It was a great second half of the season for Stockport, with Jim Gannon's men forcing their way into play-off contention before agonisingly missing out on a top seven finish on goal difference. Despite that disappointment, County can take a lot of confidence going into next season and, with a few additions to the squad, Stockport are sure to be a force to be reckoned with next term. Givemefootball's Mark Shail caught up with big striker Liam Dickinson, whose campaign was disrupted by injury but he regained his place in the side at the end of the season and scored some important goals for the club.
Q:YOU MUST HAVE BEEN DISAPPOINTED NOT TO HAVE FINISHED IN THE PLAY-OFFS?
A:We were all gutted. In the second half of the season things went really well and it was disappointing not to have something to show for all our hard work. But that's life, we have to take it on the chin and start preparing for next season.
Q:YOU WENT ON A GREAT RUN AFTER CHRISTMAS, DIDN'T YOU?
A:It was a good run and it was strange because it coincided with a lot of injuries and suspensions at that time. But in the end I think it started to take its toll and the players began feeling fatigue with so many games in such a short space of time. But overall it was a big improvement on last season and hopefully progress again next season.
Q:DO YOU THINK PROMOTION IS A REALISTIC TARGET NEXT YEAR?
A:I certainly believe we can finish in the top seven but we'll be looking for automatic promotion. We've proved we're a good side this season and hopefully we can step it up again next season. The fact that we've beaten the teams in the top three shows that we don't have to fear anyone in this division.
Q:HOW ARE YOU ENJOYING WORKING WITH JIM GANNON?
A:I'm enjoying it very much. He gets involved with the lads and gives us all a lot of feed back, which is always useful. His training is good, he mixes things up a lot and makes sure we get plenty of rest when we need it. But when it's time to work we all get on with the job in a professional manner.
Q:HOW DID THE CAMPAIGN GO ON A PERSONAL LEVEL?
A:I didn't have the best of seasons, but then again I had a few injuries in the early part. I regained my fitness at a time when the team was on a good run so it was difficult to force my way into the team because the manager was reluctant to change a winning side, which is understandable. But I managed to get my first team place back towards the end and finished the season on seven goals, which isn't too bad when you consider that I didn't score a single goal before Christmas.
Q:HAVE YOU SET YOURSELF A GOALS TARGET NEXT SEASON?
A:I'd like to think I'm capable of scoring 15 goals but I suppose that depends on whether I'm fit and playing well enough to keep my place in the team on a regular basis. Now it's a question of relaxing, recharging the batteries, and coming back fresh ready for pre-season training.
Q:WHICH TEAM DO YOU FANCY TO WIN THE LEAGUE TWO PLAY-OFFS?
A:I think MK Dons will go all the way – they are a strong team and I was impressed with then when we played them this season. Bristol Rovers will be tough opponents but I tip the Dons to come out on top at Wembley.
