The Scarf My Father Wore editor interviews The Scarf Bergara Wore co-host
That’s a crap title we know, but Nick Lee’s in the house today for a TSMFW / TSBW mashup
Thursday 16 November 2023
NEXT HOME GAME: Colchester – Saturday 18 November, 3pm
NEXT AWAY GAME: Newport – Saturday 25 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.
The transfer window is closed at the moment but we’ve managed to sort out an emergency loan deal to take Nick Lee out of The Scarf Bergara Wore studio and into The Scarf My Father Wore HQ, as he becomes the fourth County fan to appear in our ‘Meet the Subscribers’ series.
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: £977
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
As the co-host of the popular County podcast The Scarf Bergara Wore, Nick Lee won’t need any introduction to many of our readers. For anyone unfamiliar with the podcast, however, he’s 36 years old, living in Cheadle, and is a “self-loathing retail salesman”.
Favourite thing about The Scarf My Father Wore?
The broad mix of content and contributors. You never know what you're going to read on any given day.
Where do you normally read your daily dose of The Scarf My Father Wore?
In bed with my morning coffee.
How or why did you become a County fan?
Until I was eight we lived on Lowfield Road in Shaw Heath and I could see the floodlights from my nana's house on Ladysmith Street. My uncle Paul (Walker, for those who knew him) used to go home and away and would bring me a programme back, which is what set things in motion. Pestered my dad daily until he caved and took me to my first game and many others afterwards.
What does Stockport County mean to you?
Where to start with this one. It's a constant, there to pick you up when life drags you down, or there to drag you down when life is good. Either way it's never dull. Many of the people I count as my mates are people I've met through following County, and the rest of my life is planned round the fixture list for the most part.
What was your first County match?
Bournemouth at home on 10 September 1994. I sat in the uncovered seats just in front of the food hut in the Main Stand. Big Kev bagged the winner and so began a lifetime of madness.
Where do you sit inside EP?
Used to be UT3 for the most part but I don't have a season ticket these days, so I tend to mix it up game by game. Usually either UT4, LT5 or 6 and occasionally Yellow Block. Actually fell in love with the latter at the Salford play-off game and have decided that's where I'll be sitting permanently once it's redeveloped.
Who else is in your usual County matchday crew?
I try and have a pint with the others from the podcast if I can but it tends to vary every week. Not Russ though, as it's a bit too obvious innit?
Who is your favourite ever County player?
As a kid I frequently pretended to be Alun Armstrong in the playground, complete with hair in curtains and everything. I loved Luis Cavaco as well; there was something about coming down from the buzz of Euro 96 and finding out we'd signed players from Portugal.
Worst ever player?
I genuinely despised McConville, Nolan and Rooney. It's not a Scouse thing either. Although I do love it when JK describes a player as “the likeable Scouser”. Just once I'd love him to go off message and say “the hubcap-thieving over-sentimental Ken Dodd bastard”. But he won't because he's a professional.
Back onto that trio of players though. McConville just came across as a prick who was only here for the money. Nolan gave away the ball for Dartford's winner against us and just sat on the floor grinning, and I utterly hated Rooney's approach of moaning at anyone and anything. Just didn't embody the County culture at all for me. Obviously there are hundreds of players from those time periods who were so much worse though.
Favourite current player?
I'm a massive fan of Ryan Croasdale. So solid every week and absolutely vital to the way we play.
Who is your favourite ever County manager?
I only caught the tail end of the Bergara era so I can't say him even though he was the one to kickstart it all, leading to some of my best childhood memories. Obviously Dave Jones was great but he fucked off to Southampton as soon as we had a bit of success. I just can't look past Jim. Our greatest ever signing in terms of what he brought to the club as both player and manager, and the personification of everything good about being a County fan. In a just world he'll have a stand named after him in the future.
Best atmosphere you’ve experienced watching County?
Those moments at the Curzon game when the news broke that Spennymoor had scored will always live long in the memory. Not that I got to enjoy it as I was preoccupied with the fact that the Flashscore app hadn't updated, and was telling anyone who'd listen to calm their tits as it was clearly a hoax. There's a lot to be said for those nerds who used to bring a transistor radio to games for everyone to crowd around. The true unsung heroes.
Favourite ever game?
The 5-3 against Bolton. I'd go into why, but nothing else really needs to be said. The type of game that would enthrall me even if I was a neutral.
Worst ever game?
Now you're testing me. Although we had some horrible times in the Conference North I'd have to plump for the game at Kidderminster when we got relegated. Everything about it was minging. Shithouse directors who lied about death threats so they didn't have to attend, players who for the most part didn't give a shit, County fans turning on each other. Just toxic all round.
Favourite ever goal?
Luis Cavaco's header against Southampton in 96-97. For years I thought it was a diving header but having watched again in recent years I think I'd have to downgrade it to a stooping header.
If you could play in an exact moment from County’s history, which would it be?
I'd fancy myself to beat Mark Schwarzer one on one at the Riverside in 97. Although in reality I'd probably absolutely shit myself at the mere sight of him.
What is the biggest sacrifice you have ever made to get to a match?
I went to the 6-0 Boxing Day massacre at Macc despite having been in bed for the whole week with a viral infection. I laboured under the misapprehension that a day on the beers would make me feel better. Spoiler alert: it did not.
What’s the funniest thing you’ve seen at the match?
Iain Dowie rising like a salmon. Albeit a salmon that's been put at the bottom of your shopping bag and distorted under the weight of all your tinned stuff.
Honourable mention to the king himself, Mr Kenan Dunnwald-Turan, for one very obvious reason.
Favourite matchday boozer?
I used to enjoy The Florist and The Armoury, but these days it tends to be a couple in Bask followed by an hour in the County Courtyard (I don't live my life by many rules but I refuse to use the term “fanzone” on account of its general wankiness).
Favourite matchday tipple?
Anything to be honest. All depends on what takes my fancy but usually Guinness or Moretti in Bask, and Cheers Thank You in the Courtyard.
Favourite County song?
When it's done properly nothing rivals “The Scarf”. These days, however, it seems to be a race to the finish. SING IT SLOWER, PEOPLE!
Worst County song?
Anything that has more “der der der's” in it than actual words.
What do you like the most about Edgeley Park?
The character and the fact it's one of the last proper old-fashioned grounds. The romantic in me (and yes there is one hidden somewhere before any of my previous girlfriends get in touch) loves the walk between the rows of terraced houses. For the same reason I'm hoping for one last trip to Goodison Park in the cup. That and the fact we'll turn them over.
Best thing about being a County fan?
These days, that strange mix of having been successful for about seven years whilst still retaining that underdog spirit. It's rare these days and it's something we should cherish for as long as possible.
Worst thing about being a County fan?
The Tory types who come to games and tut and complain to stewards about the mildest of bad language.
Most despised rival club?
The Gorton Globetrotters. Always.
Most despised rival player?
Off the top of my head I can't think of one. Paul Mullin would have been a shout but having watched Welcome to Wrexham he seems like a genuinely good egg off the pitch. His theatrics don't really bother me either; we all know we'd love it if one of our players was adept as he is when it comes to shithousery. In terms of other players I utterly despise Bruno Fernandes, the rat-faced bastard.
Do you collect any County/football related memorabilia?
I used to have thousands of programmes but my ex took them to the tip. Something to do with punishing me for not being romantic enough.
Any chance encounters with County players?
Jimbo used to regularly come into the Morrisons I worked in back in the day. Other than that most of my encounters have been pre-planned for the podcast or various events.
Have you ever decked an opposing fan?
Nah, no chance. I'm a lover, not a fighter. Plus I'm an absolute shithouse who's never thrown a punch in his life and would seriously embarrass himself more than he usually does.
If you could invite any five people round for a chippy tea, who would it be?
Peter Doherty, Karl Pilkington and Bob Mortimer for starters. It's turning into a sausage fest now so I'll probably invite a couple of women I fancy, that's what people usually do on these things isn't it? In that case probably Susie Dent and Morgana Robinson.
Tell us something impressive about yourself without sounding stupid.
I once cut my finger on an advertising hoarding at Fylde's old ground and ended up having two nights on a drip in hospital with an infection that horses usually get. I realise this makes me sound stupid but it was slim pickings. It's not impressive either but I'm not really an impressive man.
Can you play football to any sort of standard?
I'm surprisingly adept although I haven't played since before lockdown. I was always the type to play as an attacking player, but with the proliferation of a back three these days I think I'd be alright as a wide centre-back. I'd get to carry the ball out and I wouldn't have to go up for as many headers as your traditional centre-back in a two.
Describe a perfect day.
Pints and breakfast in one of Stockport's finest (but not too fine) hostelries, before jumping on an affordable train that actually turns up to take me to a County away game. More drinks, three points and a lively train back before going to a gig and then having a wobble round the marketplace, then Notion till it closes at half four. Perfection.
Anything you’d like to say to finish?
Sod it, might as well plug my new comedy/music podcast. It's called Liquor and Lyrics, and every week we have a few drinks and pick at a song that's considered popular despite having some lyrics that are questionable or just plain shit. We're on all good podcast players and some rubbish ones as well.
And finally, here’s a few of Nick’s favourite things…
TV programme: Now we're getting onto the tough questions. In terms of comedies it'd be Peep Show, Only Fools and Horses, I’m Alan Partridge and The Office (both UK and US). Drama-wise probably Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul and Six Feet Under. Honourable mention to Game of Thrones before it absolutely shat the bed too.
Film: 24 Hour Party People or Trainspotting. Really can't choose one or the other.
City: Vancouver was cool. In terms of UK cities I have a massive soft spot for Liverpool.
Food: A proper good burger always hits the spot. Not one of the dead tall ones though. If you're going to make a gargantuan burger make it wider, not taller. That's a hill I'd happily die on. Aside from burgers give me a curry, one of the spicy ones that's not oppressively spicy for the sake of it.
Drink: Alcohol-wise it's either Guinness, fruity cider or a good old continental lager. In terms of soft drinks give me cloudy lemonade that's so sugary it makes me wince.
Book: I don't tend to read as much as I used to due to not having the time. Always been massively into Harry Potter despite being a grown man. Aside from that, Post Office by Charles Bukowski is a favourite. I mostly do audiobook versions of autobiographies these days, and I highly recommend Bob Mortimer's.
Band: I could be here all day with this one. Arctic Monkeys at #1. Always. Other than them it's Joy Division, the White Stripes, Half Man Half Biscuit and the Libertines vying for the other spots in my top five.
Click on the links below to read our previous interviews with The Scarf My Father Wore subscribers.
John K Bilsbury / Bob Carey / Peter Jaquiss
It’s time to get a new carpet
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DJ Des
Nick’s done a cracking interview for us today, I’m sure you’ll agree. As a thank you, DJ Des is going to stick on the debut single – NME’s 7th greatest song of all time – from Nick’s favourite band.
Would you like DJ Des to play a song for your favourite County player, or a friend or family member? Email thescarfmyfatherwore@substack.com with your requests/shoutouts!
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
Who fancies a night of the best indie bangers around? It’s Hallelujah: Indie Club at Bask (SK1) with The Smiths, Oasis, Happy Mondays, The Stone Roses, Courteeners, Arctic Monkeys, Catfish & the Bottlemen, Blossoms, The Strokes, Inspiral Carpets, The Coral, Tame Impala, The Cure, Pixies, Wolf Alice, Sam Fender, Foals, The Verve, James and many more! 8pm. Tickets free.
Photo of the day
There’s a couple of Hatters in this list of famous Bolton faces.
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