SUMMERBEE’S STOCK RISING

JOHN RICHARDSON

BY

FRIDAY nights for Mike Summerbee and his mate George Best were often spent among the crowd watching Stockport County.

It made a welcome break from the demands of playing for Manchester City and Manchester United in the 60s.

“At the time, Stockport had ‘Go Go County nights’ with home games staged on Friday nights,” recalled Summerbee.

“They would often attract crowds of 11,00012,000. George and I would stand on the terraces with the crowd. We really enjoyed it.”

So much so that Summerbee later joined the Cheshire club, and had a brief spell as player-manager, while Best ended his exile from football after walking out on Manchester United by agreeing a short-term deal which saw him make four appearances for the Hatters.

The matchday programmes from those games are collectors’ items, attracting bigmoney offers at auction.

Now last Sunday’s programme for the home game against FC Halifax, which clinched a return to the EFL following an 11-year absence, could also in years to come attract similar interest.

Under manager Dave Challinor and owner Mark Stott, it’s Go Go County again. “They are great supporters and it’s been hard for them stuck in the non-League for so long,” said Summerbee (above).

“Hopefully, the club can now build and give the fans the football they deserve.”

That’s the idea, with Challinor already eyeing another promotion.

“Our ambition extends to more than just staying in League Two, we will be looking to get promoted,” the Stockport boss said.

“It’s about thriving on pressure, something we have managed this season in finishing top of a hugely competitive league, with around 10 clubs who could quite easily hold their own in League Two.”