All Stockport County fans will be familiar with the club anthem, ‘the scarf my father wore’. But for Joe Connor it’s a tale of the shirt his father and grandfather wore.

The 25-year-old made his County debut during Saturday’s 0-0 draw against Alfreton, becoming the third generation of his family to play for the club.

His father Jim made two appearances during the 1978/79 season before enjoying a long non-league career with Mossley and Witton Albion.

And his grandfather was none other than County legend Jack Connor, who scored an all-time club record of 140 goals in 217 games between 1951-1956. No pressure then.

"I don’t see any pressure, it’s more of an enjoyment," claimed Joe, after producing a man-of-the match performance on Saturday.

"It’s a privilege to be able to wear this shirt after my grandad and my dad have worn it.

"I’ve got a lot of people in the town and my family behind me, wanting me to do well, so it’s nice to have a lot of encouragement."

Born and bred in Stockport, Joe was a regular at Edgeley Park during County’s run to the Coca-Cola Cup semi-finals in 1996/97.

After failing to secure a professional contract at Macclesfield he tried his luck in America in 2004, playing for Lee University in Tennessee before signing a pro deal with Charlotte Eagles in 2008.

Having spent four years playing in American soccer’s third tier, Connor opted to return home last month, signing non-contract terms with County.

While most comfortable at centre-back, Connor also enjoys playing as a holding midfielder, as he did on Saturday.

And he demonstrated the fitness and professionalism which has impressed new County boss Jim Gannon, managing 90 minutes despite last playing in the summer.

"It’s the first game I’ve played for a while so I was happy to build my fitness and play in these conditions again," said Connor.

"I haven’t played in cold weather like that for a while!

"It was a lot hotter in America so you let the ball do the work instead of doing all the running. Over here it’s a lot more physical and you don’t get as much time on the ball.

"I actually think this game suits me better because I’m a bit more physical and stronger."

Saturday’s draw stopped a five-match losing streak in the league, leaving County two points from safety ahead of their festive double-header with Barrow.

And Connor is more concerned with following in his family’s footsteps than his prospects of earning a permanent deal.

"I just take each day as it comes, try to get better every day in training and better with each game," he said. "I really want to see County back where they should be. I want to help them get up the table.

"I’d watched the last three games and I think there’s a lot of potential in the team. They just need a bit of life and a buzz about them, then I think we can go on a good run."

Tweet