CHRISTMAS 2003 must have been a sombre time in the household of any Stockport County supporter.
For at that festive stage of the year you wouldn't have bet tuppence on County's chances of avoiding relegation to the Third Division.
But come the New Year, come the Messiah in the shape of Sammy McIlroy and his disciple Mark Lillis to blow away the clouds of doom that had settled over Edgeley Park during Carton Palmer's tenure.
Amazing, isn't it, how a sprinkling of Irish blarney on top of a large helping of sound soccer sense can turn around a club's fortunes almost overnight.
And that's what has happened at Edgeley Park over the second half of this season with Belfast-born McIlroy displaying once again the management expertise which earned him so much respect during his days as team boss at Macclesfield Town.
Eleven games unbeaten on the bounce between early March and early May guaranteed County's Second Division safety and tells you all you need to know about McIlroy's ability to motivate and inspire his troops.
McILROY'S RATING: 7
Have your say.
Full season review in the Sunday Pink.
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Is that it, then? Is that *all* you've got to say!
It's no wonder County fans think that the reporting of their team in the MEN is a joke!
Its not called the Stretford Evening News for Nothing,
IS THAT IT! Is that your 'verdict'? Pathetic! Stick to commenting on a club you know something about! McIlroy rating 7? hahaha! Its a 10 mate! Either do some research or find another job!
Hince knows nothing about Stockport County or its fans. This was the man who said, after the sacking of Carlton Palmer, he believed County fans would love the opportunity of having Bryan Robson as the next manager. Gimme a break. The MEN doesn't give a monkeys unless its United or City.
What a joke Paul Hince.
Firstly, do you remember when Sammy cma ein? How many times did we win at first? It was rare!
You should come and watch a match before you start saying things which you obviously know nothing about. It is bizzare to say that Sammy Mac is only rated 7, despite the fact he kept us in this division, by lifting players confidence, and persuading the chairman to let him have money, to bring really good players in.
I suggest you start writing about something you do know about. I went to a course the other week, and a quote that stuck out seems to fit this situation 'Somebody once told me, that to write well, you have to write what you know' - SO DO IT!!
To give Sammy only 7 shows Hince does not know what he's talking about, the same old patronising drivel from a 'Big Club' City fan
To be Frank the Mancheter Evening News is a Joke(or should that be The Manchester United News) try covering local clubs properly or dont bother!