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Fergie Junior to land ace

PETERBOROUGH boss Darren Ferguson looks set to land Stockport's Josh Thompson after submitting a second bid with County's administrators.

Hatters' fans will be hoping today's creditors' meeting at Edgeley Park brings some positive news with former City player Jim Melrose poised to buy the club.

Ravanelli in County frame

JIM Gannon has been appointed Motherwell manager ending weeks of speculation linking the Irishman with a return to Stockport County.

With the prospect of Gannon returning gone, former Juventus and Middlesbrough striker Fabrizio Ravanelli has been linked with the County role.

County duo join Seagulls

JAMES Tunnicliffe and Gary Dicker have joined the exodus from Stockport County to Brighton.

A spokesman for County administrators Leonard Curtis said: "We can confirm that the transfer of SCFC players James Tunnicliffe and Gary Dicker to Brighton have been agreed."

Meanwhile, it is understood that Jim Melrose's takeover of Stockport could be given the green-light by Sale Sharks over the weekend.

County consortium hits out

THE Melrose consortium has accused Cheshire Sport of being close to 'directly affecting the financial and playing strength' of Stockport County as the proposed takeover continues to drag on.

The consortium, led by former Manchester City forward Jim Melrose, released a statement through administrators Leonard Curtis on Wednesday, which suggested it was Cheshire Sport who were delaying the deal.

A spokesman for the Melrose consortium said: “We have agreed terms with the administrators and we have agreed to all the conditions of the lease put in front of us by the landlord Cheshire Sports."

Motherwell eye Gannon

EX-Stockport manager Jim Gannon is being targeted by Motherwell.

Gannon is part of a four-man shortlist, along with Lawrie Sanchez, Steve Staunton and Malcolm Crosby to take over at the Scottish Premier League club.

County takeover on hold

THE proposed takeover of Stockport by Jim Melrose has not been finalised and the former City man is still waiting for the green-light from Edgeley Park owners Sale Sharks.

But with just eight days to go before the players are due to report back for the start of pre-season training, the Hatters still have no board, no manager, no ground and a depleted squad.

As it stands, the first team do not even have a kit to play in next season after last season's strip was auctioned off.

Stockport start with Oldham

STOCKPORT County begin their 2009/2010 campaign with a clash against local rivals Oldham on August 8.

County then face Bristol Rovers (home), Carlisle (home), Brighton (away) and Southampton (home) in an action packed month. The Hatters face Leeds (away) on September 5, with the return leg on December 28.

County face Terriers in Carling Cup

STOCKPORT County face a trip to Huddersfield Town in the first round of next season's Carling Cup.

It should be a close tie, with the sides having drawn 1-1 twice in the League One last season.

Meanwhile, the proposed takeover of Stockport by former City forward Jim Melrose has still not been completed as talks with Edgeley Park landlords Sale Sharks continue.

Consortium set to buy County

ADMINISTRATORS in charge of Stockport County have confirmed a consortium led by former Manchester City forward Jim Melrose is set to buy the cash-strapped club.

Melrose swooped in to buy County on Thursday after a rival bid - submitted by the Gibbons family - fell through at the last minute.

Administrators Leonard Curtis had originally favoured the Stockport-based Gibbons bid - but financial complications caused the deal to collapse on Thursday afternoon.

Ex-City star saves County

A FORMER Manchester City star has stepped in to save cash-strapped Stockport County.

A consortium, led by former Blues forward Jim Melrose, signed a deal to buy the League One club at 5pm today.

Stockport: Season player ratings

M.E.N. Sport's Stockport reporter Guy Nelson gives his verdict on the Stockport players performance in the 2008/2009 season.

Pick Greater Manchester's player of the season

TODAY you, the fans, have the chance to select Greater Manchester's player of the season - a competition organised in association with sponsors flybe.com.

Four in fight for County

UP to four separate bids are expected to be received to take Stockport County out of administration before the deadline passes.

A consortium of local businesses, along with Stockport County Supporters Trust, have already lodged their bid with administrators Leonard Curtis.

If successful the Trust, who took over the club from Brian Kennedy's Cheshire Sports, would retain 10 per cent ownership and have a place on the new board.

New hope for County

STOCKPORT County Supporters' Trust are working with a consortium of local people in an attempt to buy the club out of administration.

The Trust announced on Friday that the initial paperwork in the bid had been lodged with administrator Leonard Curtis.

If successful, the Trust would retain 10 per cent ownership of County and would have a seat on the new board.

County exodus continues

HIGHLY-RATED Stockport County stars Oli Johnson and Josh Thompson could be next to join the exodus from Edgeley Park.

Premier League West Bromwich Albion have run the rule over the pair, who both were given their chance in the latter half of the season.

Fergie junior snaps up Rowe

STOCKPORT County's popular young winger Tommy Rowe has been sold to promoted Peterborough United.

The 20-year-old had been one of the stars of Jim Gannon's promotion-winning side in 2007-08 and followed up his promising start with a series of excellent performances in League One.

County in turmoil: Special report

JIM Gannon was yesterday shown the exit door at Stockport after the club's administrators made him redundant.

The County manager, who guided them to promotion last season via the play-offs, was not alone in losing his job with a number of his coaching staff, including assistant Peter Ward, also part of a shock cull at Edgeley Park.

Gannon made redundant

STOCKPORT County manager Jim Gannon and his assistant Peter Ward have been made redundant.

The Edgeley Park club called in the administrators last Thursday and incurred a 10-point deduction as a result, but managed to survive in League One as they had already accrued enough points to stay up.

Ward glad season is over

JIM Gannon's troops still managed to raise themselves for one final battle despite not being paid after the club went into administration last week.

But a goal from sub Nicky Forster ended one of the worst weeks in County history.

Assistant boss Peter Ward said: "It wasn't a surprise to us when we went into administration.

Brighton 1 Stockport 0

COUNTY ended a miserable week with defeat in their final game of the season.

The Hatters, who had been placed in administration on Thursday, lost to a second-half goal from sub Nicky Forster.

Gary Dicker, who was allowed to play for Brighton despite being on loan from Stockport, set up Brighton's 73rd minute goal.

Preview: Brighton v Stockport

STOCKPORT will look to end a difficult season on a winning note at Brighton.

The club were placed into administration on Thursday and hit with a 10-point penalty, leaving them three points above the drop zone, although their goal difference practically guarantees safety even if they lose.

Assistant boss Peter Ward says there will be no favours given to the relegation-threatened Seagulls - not with more than 700 County fans trekking to the Withdean Stadium.

Ray of hope for County

STOCKPORT will have ten points deducted this season rather than next if they come out of administration correctly.

The Hatters were placed in administration on Thursday by David Farms Ltd, who hold a debenture over the club. The Aylesbury firm are owed £300,000 by County, who have been left rocked by the decision.

County in administration

STOCKPORT County have gone into administration after failing to keep their creditors at bay.

The Football League have confirmed the 10-point deduction will be incurred this season, meaning the Hatters will drop from 13th to 17th in the table.

County chief's Gannon plea

STOCKPORT County Trust chairman David Hoyle wants Jim Gannon to remain as manager despite disagreements over the financial crisis that threatens the club's future.

Hoyle said: "Jim Gannon has publicly expressed his opinion on the situation. He knows that I don't always agree with some of his views.

County thank fans

PETER Ward has thanked Stockport fans for their backing during one of the most difficult periods in the club's history.

The Hatters' assistant manager said that the management team has appreciated the continued support for a side packed with youngsters, following the departure of more experienced players.

The threat of administration still hangs over County and Ward is delighted with the way supporters have stuck by the team.

Stockport 4 Crewe 3

OLI Johnson scored twice as County ended any lingering any relegation fears with victory in a pulsating Cheshire derby.

Although seemingly safe, the dread of losing 10 points if they were to go into administration before the end of the season led to this game being labelled a cup final by assistant manager Peter Ward.

Preview: Stockport v Crewe

STOCKPORT skipper Michael Raynes is hoping his young team-mates can sign off in style in their final home game of the season tonight.

The visit of relegation-threatened Crewe to Edgeley Park provides a great opportunity to improve on a recent record of just one win in 12 games.

But Raynes believes County's young side are far better than that run suggests.

County's two 'cup finals'

PETER Ward believes Stockport County must treat their final two games of the season as cup finals.

While the Hatters would appear to be safe from relegation, the danger of the club going into administration puts a different perspective on the games against Crewe and Brighton.

Sharks bail out County

SALE Sharks have given £10,000 to Stockport County to ensure that supporters can see this Friday's game at Edgeley Park.

County's derby with Cheshire rivals Crewe may have been played behind closed doors if the rugby union side had not stepped in to help pay the police bill.

Vincent on the rise

JAMES Vincent's rise through the ranks at Stockport County shows no sign of abating.

The 19-year-old midfielder has been one of the Hatters' recent success stories after being given his first start last month.

Glossop-born Vincent, who joined County Centre of Excellence at Under-9 level, marked that debut at home to Hartlepool with the winning goal.

Miserable trip for Gannon's kids

STOCKPORT are getting used to being kicked while they're down.

Jim Gannon's young side have managed just one win in their last 12 games, but their second-half performance at London Road suggested there is still hope that their season's end won't be a damp squib.

But it doesn't help when the referee waves away a last-minute penalty appeal against a wealthy Posh side - and then puts the boot in by booking the victim.

Peterborough 1 Stockport 0

COUNTY suffered a third defeat on the trot after they failed to capitalise on their second-half chances.

Peterborough took the lead in the 25th minute when Craig Mackail-Smith lifted the ball over keeper Conrad Logan.

Preview: Peterborough v Stockport

A PASSING remark by Tommy Rowe about little brother Danny led to the Rowe boys making Stockport County history.

When 17-year-old Danny came on as a sub at Elland Road last Saturday to join Tommy, 20, they became the first brothers ever to play together in the Hatters' first team.

"Obviously I've always known about Danny's ability although we'd never played in the same team before with the three-year difference in our age," said Tommy.

County plan rescue meeting

STOCKPORT County chief executive Sean Connolly is set to meet with a number of individuals who could help secure the future of the cash-strapped club.

Connolly, chairman Martin Reid and financial director Paul Cheetham have already been involved in a number of one-to-one meetings and next week will hold a joint meeting with possible investors.

Brave Peter springs surprise

ONE of the very few positives at Stockport County in recent months was Monday's surprise return of Peter Thompson.

The Northern Ireland striker was hospitalised in January after suffering a collapsed lung.

Stockport 1 Walsall 2

GREG Tansey ended County's nine-hour goal drought but a bizarre own goal by keeper Conrad Logan in injury-time meant a miserable Easter for the Hatters.

Logan had been at fault for Walsall's ninth minute opener, but after Tommy Rowe's missed penalty Tansey gave County's youngsters hope with a pinpoint free-kick in the 75th minute.

As the game entered stoppage time Tommy Rowe was pushed into Logan as he attempted to take Jabo Ibehre's cross and while falling backwards the keeper punched the ball into his own net.

Young guns inspire hope

COUNTY'S youngsters continue to give reason for hope despite all the problems at Edgeley Park.

The club's financial problems has forced the management into blooding teenagers ahead of their time - but those youngsters are continuing to hold their own.

Leeds 1 Stockport 0

COUNTY'S goal drought stretched to five games, but despite the defeat Stockport's young team put in a spirited effort against promotion-chasing Leeds at Elland Road.

Jim Gannon's side conceded the only goal of the game after just nine minutes following keeper Conrad Logan's collision with Luciano Becchio as the pair went for Jon Douglas's cross, the ball trickling through to Jon Howson who tapped the ball home.

Tommy Rowe's right-footed strike was turned behind by the leg of Leeds keeper Casper Ankergren as the visitors responded.

Preview: Leeds v Stockport

STRUGGLING to pay debts off the field and suffering injuries on it - Stockport could hardly be in worse shape as they head into the cauldron of Elland Road.

But with a sell-out 1,710 away fans making the trip across the Pennines, assistant manager Peter Ward is urging the young County team to reward those loyal supporters.

County will be without right back Johnny Mullins for the rest of the season after he broke a metatarsal in last week's draw with Yeovil, while striker Matty McNeil is likely to miss the Easter programme with an ankle injury.

Plucky County pull out the stops

THIS may have been County's fourth game without a goal, but at least it put an end to a losing streak.

Certainly assistant boss Peter Ward was glad to see a point after three successive defeats.

"It would have been nice to get a win, but it has stopped the rot," said Ward.

County 0 Yeovil 0

COUNTY picked up their first point in four games but were unable to end the goal drought that has now lasted more than six hours.

For all their first-half possession, County created few clear openings, the chances only really mounting up in the second period.

Preview: Stockport v Yeovil

STOCKPORT players have to give their loyal supporters something to cheer about before their season just drifts away.

That's the opinion of assistant boss Peter Ward, who has seen the Hatters win only one of their last eight games, leaving the possibility of reaching the play-offs looking increasingly unlikely.

Not surprisingly, that poor run has coincided with the revelations about the club's off-field financial problems that has seen County battling to stave off the threat of administration.

County's survival fanfare

STOCKPORT County are hoping a new four-year season ticket will help them meet their debts to the Inland Revenue.

The Hatters this week paid off £125,000 to the taxman but face another deadline on April 19 has to be met for the club to avoid the possibility of going into administration.

County aim to extend Logan's run

STOCKPORT are hoping emergency goalkeeper Conrad Logan can stay until the end of the season after suffering a double blow.

The Leicester stopper joined the club last week after the FA lifted a transfer embargo imposed due to the non-payment of money owed to the PFA.

Ward calls for fighting spirit

MORE aggression is Peter Ward's answer to County's current goal drought.

The 2-0 defeat at Bristol Rovers was Stockport's third defeat on the trot without finding the back of the net and that's more than enough for the Hatters' assistant boss.

"It's not just the boys up front, it's the way we're playing at the moment," said Ward.

Bristol Rovers 2 Stockport 0

COUNTY suffered their third defeat on the trot after Bristol Rovers made the most of the visitors' first-half mistakes.

Jim Gannon's side were caught cold in the second minute when Stuart Campbell's quick free-kick was headed back by the unmarked Steve Elliott for Byron Anthony to place past Conrad Logan.

The keeper, who enjoyed a successful loan spell at County last season, had only signed on Friday on an emergency seven-day loan. He had no chance with Rovers' second either, which came after James Tunnicliffe had handled in the area in the 37th minute. County old boy Rickie Lambert smashed the penalty high into the net.

Preview: Bristol Rovers v Stockport

STOCKPORT County are struggling to find a goalkeeper for Saturday's game at Bristol Rovers.

First-choice Owain fon Williams is away with John Toshack's Welsh squad preparing for the international against Finland.

Reserve keeper Lloyd Rigby is out with a shoulder injury leaving only trainee stoppers in Jim Gannon's squad.

County's vow to battle on

STOCKPORT County are determined to carry on business as usual despite rumours that the Hatters are set for administration.

Club officials are looking into ways to save the club, who have debts of more than £500,000, and have repayment deadlines to the Inland Revenues looming.

Two sets of consortia looking at buying into the club are waiting in the wings because they don't at this point want to buy into the outfit and take on half a million pounds in unnecessary debts.

Gannon in keeper search

STOCKPORT boss Jim Gannon is working to make sure his side aren't without a recognised keeper at Bristol Rovers next Saturday.

First-choice stopper Owain fon Williams is due to join up with Wales, reserve keeper Lloyd Rigby is injured and County have a transfer embargo on them because of a debt to the PFA.

Gannon slams County

COUNTY boss Jim Gannon blamed individual errors after his side suffered their biggest defeat of the season.

"There was slack marking for their second goal with the other three coming from mistakes," said Gannon - unhappy with the way his players waved the white flag. "Some of our players have to show more fight."