Saturday, 28^th March 2026.

Matchday: County v AFC Wimbledon, League 1.

The big non-football news of the day was that I was able to use the Greek Street roundabout for the first time since it reopened. Completed on time, improved for better traffic flow and the “Edgeley Station” mosaic has been retained, which is a nice touch. Younger readers may be unaware that Stockport had two main line stations until 1967 but once Tiviot Dale closed, Edgeley became just Stockport.

As I was flying solo today, I was at the ground just as the turnstiles opened. I tried the automatic gate for the first time as there was much more room for a corpulent gentleman and his flask. It worked like a charm, although the chap watching over it suggested that might not always be the case. Regular readers will recall that I’ve been rattling on for ages about people, including me and Janice, being hit by stray shots during the warmup. I was therefore delighted to see that the promised catch nets were in place for the first time. Having said that, they aren’t very high and they’re only long enough to cover the training goal. When the goalkeeping department were practicing using the main goals there were still plenty of stray shots going into the Cheadle End.

As I took my seat, I noticed that most of the stickers inviting anyone with concerns to contact the Supporter Liaison team by text message on 60777 have been removed from the seat backs. I wondered if this facility had been withdrawn, but on checking with the club I was told it is very much in use and that the stickers are to be replaced.

Watching the players warming up, I was again struck by the fact that Malik Mothersille was practising alone and not joining in the passing and shooting drills with the rest of the players. I wonder why this is?

 Looking at the photo above, the weather looks pleasant enough but just before kick-off there was a tremendous hailstorm and it was absolutely Baltic. I was very glad to be wearing my electric vest and I had it turned up to maximum for most of the game.

My predicted team was all over the place, I had Edun, Bailey and Wootton to start instead of Bate, Diamond and Olaofe. It was good to see Lewis Bate starting and interesting to see how we performed with Messrs. Olaofe and Sidibeh as twin strikers.

I’ll leave the match analysis to those better qualified but these were my main impressions:

• It was a decent performance on the whole, although better opposition might have made more of the chances they had and the myriad misplaced passes we made.
• There might have been some work done on throw-ins during the week, if Dave Challinor’s absolute fury when one went wrong is anything to go by.
• In the Match Preview pod last week, Steve Bardsley’s guest said that Wimbledon were susceptible on the break, and the first goal showed the truth of this.
• I hope the injury that caused Adama Sidibeh to be substituted in the first half isn’t too severe, we’re going to need everyone fit for the forthcoming glut of games.
• It was good to see the Hatters-To-Hatters walkers feted by Steve Bellis at half time, a richly deserved accolade.
• Nothing against Joseph Olowu, who was named Man Of The Match by the sponsors, but I thought the honour should have gone to Corey Addai, who made a series of fantastic saves to keep a clean sheet. It looks to me as though there’s a growing level of confidence between him and his fellow defenders.
• Two things made me laugh during the afternoon:
  • As Corey Addai went to the aid of a stricken opponent who was lying on the pitch, a wag from the crowd shouted “Don’t pick him up, you’ll only drop him!”
  • The birthday shout from Ken at half time in which the fan’s favourite players were said to be Malik Mothersille and Arttu Hoskonen.

Today’s tune is for Adama Sidibeh, in the hope that he’s recovered from the knock that forced him to be substituted this afternoon; “The Boy’s Still Running” by the Oysterband:

Sunday, 29^th March 2026.

Yesterday’s win was vital to keep us in the hunt for the playoffs, with teams like Reading and Wycombe, who we play on Friday, coming up on the rails:

PPG Prophet’s graph has taken a welcome uptick:

No game for County Ladies today, the first team at least, but a win for Wythenshawe dropped them a place to sixth in the FAWNL Division 1 North:

The first team’s next match is away at Norton & Stockton Ancients this coming Sunday, kick-off 2:00.

County Ladies U18s did play today, winning the Cheshire FA U18’s Girls Cup final against Oxton Ladies at Cheadle Nomads’ Ideal Building Systems Stadium. The match finished 2-2 and the girls sealed the win on penalties.

I don’t suppose U18s are allowed to celebrate victory in the traditional manner, but nevertheless today’s tune is “A Glass Of Champaigne” by Sailor:

Monday, 30^th March 2026.

The club have had a crack at publicising the Vertu trophy final:

https://twitter.com/StockportCounty/status/2038337899125448748?s=20

Edd Powell’s Stockport Football Fair at EP yesterday raised over £800 for Parkinsons UK. A splendid effort by Edd, Help the Hatters and everyone else involved in organising the event.

TSBW’s Match Reaction Pod this morning was in the capable hands of Jimmy Harmer, Steve Bardsley, Nick Reid and Dave Whitehouse. Their forensic examination of Saturday’s game went like this:

• The team: It was good to see Lewis Bate start but given his excellent performances all season, Odin Bailey can count himself unlucky to drop to the bench. County’s pace twins, Olaofe and Sidibeh, were preferred to Kyle Wootton who took a knock at Luton and is expecting his wife to give birth any minute now. As usual, the formation was fluid and could be three or four at the back depending on what was going on.
• Individual performances:
  • Ben Osborn: One of his best games for us, typified by his run up the left wing that created the first goal. Considering he isn’t playing in his preferred position and the word from Derby supporters was that his fitness wouldn’t allow him to play every week, he’s been a brilliant signing.
  • Adama Sidibeh: Did well to be in position to score the opener but had to leave the field with a knock shortly afterwards. Cult hero status beckons for a player who was an unknown quantity when we signed him.
  • Tanto Olaofe: Another improved performance, his pace and match fitness are both returning, typified by his creation of the second goal. He pressurised the Dons’ ‘keeper into an error that a fully-fit Lewis Bate might have profited from.
  • Lewis Bate: Another step forwards in his return to match fitness.
  • Josh Stokes: Again failed to recapture the promise of his first couple of appearances but he hasn’t had too much football since a serious injury and he’s playing out of position.
  • Kyle Wootton: Didn’t get the intended rest but didn’t seem to have any reaction to the knock last week and was clinical in scoring the second.
  • Corey Addai: A man of the match performance, even if the sponsors preferred someone else. His brilliant saves in the 57^th and 74^th minutes were fundamental to the win and it looks as though he and the defenders share a growing level of confidence in each other.
  • Ethan Pye: Seemingly back to his imperious best after a spell of poor form by his high standards. Should have scored from a Jack Diamond cross but that’s not his prime function.
  • Ollie Norwood: Scored his first goal from open play this season with a precision strike right at the death.
  • Malik Mothersille: Another good cameo, he very nearly laid on a goal for Ollie Norwood.
• Man of the match: Broad agreement that Corey Addai deserved the accolade, with honourable mentions for Ben Osborn and Ethan Pye.
• The Cheadle End’s greatest hits: It was extraordinary to hear a number of songs for past players being reprised, notably Myles Hippolyte, Will Collar and Paddy Madden. Jimmy also heard someone barking like a dog for twenty minutes straight, which is beyond odd.
• Although the scoreline might have been different if Wimbledon had taken their chances and Corey Addai hadn’t had the game of his life, it was an encouraging win. We have games in hand, players coming back to fitness and winnable fixtures ahead of us.

Watch the whole pod here:

If you don’t fancy Wimbledon (A) the Wednesday after Wembley, the Academy’s U17s are playing the old enemy at EP the same night. It’s free admission but by ticket only.

The receipt for my Wembley ticket says “Digital tickets for Wembley Stadium will be sent to you on or before 30th March.” Six hours and counting as I write this…

The highlights of Saturday’s win are available now:

Today’s tune, apropos of nothing, is “Lately I’ve Let Things Slide” by Nick Lowe. Incidentally, the phenomenon of waking fully clothed on top of your bed early in the morning was known where I worked as a “black crash”:

Tuesday, 31^st March 2026.

On the subject of the newly-opened Greek Street roundabout, there’s some good drone footage of it here:

This is rather good; the club have made a video about the longest match in history entitled “The Day Football Wouldn’t End.” It features club historian Marcus Heap, Jon Keighren as the commentator and Norman Burrows, who was in the crowd on the day. And the night too, come to that:

TSBW’s Match Preview pod for Wycombe (H) was out tonight for Patreon backers. Steve Bardsley talked to Dan Clark of the Heroes of HP12 podcast about the prospects for Friday’s game.

• The story so far: We beat then 2-1 at their place, Jack Diamond running them ragged. Their then manager didn’t help matters by playing square pegs in round holes.
• The manager: Mike Dodds got his DCM in September and was replaced by Michael Duff. Their form has improved dramatically under Duff, the highlight so far being an away victory against Cardiff.
• Fan expectations: Having spent a season in the Championship in the Covid years, they expect to at least challenge for the playoffs.
• The owner: Kazakhstan billionaire Mikheil Lomtadze took over in May 2024. He’s following a similar path to our own Mark Stott in developing the training facilities and aiming for Category 1 academy status.
• Players to watch:
  • Nathan Lowe: Having left us for his parent club, Stoke, with a broken leg, it was surprising to see him go on loan to the Chairboys and play straight away. He’s played more as a true centre forward for them and done well without scoring bucketloads.
  • Cauley Woodrow: Ex-Luton forward who generally plays as a 10 for Wanderers.
  • Fred Onyedinma: Rapid ex-Luton forward in his fourth spell with Wycombe. Their top scorer this season.
  • Aaron Morley: Midfielder now signed permanently from Bolton after a promising loan spell.
  • Caolan Boyd-Munce: Northern Irish midfielder, ex-St Mirren.
• Formation: A fluid 4-2-3-1.
• Weaknesses: A lack of consistency and individual errors.
• Travelling support: Expect to see 400-500 enjoying the Bake Off tent.
• Dan’s prediction: a 1-0 or 2-0 win for his team.

Loads of good insights, as always; non-Patrons can get it here:

Today’s tune, inspired by our opponents’ nickname, is “Rocking Chair” by Jack The Lad:

Wednesday, 1^st April 2026.

The Supporters’ Co-op are encouraging people to wear hats to the Wembley final and send pictures in for next season’s calendar. Details here, on the Co-op’s website:

https://www.countysupporterscoop.co.uk/wear-your-hat-at-wembley

Steve Bardsley of Match Preview Pod fame has updated his squad list to reflect all the latest changes, including the announcement today that Arttu Hoskonen is out for the remainder of the season.

Dave Challinor has confirmed in an interview that Arttu Hoskonen won’t play in a competitive match this season. You have to feel for everyone involved here; his signing seemed such as statement of ambition at the time, he was the last player to score against England in a meaningful game, he would bring a wealth of experience of playing at a high level in Poland, help our promising but relatively inexperienced young centre backs develop even further, &c. &c. I assume he’s devastated, those who brought him to the club are bound to be and it’s obvious that DC is intensely frustrated. When we signed Malik Mothersille, the club issued a video showing him going through all sorts of medical checks prior to signing. I think it’s fair to assume that Hoskonen went through the same checks, it really makes one wonder how effective they are at finding flaws:

TSBW’s main show tonight had Russ in the chair accompanied by Waggie and Andy with Steve Cunningham of Edgeley Con Club Coaches in the guest seat. Their review of this week’s doings went like this:

• Wimbledon (H):
  • Performance: Better but not yet brilliant; we gave the ball away an awful lot in midfield and Wimbledon had plenty of possession and opportunities without ever looking like scoring from them.
  • That we kept a clean sheet was mostly down to heroics from Corey Addai. How he wasn’t made Man of the Match is a mystery for the ages.
  • Inappropriate songs: Hearing the young scamps from UT3 singing Myles Hippolyte’s song when he was part of the opposing team’s squad was weird enough, but going on to reprise those for Paddy Madden, Will Collar and others was weirder still.
• England friendlies: It’s football, Jim, but not as we know it. Some panellists don’t watch them at all, some, like me, watch them then wonder why afterwards.
• Easter points hunt: How many points can we expect from two tough games over Easter? Waggie, the eternal optimist, thought six, Andy went five just to be awkward, Steve and Russ thought four. The main thing is to get a decent haul to set the tone for the remainder of the season.
• Arttu Hoskonen: The fact that he’s out for the season is very disappointing but everyone is getting numb to the situation now.
• Louie Barry: He trained at the open day on Monday, but how close is he to playing? I expect Villa will have satisfied themselves that he’s reasonably fit before releasing him to us, so perhaps a few minutes at Bolton might be a possibility.
• Financial statement: £9.2M is an awful lot of money to lose but you would hope Mark Stott came into this with his eyes open. There’s some comfort in the fact that the money is held as shares rather than loans but as Russ pointed out, if the owner walked the club would soon be in the clarts unless someone else with very deep pockets took over. The perennial question is “What’s the exit strategy?” It seems to me, from Mark’s appearance on Darragh MacAnthony’s podcast, that once County are established in the Championship he’ll seek further investment for the club but maintain some involvement while concentrating on the education side of the organisation.
• Random Shit Of The Week: Created by Dan Culverwell and presented by Waggie, this week’s quiz centred around football chants. I managed 7/9 but could only think of three aspects of Arthur Brownlow’s appearance for Q10.

A splendid hour-and-a-bit of County stuff, see for yourself:

Today’s tune, with County’s accounts very much in mind, is John ‘Juke’ Logan with “If The Money’s All Right”:

Thursday, 2^nd April 2026.

The announcement about the finance report from 2024-25 from the club concentrates on the positives as you’d expect:

• Total revenue of £11.5 million, an increase of 25.6% on the previous year
• Growth across all core revenue streams, including matchday, commercial, conferencing and retail
• The club received £10.2 million of owner funding during the year, fully converted into equity – strengthening the balance sheet and ensuring the club continues to operate with no debt.
• £1.1 million profit from player trading, demonstrating progress in developing and realising player value
• Revenue growth has been driven by a combination of increased attendances, expanded commercial partnerships and the continued development of Edgeley Park as a year-round venue, with 390 events hosted across the season.

Nevertheless, to ordinary mortals a loss of £9.2 million over twelve months is scary stuff and reinforces worries about our dependence on one man.

https://www.stockportcounty.com/news/2026/march/31/annual-report-financial-results-2024-25

Here’s the balance sheet as presented by Kieran Maguire on Twitter:

Here’s my guess at a team for tomorrow. There’s an argument for starting with Odin Bailey rather than Jack Diamond, but time will tell:

County Ladies’ final league game of the season, against Leeds United, is to be played at Edgeley Park. As it will be their final appearance before becoming Stockport County Women, the afternoon will be a celebration of all the volunteers who have played a part in growing the women’s game locally.

We have yet another 12:30 kick-off to “enjoy” thanks to Sky, the piper who calls the tune. Our home game against Peterborough on 25^th April will now be on TV at lunchtime. If it’s going to be the only game at that time then it’s not so bad but if it’s one of several, it makes one wonder just how many viewers it will attract.

I was late on parade for Jonathan the Geordie Hatter’s Easter-themed Thursday show tonight, as we were out at the Zulaika to celebrate our grandson-in-law’s birthday. As usual, GH and the gang in the Mixlr live chat explored the more esoteric side of County fandom; we talked about meeting Aaron the Womble, how many barren minutes constitute a goal drought, how many wins make a ground a fortress, if it’s acceptable to have a crush on a literary werewolf and what Chally thought of the win against Wimbledon. Music came from The Cure, The Lovely Eggs, Jetstream Pony, Master Wel, Madelyn Ann, Howard Jones, Betty & The Werewolves, The High Nines, Billy Bragg, The Stone Roses and TTSFU.

If you missed it, you missed a treat but you can catch up here:

https://the-geordie-hatter.mixlr.com/recordings/3082878

There’s no show next Thursday but GH has a Wembley preview planned for some time next week.

Today’s tune is one I suggested for the show, it’s the time of year for Pace Egging so here’s Kate Rusby’s version of the song that goes with it:

Friday 3^rd April 2026.

Matchday: County v Wycombe Wanderers, League 1.

I approached today’s game with some trepidation. Every season there’s a team that makes a late charge for the playoffs and Wycombe seem to be this year’s version. They’ve beaten Cardiff away and only came unstuck against Bolton when they lost their centre half with an injury. Still, we had the win against Wimbledon to show that we’re no mugs either.

My team selection was a 9/11 job, I thought Bate and Sidibeh would start in place of Bailey and Wootton, especially as the latter’s wife had just given birth.

The weather was pretty foul as the players warmed up, presumably this was Storm Dave flexing his muscles, but as we’d moved up to the top of LT4 to avoid being hit by stray shots, we didn’t get too wet.

Malik Mothersille continues to warm up alone, it’s rather odd. Also noticeable is the desultory way he applauds the fans as the team prepares to run back to the tunnel before the game. It’s obviously something they do as a matter of policy but there’s nothing stopping him doing it with a bit of enthusiasm. I’m desperate for him to succeed and he gets better every time he plays a few minutes, but he just looks petulant most of the time. Body language is important. To sum it up in one of my late mother’s sayings: “He looks like he’s eaten his bedding.”

Once we got going, my misgivings were allayed straight away; we were on the front foot and looked better even than we did in last week’s win. Wycombe had their share of the ball and showed some excellent corner routines, but if our defence didn’t stop them, Corey Addai continued where he left off on Saturday. A minute’s applause for Paul Pike, a Birmingham fan who passed away last week was well observed and just as that ended Odin Bailey scored a tremendous goal to put County ahead. Jack Diamond and Tanto Olaofe had chances with diving headers that they might have done better with and we were denied what looked like a goal for Joseph Olowu disallowed because the officials thought the ball hadn’t quite crossed the line. Olowu nearly scored a Dowie-esque own goal but fortunately Corey Addai did well to keep it out. Tanto’s goal from another diving header was greeted with huge delight from both fans and the player himself, it’s been a long time since we saw that beaming smile. He’s such a likeable bloke, it’s good to see him back doing the business where he’s appreciated.

Highlights from the second half were another Ollie Norwood free kick that the ‘keeper just managed to tip past the post and a splendid move involving Diamond and Edun which led to Adama Sidibeh rounding the ‘keeper to make it three nil. The way he took his chance was a reminder that he isn’t just a relentless chaser of crisp packets with a leap like a salmon but he has some footballing ability as well.

The highlights are here for you to enjoy:

Today’s tune, on the theme of three, is a version of “Three Jolly Sneaksmen” by Nick Hart & Tom Moore:

See you all at Bolton!

Animo et fide.