Sunday 8 October 2023
🎶 Fuck you County, we’re gonna win the league! 🎶
The League Two title race could start to get a little confusing. For the first time this season, ourselves and both of last season’s National League promotion winners are in the top seven. Maybe battle can now commence – a battle a lot of the bookies predicted during the summer. Some people might suggest Wrexham aren’t cut out for a title challenge after their 5-0 defeat at Edgeley Park, but that’s their only defeat in 11 games since the opening day. From their point of view, it might have just been one of those days, a bit like Notts County’s 5-1 defeat at Sutton on day one. Like Wrexham, the Magpies have also lost just once in 11 games since then.
I reckon a lot of football fans would be pretty confident putting money on all three teams to finish in the top seven right now. And we might just see all three challenging for the title as well. “Fuck you County” could be echoing around Edgeley Park, Meadow Lane and The Racecourse over the coming months. Could be fun. Notts County stay top for now, with a point at Barrow yesterday, but Stockport County are only one point behind in second, thanks to Tanto’s late winner against Donny, and we’ll have all your post-match six-in-a-row stuff tomorrow.
For your Sunday reading, it’s the second part of our new series in which we speak to some of the 61 different people listed on the club contacts page on County’s official website. Adam Jones joins us for a chat about golf, Gareth Southgate and creamy chicken pasta.
Today’s edition is sponsored by Por Vida Tattoo. Give them a call on 07549 930069 or email contact@porvidatattoo.co.uk to discuss any forthcoming tattoo plans you might have.
Finally, I’m starting my charity walk in the next few days, walking every street in Stockport to raise money for men’s mental health charity Mentell. If you’d like to make a donation to help me reach my target, please click here.
Further information on the walk can be found by clicking here.
Des Junior
What did you do before your role at County?
I was a manager at Pro Football Academy, looking after our biggest centre in the UK at Stockport Sports Village, with approximately 15 teams and 200 players. That’s where I’m still based now working for County.
How many hours a week do you work at the club?
I work full-time. However, I see it as more of a lifestyle than a job so the number of hours can range from 40-60 depending on what we have on. Monday is usually about meetings and updates on the weekend’s games and individual players, seeing if there are any issues that need addressing such as follow-ups after an injury. Tuesday is my day off and then from Wednesday onwards it’s busy with training and preparing for the weekend’s games.
What would be your dream job in the future?
A football agent, with just one client – my son!
What school did you go to? What were you like?
I was raised in Weston-super-Mare, so I went to primary school in a little village called Worle. I moved to Manchester when I was 14 and went to Mossley Hollins High School, followed by Ashton Sixth Form College. I was the typical cocky football kid at school I think! I was good at sports so I was popular, but a bit lippy which meant the older kids and teachers would lose patience with me at times.
What did you want to be when you were a kid?
What every boy wants to be: a professional footballer. I was never good enough, although I was lucky to enjoy a decent semi-pro career.
How do you get to work in the morning, and what’s your favourite radio/podcast for the journey?
I drive. I only live in Romiley so I drop the boys off at school and then luckily it only takes me five minutes to then get to Stockport Sports Village. I tend to listen to TalkSport. Love a bit of Ally McCoist in the morning.
What do you wear to work?
A County tracksuit of course! If it’s warm (or not freezing) I like to wear shorts, but at the moment it’s tracksuit bottoms, a hoody, and a gilet. All County, of course.
What’s the best thing about working at County?
I think the word togetherness springs to mind. But also having that affinity to the club. My two boys are now avid County supporters. Last season we had four season tickets; it’s a club that just sucks you in.
What’s the toughest part of your job?
For me it’s when a player gets released and then supporting them out of the academy, either into another academy team or into grassroots football. I form relationships with all the players so to see their journey at the club come to an end is hard sometimes.
What’s your favourite part of Edgeley Park?
The Cheadle End. My season tickets weren’t in the Cheadle End due to my boys only being young at the time, but the atmosphere and energy that stand can generate on matchdays is unreal.
What’s your go-to food and drink on your lunch hour?
I’m a big fan of the creamy chicken pasta our chef James serves up. And a bottle of water.
Describe your perfect day off.
Probably a day on the golf course. I’m a keen golfer now, but finding the time to get 18 holes in can be a struggle, so the freedom to play a full round interrupted would be magical.
Do you remember any funny/memorable moments from previous County staff nights out or parties?
No comment.
If you could swap jobs with any celebrity in the world, who would it be? The only caveat is that you’ve got to choose someone who you think could handle your role as Head of Safeguarding.
That’s a tough question. I’m going to go for Gareth Southgate. Purely based on the fact I believe he’d be OK at my job. Managing England wouldn’t be a bad job either with the array of young talent we have coming through at the moment.
Have you ever told a little white lie on your CV…
Unfortunately not! With references these days you can’t lie. I have probably exaggerated things in an interview to make me sound unbelievable.
What do you think your job is like today, compared to how it would have been in 1883 when County were formed?
I don’t believe my job would have existed back then. Safeguarding and player care is now becoming more prominent in academies, and it will only continue to grow as the welfare of children is so important.
What advice would you give to anyone wanting to be a Head of Safeguarding when they’re older?
Only do it if you enjoy it. Safeguarding has underpinned the work I have done all my professional life – social worker, youth offending team officer, head of year at a high school – so it’s second nature for me now, but if you don’t enjoy it, don’t do it.
What do you think you’ll do when you retire?
Have a lie-in!
Click on the links below to read the previous interviews we’ve published so far.
#1 Nick Clarke, Disability Liaison Officer
Get your ears pierced for £20
Located on Castle Street in Edgeley, Por Vida Tattoo is a great place to go if you’re looking to get inked up. Here’s a few examples of their recent work:
If you’re not quite ready for a tattoo, they also have a fantastic range of pieces for you to stand out from the crowd if you’re looking to get a piercing or two. Send them a message or pop into the studio on Castle Street if you’re interested.
Visit porvidatattoo.co.uk for further details.
Photo of the day
The outskirts of Chester city centre
Spotted this walking into Chester the other day. Our chairman’s not silly, is he? Never mind his property empire, there’s serious money to be made ferrying grannies and grandads to old Roman cities for the afternoon, so it’s great to see him expanding his business interests. Even if the design of the coach reminds me of a Carlisle away strip from the 90s.
Today in SK
🍽 Food and drink
Andrew Arms (SK6) have recently launched their new Sunday menu, with a three course meal priced at just £19.95. Call 0161 484 5392 to book a table.
Simply Sunday at TRUNK (SK7). Sunday brunch including face painting and colouring competitions. 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). 3pm - 6pm.
🎸 Live music
Gathering of Strangers at Bask (SK1). A completely stripped back version of the band you normally see. From new and old songs to songs you will have never heard before, they will be playing their most intimate and exclusive set to date. Having previously played this show supporting Morcheeba and as a surprise performance in Manchester Art Gallery, you will definitely not want to miss this night of music as it doesn’t come around very often. 7.30pm. Tickets £5.
The Scarf My Father Wore works closely with venues on a daily basis to bring you the most comprehensive guide to all of the best offers and events taking place across the whole SK region. Click on the links below for full details of everything taking place in your area over the next few weeks.
SK1 / SK2 / SK3 / SK4 / SK5 / SK6 / SK7 / SK8 / SK9 / SK10 / SK11 / SK12 / SK13 / SK14 / SK15 / SK16 / SK17 / SK22 / SK23
We’ve got everything from Art & Gifts to Yoga
We might not have found a psychic from Poynton or a dominatrix from Davenport just yet, but we’ve pretty much got you covered for all other products and services you might need across Cheshire and Greater Manchester. Just take a look at this little lot…
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