Stockport Council has greenlit Stockport County for a brand new fan zone as part of their redevelopment plans for Edgeley Park.
The council-approved plans were confirmed on Monday, 28 November, detailing the exciting new fan zone which aims to ease congestion around the stadium and surrounding areas in Edgeley as match attendance numbers continue to go from strength to strength.
County currently sit 14th in League Two after having returned football league this year following an 11-year-stint outside the EFL by lifting the National League trophy last season.
As a result, matchday ticket sales have been on the rise in the Greater Manchester borough, as have the number of away fans who travel to the games, meaning expansion only makes sense.
Stockport Council has approved plans for an exciting new fan zone at Edgeley Park, which aims to ease congestion around the ground as match attendance numbers go from strength-to-strength.
Now, the Hatters’ dedicated new fan zone, dubbed the ‘County Courtyard’, will be able to cater for up to 1,500 fans thanks to three shipping containers and a large stretch tent providing cover to shelter supporters from the Northern weather.
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As per the announcement, the club also say they’ll be providing additional seating for fans to enjoy pre-match some grub and pints along and one of the containers will house additional accessible toilets and baby-changing facilities.
Dishing up a host of fan favourites’ including craft beers, award-winning pies from the Great North Pie Co., as well as various street food from around the world, the new food court will create the perfect place to take in the pre and post-match atmosphere whilst reducing footfall around the ground at peak times.
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Furthermore, the County Courtyard is projected to create at least 20 new jobs alone, with a host of vacancies available including bar staff, stewards and chefs. Who knows how many jobs the stadium redevelopment as a whole will generate?
The council has given the thumbs up to start work on the fan zone immediately, with the end product expected to be complete before the end of the year. You love to see it.
The club is urging anyone with interest in the various roles to apply via email ([email protected]).
CEO Jonathan Vaughan said: “We’re delighted Stockport Council has approved plans for the County Fan Zone, we know that creating a fantastic matchday experience goes beyond what happens on the pitch and we need to do everything we can to welcome fans into Edgeley Park and keep them coming back.
“This planning approval allows further investment into the ground which not only adds to the fan experience but brings new jobs and helps drive Stockport County’s progress on the pitch.”
Work on the rest of the Hatters’ home starts next summer with the expansion of the Railway End.
Southampton troll Manchester City after Ruben Dias’ frustrated interview
Danny Jones
Southampton FC have decided to respond to Manchester City star Ruben Dias with some casual trolling following his frustrated post-match interview this weekend.
In short, someone let the admin off the leash, and we’ll admit it caught us a little off guard.
Man City shared the points away at St Mary’s Stadium against the already relegated Saints – a fate which plays somewhat into the rather nonchalant nature of their social media this past Friday, 9 May.
Southampton hosted City for what turned out to be a beyond forgettable bore draw, although Dias himself was clearly still dwelling on it at least somewhat after the full-time whistle, claiming the home team put in very little effort. To which this was their reply…
While plenty of people online had already seen Ruben‘s review of their performance, the south coast side had no problem in drawing even more eyes to it by sharing the video above.
There’s one thing to disagree with/mock a single player’s response in a moment of tension, but putting together a mini blooper reel about last season’s Premier League champions and recent Treble winners to the rather out-of-tune flute version of ‘September’ by Earth, Wind & Fire felt pretty bold, to say the least.
Again, not that they’ll care one bit, given they won’t be even in the same division for at least another year.
It’s also just not all too often that you see football clubs’ official media channels memeing other teams, so it’s hard not to react when instances like this do happen.
Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola had a fair few of his own visibly frustrated feelings on the match as well, including some words for his own players, although stating that they should have been able to break down a team that’s already on their way to the Championship.
Pep’s post-match press conference following Southampton 0-0 City in full.
It’s also worth mentioning that while it may have felt like a bit of a damp rubber game, there was actually a lot more at stake in the grander scheme of things.
Not only did the draw rescue Southampton from setting a new record for the lowest points tally in the top-flight competition’s history, but much more importantly, it meant crucial points were dropped for the Blues in the race to secure Champions League football.
Most supporters would rightly assume Man City will be in UEFA’s premier continental competition next season, but it’s not a certainty just yet.
You can watch the highlights, or lack thereof, down below.
Who had more of a point, do you think – Ruben Dias or the Southampton admin?
Featured Images — Sky Sports (screenshots via YouTube)
Sport
London attraction The Curling Club is now expanding into Manchester
Thomas Melia
Well-reviewed winter attraction The Curling Club, which has already made a name for itself in London, is now making its way to Manchester.
Set to open in Manchester’s world-class skyscraper district, New Jackson, The Curling Club is keeping its stay short and sweet, with a three-month residency here in the city centre.
Curling Club will signal in the mid-winter season as it runs from late November right through until the end of February, giving you a lengthy period of time to sweep ’til your heart’s content.
This sports-themed pop-up opened in the capital last year, offering guests a wintery escape packed with food and drink choices, accommodating up to 600 people at a time, right next to The Shard.
The Curling Club is set to open in Manchester this November until February.Imagine a pint or two in this curling haven in Manchester this year.Credit: Justin De Souza
Now, Manchester’s latest activity bar destination is bringing its charm and competitiveness to Manchester for the first time ever, hoping to emulate the success of its capital predecessor while encouraging people to pick up the sport.
Just like the original London location, their Manc site will feature the iconic custom-built lanes and sustainably-made granite stones, which are set to improve your precision and control – fancy that.
We’re sure will still somehow manage to be the worst players in the room at any given time.
If that wasn’t enough curling expertise for you, there will also be on-site coaches helping guests perfect their technique and providing some top-notch advice.
There will even be an exclusive appearance from Olympic gold medallist Eve Muirhead and Team GB’s ‘Chef de Mission’, Mark England, who will be hosting select events across the two cities.
Manchester can expect a similar curling set-up this year.The glitter-ball dancers ready and waiting for this wintertime.Credit: Justin De Souza
New Jackson will be the ultimate backdrop for this innovative winter experience as the venue will be curating seasonal cocktails as well as being home to live DJS, glitter-ball dancers and some seriously good food.
You had us at booze and scran.
Keep this seasonal site in mind as they’re already marking themselves as a destination for work parties, events, group outings and Christmas party celebrations.
Trevor Bowers, Chairman of The Curling Club, said of the impending opening: “With this expansion and other plans, we’re accelerating our national rollout – all while staying focused on delivering exceptional, high-quality experiences for both guests and corporate clients during the winter season.”
Danny Jones -
29th November 2022 
