A new gin has been launched celebrating an icon of Stockport — County legend Danny Bergara.
'The man from Uruguay', as he is known to fans, managed Stockport County between 1989 and 1995, led County to their first promotion in 24 years and took the team to Wembley Stadium on four separate occasions.
Now, as part of a push to build a statue for Bergara, Stockport Gin has teamed up with the club’s Supporters’ Co-Operative.
Sales of the gin will be used to fund the statue — with £50,000 needed to get the project off the ground.
Paul Sharrocks, half of the husband-and-wife team at the distillery, has a personal connection with the Uruguayan.
“Danny was the man in charge at County when I went to my first ever game and fell in love with the club and he’s been a huge part of our club’s history ever since,” he said.
“For us to be able to make a gin in his honour is a huge privilege for us both. “We’re delighted to be working with the Stockport County Supporters Co-Operative on this and are looking forward to raising as much money for the statue fund as we possibly can.”
Peter Towey, chair of the Supporters’ Co-operative, added: “Every bottle you buy will help raise money for a permanent memorial for the man who helped restore our football club's pride.”
Each bottle also features a label designed by fellow County fan Ric Pennington, better known as Pennodraws. Both Danny and some of his iconic players make an appearance. The bottles are priced at £38, with 20 percent of each sale going to the statue fund.
Pre-orders are being taken now, with those who snap up the gin early also invited to a special tasting event at Our Lady and the Apostle Social Club on Flint Street, Shaw Heath, on April 7.
Players from Danny’s era and his family will be in attendance to celebrate the gin, which goes on sale widely on April 9.
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