County find it tough in Div 3 (02/10/2012 20:05)

After 10 seasons in Div 4, Stockport County finally made their Div 3 debut, but have so far failed to find their feet in the higher tier of the English League.

The Hatters have lost all three of their opening games and have received two red cards, a sure sign that the defenders are struggling to cope at the higher level.

Manager Mike Connor remains positive, though.  "I knew it was going to be tough.  When we were promoted to Div 4, we went straight back down and although I don't plan on doing that this time, I know what to expect and hope that we've learnt from that experience."

"The things that you have to be prepared for are players who performed superbly in the lower division, suddenly not able to keep up with the game.  Some adapt and take to it straight away, but you can't expect them all to be like that.

"We have more strength in depth now and more options than after our last step up."

County have signed Portuguese defender Joao Vidigal as a free agent and Polish striker Jozef Koniarek to bolster the squad.

"We're working on other signings and hope to close one deal very soon.  We plan to use our full allocation (of four signings) this season."

And they're going to need it if they are to maintain their Div 3 status.  After shipping 8 goals in 3 games, with only two of their own to show for their efforts, County are currently sitting 2nd from bottom on 0 points.

"If you look at Div 4, it's littered with clubs that have spent one or two seasons in Div 3 and then dropped straight back down.  There seems to be a glass ceiling that most teams struggle to break through.  It may well be that above that are fully-pro clubs with rich benefactors - I don't know. 

"What I do know is that we don't intend to end up as one of those Div 4 'graveyard' clubs.", said the County boss defiantly.