Everyone at Stockport County is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of County legend Ken Mulhearn, who passed away in his sleep on Monday night. Ken was one of the “golden” players in the history of the Club – a member of the small and very elite group of players to receive a Football League Championship medal whilst playing at Edgeley Park.
Born in Liverpool in 1945, he represented both Liverpool and Lancashire Boys at football and was a member of the England Basketball team. In 1961 he played in the English School Trophy Final and was a member of the England Boys squad, but ironically was kept out of the team by another County legend Alan Ogley. He became an apprentice at Everton FC but with first team opportunities limited he asked for a transfer and the 18 year old joined County on a free transfer in August 1964. This was to be prove to be a tremendous piece of business for County, as Mulhearn quickly established a first team place at Edgeley Park.
County manager Trevor Porteous said after one of his early games away at Millwall “Ken Mulhearn has grabbed his chance in a masterful way and saved a penalty during this match. Ken is only 19 and will admit he has a lot to learn about his trade, he’s going the right way about it and he has the makings of a one of the finest young keepers in the game. Physique, agility and reflexes are tuned to the task and he has earned his chance”. He played a crucial role in The Hatters memorable FA Cup run to the 4th Rd, where they lost in a replay to eventual cup winners Liverpool after a wonderful 1-1 draw at Anfield.
Mulhearn cemented his place as an Edgeley Park great with his 25 appearances in the 1966-67 season, when alongside Steve Fleet he helped County to achieve only their third ever League Championship as the 4th Division Trophy was brought to Edgeley Park.
With a growing reputation, it was no surprise when Manchester City signed Mulhearn in Sept 1967 for a fee of £25,000 (plus Alan Ogley). This was a remarkable transfer as in addition to Ogley this completely wiped out County’s then overdraft of £18,000. Mulhearn was immediately put into the City first team making his debut in front of almost 63,000 at Maine Road in the Manchester derby. City went on to win the First Division championship that season and in doing so gave Mulhearn a unique record as the only player to ever receive a Football League 4th Division and 1st Division championship medals in consecutive seasons. His remaining time at City was marred by a major knee injury that kept him out of the team for the following season and he struggled to regain his place back in the team. He played 61 League and Cup appearances for City.
He left City in March 1971 and joined Shrewsbury Town where over ten seasons he made 432 appearances and in doing so became a legend at Gay Meadow. In 2011 he was an inaugural inductee into the STFC Hall of Fame.
His final club were Crewe Alexandra where he made his 600th League appearance before retiring in 1982.
Following retirement from football Mulhearn continued to play cricket and was a member of the Shrewsbury CC team who won the 1983 ECB National Club Cricket Championship.
He remained in Shrewsbury for the rest of his life but was a regular and very welcome visitor to Edgeley Park. In Feb 2015 he attended the 50th anniversary reunion of the 1964/65 team, where he received his SCAN certificate (#673) in front of a packed room of County fans.
His last visit was in May 2017 where alongside his former colleagues he was a VIP guest to celebrate the 50th anniversary of County’s last championship team.
Ken will always have a gold medal in his hand and this will forever mark him out as a very special County player. In his later years he didn’t allow Parkinson’s Disease to stop his love of life, he was great company, his Scouse wit and humour stayed with him to the end and he has left us with so many great memories. We send our deepest condolences to his family and friends at this sad time.
Pics: Marcus Heap
