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County boss reveals buy back plan for Edgeley Park
Peter Devine22/ 8/2007
Exclusive
STOCKPORT County Supporters' Trust is lining up a multi-million pound bid to buy back Edgeley Park from Sale Sharks' owner Brian Kennedy.
New County managing director Mark Maguire wants to buy back the ground in time for the league club's 125th anniversary next autumn.
The shock plans were revealed to the Stockport Express during an interview at the club's training ground this week.
And on hearing them, a delighted Ian Dooley, of the Stockport County Supporters' Club, said: "This is what every County fan has been waiting to hear. I would be over the moon if we got the ground back, and if it happens, it would be the single most positive move the trust has achieved. This is the best news ever."
Brian Kennedy's Cheshire Sport bought Edgeley Park, in 2002, to provide rugby union club Sale Sharks with a larger ground.
The deal also brought the football club under the Cheshire Sport banner, but Stockport County ownership was given back to the fans' in 2005.
And now the trust is looking to exercise an option to buy back the club's traditional home, since 1902, in a £4m deal.
During his interview with the Express, Mr Maguire said debts, including one for £1.2 million, had been cleared thanks to a combination of hard work and running a tight ship. And micro-managing cash balances on a daily basis with County manager Jim Gannon, a trained accountant, would demonstrate to banks and backers that County had the ability to pay its own way before launching a bid over the next 12 months.
Poynton born Mr Maguire explained: "What we have been trying to do is to show we have a credible business and an excellent track record of paying our debts.
"We currently have an option to buy back the ground and it is going to cost us £4m. As a County supporter I would love to get the keys back to the club in time for our 125th anniversary next autumn."
The possibility of a buy-out so soon into a ten year option to buy the ground, demonstrates the manner in which the football club has managed to turn its fortunes around.
However, the question of whether Sale Sharks would continue to play at Edgeley Park, would have to be settled.
Mr Dooley said: "While I have nothing against Sale Sharks, it's the sharing of the grass which is not helping County in their home performances and I don't want Sale to remain at Edgeley Park."
- We asked Sale Sharks to comment on Tuesday, but they said they were 'unable to do so'.
Most recent 2 of 8 user comments
Speaking to a few scfc supporters all they say is that sale sharks are killing the grass and football is suffering, can i just say that its not hurting the opponents that beat scfc week in week out. Sorry guys but hopefully you will have a better season in 07/08 fingers crossed.
25/08/2007 at 23:53
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A slow continual development of Edgeley Park is the only viable way forward.
26/08/2007 at 19:42