Honorary Posts
In addition to the central committee and branch structure HISC currently has three honorary posts. These were established as a tribute to the contribution the individuals have made to HISC and to County Supporters in general.
Lord Davies of Coity CBE JP - Honorary President
Jim Gannon - Honorary Vice President
Jon Keighren - Honorary Vice President
Lord Davies of Coity CBE JP - Honorary President
HISC's new Honorary President is Lord Davies of Coity - Garfield to his friends. Garfield first came to our attention when he was involved with the steering committees that worked on setting up the Stockport County Supporters Trust. He played a big part in taking the proposal that HISC first brought to the County faithful from a fanciful idea to a body that existed in a sustainable form and would later become the owners of the club. We thank Garfield for accepting this position and hope we will have a long and happy relationship.
Jim Gannon - Honorary Vice President
Most County supporters will remember Jim Gannon as the man who played 479 times for Stockport County (3rd in County's all time appearances list), scoring 65 goals in the process (9th in County's all time scorers list). On top of all of that, Jim will always be associated with the most successful period in the history of Stockport County, the whole of that period, not just part of it. But despite Jim's very impressive record, a record that earned him an inaugural place in County's Hall of Fame, it was (and remains) his relationship with the supporters that will always be most cherished by members of HISC.
Jim was the last County player to have his testimonial at Edgeley Park. Who knows, will player loyalty in short supply in the football industry these days, Jim may well be the last ever player to have a testimonial? Those members of HISC who were fortunate enough to serve of Jim's testimonial committee, ended up counting Jim amongst their friends, and rightly considered working on his testimonial year as a privilege and an honour.
Jim never had any difficulty understanding that the supporters are the most important element of any football club, and he regularly attended HISC events, at which he always demonstrated the unique rapport that he had with County supporters.
Even after Jim returned to Ireland to play for Shelbourne FC in Dublin, he maintained contact with HISC. Indeed, many a trip was taken over the water to see Jim play for Shelbourne in the League of Ireland Premier Division, and he played a part in their successes.
Jim scored in English Divisions 4, 3, 2 and 1, the English FA Cup, the English Football League Cup, the English League Members Cup, the English League Play Offs, the League of Ireland Premier Division, the FAI Cup, the FAI League Cup, the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Cup, and the UEFA Cup Winners Cup. Not bad for a lad who used to play for County!
The honorary position is not related to Jim's current role as manager of the football club.
Jon Keighren - Honorary Vice President
Jon Keighren has been HISC's main event compere for several years. His friendly but firm approach ensures the visiting players or club officials are at their ease whilst he keeps control of the floor giving every one their fair chance to ask questions.