Browse Sections

• Stockport County FC
• Sale Sharks
• Local football
• Local cricket

Rise to the challenge

Simon Smedley
6/ 8/2008

COUNTY manager Jim Gannon has urged his buzzing young team to rise to the challenges that will undoubtedly come their way in the opening month of the new Coca Cola League One campaign.

Following their never-to-be-forgotten promotion victory at Wembley in May, it’s now back to business for the Hatters, and straight away some major tests await in the higher division.

County kick-off their League One season on Saturday with a trip to big-spending Huddersfield Town, where a bumper 20,000 crowd is on the cards.

Next Tuesday [12th] Gannon’s side travel to fallen giants Leicester City for a Carling Cup first round tie, then they welcome the Foxes to Edgeley Park for the first home league game a week on Saturday.

Gannon, who will have a near full-strength squad available for this weekend’s trip to the Galpharm Stadium, said: "It’s a tough opening few games for us, Huddersfield and Leicester twice.

"We’ve then got Scunthorpe who will be a strong team just coming down from the Championship, and Hartlepool away won’t be easy.

"It’s up to the lads to rise to the challenge now though, week in, week out.

"We did that last year against Hereford, MK Dons and Peterborough, but each game this season is going to be tough.

"Once the players adjust to the challenges every week though, we should adapt and get used to the level of demands."

Gannon added: "Our first three games are against two big clubs.

"Huddersfield have spent a lot of money, as have a lot of teams who are chasing the big money on offer in the Championship.

"They’ve got a very experienced manager in Stan Ternent, and they’re going to have a real push this season.

"You would imagine Leicester will be one of the stronger sides in the division this season after coming down, so big clubs, big grounds, but my lads showed last year on numerous occasions that they can play their game no matter what the pitch, the stage or the crowd.

"Like every first game of the season though, there is sure to be a really special atmosphere on Saturday.

"It’ll be great for us with it being our first game back in the first division, and we’ll have a lot of fans there. Let’s hope it’s a great day and a great football match."

SEE this week's Express for your free eight-page pull-out special on County's new season