Rewarding fans’ faith in Hatters
STOCKPORT County director Richard Park is hoping to reward Hatters’ loyal supporters by landing the right manager to take the club forward.
Park hailed the club’s fans as the ‘best in the country’ after their healthy take up of season tickets.
County revealed 1,054 supporters had purchased an Early Bird Season Ticket for next season, which represents an increase on last season’s figure.
Despite playing in the sixth tier of English football and without a manager since Alan Lord stepped aside last month, County supporters have nevertheless demonstrated their commitment to the cause.
And Park hopes to repay their faith by landing the right man to take County forward.
“This is a phenomenal effort from the best fans in the country and we will strive to do everything we can to repay that loyalty by making the right managerial appointment and aiming for promotion next season,” he said.
“Our fans have put their trust in the people running the club and put their faith in our Five Year plan and we want to give them a reason to enjoy 2015/16.
“Everyone involved at Stockport County feels that the place is ready for lift-off, we need to get this appointment right and we believe the fans can carry us on to success next season. I want to thank every one of you for supporting this club once again.”
Meanwhile, the club is planning for the future after announcing they will be offering trials to elite young footballers aged 16-17 for places on their new academy development programme.
The programme, in association with the Profootball Academy, gives talented youngsters the opportunity to gain a BTEC Sports qualifications and to also play for Stockport’s Youth and Development squads.
The final trial day will be held on Saturday 30 May, and those wishing to attend should email theprofootballacademy@ gmail.com with their name, date of birth, preferred playing position and current mobile telephone number.
The course is free to those who have been a resident in the EU for the last three years, but there will be some costs for sports kit, materials and visits.
During the trial, players will be assessed by experienced coaches on fitness, technical skills and match play. If selected, players will study and play whilst gaining elite footballing skills from professional coaching staff.
Study units will include body systems, practical sport, fitness testing and training, tactical awareness nutrition and psychology.
For the BTEC qualification, each unit will be assessed by a series of assignments, with both practical and theory elements.
Each assignment is graded pass, merit or dis- tinction and the grades will contribute towards your overall result. Functional skills will be assessed via an external exam.
Players will also undergo a full-time training programme which will include additional strength and conditioning sessions.
They will be coached and trained daily and you will play regular matches against other college, semiprofessional and prestigious academy teams.
Performances will be monitored and those who impress will have the chance to progress into these sides. The course begins in September 2015 and will last two years, with the second year subject to passing and completing the first year.