Ex-City star saves County

Exclusive: Robert Dawson

June 11, 2009

A FORMER Manchester City star has stepped in to save cash-strapped Stockport County.

A consortium, led by former Blues forward Jim Melrose, signed a deal to buy the League One club at 5pm today.

The deal was struck at the 11th hour after a rival bid collapsed.

The future of the club had been hanging in the balance after a turbulent 42 days in administration.

Scottish-born Melrose appeared 34 times and scored eight goals for City between 1984 and 1986.

Hatters’ fans will now be hoping that Melrose can convince popular former manager Jim Gannon, who was made redundant by administrators Leonard Curtis, to return to Edgeley Park.

The club will issue a statement tomorrow.

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neil (12/06/2009 at 08:55)

Former City 'star' Jim Melrose!!
Blimey, whatever next, former City 'legend' Derek Parlane.

Albert1 (12/06/2009 at 09:50)

This could be good news depending on what the consortium consists of. Will they give the manager some money? Lets hope that Jim comes back and lets start the rebuilding of the club in a way that will build on what he had achieved before he got made redundant. It now needs all the town, including the local council, to get behind the club and strive for greater things. We don't want the last few months to be repeated in the future.

dave moran, Jersey (12/06/2009 at 10:54)

It does not surprise me. I remember when we were cash strapped in the sixties Joe Mercer brought his team down for a couple of friendly matches and opened the County club for us and of course we have a long history of city payers (Hartford and Summerbee) coming to manage the side.

BRINKSWAY BOY

Todd, heywood (12/06/2009 at 12:15)

Although this has been given out as done deal in both the MEN and on GMR why is there no statement from the club or the administrators. Just hope its not another 'false dawn'.

Todd, heywood (12/06/2009 at 14:44)

I take it all back the announcement has now been made. Not a watertight all systems go, but a giant step in the right direction.

LT4, Chester (12/06/2009 at 18:17)

I an't sure about this one guys , lets see whos involved ,if MM is involved I cannot see me buying a season ticket,becuase he's only in it to rip us off for sure, he ant got any of his own money to buy a football club , let alone run one ,but I could be wrong

bru50, stockport (13/06/2009 at 11:11)

Who are these "businessmen with a sporting background"? Let's be up front from the start guys and tell us who you are. We also need to be assured that Mark Maguire does NOT form any part of this consortium.

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