Meet the Subscribers!
Musings from Margate today as one of our southern Hatters, Peter Jaquiss, takes us back to Old Trafford, The Shay and Saltergate
Thursday 9 November 2023
NEXT HOME GAME: Bolton – Tuesday 14 November, 7.30pm
NEXT AWAY GAME: Swindon – Saturday 11 November, 3pm
Dear County fans, Stopfordians, and anyone else joining us today, a very warm welcome to your Thursday edition of The Scarf My Father Wore.
Our ‘Meet the Subscribers’ series continues today with Peter Jaquiss, born and bred in Stockport before moving to Kent in the late 80s.
Today’s edition is sponsored by Kingsway Carpets. As always, a big thank you to Neil.
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: £925
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
Peter Jaquiss, 63, was born in Stepping Hill and lived in Cheadle until he was 28, before moving to Kent in 1988 when he met his wife Elaine (who shows little interest in football but always wants Peter to put Jon Keighren’s commentary on loudspeaker…). He retired three years ago, having worked for one of the high street banks for 41 years.
Favourite thing about The Scarf My Father Wore?
It’s County. Enough said.
Where do you normally read your daily dose of The Scarf My Father Wore?
Sitting down with my morning coffee.
How or why did you become a County fan?
When I started at secondary school (Cheadle Moseley) one of my classmates Richard Singleton used to go and watch them on a Friday night and when you’re 12 the idea of going out with your mates to watch football is pretty appealing. A few of us started going along and I never really stopped. My dad used to take me to Maine Road before this happened but my allegiance soon changed after a few visits to EP. Seem to recall getting the bus there, sitting in the old Cheadle Stand, chips and gravy afterwards and the bus home and still having change from a quid!
What does Stockport County mean to you?
I think different things at different times. I’ve been supporting County for 50 years this year and it’s a very different proposition to first going in 1973 when crowds were around the 1,300 mark. I love football, but have little interest in the Premier League and such, and much prefer the offering that County serve up. It’s got more of a family feel rather than the corporate offerings higher up.
What was your first County match?
8 March 1969 when County beat Swindon 2-1 at home the week before they beat Arsenal at Wembley in the League Cup final. It was a primary school friend’s birthday so about 10 of us there. Little did I know what was in store for me following County.
Where do you sit inside EP?
When I first started coming along, I stood on the railway sleepers in the Railway End when County were kicking that way, before moving to the other end of the Pop Side near the Cheadle End when kicking that way in the second half. It was pretty easy to walk round then as there was no seating in the Pop Side. In the 1980s I started sitting in the old Cheadle End. Nowadays I don’t get to as many games as I would like, but I try to sit in the lower tier of the Cheadle End.
Who else is in your usual County matchday crew?
I’ve got three daughters in their twenties now and the youngest and eldest come with me. My dad still lives in Cheadle Hulme as well so he also comes along when I’m visiting up north.
Who is your favourite ever County player?
There’s a few. Early days probably Terry Park. Such a gifted player when in the mood. Johnny Price as well. I remember reading a match review in a paper once which said: “Johnny Price made some great runs down the wing, occasionally remembering to take the ball with him.” I had a friend some years ago who was a season ticket holder at Huddersfield and told me we’d signed a gem when Chris Marsden joined us; he wasn’t wrong.
Worst ever player?
Not sure I could name one. We’ve had players of all abilities but I’d never call a player out just for lack of ability. Lack of effort, yes, and that’s one of the big differences between watching County and the greedy league.
Favourite current player?
Tanto Olaofe. Just think he’s improved so much in his time with us and appears to genuinely love playing for County.
Who is your favourite ever County manager?
Jim for the times he brought us back from the dark days and improved us year on year. However, I have a feeling Dave Challinor is going to take us to levels we haven’t seen before.
Best atmosphere you’ve experienced watching County?
Wembley visits always stick in my mind with the whole day’s experience. Best atmosphere outside this was Halifax away on the final day of the 1989-90 season when we needed to better Southend’s result to win promotion. County won 2-1, having virtually taken over the whole ground at The Shay. Incredible scenes, especially when rumours filtered through that Southend’s result had gone in our favour. Sadly wasn’t true.
Favourite ever game?
August 1978 at Old Trafford in the League Cup when County were 2-1 up with a couple of minutes to go. I went with a few United fans and felt so proud of the team that day, even though we were robbed at the end. I remember the “Houdini United” headline in the paper the following day.
Worst ever game?
Losing 5-0 at home to Newport County in the 1970s. It started snowing during the game so we had to get an orange ball out which was quite a novelty at the time. John Aldridge scored a hat-trick, prior to his exploits at Liverpool. It was cold, damp and we were well and truly stuffed. Not uncommon at the time.
Favourite ever goal?
Brett Angell. Chesterfield. Promotion. Couldn’t go and was following on Teletext. I’ve seen the goal numerous times since and whilst not the best, it’s probably the most influential in County’s history so far.
If you could play in an exact moment from County’s history, which would it be?
Any!
What’s the funniest thing you’ve seen at the match?
Crewe away in the 70s when they had the open terrace behind the goal. One gent had obviously been in the pub for some time and couldn’t even clap his hands together pre-match. Spent the whole game asleep propped up at the back of the terrace and his mates had to wake him at the end of the game.
Favourite matchday boozer?
I don’t usually have a pint before a game.
Favourite matchday tipple?
If I’m at home I usually have a beer at 5pm once the final score comes through.
What do you like the most about Edgeley Park?
Everything. Will be even better when there’s a roof on the Railway End.
Best thing about being a County fan?
Expecting the unexpected. County never do things the easy way.
Worst thing about being a County fan?
Not being able to see them as much as I would like.
Most despised rival club and why?
Don’t actually despise any other club. Each to his or her own. You always end up supporting a club for a reason.
Most despised rival player and why?
Any player who cheats. Can’t stand the rolling round like you’ve been shot and then getting up 30 seconds later and running off. And probably Ted McMinn.
Any chance encounters with County players?
I did once meet Derek Loadwick in a pub in the Lake District.
Have you ever decked an opposing fan?
No.
Can you play football to any sort of standard?
Definitely not. I did play football in the Stockport League on a Saturday afternoon from 1978 to 1986 for a team called Cheadle Trinity, and then a couple of years for Spurley Hey in the same league before moving down south.
Describe a perfect day.
Fry-up for breakfast, three points for County and time with family.
And finally, here’s a few of Peter’s favourite things…
TV programme: Line of Duty.
Film: Die Hard.
Food: A good curry or a fry-up.
Drink: Cider. The proper stuff.
Book: The Roy Grace series by Peter James.
Click on the links below to read our previous interviews with The Scarf My Father Wore subscribers.
It’s time to get a new carpet
One of our sponsors is Kingsway Carpets. Established in 1985, the family-run business have a huge selection of carpets to suit all budgets and there’s no hidden extras – the price quoted is the price you pay. They also have a team of experienced fitters who will expertly lay your brand new carpet perfectly. If you’re in need of a new carpet, give them a call and they’ll have you sorted out in no time.
Visit kingsway-carpets.co.uk for further details.
Photo of the day
Edgeley Park, Stockport
Aldershot fans celebrate on the pitch in May 1973 having clinched promotion to the Third Division with a 1-1 draw against County.
Today in SK
🍽 Food and drink
Lunch deal at The Dog & Partridge (SK2). One course for £7 or two courses for £11. 12pm till 2pm.
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.
Taster Thursday at TRUNK (SK7). Three tapas dishes and a glass of sangria for £20 from 5pm. 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). From 6.30pm.
🎱 Free pool
The George & Dragon (SK7). 6pm - 9pm.
🎵 Music
Tom Bright at Bask (SK1). 7pm. Tickets £12.
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