County's very own Orson Cartier digs into County's past, to reveal some little known facts that may or may not be true...
In 1883, when members of the Wycliffe Congregational Church nipped into Siv's to form Stockport County Football Club, the first recorded incident of football violence took place when a brew was knocked to the floor during an argument over whether or not Stockport needed football more, than the then more popular game of quoits.
As everyone knows Harry Hardy County's first England international, was a keen tuba player…but did you know that 80's former County legend Derek Loadwick was rumoured to be in East Cheshire & District top five xylophone players?
It's common knowledge that Elvis's only visit to Britain was to Prestwick Airport as he changed planes en route to Germany during his national service days. But few know that on the return journey he had a nine hour stop over at Ringway and put his time to good use by playing the County Club. However, an upset Elvis was disappointed as his set was interrupted by the bingo, and he also suffered the ignominy of playing bottom of the bill to a young Bernie Clifton (complete with false ostrich) and a local acrobat troupe from Portwood known as the '4 Wilfs'.
Before he was knighted, the then plain 'Cliff' Richard (real name Reg Dwight) never played the County Club.
...neither did Jimmy Hendrix.
In 1889, County were fined three shillings and sixpence (suspended), for allowing the first team to glean an unfair height advantage by wearing stove pipe hats during a 0-0 draw with Crewe
1943 and with the Second World War in full swing, Edgeley Park was used as training for the D-Day Landings. 625 tons of sand was air-lifted from Rhyl and dumped on the pitch to recreate 'Omaha' beach. Some say that towards the end of recent seasons 'ghost sand' can be seen to reappear on the pitch!
In 1963, County was to host the first ever technological miracle of the 'in- ball-camera' known as the ‘See-all-O-ball’ in which a camera was inserted into a ball at great expense… £680 (£1/2m in today’s money) and a live-feed would be sent to the Football League headquarters in Lytham-St-Anne’s for the perusal of assembled dignitaries from around the world. Unfortunately, during the pre-match kick-in the ball was hoofed over the Railway End to disappear in a railway coal wagon heading north, so the whole venture was scrapped.
In 1931, due to locomotive engine steam blowing onto Edgeley Park from the Railway End sheds, County were the first team to sport a hi-vis home kit, but it was only worn for one pre-season friendly versus Doncaster (0-0) as away fans became 'aggressive' at the advantage gained.
Neither Rangers nor Celtic have ever beaten Stockport County!!
Due to the proximity of Manchester Airport, civil aircraft regulations dictate that if we were to cover the Railway End somebody would have to sit on top of the roof 24/7 waving a large flag bearing the legend 'PLANES PLEASE MISS' in big orange letters.
Disclaimer - Some of these 'facts' may or indeed may not be true.
(That’s it is it?! You’ve had fortnight and this I the best you can come up with?!! YOU’RE FIRED!!!…..Ed) STILL have ‘(Orson) Cartier Industries (Stockport)’ T-shirts left. 5 sizes…£10 adults…£5 kids. Can’t be arsed posting/delivering so pm me & I’ll meet you in a pub if possible!
Careful what you wish for mate! I have hundreds of pages of his nonsense!!STILL have ‘(Orson) Cartier Industries (Stockport)’ T-shirts left. 5 sizes…£10 adults…£5 kids. Can’t be arsed posting/delivering so pm me & I’ll meet you in a pub if possible!
I'm sure this weird character Orson Cartier may make an appearance in the unbiased fanzine. I've forgotten what it's called. Usually sold by an old codgerWork is the curse of the drinking classes.
I’m intrigued! perhaps Mr Jacket could find it in his extensive collection…if of course he hasn’t sold the last one.STILL have ‘(Orson) Cartier Industries (Stockport)’ T-shirts left. 5 sizes…£10 adults…£5 kids. Can’t be arsed posting/delivering so pm me & I’ll meet you in a pub if possible!
Sadly, this post has been seen from someone up the coast. Rhyl, they are now thinking of perusing legal action for non-payment of said sand. Could there be a grain of truth in that? 42worrall
Bill already re-sent to Sale Sharks apparently.STILL have ‘(Orson) Cartier Industries (Stockport)’ T-shirts left. 5 sizes…£10 adults…£5 kids. Can’t be arsed posting/delivering so pm me & I’ll meet you in a pub if possible!
on July 19, 2025, 21:47:28
superb
