WHO ARE THE SHOTS PLAYING?
Stockport County, also known as The Hatters. Founded 1883 (as Heaton Norris Rovers), renamed in 1890.
WHERE IS THE MATCH BEING PLAYED?
At Edgeley Park. Capacity 10,841
HOW DID THEY DO LAST SEASON?
The Hatters reached the National League Play-Offs last season, finishing 3rd with 77 points. They hosted eventual winners Hartlepool in the Semi-Final, losing 1-0 to a 76th minute Rhys Oates goal.
HOW DID SHOTS GET ON AGAINST THEM LAST SEASON?
The two sides shared the points at Edgeley Park last season, in 0-0 draw back in February, with Mitch Walker saving a late John Rooney penalty. Two months later, with County on a long unbeaten run and charging towards the play-offs, they took all three points at the EBB Stadium, thanks to goals from Jack Stretton and Ash Palmer.
WHO’S THEIR GAFFER?:
39-year-old Simon Rusk was appointed as Stockport County Manager during the2020-21 season, following the departure of Jim Gannon. A former professional footballer, Rusk played as a midfielder for the likes of Boston United, York City and Crawley Town. He was promoted from what is now the National League as a player, so knows this level of football well. As a Coach, he holds the highest possible licence, the UEFA Pro-Licence and until recently was the Brighton & Hove Albion u-23 Manager, helping develop the likes of Solly March, Aaron Connolly and Steven Alzate towards the first team at The Amex. He took The Hatters to the National League Play-Offs last season.
WHO’S DEPARTED?
Twelve players were released by County at the end of last season, whilst five more returned to their parent clubs. In addition, James Jennings retired and Richie Bennett’s contracted was mutually terminated.
WHO’S STAYED?
Eighteen players remained under contract at Edgeley Park, many of whom are now in the second year of a two or three year contract. They include; Ben Hinchcliffe, Macauley Southam-Hales, Liam Hogan, Ryan Croasdale, John Rooney, Paddy Madden and Connor Jennings.
WHO’S ARRIVED?
Rusk has brought eleven new faces into his playing squad for the 2021-22 season. Scott Quigley has dropped down from EFL side Barrow, on a three year contract and another eye-catching signing is attacking midfielder Ben Whitfield, who has joined until 2023 from Torquay United. Rusk’s most recent signing is that of 23-year-old Ollie Crankshaw, a Winger from Bradford City, who scored the winning goal on his debut at Weymouth last weekend.
ANY EX-SHOTS?
No
WHO’S GOT THE WHISTLE?
Saturday’s referee is Paul Marsden. This season, he has taken charge of 4 National League matches, showing 16 Yellow Cards and 1 Red Card.
WHERE TO FOLLOW THE MATCH:
If you are not going to Edgeley Park, there will be ‘Live’ BBC Radio Surrey Sport Online commentary of the match with Rob Worrall and Guest Summariser, Chris Pratt (NL FullTime / Non-League Paper reporter. There will also be Social Media coverage on Instagram & Twitter (@OfficialShots) with team news, updates and post-match coverage throughout the afternoon.
