Grounds for celebration

EDGELEY PARK ERUPTS AS STOCKPORT COUNTY SECURE ANOTHER PROMOTION

- CHRIS SLATER

"YOU really get the feeling that not just the club, but the whole town is on the up," said lifelong Stockport County fan David Warringdon as supporters celebrated their second promotion in three seasons.

David, 65, was one of the more than 10,000 fans together. Famil packed into Edgeley Park on Saturday to see The Hatters beat Morecambe 2-0 to secure a return to League One for the first time since 2010.

In the 14 years since they have seen three relegations, numerous managers, regional football in the sixth tier, humiliating defeats and two promotions - well, make that three.

As soon as the final whistle sounded, despite pleas beforehand for them to remain in the stands, there was an understandable outpouring of jubilation with fans pouring onto the Edgeley Park turf.

The players that didn't make it down the tunnel were mobbed as choruses of 'County's going up' and 'EIEIEIO, Up the football league we go' rang around the famous old ground. There were tears of joy as family members and mates hugged and took selfies.

Stewards eventually managed to clear the playing surface so the players could come back out for a lap of honour. They sprayed champagne behind hoardings that read 'Promoted 2024' before walking around saluting the fans.