v 
SHRIMPERS
So this is it really, nine games left, 7, even 8 wins needed, unless more sides in the play-off race join Port Vale in imploding, it might be the lowest seventh place points total yet.
So what do we do with injuries, and the rumours now include Lee Sawyer and Barry Corr, and an Irish under-19 call-up for Kane Ferdinand hit the club?
We can't even get a player or two to sign on loan, they probably want to make sure they're get paid or the club are telling porkies about an embargo not being in place!
It looks as if exciting winger Ryan Hall stays at left-back, and even with the fit players left Louie Soares, who played in the reserves match against Oxford in midweek, was not down for a starting place until the Sawyer and Corr news.
However, Harry Crawford should have a chance to follow up his excellent brace against Hereford after unlucky Johnny Herd limped off on only 18 minutes, and Alex Woodyard will probably get the Ferdy role in front of the defence. Good luck son.
In fact, another young midfielder in Jamies Stephens may replace Sawyer if the rumours are true.
The home side have some problems of their own and it should be a tight game, pressure on both teams to grab maximum points, and a draw may be the final result, but to cheer up those on the trains arriving at half-time, and I'm sure Luggy will be as positive as the selection allows him.
2-1 win!
Luggy speaks:
www.echo-news.co.uk/sport/theblues/
8931052.Sturrock_says__Only_lucky_13_survive_Southend_injury_crisis/
The injury list:
www.southendunited-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/
no_shrimper_signings_leaves_sturrock_with_
problems_against_stockport_660881/index.shtml
Possible Southend United: Morris, Clohessy, Coughlan, Barker, Hall, Woodyard, Grant, Stephens, Sturrock, Crawford, Soares.
Subs: Evans, Asante & a few kids, (better cancel that morning's under-18 game!)
COME ON YOU BLUES!!!!!
OPPOSITION
The Beeb's Late Kick-Off team take a close look at Stockport County, it could have been us, it might still be:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/stockport/9431945.stm
The Hatters have extended the loan deal of goalkeeper Ian McLoughlin from Ipswich Town until the end of the season, but he can't play against us as he's away on international duty with Republic of Ireland Under-21s. We know the feeling lads!
Another who will not be playing is full back Alan Goodall who was sent off against the Shots after two yellow cards.
Striker Matt Paterson, on loan from the Shrimpers, cannot be selected as part of his deal that kept him at Edgeley Park until the end of the season.
Then it's a tale of three defenders; Mansour Assoumani may be available after injury but Danny Swailes is recovering from a hamstring strain and Danny O'Donnell also remains a long-term casualty.
Player to Watch
Greg Tansey
Was dropped to the subs bench for the game at the Rec last weekend but still remians the club's top scorer with 8 goals and should start with Paterson unavailable.
Has a reputation for long distance strikes, so be on your guard Glenn, especially if the wind whips up.
Full player info here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greg_Tansey
Last time out
Home: Stockport County 0 Burton Albion 0 (played on Saturday, March 12th, 2011)
Report: www.stockportcounty.com/page/MatchReport/0,,10419~53185,00.html
Away: Aldershot Town 1 Southend United 0 (played on Saturday, March 19th, 2011.)
Report: www.stockportcounty.com/page/MatchReport/0,,10419~52314,00.html
Beeb Highlights:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/9430919.stm
Life at the Bottom (blimey, the Cobblers have dropped since we played them!)
| 20 | Northampton Town | 37 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 32 | 25 | 2 | 7 | 9 | 15 | 29 | 9 | 14 | 14 | 47 | 54 | 41 | -7 |
| 21 | Hereford United | 36 | 2 | 9 | 7 | 18 | 27 | 8 | 2 | 8 | 25 | 30 | 10 | 11 | 15 | 43 | 57 | 41 | -14 |
| 22 | Burton Albion | 34 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 25 | 20 | 2 | 5 | 10 | 15 | 30 | 9 | 10 | 15 | 40 | 50 | 37 | -10 |
| 23 | Barnet | 38 | 6 | 3 | 10 | 23 | 30 | 2 | 7 | 10 | 19 | 34 | 8 | 10 | 20 | 42 | 64 | 34 | -22 |
| 24 | Stockport County | 38 | 3 | 9 | 7 | 24 | 45 | 4 | 2 | 13 | 15 | 38 | 7 | 11 | 20 | 39 | 83 | 32 | -44 |
PREVIOUSLY
| At Stockport Co. (13) | At Southend Utd. (14) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Results | Total | % | Results | Total | % | |
| Stockport Co. | 6 | 46.15 | Southend Utd. | 6 | 42.86 | |
| Southend Utd. | 4 | 30.77 | Stockport Co. | 2 | 14.29 | |
| Draws | 3 | 23.08 | Draws | 6 | 42.86 | |
| Goals | Total | Av.pg | Goals | Total | Av.pg | |
| Stockport Co. | 15 | 1.15 | Southend Utd. | 18 | 1.29 | |
| Southend Utd. | 12 | 0.92 | Stockport Co. | 11 | 0.79 | |
| On Neutral Ground (0) | Overall (27 matches) | |||||
| Results | Total | % | Results | Total | % | |
| Stockport Co. | 0 | 0.00 | Stockport Co. | 8 | 29.63 | |
| Southend Utd. | 0 | 0.00 | Southend Utd. | 10 | 37.04 | |
| Draws | 0 | 0.00 | Draws | 9 | 33.33 | |
| Goals | Total | Av.pg | Goals | Total | Av.pg | |
| Stockport Co. | 0 | 0.00 | Stockport Co. | 26 | 0.96 | |
| Southend Utd. | 0 | 0.00 | Southend Utd. | 30 | 1.11 | |
| Records | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highest Aggregate | 6 | Southend Utd. | 4 - 2 | Stockport Co. | 1971/1972 |
| Highest Stockport Co. score: | 4 | Stockport Co. | 4 - 1 | Southend Utd. | 1966/1967 |
| Highest Southend Utd. score: | 4 | Southend Utd. | 4 - 2 | Stockport Co. | 1971/1972 |
| Season | Date | Home | Score | Away | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010/2011 | Sat 07 Aug | Southend Utd. | 1 - 1 | Stockport Co. | League Two |
| 2009/2010 | Sat 01 May | Southend Utd. | 2 - 1 | Stockport Co. | League One |
| Sat 03 Oct | Stockport Co. | 0 - 2 | Southend Utd. | League One | |
| 2008/2009 | Sat 17 Jan | Stockport Co. | 3 - 1 | Southend Utd. | League One |
| Sat 11 Oct | Southend Utd. | 1 - 1 | Stockport Co. | League One | |
| 1989/1990 | Fri 23 Mar | Southend Utd. | 2 - 0 | Stockport Co. | Fourth Division |
| Mon 16 Oct | Stockport Co. | 1 - 0 | Southend Utd. | Fourth Division | |
| 1986/1987 | Fri 08 May | Stockport Co. | 0 - 2 | Southend Utd. | Fourth Division |
| Sat 13 Dec | Southend Utd. | 0 - 0 | Stockport Co. | Fourth Division | |
| 1985/1986 | Mon 03 Mar | Stockport Co. | 2 - 1 | Southend Utd. | Fourth Division |
| Tue 01 Oct | Southend Utd. | 0 - 0 | Stockport Co. | Fourth Division | |
| 1984/1985 | Fri 15 Feb | Stockport Co. | 1 - 2 | Southend Utd. | Fourth Division |
| Mon 17 Sep | Southend Utd. | 1 - 1 | Stockport Co. | Fourth Division | |
| 1980/1981 | Fri 03 Apr | Stockport Co. | 1 - 0 | Southend Utd. | Fourth Division |
| Fri 31 Oct | Southend Utd. | 2 - 0 | Stockport Co. | Fourth Division | |
| 1977/1978 | Mon 24 Apr | Stockport Co. | 1 - 0 | Southend Utd. | Fourth Division |
| Mon 03 Oct | Southend Utd. | 0 - 2 | Stockport Co. | Fourth Division | |
| 1976/1977 | Mon 18 Apr | Stockport Co. | 0 - 0 | Southend Utd. | Fourth Division |
| Fri 28 Jan | Southend Utd. | 0 - 0 | Stockport Co. | Fourth Division | |
| 1971/1972 | Fri 14 Apr | Stockport Co. | 2 - 2 | Southend Utd. | Fourth Division |
| Fri 26 Nov | Southend Utd. | 4 - 2 | Stockport Co. | Fourth Division | |
| 1970/1971 | Fri 19 Feb | Stockport Co. | 0 - 0 | Southend Utd. | Fourth Division |
| Mon 09 Nov | Southend Utd. | 2 - 1 | Stockport Co. | Fourth Division | |
| 1966/1967 | Sat 13 May | Southend Utd. | 0 - 1 | Stockport Co. | Fourth Division |
| Sat 25 Mar | Stockport Co. | 4 - 1 | Southend Utd. | Fourth Division | |
| 1958/1959 | Sat 27 Dec | Southend Utd. | 3 - 1 | Stockport Co. | Third Division |
| Mon 20 Oct | Stockport Co. | 0 - 1 | Southend Utd. | Third Division |
GROUND
At one end is the large Cheadle End Stand which towers over the rest of the stadium. This stand which was opened at the beginning of the 1995-96 season, is two tiered, covered and all seated.
Opposite, is the Railway End, a former open terrace which was converted to a seating area in 2001. This end is given to away supporters and has a small electric scoreboard situated above it. Both sides are quite old looking stands, that are both covered and all seated.
The Main Stand is only about two thirds the length of the pitch and straddles the half way line. This stand dates back to the late 1930's.
On the other side is the Popular Side Stand, a former covered terrace which is now all seated.
The football club is now owned by the Stockport County Supporters Co-operative and the ground is shared with Sale Sharks Rugby Club.
Away fans are predominantly housed in the Railway End, where 1,558 supporters can be accommodated. This area is a former terrace that has had seats bolted onto to it, so is not ideal.
In this area the stewards enforce a no standing rule, so you have been warned, and we have history with those stewards, though things went peacefully enough last season, winning 2-0 probably helped!
The facilities within the ground are pretty good, with modern toilets!
TICKETS
It's another pay on the day.
Full details here:
www.southendunited-mad.co.uk/feat/edw9/
stockport_county_tickets_659838/index.shtml
WEATHER
REF
The man in the middle is Craig Pawson from South Yorkshire.
A full interview with him here: http://refworld.com/referee/187/1/craig-pawson.
FIXTURES
League Two
Friday, 25 March 2011; (both kick-offs 19.45): Lincoln City v Rotherham, Northampton v Torquay.
Saturday, March 26th; Euro 2012 Qualifiers - Wales v England (Millenium Stadium, 15.00): Aldershot v Accrington Stanley, 13:00, Macclesfield v Stevenage, 13:00, Morecambe v Wycombe, 13:00, Port Vale v Bury, 13:00, Bradford City v Shrewsbury, 15:00, Stockport v Southend, 13:00, Barnet v Chesterfield, 18:00.
Sunday, March 27th; (all kick-offs 15.00): Cheltenham v Gillingham, Hereford v Crewe, Oxford Utd v Burton Albion.
Stockport County (to win) - 23/10, Draw - 5/2, Southend (to win) - 13/10.
For all the footy odds go here: www.oddschecker.com/football/english/league-two/
TRANSPORT
shrimpers_by_car_section/index.shtml
By Coach go here:
www.southendunited-mad.co.uk/feat/edw3/
stockport_county_657407/index.shtml
PUB AND PIES
For the best drinking around the ground and in the town go here:
www.southendunited-mad.co.uk/feat/edw8/
avoid_old_tom_pub_crawl_in_stockport_660619/index.shtml
SOMEWHERE TO LAY YOUR HAT
For an overnight stay:
www.southendunited-mad.co.uk/feat/edw1/
stockport_county_653665/index.shtml
HISTORY
Stockport County were formed in 1883 as Heaton Norris Rovers by members of the Wycliffe Congressional Church, and played their first recorded game in October the next year. Shortly after they merged with a similarly named club, Heaton Norris, and on the 24th May 1890 changed their name to Stockport County to reflect Stockport becoming a County Borough.
The club adopted 'The Hatters' as their nickname, owing to Stockport's history as the centre of the hat-making industry, a nickname that is shared with Luton Town. Stockport supporters generally refer to the team simply as 'County'.
Stockport played in the Lancashire League until 1900. They then gained admission to the Football League Second Division. Unfortunately, the club finished in the bottom three for their first four seasons and at the end of the 1903-04 season they failed to gain re-election.
They then had one season in the Lancashire Combination, and were league champions. They were re-admitted to the Football League for the 1905-06 season, and the club have now been in this league for over a hundred years, although they have had to seek re-election on four further occasions.
On 30 April 2009, Stockport County were placed into administration following a battle to repay creditors. It followed a petition by a creditor to repay a loan of around £300,000.
Recently, the club has struggled to repay a tax debt of £250,000 to Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs.
On Friday 12th of June, Leonard Curtis, administrators of Stockport County Football Club, announced that they had agreed terms with the Melrose Consortium for the sale of the club. Paul Reeves, one of the joint administrators commented that: "Whilst a deal has been agreed, it is subject to the Melrose Consortium obtaining landlord approval. This is a positive step to safeguarding the club's future."
Gary Ablett, former manager of Liverpool reserves, was appointed manager on 8 July 2009 following talks with the new owners.
Sadly, Gary couldn't keep the Hatters from being the first team to be relegated from League One for the 2009/10 season.
In March 2010 it was announced that a new consortium, the '2015 Group' had been given exclusivity to work towards a takeover of the club. The Group hope to be approved by the Football League at their May 2010 meeting.
It was announced on Thursday 17th June 2010 that the 2015 Group had taken control of the club.
On the same day, it was announced that Gary Ablett had been relieved of his managerial duties by 'mutual consent'.
On 12th July 2010, former Carlisle United manager Paul Simpson was unveiled as Gary Ablett's successor as the new manager of the club at a press conference at Edgeley Park.
Simpson will be assisted by Peter Ward, who was assistant manager at the club between 2005 - 2009 under former manager Jim Gannon, and who also played for the club in the 1990's.
However, when Simson was saked Ward took over as boss and didn't do any better so earlier this month it was last chance saloon time and the Hatters turned to former Wigan boss Ray Mathias who had been helping the beligured caretaker manager.
He was in charge of Stockport, now clear bottom of League Two and staring the Conference in the face, at Accrington and revealed that after a shareholders meeting the day before the 3-0 hammering Ward was asked to vacate his position, and Mathias was requested to try and stop the rot that could see two relegation in successive seasons!
(There's an even more comprehensive history of the club available here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Stockport_County_F.C.)