Football Back At Church Lane

Football returns with a bang at Church Lane with a fantastic double header of games this weekend.

“Friday night is County night” as Stockport are the visitors as they start to adjust to life outside The Football League for the first time in well over a century. Following the postponement of an earlier friendly against Stalybridge Celtic, the game is likely to be County's first under new manager Dietmar Hamann and new director Tony Evans who has made a significant investment whilst the consortium he leads completes due diligence process which may lead to them taking a controlling interest in the longer term. At the time of taking over at Edgeley Park, it was widely reported that County only had eight players under contract so there's no doubt that Hamann faces a baptism of fire in his first managerial role.

Supporters should note the slightly earlier kick off time of 7.30pm and as there is likely to be a healthy travelling contingent for The Millers first home game of the new season, the turnstiles will open around 5.15pm to avert any possible congestion.

Then on Sunday afternoon, nostalgia is the theme of the day as Manchester City Old Boys play a New Mills AFC XI, kick off 2pm.

Ally Pickering swaps his managerial duties for the day as he will lead the City side which will include former stars such as Eric Nixon, Andy Dibble, Nicky Sumerbee, Asa Hartford, Peter Barnes and Dave Bennett.

In a similar way, The Millers will field a side made up of former players as well as giving supporters and sponsors the chance to rub shoulders with the stars for the day.