Dietmar Hamann has admitted he is taking on one of the biggest challenges of his career after being unveiled as Stockport County’s new manager.
The former German international and Manchester City midfielder becomes County’s fifth manager in two years after signing a one-year deal at Edgeley Park.
He replaces Ray Mathias, who was just six weeks into the job after being handed the role permanently at the end of the season.
Mathias, who took training as normal just hours before Hamann’s appointment, has been asked to stay at the club in some capacity but is yet to make a decision.
Hamann, who has been working as first team coach under Sven Goran Eriksson at Leicester City, consulted the former England manager before accepting the job.
But despite the Swede’s misgivings, the former Liverpool and Blues man said the chance to start his managerial career was too good to pass up.
“You’ve got to start off somewhere when you go into management,” said the 37-year-old.
“I’ve been with Sven Goran Eriksson who has been very helpful and supportive over the last few months. I had a chat with him last week when I heard of Stockport’s interest.
“I think deep down he thought I should have started higher up. But I’ve got different views. It’s a great challenge and it’s only one division below league football.
“I had to make a decision and I came to the conclusion that it’s a big club and if you’re not up for a challenge in football you won’t reach the heights you want to.”
With only seven days before the first pre-season game against Stalybridge Celtic, County still have just eight players under contract.
Hamann, who said he was unlikely to register himself as a player, admitted County were already playing catch-up with most of their Blue Square Premier rivals but said he was confident of mounting a promotion push next season.
“The hard work starts now,” he said.
“We’ll try to acquire players over the next few days. Training and preparation for the first game will start from now. We’ll be working with the players who are on the books and hopefully we can add a few more over the coming days.”
He added: “I’ll do everything in my power to bring the club back into the Football League and make the club successful.”
Hamann was brought in by businessman Tony Evans, who has been named as a director after making what insiders describe as a ‘significant investment’. He is set to head the board for the next six weeks while his consortium work to acquire a majority stake.
Evans said: “While there can be no doubt that Stockport County is in a challenging position, I’m confident that with strong management and the fans’ support the club can achieve great things.
“I’m excited about having the opportunity to use my experience to drive the club forward both on and off the pitch.”
He added: “I’d like to thank all the directors and shareholders for their support during the negotiations and I look forward to working with them both in the weeks and months ahead.”
What do you think? Have your say.
Dietmar Hamann named Stockport County boss
July 05, 2011
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Once again the club has shown a lack of class in how they deal with their managers. I really feel for Mathias and hope he will accpet the offer to return as assistant because lets be honest anyone think Hamann has any idea about players at this level? Not long till first friendly and we still don't have the basic 11 players to feild a team. Have got a really bad feeling that this is last season all over again!!!
GOOD ON YOU DIDI!
Good luck Dietmar I personally will be rooting for you. Being an ex Liverpool player you have the pedigree and knowledge to turn Stockport around....
best thing that county have done for long time great player allways gave his all for every club and will do so for county
Bolton Hatter
I agree in part what Burgski has said but it is a fact of life that if somebody buy's in to a business or a football club they will want to run things their way and with their own personnel. I for one think this could prove to be a really positive step for the club, Hamann being German will no doubt be very thorough in his organisation and his profile and contacts will hopefully mean he can bring some quality players to the club which is what we will need if we are to escape this league at the first attempt. I think Mathias could prove to be an able assistant to Hamann with his knowledge of lower league football but would he have been the man to take us straight back up, i'm not so sure. What i do know is, even though we dont have a full squad yet, i am really looking forward to this season and i wish Didi and everyone else associated with County all the very best for the forthcoming season
Hope he didn't forget to bring his boots with him!!!!!!!
While I wish him luck, crass stupidity by Mr Evans in the way he has treated Ray Mathias does not bode well.
All the best, Didi
He was terrible in a blue shirt without doubt, that said, i wish you the best Didi get 'em promoted!!
Ted stop talking rot (again & again & again)
I feel sorry for Mathais but I hope he stays on as assistant because Hamman has no experience as a manager and i'm sure he doesn't know much about football at this level. Here's hoping he's got some good connections and with the possibility of some payout from Pilk's impending transfer and Tony Evans infusion, things are looking good the first time in 3 years. It's about time we had a "big" name as a manager and I hope he can attract some of the disillusioned fans who have watched some dross lately. I'm searching for flights and i'm hoping to be over for the first 2 home games, Dave in Spain
At last it looks like Stockport might be finally moving the right direction. I agree its harsh on Ray as he really turned things round especially at home. I hope he agrees to stay at the club as his experience will be vital in non league. But I think its great news that we have got a big name as our manager. Dietmar was a quality player and will bring some valuable quality to the club. Fingers crossed we could finally see the end of the bad times and bring back the good times to Edgeley Park.
I am going to all the pre-season friendlies so am really looking forward to seeing the team and all the new faces.
I O COUNTY COUNTY I O. COME ON COUNTY COME ON COUNTY !!!!
It's great to see some new names on the postings, it proves that already there is renewed interest in the club. It proves just what a "big" name can do, so lets hope this is the start of something big.
Come on Didi….show your commitment and buy the ground. You can afford it
Simon Says comment about the ground again raises the major stumbling block with SCFC again
Is it ever going to go up for sale - Whats the value- Are there alternatives for the Sharks (what an apt name)?
If the topic could be raised in the right areas could something happen?
I still cant believe after all these years that it was allowed to happen in the first place
Something like a football club with a 100 years history should have had a preservation order or covenant on it
I'm looking forward to this years season, as other have said, fresh posters on here, bit of optimism around
Hope we can build on it
What day do County play their football on nowadays? Is it saturday oor sunday morning on the Rec? I presume it will be when Norris Villa are away so as not to cause chaos in Stockport?