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County legend Bergara’s name to be honoured

Peter Devine
12/ 3/2008

COUNCILLORS have given their blessing to a £250,000 training facility for Stockport County - which would also commemorate the memory of club legend Danny Bergara.

The scheme, which was discussed by executive councillors at Monday’s meeting, includes plans to erect a plaque to Bergara at Edgeley Park, and hold a community tournament at the new £250,000 facility, which would also carry his name.

However, the most exciting possibility is the development of the new training facility at Edgeley’s Alexandra Park where Stockport Council is looking to put £75,000 into the scheme. This would involve the construction of a fourth generation synthetic turf pitch for use by Stockport County and the local community.

Mark Maguire, County’s managing director, said: "It’s a brilliant scheme. Basically, it’s part of our overall plan to buy back Edgeley Park, and part of that is by creating an infrastructure that is supportive of the club.

"It’s definitely an opportunity to bring a centre of excellence back to the centre of Stockport for the whole community. And for it to be wrapped up as a memorial to Danny ticks all the right boxes."

The Stockport Express understands that the new facility could be called the ‘Danny Bergara Arena’, but councillors now have to secure grant funding and consult with local residents in order to make the dream a reality.

Ward councillor Sheila Bailey said: "It is a fitting memorial to Danny Bergara and will provide a fantastic facility for the local community.

"There is, however, a long way to go and any such sporting facility will need full consultation with local residents."

Bergara, who died last July, came to County in 1989, and rescued the team from the football league doldrums, transforming the side over the following years.