Oppositions View - Stockport County

How do you assess your sides recent form?

We beat Bury 3-2 in midweek and the performance was very good. We came from behind though but it was a pleasing result because Bury were clearly keen to impress their new manager Alan Knill. It was his first game in charge so they stepped it up a gear or two. But County still had more than enough to secure the victory. The confidence has come back into the side now. In the last seven games we have won six and drawn one so they are absolutely flying at the moment. They have moved to within two points of the play-offs and everything is looking rosey.

How pleasing is it to have gone a bit unnoticed towards the top seven and to be really coming good at the right team?

Well everyone here was expecting at least a play-off push or maybe even more at the beginning of the season after only just missing out on goal

Gannon..Got the fans 'loving it'

difference last time. They started quite well but then they dipped in September time and there were one or two grumblings but since Christmas time they have got right back on track now. The play-offs are looking very much on again now.

Why do you think there was such a slow start or a bad spell?

There was quite a lengthy injury list and there were one or two problems behind the scenes. Anthony Elding ended up getting himself suspended but they are well over that now. Everyone is expecting the lads to win now rather than just hoping.

Jim Gannon doens't get too much attention in comparison with other League Two managers. Does he perhaps deserve more praise?

The fans here are very happy with him. People should not forget he was also a playing legend here for ten years when County were a very successful side. He palyed in what is now the Championship for the club. He always played with his heart on his sleeve and was a real blood and guts defender. He could never really go too far wrong with the fans. Of course there were some murmours when

Elding...Can cut it but not to be missed

they had a bit of a blip but the fans are loving it now. It is a good time to be at County. He doesn't get too much attention as you say but he is not one of these managers who likes the sound of his own voice. He works hard behind the scenes. He has got his UEFA A license so he couldn't be any more higher qualified. He is very methodical and he is really doing the business.

Next, Anthony Elding, Will he cut it at League One level and do you think Stockport will miss him?

Yes I certainly do. He is a big target man and can be a nuisance to defences at all levels. I am sure he will get for Leeds as he did at County. We could possibly miss him in someways but Liam Dickinson has got 11 goals and Adam Proudlock can be brilliant on his day. We also be getting in Kevin Ellison who is another good attcking option so goals will not dry up put it that way.

Who is your danger man?

Dickinson. He is in a bit of form at the moment. He caused problems on Tuesday and he has been scoring of late. He will be a handful for any centre-half.


Who else should we look out for?

Dicker...Irish influence

Two Irish lads actually. The lad who scored at Dagenham on Saturday, Leon McSweeney, he started and played very well on Tuesday. And the midfield dynamo Gary Dicker. He was absolutely awesome on Tuesday. He was spraying the passes around and getting stuck into challenges. I think those two are destined for big things.

What did you make of the sides last meeting at Meadow Lane?

Of course delighted to come from behind and win 2-1 but with respect Notts have had a bit of a struggle this season and I expected Stockport to win there. I fully expcet them to win this weekend as well.

What have you made of Notts' season so far?

I am surprised. It is a big club. I remember going to watch as a Manchester City fan at Meadow Lane years ago when they were in what is now the Premiership. They have fallen even further than Stockport. It is sad because obviously they have a good fan base and a lot of potential. I would not want them to go down - god forbid.

Who do you see as Notts' danger man?

Felix Bastians if he plays. I was really impressed with him.

Bstians...Dangerous

I think he hit the woodwork against us and I really liked him.

Where do you see both sides finishing?

I can't see Notts going any lower but I'll put us down for the play-offs. Ever the optimist.

What sort of encounter are you expecting?

I expcet Stockport to knock the ball around confidently really. All the lads are full of confidence and I would be very surprised if they failed to score.

Team news?

Anthony Pilkington who scored two on Tuesday limped off late on and he is a real doubt but that is all.

Prediction?

2-1 or 3-1 home win!!!