Mike Flynn is without question one of the most inspirational players ever to pull on a County shirt.

Michael Flynn was born in Oldham on the 23rd February 1969. He signed professional forms at his hometown club in 1987. Having made an impressive start to his league career he was transferred to Norwich City in 1989 for a fee of £100,000. However he never really made an impression at Carrow Road and he was transferred to Preston for £125,000 just a year later - not a bad bit of business for the Lilywhites!

He was to go on and play 136 games for North End, scoring 7 goals. Flynny was to become famous in his time at the club for his long throw and his never-say-die attitude in the tackle.

Danny Bergara was attracted by the former Oldham man and in the March of 1993, he persuaded Brendan Elwood to part with a then club record fee of £125,000 - increased to £150,000 on appearances - for his services. Bergara saw him as the final piece of the jigsaw to gain County promotion that season.

REWARDED

Flynny made a real impression on the County faithful and he was rewarded for his hard work by being voted the supporters player of the season in 1993-94. This year will remain well etched in County hearts. The club finished with a club record 85 points, but they still managed to lose in the play-off final to local rivals, Burnley.

Flynn's inspirational qualities were recognised the following season when he was given the captain's armband, taking over from Peter Ward.

Flynny went on to captain County in the memorable 1996-97 season which saw us gain promotion to Division One, reach the semi-finals of the Coca Cola Cup, Round Four of the FA Cup and the Autoglass Trophy Northern Final.

Flynn was an ever-present that season, (a remarkable 66 games), albeit for a one-match absence against Burnley in the Auto Windscreens Trophy. Many believed that Flynn was simply rested against a poor side in a competition that meant very little. However, it was due to a more sinister turn of events.

Shortly before that very game, Mike phoned the then club manager, Dave Jones, to explain that something terrible had happened. During a heated argument, his mother-in-law had stabbed her husband. Mike had played on in previous games in the knowledge of the events that were unfolding at home. Jones had decided on this one night to relieve Captain Fantastic of his duties and tend to matters at home. This was to remain hidden for the public until Dave Jones wrote his autobiography a year later. That was Flynny though, always cool headed and committed to the cause.

STERLING

Flynn's sterling performances at the heart of the County defence had not gone unnoticed and a number of club's enquired about his availability.

Mike was the subject of an £800,000 bid from Birmingham City in February 1999 but this was rejected by the Stockport board. At the time County had offered Mike an improved contract to keep him at Edgeley Park.

Flynn was unhappy with this as he set his heart on furthering his career, but when no one else made another move he signed a contract in 1999 and he hoped to end his career at Edgeley Park.

However, County were to struggle in the 2001-02 season and, after Andy Kilner was sacked, Mike was rumoured to be in the running for the job. This wasn't to be and Carlton Palmer was offered the manager's role by Brendan Elwood. Many believed this was the straw that broke the camels back for the influential captain and just a few weeks after Palmer took over the reigns, Micky left for the Brittania Stadium, Stoke.

Mike went on to play 13 games for the Staffordshire outfit as they pushed for promotion to Division One. Flynn played well in his loan spell, but Gudjon Thordasson, the then Stoke boss decided not to sign him permanently and so the former Oldham man returned to Edgeley Park.

HOME

Shortly after returning home, Mike was given a free transfer, just 10 days before his 10th-anniversary as a County player, and he went to play for Steve Parkin's Barnsley. He played just 21 games for the Tykes, including a 4-1 demolition at the hands of County, before joining Blackpool.

His committed performances at Bloomfield Road soon made him a firm favourite with the Seasiders' faithful and he chalked up another 44 league appearances to take his career tally to an impressive 654.

He left Blackpool last September after agreeing an 18-month contract with Conference promotion-chasers Accrington Stanley where he teamed up again with his old County colleague, Paul Cook.

With Flynny fighting for their cause don't bet against Stanley returning to the Football League at the end of the season.