Stockport Independent Issue 207

SEPTEMBER 2026 20 Independent LOCAL SPORT gaining experience with St Neots Town, Concord Rang- ers, St Albans City andMaid- stone United, before a move to Gateshead in the National League then followed. Similarly to his new team- mate, Ethan Pye, Mamadou impressed during his time at the North-East club, where he first caught the eye of County Head Coach Jimmy McNulty. He made 20 appearances in the National League for the Heed before being recalled early by Cam- bridge, to form part of their team for the remainder of the 2023/24 season. Injury disrupted his pro- gress the following season as Cambridge were relegated from League One, but he returned to full fitness last season and quickly became a key part of Neil Harris’ pro- motion-winning team. Head Coach, Jimmy McNulty said: “Mamadou is someone I have enjoyed watching since his time on loan in the National League, having first tried to sign him during my time at Rochdale. When I learned this sum- mer that the club had held a long-standing interest in him, it was a potential move that I was really excited about and was keen for us to do. “He is an exceptional defender first and foremost, with a great blend of physi- cal and technical attributes that we feel will really add to our group and give us good options across the back line. “Mamadou had an out- standing year at Cambridge last season, playing in a suc- cessful, well-coached team that excelled in the defensive part of their game. But we also believe that his ceiling is incredibly high. There are areas of his game that we feel we can develop even further during his time with us, and that can take him to an even higher level. “Cambridge were under- standably reluctant to let him leave this summer, so credit to the recruitment team, and ownership, for getting this deal over the line. We’re very excited to have Mamadou join the group and we look forward to continuing his development as part of our County team this season.” LOCAL CRICKET ROUND-UP BOLLINGTON are cele- brating after winning the Cheshire County Cricket League Division One championship to earn promotion to the elite Premier Division for the first time in the club’s 141- year history. Bol l ing t on secured their place at the top table with a comfortable seven wicket home win over rele- gated Alvanley. Alvanley were shot out for just 89 with Harri Dickinson almost unplayable with fig- ures of 6-26. Fittingly, skipper Richard Hough eased his side home with an unbeaten 39. The title race in the Pre- mier Division is still up for grabs as the season enters its final week. At the top Nantwich are six points clear of Cheadle after a two wicket win over Brooklands. Batting first, Brooklands made a useful 230 (Scott Wardley 4-32) but the leaders edged home by reaching 231/8 with 3.5 overs to spare. Ali Chughtai made 44 and Rob Jones 57. Cheadle had an 81-run win at Lindow who were dis- missed for 106 in reply to the visitor’s 187 all out. One-time leaders Didsbury ended a run of three succes- sive defeats by beating Alder- ley Edge by seven wickets. Alderley Edge were all out for 213 as Didsbury got home by seven wickets to stay in third place in the table. Elsewhere in the top divi- sion, there was a four wicket win for Chester Broughton Hall over second bottom Bramhall. Opener Ashley West made 32 as Bramhall were all out for 160. Andrew McFarlane’s 66 helped Broughton Hall reach 164/6. Zach Thompson was left stranded on 99 as Timperley beat Neston by one wicket. Martiz hit 95 as Neston posted 252/7 with Timperley getting home on 253/9. Back in Division One, Widnes are also promoted despite a six wicket defeat at Bowdon. Widnes were bowled out for 242 but thanks to Ashwin Sharma (95) and Joe Chapple (66no) saw Bowdon home on 245/4. Ned Bailey smashed 94 in Stockport Georgians big 135-run victory at Marple. Bailey’s knock helped Geor- gians to a total of 238/9. Mar- ple were shot out for 103 with Amin taking 3-11. Macclesfield had a three wicket win over Port Sunlight who were dismissed for 147. Matthew Fielding top scored with 38 and James Longhorn (32) and Alex Thomson (32no) sawMacclesfield reach 149/7. In Division Two Romiley beat relegated Ashley by 48 runs and Cheadle Hulme beat Tattenhall by 15 runs. In Div ision Three Winnington Park beat Bred- bury St Mary’s by one wicket. Bredbury posted 113/4 and even though Winnington lost nine wickets they squeaked home on 114/9. Cheshire Cricket League Division One leaders Stock- port Trinity thumped Wood- ford by 10 wickets in a low-scoring clash. Woodford were all out for a paltry 21 in 17 overs with Tom Atkin- son doing most of the damage with 8-11. Lymm Oughtrington Park had a healthy 104-run win over Bowdon Vale. Lymm made 194/9 but Bowdon Vale could onlymanage 90 in reply. Barnton defeated North- wich by 49 runs. Barnton were 151 all out but North- wich were all out for 101. In Division Two Apple- ton beat Prestbury by 101 runs; Cheadle Hulme Ladybridge had a three- wicket success over Chester County Officers and table toppers Holmes Chapel beat Offerton by 35 runs. Wins- ford conceded their match against Cholmondley. In North Staffs and Chesh- ire South Division One, Big- nall End beat Congleton by six wickets. Sandbach, second bot- tom in Division Two, were beaten by 101 runs by New- castle and Hartshill. Chasing 216/7, Sandbach were all out for 115. BOLLINGTON ARE ON THE UP AND UP STOCKPORT County have appointed Gavin Bailey as the club’s new Chief ExecutiveOfficer. Bailey replaces former CEO Simon Wilson, who departed the club in the summer fol- lowing six successful years at Edgeley Park; having initially operatedas County’sDirector of Football. Bailey previously held the roleofChiefOperatingOfficer at County, having joined the club in January 2025. During his time at Edgeley Park, he has overseen a period of sig- nificant operational growth for the football club, includ- ing substantial growth and diversification across the club’s revenue streams. He brings a wealth of experience in managing large-scale property and hos- pitality operations through previous roles across owner Mark Stott’s wider busi- nesses. Most recently, prior to joining the club, Bailey led the growth and expan- sion of CitySuites, helping establish it as Manchester’s largest hotel. In his new role as Chief Executive Officer, Bailey will oversee the club’s day-to-day operations, with responsi- bility for continuing to drive growth across the organisa- tionbothonandoff thepitch. His appointment comes at an exciting time for County, with the club continuing to develop its infrastructure, commercial operations and wider footballing oper- ation following a period of sustained growth in recent years. He will work closely with owner Mark Stott, Sporting Director Damien Allen and Head Coach Jimmy McNulty as the club continues to build towards its long-term ambitions of Championship football, while ensuring that the continued devel- opment of the club remains closely alignedwith its values and identity. County owner Mark Stott said: “He is someone I have worked closely with over a number of years, and he brings an invaluable com- bination of experience and knowledge to the roleof CEO. Having been here for over a year already, he understands our football club, our sup- porters and the wider vision we have for County.” County’s CEO JUST THE JOBE! Highly-rated defender Mamadou Jobe has joined County (Image: Stockport County) County land top defensive target PROMOTION-WINNING defender Mamadou Jobe has joined Stock- port County. The 23-year-old joins County from Cambridge United for an undisclosed fee, signing a three-year deal at Edgeley Park with the option of an additional year. Mamadou enjoyed an outstanding breakthrough season at Cambridge last season, emerging as one of the standout young defenders in the EFL as he helped Neil Harris’ side secure promotion back to League One at the first attempt. The centre-back featured 49 times in all competitions for the U’s last season and was an integral part of the best defensive record in the EFL, with Cambridge con- ceding just 33 goals in 46 league outings. Mamadou first moved to Cambridge in 2020, joining their academy as a 17-year- old from non-league side Royston Town. He went on to make his debut for the club in August 2021, starting in a 4-1 EFL Trophy win against Oxford United. The defender then spent time out on loan in non-league, County’s new CEO Gavin Bailey (Image: Stockport County)