“The mood is far more positive and the Cowleys are doing great work in getting the fans engaged again”
Colchester are still embroiled in a relegation battle, but they’ve only lost one in eight, and U’s fan David Clayton is confident they’ll beat the drop
Friday 1 March 2024
NEXT HOME GAME: Newport – Saturday 9 March, 3pm
NEXT AWAY GAME: Colchester – Saturday 2 March, 3pm
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Dear County fans, Stopfordians, Colchester supporters, and anyone else from The Football Family joining us today, please allow me to wish you a very happy March! I’ll be honest, I’m not usually this excitable for the first day of a new month, but after County won just one of six games in February (failing to score a goal in the last three), I feel we need as much positivity and enthusiasm as we can muster heading into this critical month.
From a personal perspective, it’s been a fantastic start to March with a new sponsor joining The Scarf My Father Wore family. A huge thank you to Chris from LM Stone Creative.
I also have to say a big thank you to Roy Gatley, the latest County fan to support The Scarf My Father Wore by signing up as a paid subscriber. Roy celebrated his 70th birthday last month (“the win at Grimsby was my present from County!”), and here’s why he decided to upgrade his subscription from free to paid. If you’d like to help me out by joining Roy and our other members, it’ll only cost you 13p a day.
Why did you decide to become a paid subscriber?
I decided to become a paid up member because I like what you are doing and I wanted to contribute in some way.
Favourite thing about The Scarf My Father Wore?
I like the fact that you are so enthusiastic about County, and in touch with people at the club.
Why should other County fans become paid subscribers too?
The more people we have as paid subscribers, it allows you and those around you to do more things in the future.
Right, I think that’s everything from me. From this point (for the next few days anyway) it’s all about the Colchester content, kicking off with an interview with U’s fan David Clayton.
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: 113.33 miles
Total steps so far: 184,956
Total raised so far: £1,631
Total completed streets so far: 202 (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
How are the Cowley brothers getting on?
Their appointment completely turned around the mood at the club and was universally approved of.
The results may not show it fully, but we are a far better team since they came in. In their eight games so far we’ve had six draws, one win and one defeat. Of those draws, three should have been wins but for silly individual errors and we are now always in games. Of course, it’s impossible to say for sure, but I think most fans would agree that most of those draws would have been defeats under previous management and we’d be in real trouble.
They’ve made us far more difficult to play against. We were conceding more than two goals per game and set pieces were as good as penalties for the opposition, but we’re now more organised. They’ve been let down by basic errors but that (hopefully) won’t last.
Overall, if we stay up, I’m excited for them to be in charge next season.
What’s the fan culture like at Colchester?
Over the past three seasons it has become toxic at times. This is due to the owner’s stubborn refusal to break from the “plan”, which has been “sack manager, ignore external candidates, promote unqualified internal candidate, team regresses, sack manager, repeat”. This culminated in the appointment of Matty Etherington, whose style of play, lack of experience and refusal to engage with fans on any level finally completely ruptured the connection between the club and fans. For his final home game, the supporters association, who do great work, cancelled their pre-match works (flags, banners etc) because it just wasn’t appropriate.
However, the owner has finally seen the light and gone big to appoint the Cowleys. The mood is far more positive and they’re doing great work in getting the fans engaged again. This season is about staying in League Two, which I’m confident we will, and then looking forward to the Cowleys taking us forward.
How do you think Southend fans will react if you are relegated this season?
Of course, they’d absolutely love it. If we were to go down and their takeover is finalised, the momentum of both clubs will be in opposite directions and they’ll be relishing taking us on.
Layer Road was shit, in a nice traditional way. Your new place is shit, in a not nice modern way. Fair comment?
Yep, definitely fair. Those of us old enough to remember Layer Road still love it and there’s no doubt that it played a part in our success in the mid 2000s. We finished 10th in the Championship and at one stage won 11 home games on the bounce. Of course, we had to move as it was unsustainable to remain there. The new ground is a bit soulless and doesn’t have the individuality that makes it ours in my opinion – that can be achieved with new stadiums, as AFC Wimbledon have shown). I saw a stat recently which showed that over the last decade or so only a couple of teams have lost more home games than us, which is a testament to this. When the team are doing well, it can generate a good atmosphere. Unfortunately, those times have been few and far between in recent years.
Colchester was England’s first capital city. Why should we take that title from London and give it back to you?
So that when we get a mention on Sky or BBC it won’t just be: “Hey, these guys beat Leeds in the cup ages ago when Leeds were good.”
My mate John is staying in Colchester for a couple of nights this weekend. Have you got a good pub recommendation for him?
Can’t go wrong with Three Wise Monkeys. Good selection and you can buy pints in thirds!
Best and worst memories as a Colchester fan?
A few to pick from: securing promotion to the Championship with a draw at Yeovil; beating Forest at Layer Road that same season with two goals in injury time; the club’s first game at Old Trafford in 2019.
The worst was relegation from League One. Felt terrible, but it had been coming. More recently, having to release four first team players when Covid hit. Understand the reasons why, but we’ve still not really recovered.
What’s your thoughts on Stockport County – A) the club B) the manager C) the fans?
The club seems to be well run now, using the financial investment effectively. When we were up there earlier this season there was a definite feeling that the whole club is united in moving forward.
Until the Cowleys were appointed, Challinor was the type of manager we were crying out for. Experienced, pragmatic and able to put League Two players into a system that suits them effectively.
Got to respect the County fans that stuck with their team all the way down to the sixth tier. Don’t begrudge the success you’re having now.
What’s your keeper like at the moment? Swindon’s had a stormer to stop us scoring last weekend. Any chance yours might drop a clanger this weekend to help us get our title push back on track?
Owen Goodman, on loan from Palace. He’s a top young keeper and will play at a far higher level. However, he has made a couple of high profile errors in the last few weeks that led to some questions. He made his second big penalty save of the season at Sutton last weekend, so hopefully his confidence is back where it was.
What’s your prediction for Saturday’s game?
We need to start turning draws into wins, but realistically we’ll take a point against one of the division’s strongest teams. Recent results suggest it may not be the worst time to play you and we are certainly more solid than we were, but you have so many attacking weapons and we have an annoying tendency to give up one or two chances down to basic errors. I’ll say 1-1.
LM Stone Creative are proud to be the Official Fight Sponsor for Troy Williamson this month
Excitement is building in the world of boxing as Stockport-based LM Stone Creative – suppliers and installers of bespoke granite, quartz and porcelain worktops – proudly announces its role as one of the official fight sponsors for rising boxing star Troy Williamson, aka Trojan.
On Saturday 23 March, all eyes will be on Sheffield as Trojan takes to the ring to display his unparalleled talent and determination. And the best part? The fight will be broadcast on DAZN, allowing fans from around the world to witness the electrifying event.
LM Stone Creative, a leading creative agency based in Stockport, known for its innovative approach and commitment to excellence, is thrilled to be a part of this monumental occasion. As a company deeply rooted in the world of art and creativity, LM Stone Creative recognises the parallel between the artistry of boxing and the artistry of their own craft. Both require discipline, strategy, and a relentless pursuit of perfection.
Trojan has captured the hearts of boxing enthusiasts with his extraordinary skills and unyielding spirit. With an impressive track record and an unwavering determination, Trojan is set to face his opponent, Ishmael Davis, in a thrilling battle of strength and strategy. As the official fight sponsor, LM Stone Creative is honoured to stand behind Troy and support him on his journey to greatness.
But the excitement doesn't stop there. LM Stone Creative has recently made waves in the community by becoming the first sponsor of the award-winning mental health group, Project 23. Led by the esteemed Mark Sproston, this group has been making a significant impact in raising awareness and providing support for mental health issues. By joining forces with Project 23, LM Stone Creative further solidifies its commitment to social responsibility and the wellbeing of the community.
The combination of supporting a rising boxing star like Troy, and partnering with an influential mental health group like Project 23, showcases LM Stone Creative's dedication to making a difference in the world. It is a testament to their belief in the power of collaboration, unity, and the pursuit of excellence in all aspects of life.
As fight night approaches, LM Stone Creative invites The Scarf My Father Wore readers to join them in rallying behind Trojan. Let's show our support for this exceptional athlete who embodies the spirit of determination and resilience. Together, we can witness history in the making and celebrate the triumph of one man's dreams.
So mark your calendars for 23 March, tune in to DAZN, and get ready to witness the electrifying display of skill, strength, and sheer determination as Trojan takes on Ishmael Davis, with LM Stone Creative standing proudly as the official fight sponsor.
Let's all get behind Troy, aka Trojan, and make this a night to remember!
For more details on the business, visit lmstonecreative.com.
Photo of the day
Colchester Community Stadium
2022-23:
Barrow (A) 0-1
Doncaster (H) 0-0
Gillingham (H) 0-0
Colchester (A) 1-0
2023-24:
Tranmere (A) 0-4
Gillingham (A) 0-0
Swindon (H) 0-0
Colchester (A) ???
Kyle Wootton ended our mini goal drought at Colchester last season. Once again, in the build-up to our trip to Essex, County haven’t scored for three games. Let’s hope for a similar pattern tomorrow. A scrappy 1-0 win, with a late winner off Wootton’s left ear or Madden’s right bottom cheek, is all we need this weekend, which would put us back on top if Mansfield don’t win at Newport.
Today in SK
🎬 Cinema
One film at The Savoy Cinema (SK4) today. Dune: Part II (12A) at 5pm and 8.15pm. Click here for tickets.
💿 DJs
Stockport’s biggest party at the weekend is at Bask (SK1), with DJ Gareth Brooks playing till 3am. Last entry 1.30am.
The Nelson Tavern (SK1) have their resident DJ playing on a Friday night, with Dicko (Ian Dickinson) on from 8pm till 1am.
🍺 Food and drink
There’s a new craft stout at The Dog & Partridge (SK2) this month. Euphoria is a 4.5% ABV dark, easy drinking kegged stout with a subtle punch of coffee, chocolate and a deep, rich malt flavour.
Fish Meal Deal at The Friary (SK3). Lite bite fish and chips with peas, curry or gravy. Plus tea or coffee. £9.75.
Treat yourself to a delicious scone at All Things Nice (SK6), freshly baked each morning with love.
🎤 Karaoke
The Alexandra (SK3) with DJ Big Ace. 8pm.
🎸 Live music
The Sap Tap at The Petersgate Tap (SK1). Live original acoustic music. Featuring Harry Lines, Olivia Booth and Rob Jones. 8.30pm. Free entry.
The Replicas at The Crown (SK6).
Daniel Lowery at The Rectory (SK8).
The Dirty Truth at The Albion (SK16). 9pm.
Random County fan of the day #60 – Harry Bruckshaw!
One final thing before you go… if you’re in need of any of these products or services this month, get in touch with our brilliant bunch of sponsors!
🎨 Art & Gifts: Kate O’Brien Art
💈 Barber: STUDIO26 Haircare
🪟 Blinds & Shutters: Bauhaus Blinds & Shutters
📚 Bookkeeping: Eleven Accounts Services Ltd
🧱 Builders Merchant: MKM Manchester South
🍰 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
🗣 Counselling: Time and Space Counselling
🦮 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
🎈 Party Supplies: Step Into Fun Events
🚑 Personal Injury: Parkers Solicitors Ltd
📸 Photography: Holly Dwyer Photography
🎹 Piano Tutor: Sophie Grace Piano and Keyboard Tuition
🚰 Plumber: GTG Gary the Gasman
🦶 Podiatry: SK Podiatry
📕 Publishing: Victor Publishing
🛖 Roofing: ADM Roofing Services Ltd
☀️ Solar Panels: Malbern Solar Ltd
👨💼 Solicitors: B.J. McKenna & Co
⚽️ Sports Coaching: UK Sports Coaching Ltd
🪨 Stonemason: LM Stone Creative
🖊 Tattooist: Heatons Tattoo Club
🪵 Timber Supplies: Portwood Timber Division of Illingworth Ingham (Manchester) Ltd
☀️ Travel Agent: PTF Travel Ltd
👨💻 Web Design: SITEZO
⚖️ Weight Loss: Slimming World Reddish & Bredbury with Shlean
🪟 Window Cleaner: R ‘N’ B Window Cleaning
🏋️♀️ Women’s Fitness: Sophie Pavey Fitness
🧘♀️ Yoga: Greenshoots Yoga