1988-89, in 22 appearances.

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

I can’t lie, I’d have to say half and half. I’m sure my wife Dawn would disagree.

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

Being a footballer at Christmas gives you the privilege of handing out presents to poorly children in hospitals or underprivileged children. The rewards are massive to see their faces light up.

And the worst?

There’s nothing bad about being a footballer at Christmas. It’s a privilege to be one in the first place so enjoy every minute of it while it lasts.

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

Probably just like everyone else’s – full of love, joy, and an absolute blessing that my family and myself are lucky enough to spend another Christmas together. Enjoy the festive season and don’t take anything for granted.

What’s your favourite Christmas film?

I love Jim Carrey so I’d have to choose How the Grinch Stole Christmas. He’s an absolute fruitcake and always makes me laugh.

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

I really don’t need anything under the Christmas tree this year as long as I have my wife, kids and family around me. That’s the best present ever.

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

I think seven would be a good number. Draw with Birmingham and win the other two. Dave and the squad have the ability and mindset to achieve anything. He’s done it before many times and will continue to do so. He’s a winner and so are the boys.

Where do you get your Christmas tree from?

Bents in Warrington. It’s artificial so I don’t have to hoover the pines up. Keep it simple.

What’s your best Christmas cracker joke?

What do you call a teacher who’s always late?

Mr Bus.

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

Not organised at all. I’m normally in Manchester last minute running around like a loon just to keep the wife happy. Got to keep her sweet. If not I’ll be on cheese butties for the festive season and that’s not good. I hate cheese.

Do you need a new roof?

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One of the hallmarks of Pate & Lever Roofing is their meticulous attention to detail in every project they undertake. From the initial inspection to the final installation, the company emphasises thoroughness and precision, ensuring that each re-roof is performed to the highest standards. This dedication to excellence not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the properties they work on but also ensures the longevity and durability of the new roofs. By using top quality materials and state-of-the-art techniques, Pate & Lever Roofing delivers results that stand the test of time, providing clients with peace of mind and protection from the elements.

➡️ For a free no-obligation quote give Barry a call on 07977 559136 or email info@pateandleverroofing.co.uk.

The end of our Vertu Trophy campaign

Surviving the office Christmas party

A lot of offices are closing next weekend, which means loads of our readers will be gearing up for their Christmas parties at work shortly. If you’re wanting to enjoy yourself whilst also keeping an eye on your waistline, here’s a few tips from MAN v FAT this festive season.

👀 SCOPE OUT THE VENUE

Check the menu online in advance to plan your choices. Adjust your meals for the day accordingly to stay on track.

💧 PACE YOURSELF

Avoid excessive drinking; maintain your professionalism. Alternate alcoholic drinks with soft beverages or water. Opt for lower calorie options, like spirits with sugar-free mixers.

🍟 BE MINDFUL OF GRAZING

Buffets and shared platters can be tempting calorie traps. Decide on your portion size before you start eating. Watch out for calorie-rich dips and oils.

MAN v FAT, who will be sponsoring The Scarf My Father Wore in the 2024-25 season, have a host of clubs in the area and are welcoming new starters – you can join at any stage of the year and you just need to be 18+ and have a BMI of 27.5 or higher!Here's where they’re based locally – you can register for just £1 using the code TSMFW.

Bolton
Wednesdays at St Catherine’s Academy Sports Centre
➡️ https://manvfatfootball.org/bolton

Bury
Tuesdays at Radcliffe FC
➡️ https://manvfatfootball.org/bury

Macclesfield
Thursdays at Lifestyle Fitness
➡️ https://manvfatfootball.org/macclesfield

Manchester
Mondays at MEA Central
➡️ https://manvfatfootball.org/manchester

Rochdale
Mondays at Cardinal Langley RC High School
➡️ https://manvfatfootball.org/rochdale

Salford
Thursdays at Ordsall Leisure Centre
➡️ https://manvfatfootball.org/salford

Stockport
Tuesdays at Lambeth Grove
➡️ https://manvfatfootball.org/stockport

Wigan
Wednesdays at Standish Leisure Centre
➡️ https://manvfatfootball.org/wigan

Photo of the day

Former County player Ashley Williams comes in at number 10 on this list. I think he’s been hard done by. I’m not gay but I reckon Ashley would have a better chance of converting me than bloody Glenn Hoddle. Although Glenn did used to have a lovely mullet to be fair…

Today in SK

🎬 Cinema

Two films at The Savoy Cinema (SK4) today. Wicked (PG) at 5pm, followed by Conclave (12A) at 8.15pm.

➡️ Click here for tickets.

🥃 Food and drink

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.

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

Bitter £2.30 a pint all day at The Cross Keys (SK8).

Cocktails are 2 for £12 at Flute & Firkin (SK12) from 3pm till 7pm.

A number of venues are featured on The Scarf My Father Wore such as AMP (SK1), The Crown (SK2), The Dog & Partridge (SK2), The Alexandra (SK3), The Crown Inn (SK6), The Steelworks (SK6), The Three Tunnes (SK7) and The Ram’s Head (SK12). Support them this festive season by popping in for a few drinks.

Random photos of County players at other clubs

#70 – Mark Halstead, Torquay

Mark Halstead made four appearances for County in November 2011, on loan from Blackpool. We lost all four, culminating in a 7-0 defeat at Grimsby on a Tuesday night. Jim Gannon‘s men were 5-0 down at half-time, with Halstead sticking the V’s up to the 68 travelling Hatters as he went off. He’s currently at Widnes, having spent the last three seasons at Torquay.