Stockport County Supporters: "Give us back Edgeley Park, Brian Kennedy"

by **Tony Bennett** Wed 28 Nov 2012, 1:57 pm

On the face of it, today's news that Stockport County will be able to run its own ground again looks like good news:

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Stockport County have reached an agreement with Cheshire Sport to run Edgeley Park on a day-to-day basis. Cheshire Sport, a company set up by Sale Sharks co-owner Brian Kennedy in 2003 to oversee both teams, remains the owner of the ground.
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QUOTE

Stockport County to run Edgeley Park on day-to-day basis

Stockport County have reached an agreement with Cheshire Sport to run Edgeley Park on a day-to-day basis.

Cheshire Sport, a company set up by Sale Sharks co-owner Brian Kennedy in 2003 to oversee both teams, remains the owner of the ground.

But it has reduced County's rent payments by 65% and handed full control of the running of the stadium to the Blue Square Bet Premier football club.

Chairman Lord Snape called it a "great day in the history of the club". Kennedy later [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] and the Sharks [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] home of rugby league side Salford City Reds, at the start of the season.

Snape continued: "Both Brian and Ian could not have been more helpful or accommodating in affording us the deal to run Edgeley Park.

"We, as a football club, can now move forward in the knowledge that all monies generated at Edgeley Park are ours. The generous rent reduction we have negotiated with Brian and Ian is so important to helping the football club."

Sale co-owner Ian Blackhurst, who is also the chairman of Cheshire Sport, added: "Hopefully, with the deal in place, the club will go on from strength to strength and ultimately regain their place in the Football League.

"The club and their loyal supporters have wanted to run the stadium for a long time and, with the affordable rental agreement, the club's future is looking bright.

"We are reassured by the board of Stockport County that they have a business model that works. Both Brian and I wish the club all the very best in the future."

UNQUOTE

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But many Stockport County supporters have long memories. They remember how Brian Kennedy came in, on the face of it to rescue the club, but in reality to force through a controversial 'ground share' with his beloved Sale Sharks Rugby Club.

Before Brian Kennedy took over, Stockport County had been riding high.

In the 1996-7 season, they reached their highest league position ever, the 28th best team in the country, improving from 46th the year before.

The next three years they were ranked 36th, 37th and 39th.

But after Brian Kennedy took over in 2002-3, their fortunes slumped. They were relegated twice to lower divisions - and now lie a poor 106th.

One supporter has posted up, on the SCFC website today, this stark message:

When Brian Kennedy Arrived, Stockport County Had £4M Debt, But owned Edgeley Park.
When Brian Kennedy Left, Stockport County Had £4M Debt, But He Owned Edgeley Park.

Give It Back Brian

And other SCFC supporters agree...

by Angelique Thu 29 Nov 2012, 12:46 pm

If I was cynical - which the majority of the time I admit I am, I would say that Brian Kennedy really wants to be a "big goldfish". But try as he might he doesn't quite make it. He swimming around alright but can't seem to get past go.

Perhaps he doesn't have the "right" connections.

Stockport County Supporters: "Give us back Edgeley Park, Brian Kennedy"

Stockport County Supporters: "Give us back Edgeley Park, Brian Kennedy"

Amelie McCann (aged 2): "Maddie's jammies!".

Re: Stockport County Supporters: "Give us back Edgeley Park, Brian Kennedy"

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