STOCKPORT County managing director Kevan Taylor has hit back at accusations that owners Cheshire Sport have been running down the club.

Fans stayed behind after last Saturday's defeat against Brentford, which guaranteed County's relegation to League Two, to demonstrate against club owner Brian Kennedy.

But Taylor, who was appointed by Kennedy last December, said that the club was still on track to becoming self-sufficient.

"I wasn't surprised by the demonstrations, but I was disappointed," said Taylor.

"People feel they need to vent their feelings when you go down. Nobody likes relegation and I certainly don't, but I'm confident that we can turn this around.

"Cheshire Sport wanted to make a success of football and rugby.

"We wanted to turn the fortunes round of Stockport County and so far it's not happened but in the future I want to work on the principle it will.

"It's not about kicking the football to one side. Cheshire Sport wants to make sure that Stockport County is here in the future and it's a successful club."

Since County were pressing for a play-off place in 1998 that could have led to a spot in the Premiership, they have been perennially fighting against relegation.

"You have to remember this club has suffered been seven years of decline, which we need to bottom out, and I think we re on our way to doing that," added Taylor.

"Chris Turner is the ideal man for the job. He's been through this sort of situation before at Hartlepool and, while results have not gone his way, he's done everything right, getting involved with the supporters and sponsors, which is what we need.

"Chris has not been rewarded with the results his work has deserved, but he's putting together a good young side that will do well with some experienced players down the spine of the team.

"There have been at least five youngsters involved with the first-team, Adam le Fondre, Damien Allen, James Spencer, Michael Raynes and Chris Williams, who have come through the club's youth set-up so there is obviously great potential."

Cheshire Sport are currently in negotiations with Stockport County Supporters Trust about the Trust taking over the running of the club.

A budget for new players is top of the list under discussion with Turner having already met with the Trust to discuss this.

"We want to get it all sorted as soon as possible," added Taylor. "We all want the best for this football club. We know there's no sugar daddy waiting in the wings and we have to live within our means."

Trust chairman Norman Beverley said: "We spoke with Chris and Colin West for a good two hours last Thursday and addressed some of their concerns."

Whatever happens off the pitch, veteran striker Stuart Barlow is desperate to stay at the club. He is out of contract in June but is hoping for a new deal.

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