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THE BLUE ARMY

Stockport County First Team Squad

1 Chris Adamson, 2 Robert Clare, 3 Michael Rose, 4 Jason Taylor, 5 Gareth Owen, 7 David Poole, 8 Gary Dicker, 10 Matty McNeil, 11 Adam Griffin, 14 Leon McSweeney, 15 Michael Raynes, 16 James Tunnicliffe, 17 Anthony Pilkington, 18 Greg Tansey, 19 Stephen Gleeson (On Loan From Wolverhampton Wanderers) 20 Liam Dickinson, 21 Tommy Rowe, 23 Jim McNulty,24, John Ruddy (On Loan From Everton),  25 Gianluca Havern, 26 Conrad Logan (On Loan From Leicester City) 27 Dan Ellis, 28 Paul Turnbull, 29 Chris Coward, 30 Dominic Blizzard, 31 Adam Proudlock, 32 Jamie Smith 33, Ryan Lowe (On Loan From Crewe Alexandra)

Jim Gannon.....Peter Ward

When Mr Personality (sic) Chris Turner was fired / resigned* after the uber-embarrassment at Macc, County legend Jim Gannon put his head and legacy on the line and stepped in to steady the sinking ship.

After turning 'Turner's Tripe' into 'Gannon's Glories' with some superb wins and spirited performances, Jim was lorded as the Second Coming, was permanent County boss in Jan 2006 and the rest, as they say, is history.

"The Ghost" - Gannon's nickname after his uncanny knack of 'Ghosting' in on setpieces whilst a player - must have been tearing his hair out when he saw the state of a club he made 350 league appearances for, but like them or hate them, The Supporters Trust pulled the rabbit out of the hat naming Gannon as boss.

The Trust clearly stated they wanted someone with managerial experience and tactical nouse, but when out-of-work managers around the country were hesitant to take what was possibly the hardest job in football - remember when Gannon took over we were five points adrift at the bottom of the lowest division - Gannon pulled his sleeves up and mucked in along with fellow County legend Peter Ward and launched County towards safety.

Gannon will possibly become the first man to enter the County Hall Of Fame for being both a player and a manager. The following season, he not only provided County a launching pad to better things, but almost brought County into dreamland when he was literally four minutes from a deserved play off place, only for a certain former player elsewhere to spoil the dream.

Hopefully, season 2007-08 will be better still, and continuously adding to the legacy that is Jim Gannon.  

'Who Needs Mourinho, When We've Got Jimbo'?

* Whoever you listen to. 

Although it was Jim Gannon whos return to EP was rather akin to an entrance of Chris Eubank, Peter Ward, a former team mate of Jim also returned to County. 

Wardy's understated role as assistant boss has helped enormously and his inspiration has been clear in the way the players are now showing more pride than ever whilst wearing the shirt, so Wardy can be seen as County's unsung hero and most will admit that County's survival wasn't all down to Jim. 

A great asset as a player with his no nonsense tackling and dangerous at set-pieces, he played with Jimbo for the whole of his Edgeley Park career so is fully aware of the place, and as their working relationship continues to flourish, so does the sterling work on the pitch, things can only get better. 

Ashington-born Adamson was a Gannon panic-signing in June 2007 and replaced the ripe for the Hall Of Shame 'Calamity' James Spencer who left for Rochfail.

5ft 11in and supposedly a great shot stopper, Chris came with a wealth of experience and County fans were keen to note at the time that according to a Wensdeh fan I know, he also dominates his box very well for someone who's not blessed with height.

Has been living like a gyppo down the years, including loan spells at Mansfield Town, Halifax Town and some unknown Swedish outfit called IK Brage. Then, we realised why no club wants him.

Although he signed in July, he made his full County debut in November in the cup against Staines where he managed to scoop a daisy-cutter into the path of a Town striker to gift them a replay. Then hardly made the world sit up and notice him in the televised replay.

Made only 12 appearances for his first club West Brom (ironically his debut was at County) before he was shipped out to Irish outfit St Patrick's in April 2003 before returning to England two years later with a Goalkeeper Of The Year nomination in hand, to join Paul Sturrock's eventual failed revolution at Wednesday.

He made just ten appearances for Sheffield Wednesday, with one coming in a forgettable Carling Cup game in August last year, when Adamson was left red faced by lowly Wrexham, the Red Dragons coming away from Hillsborough the victors after a 4-1 win.

And with a drink drive ban to boot, Adamson joins a long list of low life that have graced EP down the years, thank fuck its only on a year deal. 

Although Chris Adamson was given the number one jersey, it wasn't long before Gannon had realised he'd made a humungous boo-boo and moved swiftly to bring Leicester loanee Logan in and immediately stepped into the side from the start of the season, and has paid Jim back with some sparkling performances, most notibly against Tranmere in the cup and against Milton Keynes.

He joined the Foxes in 2004, but was loaned out to Boston United for two spells where he gained a league debut and he's never looked back since, with County being his most notible run of games to date.

6ft 2in but looks like he's placed his head in a tub of emulsion, Logan though does really look the part. Confident in coming to the edge of his box, a superb shot stopper and whilst Adamson looks on, Logan looks like he'll be the number one as long as he's at County.

Player Of The Month For December 2007

In his second spell on loan from Everton after wowing the Cheadle End in his eleven appearances for The Hatters last season.

Conrad Logan's ban after getting a red card enabled Ruddy's return and was thrust straight into the first team at Accrington Stanley.

Still only 21, Ruddy moved to Everton from Cambridge United in May 2005, but has enjoyed several loan periods at different clubs including Chester City, Wrexham and higher up at Bristol City but most noticeably his time at Edgeley Park, hwe was only recalled to Goodison after Salford Quay Buccaneers stopped Tim Howard from playing against them and Ruddy had to watch from the bench as further round the M60 County crumbled towards the end of the season. 

 A terrific shot stopper, Ruddy will return to EP with the full backing of the County fans and when Gannon labels you 'possibly the best keeper he has worked with', then there is a glowing reference. Initially here for just 28 days, but I doubt that'll be the last we see of John Ruddy.

Welcome Back John.

A young gifted whipper-snapper who was given a very early opportunity to shine by Crispy Turnip and after a shaky start has been a real gem that has made the bigger clubs sit up and take notice.

Of course, whilst on the whole, he's grossly inexperienced, Michael has looked very solid and seems very confident on the ball for someone so young. 

It's only natural that he's prone to the odd error but as his age can easily be forgiven. He has steadily improved and with more games under his belt and a few beefing up trips to Burger King he'll be a huge hit at EP. 

At one point he even ran Ashley Williams down the pecking order in the centre of defence, but in the end, he developed into a very special partnership with Ash in that survival season. 

Overall is well liked by JG and PW and more importantly by the fans and showed his dedication to County by signing a contract extension recently, which really pissed on the parades of a plethora of larger clubs who were waiting in the wings; West Brom, Sunderland and Liverpool were all creaming their pants recently.

Was out of action for most of 2006-07 after collapsing after the Wrexham game through exhaustion. Was rumoured to have had a dicky ticker but now getting back to full fitness after what must have been a big shock for the young man.

Just as he managed to get back to full fitness, got crocked again, but is now on the road to recovery after featuring towards the end of the 06-07 season.  

After a hugely successful loan period earlier in 2007-08, Jamie returned to EP after Gannon managed to outmuscle other clubs to re-sign the full back full time, ending his nightmare spell in the Liverpool doledrums.

This is truly a superb coup for Gannon, who must have known that playing Bowler or Jason Taylor at right back in his absence was one of the reasons why County went through their sticky patch.

Solid and resourceful. Passionate and strong. 'Smiffy' is certainly one of the division's better full backs, and will be a huge addition to the squad and will get Gannon back to having a dominant back four.

Welcome back mate...!        

Formerly a target for then-European Champions Liverpool, central defender Tunni signed his first professional deal with County in July 2006.

A strong and purposeful defender, Tunni, after coming through the County ranks, thought that he was maybe too good for County and could have left EP for Southampton, but decided to stay and fight for a first team place which is fantastic for a young player who must have seen the monetary difference between Southampton and County.

Liverpool took him on trial in 06-07 in order to offer us a reported six figure sum, but it was obvious Rafa Benitez has no taste, and quickly shephered him back to Edgeley although he did snipe Ryan Crowther, who looks like he's settled in nicely at Anfield. 

James first team action pre-Gannon was just twenty-two minutes at Meadow Lane as a second half substitute for Harpal Singh against Notts County in December 2005, but this new contract should have given Tunni a clear message that Gannon has him in his plans for the forthcoming season.

A loan spell at Blue Square strugglers Northwich would have done him no harm, and is slowly getting back into first team recogning.

Left sided defender Rose signed in June 2006 from League One Yeovil Town after finding opportunities at Huish Park limited.

Was loaned out to Cheltenham Town and Scunthorpe United before being drafted in for what should have been some much needed competition for regular full back Mark Robinson. Although a left side midfield berth is his ideal position, Rosie eventually kept Robbo out of the side that eventually saw Robinson made a hasty retreat to Conference bound Torquay later that season.  

Every player has a cross to bare, and it's unfortunate that Rosie was on the books at M*n Un*t*d in 2000 but as what happens to a lot of youngster at Salford Quays Buccaneers, found himself a little fish in a big pond and joined Chester City after just a year. 

Had a spell at Hereford before he signed for the Cider Drinkers in July 2004 where he made thirty seven appearances which coincided with the Huish Park club's meteoric rise through the divisions.

Rosie is also handy at set pieces and grabbed himself a few goals so far and after a career-threatening injury, he is starting to become a regular in Gannon's squads. 

I know, I know, the name just doesn't sound right, but Luca does have an impressive CV from the youth team set up and should break through into the first team squad sooner or later after what seems like an eternity on the Edgeley Park treatment table.

Luca is a solid defender with a good footballing brain, but like a few of his yoof team mates, can act all cocky swaggering around Edgeley Town centre in their matching trackies but in reality if he concentrated on his game and not his image, should be a good proposition for County in the next few years.

With a long list of players coming through the youth set up, Luca is definitely for the future.  

The former Clayhead followed Adam Griffin and Jason Taylor to County direct from Oldham after securing a County deal after a successful season long loan deal in 2006-07.

Staffordshire born Owen started his career at Stoke City as a trainee and spent four (unsuccessful) years at The Potters before moving to Boundary Park in January 2004, firstly on loan, before sealing a permenent switch at the end of the 2004-05 season. 

The Latics bought Owen for £50,000 but made forty-one league appearances, which considering he made forty-two in one complete season for County, makes his career at Oldham much more as a cameo than a regular.

An Oldham fan at work claimed Owen was 'a wee bit clumsy but a real solid defensive machine', and at the start of his career at County was found to be a little off the pace, but steadily improved, certainly needs a pacy partner (Ash) to ably assist, especially if there is a nippy forward against him, but in all honesty is no slouch himself and thus created a tremendous record breaking partnership with Ashley Williams at the back.

Gained the official 'we-want-you-to-sign-full-time' player of the year award, and with Tony Dinning dropping down the pecking order, Gaz took over the skipper's armband last season and is certainly one of the finest players Gannon's nabbed in his short managerial career.

Now Gaz's is ours for real, more of the same please Mr Owen, Thanking you please. 

James might have been a somewhat surprising addition to the squad after Gannon signed him in the January transfer window, but it was possibly the way he did it that was most amusing.

Scottish Scouser McNulty was on the books of our friendly-yet-largely-inferior Cheshire neighbours Macc Town, where he was first team and doing 'ok', then after snubbing a new deal with the Moss Rose giants, he not only drives a huge dildo up the relegation hounded Silkman, yet joins arguably their biggest rivals. 

Not quite Sol Campbell or Ashley Cole I know, but still kinda funny you have to agree.

McNulty went straight into the first team at EP after a spell at that other all-conquering North West team Wrexham, but injury has halted his season.

Joined Macc on a free in the summer of 2006 but only made just over 30 appearances for Macc, most of which have come during this season.

Rob returned to Edgeley Park after what can only be described as a 'season sabbatical' at Blackpool and announced his intentions to stay at County by announcing a one year extension to his contract in May 2007.

However, injury has made Rob a bit of a forgotten bloke at Edgeley Park.

Can play either as a central defender, sweeper or as full back and is no doubt a real star at County. Joined as a spotty virginal schoolboy and steadily progressed through the system into one of County's bright young stars until a reported fall out with former boss Sammy McIlroy made the way for him to leave for sunnier (sic) climes. 

The move to the Fylde Coast, however, turned out to be a backward step for Robbie and after quickly falling out of favour at Bloomfield Road, amazingly, just shortly after County shafted them 4-0 at their (still) unfinished gaff, Rob came home crying back to Mum...!

A versatile and confident defender, can also wade in with a few important goals, and will be an important figure of County's first team squad...providing he can stay fit...!

County 4 Life Player Of The Month For October 2006 

Nippy left sided utility player Griff finally signed after County agreed a deal with Oldham to bring him in on a permanent deal after completing a very successful loan period the season before.

Although happy either at left back or further forward, had been the regular County left back with Michael Rose injured, and he filled in majestically although he does prefer to come forward a bit more.

The whole transfer saga with Oldham had left a very bitter taste when it came to discussing terms. The Latics firstly decided to keep him, then County must have been pretty pissed when they didn't play him and when Jim wanted to know why, they said he's worth more than County could afford, and then Jim was extremely ticked off when they didn't allocate him a squad number. 

Bloody hell Oldham, he's good, but he's not Wayne bloody Rooney...! Eventually that resident Stretford dickhead John Sheridan let him go and Griffin who had really impressed during his loan period was finally ours for real.

Welcome back Adam!

Can play anywhere on the left and has a cunning cross. Scored with his first touch against Rushden, and when fit, will always be part of the County set up.

With Michael Rose slowly coming back from injury and the introduction of Paul Tierney, Griffin has been pushed forward, hopefully grabbing more goals.  

Player Of The Month For October 2007

It looked initially like Watford had well and truly shafted County after announcing they were recalling Blizzard from his loan spell at EP just to loan him back out to then County's Play Off Rivals Milton Keynes Dons back in April 2007, and as you can understand, there was a lot of vitriol towards Blizz.

After all, he was part of that record breaking side and was a highlight of the 2006-07 season with his no nonsense tackling and dogged battling qualities. 

At the end of his loan period, he left Edgeley Park knowing that he was 99% certain he'd sign for the Franchise Boys, but after an alleged fall out with new Dons boss Paul 'Big Time Charlie' Ince, he was the last in and first out under Ince and mutually terminated his contract having never kicked a ball in anger as a full time Don.

In steps Gannon, obviously impressed with the lad in his seven games for County last term, snapped him up, and will give Gary Dicker and Jason Taylor a run for their money in the heart of County's midfield and as he proved away at Charlton, has a belting shot when given the chance to roam forward.

Welcome back Dom...!  

Danny (or Dan as he'd like to be called now he's obtained his first pube...!) is another star of the successful County youth team set-up.

Although a midfielder by trade, Dan was top scorer in the youth team which shows his obvious prowess around goal and showed this when he came off the bench against Shrewsbury at EP and almost scored with his first touch at the Cheadle End.

Has been in and around the first team squad ever since he broke into the County first team in April 2006. Some might say that Dan is possibly County's longest serving player, having been at the club since he was 9, made his youth team debut when he was still at school, making fringe player Dan the kind of player you need to keep at County in order to establish a backbone of tomorrow's team.

Has a great future in the game. I have a feeling that 2007-08 will be his season.

One player who was thoroughly delighted to be back at Edgeley Park, albeit on loan was Wolves' Irish midfielder Stephen Gleeson, who marshalled the middle perfectly as County started to build up momentum towards the end of last season.

Last year, Gleeson made 17 appearances for The Hatters and scored two goals, ironically against this season's play off rivals Darlington and Wycombe and will bring more competition to an already dominant midfield.

Despite knocking on the door of the first team both domestically andinternationally, the 19-year-old again slipped out of favour and went out on loan to Hereford, where he faced County at Edgar Street, where he admitted his side was outplayed in every department.

Rumours are that he heard the County faithful singing his name and knew he had to reunite with fellow Irishman Jim Gannon at County

Welcome back Stephen...!   

The song sang in unison at Rotherham that night was clear, 'Tommy Rowe, Rowe, Rowe' had arrived.

Resorted only to cameo roles since the Watford FA Cup tie, Tommy made his first start against Bury, scored his first goal against Notts County and then followed it up for a superb hat-trick against Rotherham at Millmoor that earned him the illustrious County 4 Life monthly award and that is all you can say about Tommy Rowe, because that is his career so far in a nutshell.

There have been comparisons with Ryan Giggs after his immediate impact to the United first team, and there are some who say that since Rotherham, Tommy has gone off the boil, but it's just his vibrant fresh and positive outlook of the game that makes me look towards the future of Stockport County and feel quite pleased.

Other than that he also shares his name with a Portsmouth legend and a rock singer in the 1980's but the Tommy Rowe on everyone's lips in North Cheshire is that of a superbly talented youngster who will be making the bigger teams sit up and take notice sooner or later.

Will 2007-08 be his season? So far so good, but only time will tell.

Player Of The Month For February 2008

Jay-Bo (which frankly think is a naff nick name) was yet another former County loanee that finally signed full time after what seemed like months of will-he-won't-he on-going transfer speculation.

Although he will never win over all the Cheadle Enders, he was, however, part of that team who showed grit and determination that ended in County saving themselves from the Conference, therefore in my opinion deserves to be highly respected.

Just maybe, if other pre-season midfield targets would have opted for EP, maybe Jase would have still been cleaning boots at Oldham and watching his more illustrious brother, but once a County player full time, he has recreated that sparkling form that won him the plaudits the season before.  

What makes Jason a fave at County and ended in him grabbing the inaugural County 4 Life Player Of The Year Award is that he really likes to get stuck in. Strong and purposeful, but sometimes his over-exuberance gets him in trouble, but with experience and guidance, regular first team football should make him a better and stronger player and maybe, those cynics behind me in the Cheadle End may just eventually warm to him. Can also slip in at right back when required, showing another attribute to the grossly-underated Taylor.

If there is something negative to his game, it's his goalscoring. He's a bit too-eager to get to the edge of the box but his finishing, like my old school teacher wrote in one of my reports - "could do better". A steamer against Cardiff pre-season proved to all his could do it, maybe he'll be looking to shed loads more in a County shirt.

County 4 Life Player Of The Month for August

County 4 Life Player Of The Year 2006-07  

Not quite a household name, nor a first team regular, but young Irishman Leon McSweeney will be a huge star, according to Jim Gannon, and of what we have seen of him so far, Gannon will not be far wrong.

Leon joins Gary Dicker in coming to EP direct from Ireland (an 18-month deal from Cork City) and six years ago, a young McSweeney crossed the Irish Sea (with a little tarmac left over...sorry!) and joined Leicester City alongside former County loanee Damien Delaney, but unlike DD, found times hard and quickly moved onto bigger and better things.

After spells at Hucknall, Ilkeston Town and Hednesford, crossed back to The Emerald Isle to join Cork City where he was a key figure in their 2006-07 FAI Ford Cup win.

Happy in the centre or out wide, Leon's pace is his key, a wicked shot (ask the Dagenham keeper) and some smooth skills rarely seen on the League Two stage. Comes also with a good pedigree from Ireland, should his time at Edgeley Park be enjoyed by all and sundry.  

Jim Gannon has shown tremendous faith and belief in Gary Dicker, which the man has to pay back by starting to play the game that made him a star in Irish Football.

When Gannon took over, it was obvious that he'd eventually dip his toe back into Irish waters so it was hardly with any surprise when Gannon's first 2007-08 pre-season signing was bringing in the solid, ball playing Republic of Ireland u-21 midfielder Gary Dicker from UCD for a reported five figure fee.

Just a real pity that a mixture of bad form and injury forced County fans to put any anticipation of a re-birth of a Chris Marsden figure on the back burner. Sources from Ireland claimed that County had got themselves a real gem, who had already a sixth month loan stint at Birmingham City on his CV. 

The transition to English football was becoming a little problematic, initially, but as Dicker's uncanny knack of being in the right place at the right time had given him plaudits in the Emerald Isle, I was willing to give him time to adjust to the pace of a much better division.

This was truly a tremendous signing for County, and at the start of the season Dicker and Taylor were masterful, but with a plethora of midfield talent waiting in the wings, it was becoming glaringly obvious Gary Dicker was punch way above his weight.

After a demoralising injury threatened to pour cold water on his first season back in England, his strength and his keen eye for a defence splitting pass won Gannon's heart again and with the team doing well around him, so has Dicker and now, with the League Two play-offs in their grasp, I'm predicting Gary Dicker to explode onto the scene. Thirty-yard winner in the final, anyone? 

Looked like County got their man from underneath the noses of Birmingham, Norwich and Hibs, so hopefully Dicker will be a superb acquisition for Gannon long term. We hope, as our patience was running out.

When David Poole joined County on loan from Yeovil Town in Sept 2006, he dazzled the EP crowd with skill rarely seen on a League Two stage, and after impressing Jimbo, it wasn't long before Gannon moved heaven and earth to capture the marauding winger in January 2007.

Gorton born Pooley was a former Un*t*d trainee who was binned off like many youngsters to the South West where his arrival at Huish Park co-incided with their meteoric rise through the divisions, but Yeovil's loss has certainly been County's gain, scoring some vital goals including the shock opener at Watford in t'cup.

When in full flight, Pooley is certainly one of League Two's real stars and can be devastating to opposing full backs, and when you have possibly the finest crosser of a moving ball in the lower division, strikers love to have him around.

Injury has peppered his County career, but after successful return, who knows what the future holds for David Poole, there is certainly more competition for him than when he was first here.

Will he become better player because of the competition? 

Resorted to cameo roles since his step up from the Youth team, Greg Tansey was hot property from the EP youth conveyor belt, and really should be more prominent in the first team with some superb performances in the reserves.

But where has Greg Tansey gone? He made his debut in the Johnstone Windscreen LDV Shieldy Thing at Macc and then again in the next round at Chester, and only encroached into league games when Gannon had injury problems, but certainly didn't look out of place.  

Has a wicked free kick and rumoured to have snubbed Liverpool when his mate Ryan Crowther flew the nest. But seriously, although the midfield positions have a helluva lot of competition, Greg Tansey is not the sort of player you want to lose to a team like Bury where he'll come back and haunt us

He has a bright future in the game, just a real shame that the management at EP don't agree.

Is it 'Pilkinton', or 'Pilkington'? According to some more endorsed sites, there is no 'g', but on his back it says PilkinGton, so that's good enough for me..!

This teenage attacking-midfielder agreed an initial six-month deal after scoring 11 times for non-league Atherton Colleries down in't pyramid.

In a bold attempt to recreate what impact Liam Dickinson had when he first took over, Jim Gannon once again dropped down to non-league and brought in what only can be described as a real under-developed raw talent but with that in mind, he has made the step up look simple and has been making waves in League Two with his no nonsense running and work ethic. 

Before he signed he had already put his mark on one of the regions best supported teams with a hat-trick against (Bubble Soon To Burst - Thankfully) FC United and Gannon was oozing with the signing, "We've offered Anthony a starter contract and I think it will be good for him to get a taste of professional football. Hopefully he can make significant progress during his six months here."

Made an immediate impact with an impressive debut at Wycombe (Massive Club) Wanderers and showed very old head on young shoulders. For a winger, surprisingly good in the air. Strong, and no occasion seems to faze him. Was arguably one of the best players in the second half of the 2006-07 season, and we expect more from the lad Pilkington in the near future.

Keep it going, my son...! 

Follows Aaron Wilbraham, Des Byrne, Brian Carrigan, Chris Byrne and a string of others to reign as County's Resident Naughty Boy after getting wrapped off the beak recently for stamping on a reveller in Wilmslow after a fight broke out between the victim and his friend. 

Other than that, he also happens to be a very talented attacking midfielder, who had broken through to the first team just the once, went missing for a few seasons, but now is back fighting for his first team place.

Paul once had the world at his feet and was likened to Wayne Rooney for his raw talent. Made County history when he became County's youngest ever outfield player, but then quickly became County's forgotten man. Was it his attitude? Was he really badly injured?

I'm not calling for a public enquiry or even suggesting cover ups, but maybe now he's been given a squad number for the first time for ages, maybe the kick up the arse given to him by the Magistrates may keep him on the straight and narrow and realise he has every boy's dream handed to him on a plate.

Fighting again for a midfield berth after injury co-incided with County's rise up the table, maybe he'll get another chance. 

Good luck Paul, I hope 2007-08 is your swansong...! 

County were five points adrift of the Football League and staring trips to Crawley and Forest Green in the face for the first time in their history.

County boss Chris "Mr Personality" Turner publically stated in order for County to stay up he wanted a seasoned experienced striker. So, what did he do? He went out and bought a 20-year-old from Woodley Sports...!

Although we all knew by then Turner had completely lost the plot, however we do have to thank him for the gem he produced in Liam Dickinson.

6ft 4in in stocking feet, there is no surprise to learn that Liam was good in the air and comes with a good pedigree from the Unibond League and was groomed initially to be one for the future although now a first teamer regular and has not only waded in with some really important goals in his short County career, but has filled the void left by Anthony Elding. 

We all scratched our head in unison and wondered why Turner brought someone so young and from a lower division, but boy has he shown us why. A superb back post header on his debut, a delightful double at Chester and the winner against Bury and suddenly Salford-born Dicko's a cult hero.

Took to League Two football very very well, almost too well, and after a shaky start to 2006-07, possibly had the best half season of any County player.

2007-08 showed how much he's matured and again weighed in with some great goals and improved his all-round play. Now with being a new Dad, Dicko's matured, and is now one of the most feared strikers in League Two. Makes me wonder why it took until January 2008 for fans to vote for him for the County 4 Life Monthly Award.

'Dee-Aye-See-Kay-Ohh' 

Exclusive Interview With Liam Dickinson

Player Of The Month For January 2008

Another Scouser in the County ranks, Ryan Lowe joined County on loan from Crewe Alexandra and was thrust straight into the squad at former club Chester City.

Jim was open and honest when he stated he'd been a keen admirer of the former Shrewsbury striker, and brings a little competition to the forward line if Dicko et al get a little complacent.

Although not a household name, but certainly not a journeyman. He's quick, has a keen eye for goal and likes to cut deep and and take on defenders. He scored 17 goals last season for The Alex, including a hat-trick against Carlisle, no is no slouch, and with not a bad strike rate, he'll fit in perfectly at EP.

I dunno whether this loan signing will acrue to anything more permanent, but Lowe is a name to be respected...! 

"Pepperami" signed for County in June 2007 on a free from Macclesfield Town and was seen as an like for like replacement for the Stevenage Borough-bound Tes Bramble.

Strong, purposeful and superb in the air, Matty should have posed a serious threat to League Two defenders, but injury has hampered his season after doing so well either in front of goal or defending it, with injuries to Ashley Williams and Gareth Owen resorting Gannon to adapt Matty as a competent centre half too.

MM was formerly at Hyde, Runcorn and then moved to Celtic (sorry guys - it was only the Stalybridge type), so he hasn't really set football alight as yet, but rather like Dicko before him, has shown glimpses of a potential that hopefully will come to fruition at Edgeley Park.

I have to admit he looked a real handful when he was up against his new team mates when at Macc and maybe with a bit of form, may be the surprise package in 2007-08.

As with his predessor Bramble, Matthew McNeil will never win over all fans, as his strike rate is not exactly Van Nistelrooy-esque, however, those like me who seem to look at a player's all round ability rather than the goalscoring charts, Matty is very under-rated and I'm sure if he is kept on after the season's up, he'll slowly win those hard-to-please Cheadle Enders around. 

Player Of The Month For November 2007

Crumpsall born Christopher Coward progressed through the School Of Excellence at County and although not a regular in the first team just yet, should be knocking on the door in a little while.

From a few County 4 Life moles who take an interest in 'Tomorrow's County', they collectively suggest that Chris is already looking a smart striker with a keen eye for goal, and has by all reports been uprooting trees in the reserves and youth team games, so maybe a gamble for Mr Gannon?

I'm guessing with Proudlock, Dicko, Johann and others to consider first, I'm thinking another sustained season out of loan will be good experience for players like Chris Coward, unless a mass dose of inflenza flushes half the County forward line out and Coward is left for his County swansong.

Who knows?

Now, am I saving the best County player until last...?

Formerly of Ipswich, Wolves and Sheffield Wednesday, striker Adam Proudlock arrived at County initially under non-contract terms and would give County a taste of what a higher division calibre of striker should perform like, and boy have we been shown..!

Proudy was released by "Wensdeh" after what only be described as "gross misconduct" (to you and me that means he turned up for training pissed...!) so comes with the reputation of a mate of Jody Morris', but Gannon showed immense faith in him, gave him six weeks to get back to full fitness and after it looked like he'd improved the cash flow problem at a local chippy, but really looks the business now.

When fit, is one of the cream of the lower divisions. Pacy, skillful, makes the hard things look simple and overall has looked a class apart and totally awesome. 

His hat-trick against Wycombe was one of sheer marvel, and when he has a chance to shine, a fully fit Adam Proudlock should be regular first team and will punish League Two defences left, right and centre.

www.county4life.com Player Of The Month For November 2006