The Bees are back on the road in Vanarama National League action – travelling to Edgeley Park to face Stockport County.

We have created this Away Guide with all the important information you’ll need if you’re making the trip to the Hatters. 

STADIUM

Edgeley Park, Hardcastle Road, Stockport, SK3 9DD

NICKNAME

The Hatters

COLOURS

Blue and White

KEY PERSONNEL

In January 2021, Simon Rusk took over from Jim Gannon as Manager of Stockport County.

Rusk was born in Peterborough and enjoyed a playing career as a midfielder for the likes of Boston United, Northwich Victoria, Crawley Town and York City.

The 39-year-old was Brighton & Hove Albion youth coach prior to joining the Hatters, so this is his first taste of first-team Club management.

IMPRESS THE LOCALS

The longest ever football match took place at Edgeley Park in 1946, when Stockport County played Doncaster Rovers in the Division Three (North) Cup. 

The game ended 2-2 after 90 minutes, and there was still no winner in extra time either, so it was decided that the match should carry on until someone scored.

Some stories tell of supporters leaving the match, going home for tea, and returning to find the game still being played. After 203 minutes of football, the referee blew his whistle to signify the end of the game at around 7pm.

A toss of a coin decided that a replay of the game would be held at Doncaster Rovers’ ground, Belle Vue, which Rovers won 4-0.

BRIEF DIRECTIONS BY ROAD AND TRAIN

Take the M6 to Junction 19 and pick up the A556 towards Manchester/Altrincham. Join the M56 for Manchester Airport and then join the M60 signposted Stockport. 

Leave the M60 at Junction 2 (the A560 Cheadle turn off) and at the roundabout and take the A560 towards Stockport. At traffic lights (with the Farmers Arms pub on the right-hand corner) turn right onto the B5465 Edgeley Road. Follow Edgeley Road until the ground appears.

Stockport Railway Station is situated approximately half-a-mile from Edgeley Park. Turn left out of the station into Station Road and turn left at the top before looking out for Mercian Way.

When you get there, turn left into Caroline Street for the stadium. Trains back to London directly after the game will be impossible.

CAR PARKING

Car parking in the Club car park on a matchday is limited to players, staff, home and visiting Directors.

There are a number of pay and display car parks within 5-10 minutes’ walk of the ground, including the Council owned pay-and-display car parks adjacent to Castle Street, Edgeley.

GROUND DESCRIPTION

The Main Stand, built in 1936 retains the character of the good old days, as does the 1950’s roof of the Popular Side opposite, which like the rest of the ground, is now all seated. 

The most striking stand is the Cheadle Stand built in 1995 behind the goal which dominates the stadium.

The Railway End completes the picture and I remember standing there when it was a wooden terrace. Now it is rebuilt, but is not always in use.

EAT AND DRINK

The Armory is located on the roundabout at the top of Castle Street and The Labour Club behind the Railway End Stand is terrific for a simple pint, although they may now charge a small entrance fee. The Friary Chippy on Castle Street is also a friendly pub to visit.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS AND MEMORIES

A visit in October 2007 was special when a brace from Adam Birchall and other goals from Josh Wright and Ashley Carew featured in a clinical 4-2 Bees win.

Our last visit was in March 2021 when an Alex McQueen goal was not enough in a 2-1 defeat. 

CELEBRITY WATCH

Former Wimbledon tennis champion and the man responsible for the clothing brand, Fred Perry was born here.

Alex ‘Hurricane’ Higgins lived locally and always had a long cue of people waiting for his autograph!

The “Original Thinking Man’s Crumpet” broadcaster Joan Bakewell was born here too as was TV impressionist Mike Yarwood, but he could be anyone you want really. Judith Chalmers used to have a Saturday job at the local Travel Agents. 

Others associated with the area include Carry-On Actor Peter Butterworth, Comedian Craig Cash, Boxer Ricky Hatton, Blues legend John Mayall and TV children favourite Rainbow’s Geoffrey Hayes.

Enjoy the match, ‘Reckless’