”The Liberal Democrats have consistently been the only party in Stockport to stand by County over the last five years. I personally feel that without such strong support from the Liberal Democrats at local government level the Clubs very existence could have been at risk. Dave Goddard is a real friend of Stockport County FC and his party the Liberal Democrats have been true supporters of Stockport County FC.”
The statement above was made by Jim Gannon last Monday in response to Labours behaviour regarding a request by Labour leader Cllr Verdeille and Cllr Bailey for an article to promote better relationship with the club and the local community in Edgeley.
Jim supplied the following article in good faith. Labour promptly deleted the first paragraph and put the rest on every Labour leaflet in Stockport claiming he was writing for Labour.
I sat in the public gallery with many of you at Stockport Town Hall last year and listened to Labour councillor after Labour councillor rubbish this great club, claiming we add no value to Stockport, and saying Edgeley would be better without us on match days, then voting not to support a vital sponsorship deal to help us financially.
Later Cllr Harding who is Cllr Bailey’s husband reported me to the Police for holding a Help the Hatters car boot on Booth street.
This is not about national issues, not about the coalition government, this is about local issues, local councillors, and which ones will stand up for Stockport County, it’s as simple as that.
One day the full story of how much Dave Goddard has done to keep this club alive will be revealed, and that’s why I am backing Dave in Offerton with his fight against a party that will go to any lengths, distort the truth, misrepresent the facts and try to drag our club through the mud for a few grubby votes.
It has to stop, we need all the friends we can get and Dave Goddard for all his faults is a Stockport lad who will do everything he can to support us which is more than can be said of any other party.
John Fitzpatrick, Director Stockport County FC
This is Jims article in full.
Article for Labour Edgeley Newsletter
“I am delighted to be invited to write a piece for this newsletter. During my time as a player at Stockport County I lived in Edgeley for more than ten years. I still bank, shop and use the amenities of the area. I have always loved the sense of community in Edgeley and never wanted to leave. I am so pleased to be able to return to work in Edgeley, albeit now in the more unaccustomed role of Director of Football at County.
We have all been saddened by the recent fall from grace of our proud Club, and also how it has become a little detached from its supporters and local community. But we are determined to turn its fortunes around, and much of the driving force will be to the new energy the club has been given by ‘Your Town Your Team’ group. My return to Edgeley Park was primarily due to their desire to resurrect the Clubs fortunes, and build a stronger, more fan driven and community orientated football club.
I believe Stockport County has a huge part to play in the sense of civic and community pride within Stockport, and can also play a vibrant role in the provision of community interest projects within Edgeley. It is my main role to create a dynamic young team that can excite and entertain our fans and represent this town with pride and honour. However, in tandem with our work on the pitch we hope also to bring a greater interconnection between ourselves and the local community.
I hope you can all play a part in our rise, and more importantly, share in the enjoyment of the return of the ‘Friendly Football Club’ to Edgeley Park.
Kindest regards and best wishes.”
James Gannon
