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Jim Gannon

2016-02-20T18:08:42Z

212.183.128.49: Jimbo nickname origin.

{{For|the rugby league player|Jim Gannon (rugby league)}}
{{Use British English|date=December 2012}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2012}}
{{good article}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Jim Gannon
| image = Jim Gannon Apr 2008.JPG
| image_size = 200px
| caption = Gannon as [[Stockport County F.C.|Stockport County]] manager (April 2008).
| fullname = James Paul Gannon
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1968|9|7|df=y}}<ref name="LMA">{{cite web|url=http://www.leaguemanagers.com/managers/profile-1562.html|title=Jim Gannon Profile|work=League Managers Association|accessdate=10 March 2011}}</ref>
| birth_place = [[Southwark]], [[London]], England<ref name="base">{{soccerbase|2751|Jim Gannon}}</ref>
| height = {{convert|6|ft|2|in|m|2|abbr=on}}<ref name="base" />
| position = [[Defender (association football)|Centre-half]]; various
| currentclub = [[Stockport County F.C.|Stockport County]] (manager)
| years1 = 1987–1989|clubs1 = [[Dundalk F.C.|Dundalk]] |caps1 = 17|goals1 = 1
| years2 = 1989–1990|clubs2 = [[Sheffield United F.C.|Sheffield United]] |caps2 = 0|goals2 = 0
| years3 = 1990 |clubs3 = → [[Halifax Town A.F.C.|Halifax Town]] (loan)|caps3 = 2|goals3 = 0
| years4 = 1990–2000|clubs4 = [[Stockport County F.C.|Stockport County]] |caps4 = 383|goals4 = 52
| years5 = 1994 |clubs5 = → [[Notts County F.C.|Notts County]] (loan) |caps5 = 2|goals5 = 0
| years6 = 2000–2001|clubs6 = [[Crewe Alexandra F.C.|Crewe Alexandra]] |caps6 = 7|goals6 = 0
| years7 = 2001–2004|clubs7 = [[Shelbourne F.C.|Shelbourne]] |caps7 = 48|goals7 = 3
| totalcaps = 459| totalgoals = 56
| manageryears1 = 2004–2005|managerclubs1 = [[Dundalk F.C.|Dundalk]]
| manageryears2 = 2005–2009|managerclubs2 = [[Stockport County F.C.|Stockport County]]
| manageryears3 = 2009 |managerclubs3 = [[Motherwell F.C.|Motherwell]]
| manageryears4 = 2010 |managerclubs4 = [[Peterborough United F.C.|Peterborough United]]
| manageryears5 = 2011 |managerclubs5 = [[Port Vale F.C.|Port Vale]]
| manageryears6 = 2011–2013|managerclubs6 = [[Stockport County F.C.|Stockport County]]
| manageryears7 = 2013–2016|managerclubs7 = [[Northwich Victoria F.C.|Northwich Victoria]]
| manageryears8 = 2016– |managerclubs8 = [[Stockport County F.C.|Stockport County]]
}}
'''James Paul''' "'''Jim'''" '''Gannon''' (born 7 September 1968) is a former [[Association football|footballer]] who is now manager of [[National League North]] side [[Stockport County F.C.|Stockport County]]. He started and finished his career as a player in Ireland, but made most of his professional appearances in the [[England|English]] [[The Football League|Football League]] at Stockport County, where supporters elected him as a member of the Hall of Fame.

Gannon began his playing career at [[Dundalk F.C.|Dundalk]], but moved to English club [[Sheffield United F.C.|Sheffield United]] in 1989. The next year he transferred to Stockport County, following a short loan spell with [[Halifax Town A.F.C.|Halifax Town]]. He spent the next ten years at Stockport, becoming one of the club's most loyal servants, and helped the club to second-place finishes in both the [[Football League Second Division|Second Division]] and [[Football League Fourth Division|Fourth Division]], as well as two [[Football League Trophy]] finals. After leaving the club in 2000, he spent a season with [[Crewe Alexandra F.C.|Crewe Alexandra]], before returning to Ireland with [[Shelbourne F.C.|Shelbourne]], winning two [[League of Ireland]] titles in his three years there.

Starting a career in management, he took charge of his first club Dundalk in 2004. After a season in Ireland he returned to Stockport County as manager. There he led the club to promotion from [[Football League Two|League Two]] via the [[Football League Two play-offs|play-offs]] in [[2008 Football League Two play-off Final|2008]]. Leading County to safety in [[Football League One|League One]] despite a ten-point deduction for entering administration, he lost his job as part of a cost-cutting measure. Heading to [[Scottish Premier League]] side [[Motherwell F.C.|Motherwell]], he managed the club in the [[UEFA Europa League|Europa League]], but left after just 25 games in charge. He took charge of [[Football League Championship|Championship]] side [[Peterborough United F.C.|Peterborough United]] in 2010, but stayed at the struggling club for only two months, turning down a four-year contract. In January 2011 he was appointed manager of Port Vale, but lasted just ten weeks in the job. He returned to Stockport in November 2011, as the club's director of football and manager, before being sacked in January 2013. He took charge at [[Northwich Victoria F.C.|Northwich Victoria]] in December 2013. He spent just over two years with Northwich before returning to manage Stockport County for the third time in January 2016.

==Early life==
Gannon was born in [[Southwark]], [[South London]] and moved with his family to [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]] at a young age.<ref name="bio">{{cite web|url=http://www.jimgannon.co.uk/#/biography/4534188248|title=Biography|work=jimgannon.co.uk|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> He considers himself to be 'a [[working class]] Irish [[Catholicism|Catholic]]'.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/motherwell/jim-gannon-sets-out-to-keep-crowd-quiet-at-parkhead-1.926534|title=Jim Gannon sets out to keep crowd quiet at Parkhead|last=Jack|first=Chris|date=15 October 2009|work=The Herald|accessdate=3 February 2011}}</ref>

==Playing career==
===Early career===
In 1987 he received his start in higher level football with Irish club [[Turlough O'Connor (footballer)|Turlough O'Connor]]'s [[Dundalk F.C.|Dundalk]].<ref name="mcd">{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/gannon-to-take-reins-at-dundalk-171324.html|title=Gannon to take reins at Dundalk|last=McDermott|first=Gerry|date=12 May 2004|work=independent.ie|accessdate=13 March 2011}}</ref> Whilst with the club he played in both the [[UEFA Champions League]] and [[UEFA Cup Winners' Cup]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/I+want+that+shirt+off+Rava%27s+back!-a061103145|title=I want that shirt off Rava's back!|last=Tanner|first=Richard|date=26 February 1997|work=The Mirror|accessdate=12 March 2011}}</ref> in a highly successful period in the club's history. During his spell at the club they did the [[Double (association football)#Republic of Ireland|Irish double]], winning both the [[FAI Cup]] and topping the [[League of Ireland]] in [[1987–88 League of Ireland|1987–88]].<ref name="mcd" /> His performances for Dundalk earned him a £70,000 move to [[England|English]] team [[Sheffield United F.C.|Sheffield United]] in April 1989.<ref name="mcd" /> However he was unable to break into the first team at [[Bramall Lane]].<ref name="bio" /> He spent a brief time in [[1989–90 Football League|1989–90]] on loan at struggling [[Halifax Town A.F.C.|Halifax Town]], making two appearances for the "Shaymen".

===Stockport County===
In 1990 he moved to [[Stockport County F.C.|Stockport County]], who paid United between £40,000 and £75,000 for his services.<ref name="target">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/stockport/4649788.stm|title=Gannon targets Hatters turnaround|last=Oliver|first=Pete|date=26 January 2006|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref><ref name="Conn">{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/gannons-edgeley-love-affair-ends-in-acrimony-703675.html|title=Gannon's Edgeley love affair ends in acrimony|last=Conn|first=David|date=18 January 2001|work=The Telegraph|accessdate=12 March 2011|location=London}}</ref><ref name="stock"/> He remained at the club for ten years, during which the club would win promotion on two occasions, and make four [[Wembley Stadium (1923)|Wembley]] appearances. On 10 March 1993, Gannon verbally abused [[Stoke City F.C.|Stoke City]] player [[Mark Stein (footballer)|Mark Stein]], who reacted by assaulting Gannon. Gannon made a formal complaint to the police and as a result Stein was later required to appear in court for the attack.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-gannon-to-make-complaint-1497057.html|title=Football: Gannon to make complaint |last=Shaw|first=Phil|date=11 March 1993|work=The Independent|accessdate=12 March 2011|location=London}}</ref> The two players' confrontation continued the following month after Gannon's then-girlfriend spat at Stein in a post-match interview.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-promotion-rivals-add-to-spiteful-saga-1453507.html|title=Football: Promotion rivals add to spiteful saga|last=Shaw|first=Phil|date=5 April 1993|work=The Independent|accessdate=12 March 2011|location=London}}</ref> Stein was given a conditional discharge<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/racism-in-sport-when-respect-is-the-goal-simon-ohagan-examines-the-barriers-to-pride-created-by-prejudice-1465395.html|title=Racism in Sport: When respect is the goal: Simon O'Hagan examines the barriers to pride created by prejudice|last=O'Hagan|first=Simon|date=5 December 1993|work=[[The Independent]]|accessdate=5 January 2011|location=London}}</ref> after the court accepted he was under "extreme provocation" from what he claimed was [[Racism|racial abuse]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4161/is_19980308/ai_n14473385/pg_2/?tag=content;col1|title=Football: I whacked the player who taunted me for being black|last=Nickless|first=Graham|date=8 March 1998|work=[[Daily Mirror]]|accessdate=6 January 2011}} {{Dead link|date=April 2012|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> During his early days at the club Gannon was criticised by supporters for his performances, but he soon won them over after moving from centre-half to become a goalscoring midfielder.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jimgannon.co.uk/#/a-ghost-story/4534323537|last=Brennan|first=Phil|title=A Ghost Story|work=jimgannon.co.uk|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> Stockport fans named him 'The Ghost',<ref name="grand">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/stockport/4829238.stm|title=Gannon mounts a grandstand start|last=May|first=John|date=21 March 2006|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> due to his knack of 'ghosting' in at the back of [[Penalty area|the box]] to score from crosses.<ref name="bio" /> He was also nicknamed 'Jimbo' after a contributor to the fanzine wrote an article in support of him and gave him the name.

In [[1990–91 Football League Fourth Division|1990–91]], County achieved promotion from the [[Football League Fourth Division|Fourth Division]] as runners-up. In [[1992 Football League Trophy Final|1992]] he made his first trip to [[Wembley Stadium (1923)|Wembley Stadium]], as Stockport lost 1–0 to Stoke City in the [[Football League Trophy]] final. During the same season, Stockport also reached the [[1992 Football League Third Division play-off Final|Third Division play-off Final]], but were defeated at Wembley. The following year, County again reached the [[1993 Football League Trophy Final|League Trophy Final]], but lost 2–1 to [[Port Vale F.C.|Port Vale]]. In January 1994 Gannon joined [[Notts County F.C.|Notts County]] on a brief loan spell to help him overcome some personal problems.<ref name="stock">{{cite web|url=http://www.stockportcounty.com/page/PastPlayers/0,,10419~602604,00.html|title=Jim Gannon|date=27 June 2008|work=stockportcounty.com|accessdate=3 February 2011}}</ref> Returning to Stockport, he finished the season with his fourth trip to Wembley in two years, as County were denied promotion from the [[Football League Second Division|Second Division]] by [[1994 Football League Second Division play-off Final|a 2–1 defeat]] to [[Burnley F.C.|Burnley]]. The team finally achieved promotion from the division in [[1996–97 Football League|1996–97]] as runners-up. This promotion was built on a strong defence, of which Gannon and fellow centre-back Mike Flynn were a major part.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jimgannon.co.uk/#/news/4538637438|title=Memories for Life|date=10 February 2010|work=personal website|accessdate=12 March 2011}}</ref> The following season, County achieved an eighth-place finish in the [[Football League First Division|First Division]]. He played under the management of [[Danny Bergara]], [[Dave Jones (footballer born 1956)|Dave Jones]], [[Gary Megson]], and [[Andy Kilner]].

On 21 March 2000, during a game with [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]], he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligaments, keeping him out of action for several months.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/true-grit-gannon-sets-out-on-special-cup-mission-359088.html|title=True grit Gannon sets out on special Cup mission|last=Quinn|first=Philip|date=27 January 2011|work=independent.ie|accessdate=12 March 2011}}</ref> He was awarded a testimonial against [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]] in August 2000,<ref>{{cite news|title = What A Weird Weah To Start|work = Sunday Mirror, 6 August 2000 |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4161/is_20000806/ai_n14511745 | first=Ian | last=Whittell | date=6 August 2000}}</ref> but got into a dispute with the club over the financial arrangements.<ref name="con">{{cite web|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/motherwell/a-career-marked-with-conflict-jim-gannon-a-man-in-a-hurry-but-unfortunately-he-always-seems-to-be-heading-for-the-exit-1.994868|title=A career marked with conflict: Jim Gannon a man in a hurry, but unfortunately he always seems to be heading for the exit|last=MacDonald|first=Hugh|date=29 December 2009|work=The Herald|accessdate=6 March 2011}}</ref> He then left the club in November 2000, and issued employment tribunal proceedings for unfair dismissal.<ref name="Conn" />

===Later career===
The following month he joined [[Dario Gradi]]'s [[Crewe Alexandra F.C.|Crewe Alexandra]] on non-contract terms.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/crewe_alexandra/1080346.stm|title=Crewe sign Gannon|date=20 December 2000|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> After ten games with Crewe, he returned to Ireland.

Following a break from football to obtain qualifications in [[accountancy]], Gannon signed with [[Shelbourne F.C.|Shelbourne]] in August 2001.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/gannon-could-be-shels-ace-509949.html|title=Gannon could be Shels' ace
|last=Ryan|first=Sean|date=19 August 2001|work=independent.ie|accessdate=12 March 2011}}</ref> Despite being appointed as captain upon his arrival, he initially struggled to get into the first team during the [[2001–02 Shelbourne F.C. season|2001–02]] League Championship winning season, and considered a move back to England.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Football%3a+GANNON%27S+EYES+ON+ENGLAND.-a078946589|title=Football: GANNON'S EYES ON ENGLAND.|date=7 October 2001|work=The Mirror|accessdate=12 March 2011}}</ref> However he found himself a key member of the defence when new manager [[Pat Fenlon]] took over.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Football%3A+GOLDEN+DAYS+AHEAD+FOR+JIM%3B+PREMIER+LEAGUE%3A+DROGHEDA+U+v...-a0100601977|title=Football: GOLDEN DAYS AHEAD FOR JIM; PREMIER LEAGUE: DROGHEDA U v SHELS Gannon can't wait to be part of eircom League's new era.|last=Scully|first=Michael|date=25 April 2003|work=The Mirror|accessdate=12 March 2011}}</ref> Under Fenlon, Gannon helped the "Shels" to a second-place finish in [[2002–03 Shelbourne F.C. season|2002–03]], and also played in the [[2002–03 UEFA Champions League qualifying rounds]], scoring past [[Hibernians F.C.|Hibernians]] in a 2–2 draw at the [[Ta' Qali National Stadium]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.archive.uefa.com/competitions/ucl/history/season=2002/round=1633/match=69698/index.html|title=Shelbourne have narrow advantage|date=17 July 2002|work=uefa.com|accessdate=6 January 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title = Reds so close to glamour tie with Boavista|work = The Mirror, 18 July 2002 |url=http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G1-89200001.html}}</ref> He did not feature extensively in the club's [[2003 Shelbourne F.C. season|2003]] League Championship winning side.

Gannon holds a unique record, having scored in all four English divisions, the [[FA Cup]], the [[Football League Cup]], the [[Full Members Cup]], the English League play-offs, the [[League of Ireland]], the [[FAI Cup]], the [[League of Ireland Cup]], and the [[UEFA Champions League]].<ref>{{cite web|title = Past Players: Jim Gannon|work = Stockport County, 27 June 2008 |url=http://www.stockportcounty.com/page/PastPlayers/0,,10419~602604,00.html|accessdate=12 March 2011}}</ref><ref name="saviour" /> He has received two distinguished honours from Stockport's supporters since leaving the club – being elected to the Stockport Hall of Fame and as Honorary Vice President of the Hatters Independent Supporters Club. His 479 club appearances puts him in third spot in Stockport's all-time appearance list and his 65 goals are ninth in their scoring records.<ref name="bio" />

==Managerial career==

===Dundalk===
In June 2004 he was appointed to his first managerial post, taking charge of Dundalk, who were also the first club in Gannon's professional playing career. The side finished sixth in the [[League of Ireland First Division]] in the [[2004 League of Ireland|2004 season]]. On 14 November 2005, Gannon confirmed his resignation from Dundalk after his position had been called into question as his chief supporters, vice-chairman Tom Baldwin and chief executive Sean Connolly, left the club.<ref>{{cite web|title = Dundalk manager hands in resignation|work = RTÉ Sport, 14 November 2005 |url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/2005/1114/dundalk.html|accessdate=12 March 2011}}</ref> This left Dundalk without a manager for their final match of the [[2005 League of Ireland|2005 season]], in which they had already secured a comfortable mid-table position in Ireland's second tier of association football.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ireland Republic Division One 2005 Table |work=Soccerway, 19 November 2005 |url=http://www.soccerway.com/national/ireland-republic/division-1/2005/regular-season/ |accessdate=12 March 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20090604085135/http://www.soccerway.com:80/national/ireland-republic/division-1/2005/regular-season/ |archivedate=4 June 2009 }}</ref> Prior to Gannon's departure, the team had drawn ten consecutive matches.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Football%3A+Now+Dundalk+crisis+is+even+worse+as+Gannon+resigns%3B+NO+BOSS...-a0138644184|title=Football: Now Dundalk crisis is even worse as Gannon resigns; NO BOSS & LITTLE HOPE.|last=Doyle|first=Garry|date=14 November 2005|work=thefreelibrary.com|publisher=Daily Mirror|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref>

===Stockport County===

====2005–06====
In November 2005, Gannon was appointed as director of Stockport County's centre of excellence for girls.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/boss-quits-dundalk-230651.html|title=Boss quits Dundalk|last=Dunne|first=Eoin|date=14 November 2005|work=independent.ie|accessdate=12 March 2011}}</ref> After the resignation of [[Chris Turner (footballer born 1958)|Chris Turner]] as Stockport County manager on [[Boxing Day]] 2005, Gannon was appointed as [[caretaker manager]] with the team nine points adrift of safety at the bottom of [[Football League Two|League Two]],<ref>{{cite web|title = Table at the time of Gannon's appointment|work = StockportMAD, 17 June 2007|url=http://www.stockportcounty-mad.co.uk/footydb/loadgen.asp?Day=26&Month=Dec&ssnno=135&teamno=499}}</ref> facing potential relegation from the Football League.

County went undefeated in Gannon's first four league games in charge.<ref name="target" /> After three weeks,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/stockport/4620446.stm|title=Gannon unveiled as Stockport boss|date=17 January 2006|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> this upturn in results saw Gannon offered the job full-time, which allowed him to guide County to safety. The club won more than twice as many points in the second half of [[2005–06 in English football|the season]] than they did in the first. Believing that safety would be assured on the final day of the season,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/stockport/4786896.stm|title=Gannon guiding Hatters to safety|last=Oliver|first=Pete|date=9 March 2006|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> he was proved correct as they managed to avoid relegation with a final day draw with champions [[Carlisle United F.C.|Carlisle United]]. Comparisons were made to [[Sam Allardyce]].<ref name="grand" /> As a committed Stockport fan,<ref name="grand" /> and already a legend at the club for his ten years as a player,<ref name="target" /> he was loved by many County supporters. After delaying talks,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/stockport/4860552.stm|title=Gannon delays talks on new deal|date=30 March 2006|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> he accepted a one-year rolling contract in the summer.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/stockport/4989114.stm|title=Boss Gannon agrees new contract|date=17 May 2006|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref>

====2006–07====
At the beginning of the [[2006–07 in English football|2006–07 season]], Gannon and Stockport announced they had drawn up a five-year plan to take the club to the [[Football League Championship|Championship]]. Results on the field followed this statement of intent, with Gannon leading County to a [[Football records in England|League record]] nine consecutive victories without conceding a goal.<ref name="fit">{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/Promotion-winner-perfect-fit-Vale/article-3071344-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Promotion-winner Jim is a perfect fit for Vale|last=Baggaley|first=Michael|date=6 January 2011|work=[[The Sentinel (Staffordshire)|The Sentinel]]|accessdate=6 January 2011}}</ref> Gannon lodged a complaint with [[The Football Association]] against [[Bristol Rovers F.C.|Bristol Rovers]] when a fixture was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch, as he felt not enough was done to ready the pitch, and also a complaint with regard to the referee's handling of the situation. Gannon was later incensed with the FA when the same referee was allowed to take charge of the postponed fixture,<ref>{{cite web|title = Double whammy angers Gannon|work = Manchester Evening News, 22 March 2007|url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/stockport_county/s/1002/1002549_double_whammy_angers_gannon.html}}</ref> which Rovers won 2–1. Gannon also branded approaches from [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]] and [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]] questionable and unprofessional after the two [[Premier League]] clubs swooped for youngsters being trained in Stockport County's development squads.<ref>{{cite web|title = City offer imminent|work = Manchester Evening News, 20 December 2006|url = http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/stockport_county/s/231/231270_city_offer_imminent.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title = Liverpool snatch youngster (archive)|work = Stockport Express, 15 June 2007|url = http://www.northernireland-mad.co.uk/news/loadgnrl.asp?id=341070&teamno=499 |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20070928035333/http://www.northernireland-mad.co.uk/news/loadgnrl.asp?id=341070&teamno=499 |archivedate=28 September 2007}}</ref>

During the season, Gannon and Stockport began to form a close relationship with [[Alan Lord]], the founder of Football Development School ProFootball4u. [[Anthony Pilkington]], who began to feature in County's first team in the second half of this season, was developed through Lord's school.<ref>{{cite news|title = Another Success Story |work = ProFootball 4 U|url=http://www.profootball4u.com/pics/pdf/successanthonypilkington.pdf | accessdate=23 May 2010}}</ref> At the end of the season, Lord was taken on at County as a scout and development team coach;<ref>{{cite news|title = Alan's Bright Future |work = Stockport Express|url=http://menmedia.co.uk/stockportexpress/sport/football/stockport_county/s/1018352_alans_bright_future | date=3 October 2007 | accessdate=23 May 2010}}</ref> he would later follow Gannon to Motherwell.

County missed out on the [[Football League Two play-offs|League Two play-offs]] due to results on the final day of the season, missing out on goal difference despite a 5–0 victory over [[Darlington F.C.|Darlington]].

====2007–08====
The [[2007–08 in English football|2007–08 season]] started with a friendly marking the death of [[Danny Bergara]], the manager who had brought Gannon to County as a player in 1990. The friendly was against [[Cardiff City F.C.|Cardiff City]], managed by Dave Jones, who also managed County whilst Gannon was a player at the club.<ref>{{cite news|title = Day for Danny|work = Manchester Evening News, 27 June 2007|url=http://menmedia.co.uk/sport/football/stockport_county/s/1012254_day_for_danny | date=27 June 2007 | accessdate=24 May 2010}}</ref>

On 12 February, Gannon had to leave his father critically ill in hospital in Ireland to lead his team out to a 4–1 victory over [[Rotherham United F.C.|Rotherham United]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/stockport/7242797.stm|title=Gannon leaves sick dad for County|date=13 February 2008|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> Later in the year Gannon publicly criticised [[Paul Ince]] and the [[Milton Keynes Dons F.C.|MK Dons]] after he felt the "Dons" were poor sports in their 3–2 victory over County that ensured Ince's side promotion out of the division.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/stockport/7358557.stm|title=Gannon upset by Dons 'arrogance'|date=21 April 2008|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref>

County finished the 2007–08 season fourth in the league, and subsequently won their play-off semi-final against [[Wycombe Wanderers F.C.|Wycombe Wanderers]] 2–1 on aggregate.<ref>{{cite news|title=Stockport 1–0 Wycombe (agg 2–1) |work=[[BBC Sport]], 17 May 2008|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_3/7393798.stm | date=17 May 2008|first=Chris|last=Whyatt}}</ref> The club had previously visited Wembley four times, and Gannon had played on all four occasions.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7419214.stm|title=Stockport 3–2 Rochdale|date=26 May 2008|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> He did as a manager what he could never do as a player, and guided Stockport victory at Wembley.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1021981/Gannons-Wembley-jinx-Stockport-reach-League-One.html|title=Gannon's Wembley jinx is over as Stockport reach League One|last=Speck|first=Ivan|date=26 May 2008|work=Daily Mail|accessdate=5 January 2011|location=London}}</ref> The 3–2 win over [[Rochdale A.F.C.|Rochdale]] earned Gannon's club promotion to [[Football League One|League One]].<ref>{{cite news|title = Stockport 3–2 Rochdale|work = [[BBC Sport]], 26 May 2008|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_3/7416601.stm | date=26 May 2008 | accessdate=6 May 2010|first=Paul|last=Fletcher}}</ref> He refused to give a post-match interview to [[Sky Sports]] following a nine-month dispute with the company over a broken [[Digibox|Skybox]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/article-1020834/Usmanovs-knives-Gunners-Moscow-talks.html|title=Usmanov's knives out for Gunners in Moscow talks|date=20 May 2008|work=[[Daily Mail]]|accessdate=5 January 2011|location=London|first=Charles|last=Sale}}</ref> Nevertheless, having quickly taken Stockport from the foot of League Two and into League One on a meagre budget, Gannon had established himself as one of most highly rated young managers in the lower leagues.<ref>{{cite news|title=Gannon Emerges|work=Sky Sports, 12 November 2008|url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_4490295,00.html|accessdate=12 March 2011}}</ref> In the summer he sold [[Liam Dickinson]] to [[Derby County F.C.|Derby County]] for £750,000 – a player signed by previous manager, Chris Turner from [[Stockport Sports F.C.|Woodley Sports]] for a nominal fee just over two years previous.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/d/derby_county/7445778.stm|title=Derby swoop for Stockport striker|date=1 July 2008|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=6 January 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/stockport/4553806.stm|title=Stockport sign striker Dickinson|date=22 December 2005|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=6 January 2011}}</ref>

====2008–09====
Gannon led County to an impressive start to [[2008–09 in English football|the season]] following their promotion,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/stockport/7750869.stm|title=Stockport step up pleases Gannon|date=26 November 2008|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> and they spent Christmas in the play-off places with the best away record in the division.<ref>{{cite web|title=Football League One Table|date=20 December 2008|url=http://www.stockportcounty.com/page/LeagueTable/0,,10419~20081220,00.html}}</ref> The new year started uncomfortably for Gannon; with media speculation linking him with a move away from Edgeley Park, and the club announcing they were in financial difficulty, he took interviews reassuring fans of his intent to stick by County. Gannon stuck to his one-year rolling deal after rejecting new contract offers from the club.<ref>{{cite web|title = County plan new Gannon deal|work = Manchester Evening News, 13 November 2008|url = http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/stockport_county/s/1079473_county_plan_new_gannon_deal}}</ref>

After a touch-line argument with then-club captain [[Gareth Owen (footballer, born 1982)|Gareth Owen]], Gannon gave a forthright interview explaining that disciplinary action would be taken, and Owen would be stripped of the captaincy.<ref>{{cite web|title = Gannon wants Owen apology|work = Manchester Evening News, 1 October 2008|url = http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/stockport_county/s/1069917_gannon_wants_owen_apology}}</ref> Owen, who was later released by the club, did not play another game for County. Meanwhile, Gannon was left threatening police action over a strong challenge that left Stockport striker [[Matty McNeil]] unconscious and in hospital.<ref>{{cite web|title = Hatters take Reid evidence to police|work = Teamtalk.com, 20 October 2008|url=http://www.teamtalk.co.za/football/story/0,16368,1819_4358356,00.html}}</ref>

On 24 February 2009 Stockport agreed to allow Gannon to hold talks with [[Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.|Brighton & Hove Albion]], who were seeking to fill the managerial position left vacant by [[Micky Adams]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stockportcounty.com/page/LatestNews/0,,10419~1568802,00.html |title=Official Approach For Gannon |publisher=Stockportcounty.com |date= |accessdate=4 June 2009}}</ref> He suggested that his family would play a large part in his decision to move clubs, with Stockport's financial troubles looming but uprooting his family to move to [[Brighton]] being undesirable. Gannon was made favourite to be given the job by several bookmakers,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.online-betting-guide.co.uk/news/18227808/New+Brighton+Manager+Set+To+Be+Jim+Gannon+Or+Aidy+Boothroyd.html |title=New Brighton Manager set to be Jim Gannon |publisher=Online-betting-guide.co.uk |date= |accessdate=4 June 2009}}</ref> and he met with Brighton chairman [[Dick Knight (businessman)|Dick Knight]] on the 25th, before announcing on the 26th that he had chosen not to take the job.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/stockport/7908756.stm|title=Gannon rejects Brighton approach|date=26 February 2009|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> Knight had indicated that Gannon was his first choice for the job,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theargus.co.uk/sport/4157180.Knight_setback_as_Gannon_says_no/ |title=Knight setback as Gannon says no |publisher=Theargus.co.uk |date=26 February 2009 |accessdate=4 June 2009}}</ref> and former Stockport players now at Brighton had shown their desire for Gannon to be given the job.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theargus.co.uk/sport/4155173.Gannon_will_have_done_his_homework/ |title=Gannon will have done his homework |publisher=Theargus.co.uk |date=26 February 2009 |accessdate=4 June 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theargus.co.uk/sport/4149517.Albion_ace_backs_Gannon/ |title=Albion ace backs Gannon |publisher=Theargus.co.uk |date=24 February 2009 |accessdate=4 June 2009}}</ref> However, Gannon turned down the opportunity and vowed stay with at the [[Edgeley Park]] club.

During the final weeks of the season, County were placed into [[Administration (British football)|Administration]] and docked 10 points, leaving them placed dangerously close to the relegation places.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/s/stockport/8036682.stm|title=Gannon leaves as Stockport boss |date=6 May 2009|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=6 May 2009}}</ref> On 6 May 2009, soon after the final game of the season, Gannon was made redundant as manager of Stockport along with assistant boss [[Peter Ward (footballer born 1964)|Peter Ward]]. This was done by the administrators in order to slash the wage bill.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/stockport/8036682.stm|title=Stockport cuts force Gannon out|date=6 May 2009|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref>

===Motherwell===
As speculation of a move to [[Hibernian F.C.|Hibernian]] came to nothing (despite his being installed as the bookmaker's favourite<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/stockport/8081219.stm|title=Gannon contender for Hibs post|date=3 June 2009|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref>),<ref name="confirm" /> Gannon instead was confirmed as manager of [[Scottish Premier League]] side [[Motherwell F.C.|Motherwell]] at the end of June 2009, two days before the club's [[2009–10 UEFA Europa League qualifying phase and play-off round|Europa League first round qualifying tie]] against [[Llanelli A.F.C.|Llanelli]] of Wales.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/motherwell/8111043.stm|title=Motherwell confirm Gannon as boss|date=30 June 2009|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=30 June 2009}}</ref> To do this he fended off competition from [[Aidy Boothroyd]], [[Lawrie Sanchez]], and [[Steve Staunton]].<ref name="confirm">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/motherwell/8111043.stm|title=Motherwell confirm Gannon as boss|date=30 June 2009|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> At the start of his reign he had a limited squad, and had to draft in youth players for the Llanelli game.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/motherwell/8123184.stm|title=Motherwell look to Gannon|date=28 June 2009|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> The club had sold off some of their best players, whilst loan deals had ended for others.<ref name="confirm" /> He also brought in Peter Ward as assistant manager.<ref name="confirm" />

{{Quote|"He has a very very good tactical sense, he is a great motivator of players, he works particularly well with young players and brings them on, which is important at a club the size of Motherwell, and he has boundless enthusiasm".|Motherwell Chairman John Boyle, speaking of Gannon's appointment.<ref name="england">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/motherwell/8127234.stm|title=Gannon targets England for talent|date=30 June 2009|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref>}}

After taking the job, Gannon said that he hoped to bring in up to six players, most of them from England to bolster a squad threadbare after summer exits.<ref name="england" />
On 2 July, his first game in charge in the [[UEFA Europa League|Europa League]] first round qualifying first leg, Motherwell lost 1–0 against Llanelli.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/8129623.stm|title= Motherwell 0–1 Llanelli |date=2 July 2009|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=2 July 2009}}</ref> However, on the away leg in Wales, the "Steelmen" recorded a 3–0 win to send them into the next round.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/motherwell/8140954.stm|title=Gannon targets new Well recruits|date=9 July 2009|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> Motherwell then beat [[Flamurtari Vlorë]] 8–2 on aggregate after an 8–1 victory in the home leg. Motherwell were then knocked out by [[Romania]]n side [[FC Steaua București]] 6–1 on aggregate.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/motherwell/8186229.stm|title=Gannon praises Motherwell display|date=6 August 2009|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> Gannon was sent to the stand in Motherwell's Europa League match against Bucharest; however Gannon later stated he did not know why he, or his assistant manager were sent off by [[Spanish people|Spanish]] referee [[Carlos Clos Gómez]].<ref>{{cite news|title = Gannon criticises referee display|work = [[BBC Sport]], 7 August 2009|url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/motherwell/8190744.stm | date=7 August 2009 | accessdate=6 May 2010|first=John|last=Barnes}}</ref> His first league victory was a 3–1 win over [[Kilmarnock F.C.|Kilmarnock]] at [[Fir Park]].

Gannon was named Manager of the Month for October 2009, but he warned of a clear out in the January transfer window.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/motherwell/8342807.stm|title=Gannon targets January clear-out|date=5 November 2009|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> His young team impressed, but proved to be inconsistent.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/motherwell/8331793.stm|title=Gannon pierces Motherwell gloom|last=Barnes|first=John|date=29 October 2009|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> Gannon had a dispute with the [[Scottish Football Association|SFA]] head of referee development [[Hugh Dallas]], following Gannon's criticism of Scottish referees.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/motherwell/8409100.stm|title=Scottish referees' chief fires back at Jim Gannon|date=11 December 2009|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/8141067.stm|title=Llanelli 0–3 Motherwell (1–3) |date=9 July 2009|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=4 August 2009}}</ref> Gannon had claimed the standard of refereeing was "bringing the game into disrepute".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/8385116.stm|title=Dallas defends response to Gannon|date=30 November 2009|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> He suggested a league table for referees.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/motherwell/8394313.stm|title=Gannon eyes league table for refs|date=3 December 2009|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> He then felt the official response to his criticisms to be disrespectful.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/motherwell/8391850.stm|title=Gannon hits back at chief of refs|date=2 December 2009|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> Following this he temporarily refused to speak to the media, claiming he did not wish to cause further controversy.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/motherwell/8407220.stm|title=Gannon gag to avoid more ref rows|date=10 December 2009|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> He also criticised his predecessor [[Mark McGhee]], after McGhee speculated in the press on possible transfers of Motherwell players.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/aberdeen/8358844.stm|title=Gannon hits out at McGhee talk|date=20 November 2009|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> As well as this he had a public-falling out with club captain [[Stephen Craigan]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/motherwell/8203571.stm|title=I axed duo to save game – Gannon|date=15 August 2009|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref>

On 28 December, Gannon was sacked by Motherwell,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/scotland_video_and_audio/8433551.stm|title=Gannon sacked by Motherwell|date=29 December 2009|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> with the club indicating that Gannon was "not fully committed to the club" as the reason for their decision.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/motherwell/8432623.stm|title=Boss Gannon sacked by Motherwell |date=28 December 2009|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=2009-12-30}}</ref> He had been rumoured to be looking for other jobs.<ref name="con" /> Gannon was reportedly working under a temporary contract, and was yet to sign a longer term deal as had been expected.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1238913/Motherwell-axe-manager-Jim-Gannon-refusal-sign-new-contract.html|title=Motherwell axe manager Jim Gannon |date=29 December 2009|work=Daily Mail|accessdate=2010-05-23 | location=London | first=John | last=Greechan}}</ref> Though the board were satisfied with results on the pitch, they felt that the relationship between Gannon and the directors had broken down.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/motherwell/8432623.stm|title=Boss Gannon sacked by Motherwell|date=28 December 2009|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> Dubbed a 'loose Gannon', it was seen that either he or club captain Craigan would leave the club.<ref name="loose">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/motherwell/8433225.stm|title=Loose Gannon fired for not signing Motherwell contract|last=Lindsay|first=Clive|date=29 December 2009|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> Despite this he was praised for his signings from the English leagues, and for the good open passing football his young side could play whilst at their best.<ref name="con" /><ref name="loose" /> Motherwell went on to finish the season in fifth place under [[Craig Brown (footballer born 1940)|Craig Brown]].

===Peterborough United===
On 2 February 2010 Gannon was appointed manager of [[Peterborough United F.C.|Peterborough United]], following the sacking of [[Mark Cooper (footballer born 1968)|Mark Cooper]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ontheminute.com/news/news.php?news=20732|title=Gannon named new Peterborough boss|date=2 February 2010|work=Ontheminute.com|accessdate=2010-02-02}}</ref> The "Posh" [[2009–10 Peterborough United F.C. season|lay bottom]] of the [[Football League Championship|Championship]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/peterborough_united/8492504.stm|title=Jim Gannon named Peterborough manager|date=2 February 2010|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> nine points adrift of safety.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/peterborough_united/8522787.stm|title=Peterborough United have survival hope – Jim Gannon|date=18 February 2010|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> He aimed to restore 'pride' in the club,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/peterborough_united/8493742.stm|title=Peterborough boss Jim Gannon aims to bring pride back|date=2 February 2010|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> and offered a fresh start to unsettled players.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/peterborough_united/8500798.stm|title=Peterborough boss Gannon supports 'unsettled' players|date=5 February 2010|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> He won his first game in charge, leading The Posh to a 1–0 victory over [[Queens Park Rangers F.C.|QPR]] on 6 February.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theposh.com/page/MatchReport/0,,10427~47306,00.html|title=Gannon starts with victory|date=6 February 2010|work=theposh.com|accessdate=2010-02-06}}</ref> His contract due to expire in the summer, the club were keen to tie him down to a longer deal.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/peterborough_united/8536580.stm|title=Jim Gannon yet to discuss Peterborough future|date=25 February 2010|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> There soon came confusion over the exact role of the manager and others at the club in terms of recruiting new players.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/peterborough_united/8557651.stm|title=Jim Gannon keen to clarify Peterborough United role|date=9 March 2010|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref>

He utilised unique tactical formations, which earned him comparisons to [[Martin O'Neill]].<ref name="saviour">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/peterborough_united/8583736.stm|title=Posh have lost a potential saviour in Jim Gannon|date=25 March 2010|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> He was particularly experimental with the front line,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/peterborough_united/8516985.stm|title=Peterborough boss Gannon in quandary over striker roles|date=15 February 2010|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> and was willing to use the loan market to bring in fresh talent.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/peterborough_united/8551919.stm|title=Posh boss Jim Gannon hints at further changes|date=5 March 2010|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> On 24 March, it was announced Gannon would leave Peterborough at the end of the season. Unable to avoid relegation despite a vast upturn in results,<ref name="saviour" /> he announced that family commitments made him unwilling to stay for longer.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/peterborough_united/8583044.stm|title=Manager Jim Gannon to leave Peterborough United|date=24 March 2010|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> Gannon had been satisfied with the board's contract offer, but his family still resided in [[Stockport]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/peterborough_united/8571988.stm|title=Jim Gannon set to consider Peterborough United offer|date=17 March 2010|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> He was replaced by [[Gary Johnson (footballer, born 1955)|Gary Johnson]] on 6 April, following Gannon's own recommendation of Johnson.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/peterborough_united/8602168.stm|title=Jim Gannon gives Gary Johnson backing as next Posh boss|date=4 April 2010|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> Though Gannon insisted that this was not ultimately his decision, but instead was down to the board.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/peterborough_united/8599383.stm|title=Gannon cool over recruitment of new Peterborough boss|date=1 April 2010|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> Striker [[Liam Dickinson]] was sad to seem him go, and told the media that Gannon would have little trouble finding a new management post.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/peterborough_united/8595200.stm|title=Jim Gannon 'in demand' after Peterborough United job|date=31 March 2010|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref>

===Port Vale===
In January 2011, Gannon was one of three candidates reported to have impressed in interviews for the vacant Port Vale job, making him one of the favourites for the position.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9336823.stm|title=Three in frame for Port Vale manager's job|date=4 January 2011|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> However, [[Paul Simpson (footballer)|Paul Simpson]]'s dismissal at Stockport County led to hopes of a return to the club for some County fans. Therefore, he was installed as the bookies favourite to become the next Port Vale manager,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/Port-Vale-Gannon-fore-Trollope-turns-Vale/article-3065796-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Gannon to the fore as Trollope turns back on Vale|last=Shaw|first=Steve|date=5 January 2011|work=[[The Sentinel (Staffordshire)|The Sentinel]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> and also the bookie's favourite for the Stockport job.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.valuechecker.co.uk/peter-ward-or-jim-gannon-the-most-likely-next-stockport-county-manager-102651.html|title=Peter Ward Or Jim Gannon The Most Likely Next Stockport County Manager|last=Darby|first=Simon|work=valuechecker.co.uk|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> Gannon was confirmed as the manager of [[Port Vale F.C.|Port Vale]] on 6 January 2011, succeeding [[Micky Adams]] at the helm of the promotion chasing club, signing a contract that lasted until summer 2012.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9343059.stm|title=Port Vale appoint Jim Gannon as new manager|date=6 January 2011|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=6 January 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/Port-Vale-Gannon-offered-Vale-job/article-3069963-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Jim Gannon signs 18-month deal to become Port Vale manager|last=Shaw|first=Steve|date=6 January 2011|work=[[The Sentinel (Staffordshire)|The Sentinel]]|accessdate=6 January 2011}}</ref> Saying that finishing outside of the top seven would be a failure, the [[Cheshire]]-based manager's first task after 'burying the hatchet' with Gareth Owen was to look for a new striker.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/Port-Vale-New-boss-determined-promotion-challenge/article-3074668-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: New boss determined to see though promotion challenge|last=Shaw|first=Steve|date=7 January 2011|work=[[The Sentinel (Staffordshire)|The Sentinel]]|accessdate=7 January 2011}}</ref> Two weeks into his reign club captain [[Tommy Fraser]] left the club by mutual consent,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9366695.stm|title=Midfielder Tommy Fraser leaves Port Vale|date=19 January 2011|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=19 January 2011}}</ref> as signs of what would be an unhappy relationship between club and manager quickly came to the surface.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/vale/portvalenews/Port-Vale-Jim-Gannon-s-time-charge-Vale-Park/article-3356292-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Jim Gannon's time in charge at Vale Park|date=22 March 2011|work=[[The Sentinel (Staffordshire)|The Sentinel]]|accessdate=22 March 2011}}</ref> Gannon then brought in [[Romaine Sawyers]] and [[Kayleden Brown]] on loan from [[West Bromwich Albion F.C.|West Bromwich Albion]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wba.co.uk/page/News/0,,10366~2271498,00.html|title=Duo join Vale on loan|date=21 January 2011|work=wba.co.uk|accessdate=21 January 2011}}</ref> [[Jay O'Shea]] on loan from [[Birmingham City F.C.|Birmingham City]],<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9365121.stm |title=Port Vale sign Birmingham City midfielder Jay O'Shea |publisher=[[BBC Sport]] |date=20 January 2011 |accessdate=20 January 2011}}</ref> [[Exodus Geohaghon]] on loan from [[Peterborough United F.C.|Peterborough United]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9371690.stm|title=Peterborough's Exodus Geohaghon joins Port Vale on loan|date=24 January 2011|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=24 January 2011}}</ref> and striker [[Tom Pope]] on loan from [[Rotherham United F.C.|Rotherham United]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9377693.stm|title=Port Vale sign Rotherham striker Tom Pope on loan|date=28 January 2011|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=28 January 2011}}</ref>

Losing four of his first five games in charge, Gannon was forced to respond to criticism over his team selections and substitutions,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9370986.stm|title=Port Vale manager Jim Gannon explains Rob Taylor change|date=23 January 2011|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=30 January 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9381292.stm|title=Port Vale manager Jim Gannon defends team selection|date=30 January 2011|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=30 January 2011}}</ref> and announced plans to expand the club's non-playing staff.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9378665.stm|title=Port Vale manager Jim Gannon plans to reshuffle staff|date=28 January 2011|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=30 January 2011}}</ref> On 1 February the players met with the Chairman and rumours spread that Gannon had 'lost the dressing room',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/Port-Vale-Players-turn-Jim-Gannon-management/article-3166320-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Players turn on Jim Gannon over management|date=1 February 2011|work=[[The Sentinel (Staffordshire)|The Sentinel]]|accessdate=4 February 2011}}</ref> as comparisons were made with the tenure of [[Brian Clough]] in ''[[The Damned United]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/Port-Vale-Players-fans-renewed-hope/article-3172510-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Players give fans renewed hope|last=Tideswell|first=Martin|date=2 February 2011|work=[[The Sentinel (Staffordshire)|The Sentinel]]|accessdate=2 February 2011}}</ref> Yet the next day an O'Shea volley gave Vale a 1–0 win over promotion rivals [[Rotherham United F.C.|Rotherham United]] to give Gannon his first win in charge at the club.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9384633.stm|title=Port Vale manager Jim Gannon thrilled with first win|date=2 February 2011|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=2 February 2011}}</ref> However tension remained, as proven at the end of the month when it was reported that Gannon left the team bus on a pre-match journey after rowing with assistant manager [[Geoff Horsfield]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9407897.stm|title=Port Vale boss Jim Gannon gets off team coach after row |date=25 February 2011|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=25 February 2011}}</ref> Gannon had previously told the press his staff were 'underqualified', though insisted any changes would be 'implemented at a later stage' and that Horsfield was a 'great assistant'.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9378665.stm|title=Port Vale manager Jim Gannon plans to reshuffle staff |date=28 January 2011|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=25 February 2011}}</ref> It was later reported in the national media that Horsfield had requested a day off to deal with a family matter, Gannon then granted him permission but subsequently wrote a letter to the board complaining of his conduct.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/vale/portvalenews/Port-Vale-ll-fight-future-says-Gannon/article-3273908-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: I'll fight for my future, says Gannon|date=28 February 2011|work=[[The Sentinel (Staffordshire)|The Sentinel]]|accessdate=28 February 2011}}</ref> An unnamed director then handed the letter to Horsfield, who confronted Gannon over the issue, brandishing the letter as proof when Gannon denied its existence.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1360810/Port-Vale-coach-row-Why-Horsfield-confronted-Gannon.html|title=Revealed: Why Horsfield confronted manager Gannon on Port Vale team bus|last=Moxley|first=Neil|date=26 February 2011|work=Daily Mail|accessdate=28 February 2011|location=London}}</ref> This came on the same day that local paper ''[[The Sentinel (Staffordshire)|The Sentinel]]'' ran an editorial that questioned his loan signings, his decision to drop [[Gary Roberts (footballer, born 1987)|Gary Roberts]] and branded his tactics and team selections as baffling.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/sport/Port-Vale-Sentinel-Gannon-plenty-prove-worrying-start/article-3266831-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale Sentinel: Gannon has plenty to prove after worrying start|last=Sentinel|first=Vale|date=25 February 2011|work=[[The Sentinel (Staffordshire)|The Sentinel]]|accessdate=25 February 2011}}</ref> Having returned to the team to steer his side to a 2–1 victory over [[Aldershot F.C.|Aldershot]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/9401918.stm|title=Aldershot 1 – 2 Port Vale|date=26 February 2011|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=2 March 2011}}</ref> Gannon said "there's been misrepresentation in the media over my part in this. I'm completely the innocent party".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/vale/portvalenews/Port-Vale-case-answer-coach-bust-claims-Gannon/article-3281899-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: I have no case to answer over coach bust-up, claims Gannon|last=Shaw|first=Steve|date=2 March 2011|work=[[The Sentinel (Staffordshire)|The Sentinel]]|accessdate=2 March 2011}}</ref> The club informed Horsfield that he would face a disciplinary hearing, whilst Gannon would not be asked to defend his actions and would merely provide a witness statement.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9410705.stm|title=Vale's Horsfield to face disciplinary hearing over row|date=1 March 2011|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=1 March 2011}}</ref> The club took no action, and after Horsfield spent two weeks at home the pair returned to work as before.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/vale/portvalenews/Port-Vale-Club-action-coach-bust/article-3335829-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Club take no action over coach bust-up|last=Smith|first=Peter|date=16 March 2011|work=[[The Sentinel (Staffordshire)|The Sentinel]]|accessdate=16 March 2011}}</ref> He continued to exploit the loan market, signing [[Dominic Blizzard]] from [[Bristol Rovers F.C.|Bristol Rovers]], a midfielder who played under him at Stockport.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9429219.stm|title=Port Vale sign Bristol Rovers' Dominic Blizzard |date=18 March 2011|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=18 March 2011}}</ref>

Results continued to go against the Vale though, as on 19 March they lost 3–0 at [[Accrington Stanley F.C.|Accrington Stanley]], and as a result dropped out of the play-off zone for the first time in the season.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/9422367.stm|title=Accrington Stanley 3 – 0 Port Vale|date=19 March 2011|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=19 March 2011}}</ref> Ugly post-match scenes at the [[Crown Ground]] saw Geohaghon confront fans who singled him out for abuse, whilst Gannon was ushered quietly out of the back door.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9430521.stm|title=Port Vale investigate Exodus Geohaghon clash with fans |date=20 March 2011|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=20 March 2011}}</ref> Roberts told the media "I don't think the manager likes me and, to be honest, I don't like him".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/vale/portvalenews/Port-Vale-don-t-like-manager-doesn-t-like-claims-axed-Roberts/article-3352569-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: I don't like the manager and he doesn't like me, claims axed Roberts|date=21 March 2011|work=[[The Sentinel (Staffordshire)|The Sentinel]]|accessdate=21 March 2011}}</ref> Rumours circulated that Gannon would soon be on his way out.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/vale/portvalenews/Port-Vale-Board-discuss-Gannon-s-future/article-3352647-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Board to discuss under-fire Gannon's future (VIDEO)|last=Shaw|first=Steve|date=21 March 2011|work=[[The Sentinel (Staffordshire)|The Sentinel]]|accessdate=21 March 2011}}</ref> These rumours were proved accurate two days later, as Gannon's departure was confirmed by the club.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9431553.stm|title=Manager Jim Gannon parts company with Port Vale |date=21 March 2011|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=21 March 2011}}</ref> Hugely unpopular with Vale supporters,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/vale/portvalenews/Port-Vale-Fans-s-views-Gannon-sacking/article-3356326-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Fans's views on Gannon sacking|date=22 March 2011|work=[[The Sentinel (Staffordshire)|The Sentinel]]|accessdate=22 March 2011}}</ref> his sacking was "quick and with little emotion",<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/vale/portvalenews/Port-Vale-Gannon-s-exit-brings-end-turbulent-spell-club-s-history/article-3356279-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Gannon's exit brings end to turbulent spell in club's history|date=22 March 2011|work=[[The Sentinel (Staffordshire)|The Sentinel]]|accessdate=22 March 2011}}</ref> whilst his poor man-management skills helped to earn him the dubious honour of having the shortest reign in [[History of Port Vale F.C.|the club's history]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/vale/portvalenews/Phil-Sherwin-column-Fans-plenty-look-forward-Gannon-gone/article-3356316-detail/article.html|title=Phil Sherwin column: Fans have plenty to look forward to now Gannon is gone|last=Sherwin|first=Phil|date=22 March 2011|work=[[The Sentinel (Staffordshire)|The Sentinel]]|accessdate=22 March 2011}}</ref> Despite this he did receive credit for spotting the potential talent in a teenage [[Sam Morsy]], and for bringing Tom Pope to the club.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/vale/portvalenews/Port-Vale-Sentinel-Gannon-win-situation-Vale-Park/article-3356315-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale Sentinel: Gannon was in no-win situation at Vale Park|last=Tideswell|first=Martin|date=22 March 2011|work=[[The Sentinel (Staffordshire)|The Sentinel]]|accessdate=22 March 2011}}</ref> Gannon himself made a statement on his website declaring his disappointment in the club's decision to terminate his contract after such a short period of time, and also bemoaned that he "wasn't able to add many new players [to the squad]".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jimgannon.co.uk/#/news/4538637438|title=Termination at contract at Port Vale FC on 21 March 201|date=25 March 2011|work=jimgannon.co.uk|accessdate=26 March 2011}}</ref> The "Valiants" continued to struggle under caretaker manager [[Mark Grew]], winning just two of their remaining ten games, and finishing 2010–11 in eleventh place.

===Return to Stockport County===
[[File:Jim Gannon SCFC1.jpg|thumb|Gannon as [[Stockport County F.C.|Stockport County]] manager in 2012]]
Following the resignation of [[Dietmar Hamann]] in November 2011, speculation came of a return to Stockport County for Gannon; when questioned on the possibility, club chairman [[Peter Snape, Baron Snape|Lord Snape]] stated that should he apply for the position then "he'd merit very serious consideration".<ref>{{cite news|title=Dietmar Hamann resigns as Stockport County manager|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/15620388.stm|accessdate=7 November 2011|newspaper=[[BBC Sport]]|date=7 November 2011}}</ref> In the thirty months since Gannon's departure, the club had seen five full-time managers come and go,<ref>{{cite news|title=Jim Gannon appointed Stockport County director of football|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/15732895.stm|accessdate=15 November 2011|newspaper=[[BBC Sport]]|date=15 November 2011}}</ref> suffered relegation into the [[Conference National]], and had not won back-to-back games since February 2009. On 14 November, he was revealed as the club's [[director of football]], a position leaving him "responsible for all football matters including 1st team selection and transfers"; [[Willie McStay (footballer born 1961)|Willie McStay]] remained at the club, as his assistant.<ref>{{cite web|title=Gannon Back|url=http://www.stockportcounty.com/page/LatestNews/0,,10419~2515804,00.html|work=stockportcounty.com|accessdate=14 November 2011}}</ref> When he took charge Stockport were seventeenth in the league, just two points above the relegation zone, having won just three of their opening twenty games. He stated that his aim for [[2011–12 Stockport County F.C. season|2011–12]] was to avoid letting the club slip to a third successive relegation.<ref>{{cite news|title=Stockport County in worse state now – Jim Gannon|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/15755580.stm|accessdate=27 November 2011|newspaper=[[BBC Sport]]|date=16 November 2011}}</ref>

After losing his first five games in charge, including a 7–0 thumping from [[Grimsby Town F.C.|Grimsby Town]] at [[Blundell Park]], Gannon admitted that the club's finances limited his ability to change personnel.<ref name="smarting">{{cite news|title=Gannon smarting from heavy defeat|url=http://www.bluesqfootball.com/story/0,20970,21658_7346843,00.html|accessdate=16 January 2012|newspaper=bluesqfootball.com|date=2 December 2011}}</ref> He also stated that "if I didn't take the job, this club would've had a real chance of dying... I'm not proud to be the manager of a club that loses 7–0... but this is my team now... It has always been my club, so it's my responsibility to make things better, and over time we will."<ref name="smarting"/> He released striker [[Antonio German]],<ref>{{cite news|title=Two to Leave Edgeley Park|url=http://www.stockportcounty.com/page/LatestNews/0,,10419~2557506,00.html|accessdate=16 January 2012|newspaper=stockportcounty.com|date=24 December 2011}}</ref> defender [[Chris Blackburn]],<ref>{{cite news|title=Chris Blackburn leaves|url=http://www.stockportcounty.com/page/LatestNews/0,,10419~2566009,00.html|accessdate=16 January 2012|newspaper=stockportcounty.com|date=4 January 2012}}</ref> and seven goal top-scorer [[Nick Chadwick]] in the January transfer window.<ref>{{cite news|title=Plymouth Argyle sign Nick Chadwick from Stockport County|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16416922.stm|accessdate=16 January 2012|newspaper=[[BBC Sport]]|date=4 January 2012}}</ref> He then signed defender [[Joe Connor (footballer born 1986)|Joe Connor]] on non-contract terms,<ref>{{cite news|title=Stockport County snap up defender Joe Connor|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16185817.stm|accessdate=16 January 2012|newspaper=[[BBC Sport]]|date=14 December 2011}}</ref> and teenagers Aaron Cole and Danny Rowe on loan.<ref>{{cite news|title=Stockport County sign Fleetwood Town's Danny Rowe|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16415638.stm|accessdate=16 January 2012|newspaper=[[BBC Sport]]|date=4 January 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Cole joins on loan|url=http://www.stockportcounty.com/page/LatestNews/0,,10419~2526084,00.html|accessdate=16 January 2012|newspaper=stockportcounty.com|date=24 November 2011}}</ref> His first win in his second spell at the club came on New Year's Day, in a 3–2 victory over [[Barrow A.F.C.|Barrow]] at [[Edgeley Park]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Stockport vs Barrow|url=http://www.stockportcounty.com/page/MatchReport/0,,10419~60265,00.html|accessdate=16 January 2012|newspaper=stockportcounty.com|date=1 January 2012}}</ref> He then re-signed former players [[Paul Turnbull]] and [[Matty Mainwaring]] on loan.<ref>{{cite news|title=Northampton's Paul Turnbull rejoins Stockport County on loan|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16679753.stm|accessdate=23 January 2012|newspaper=[[BBC Sport]]|date=23 January 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Stockport County bring Matty Mainwaring back from Hull|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16610698.stm|accessdate=23 January 2012|newspaper=[[BBC Sport]]|date=18 January 2012}}</ref> Worried by the situation at crisis clubs [[Darlington F.C.|Darlington]] and [[Kettering Town F.C.|Kettering Town]], Gannon cancelled the contracts of veterans [[Matt Glennon]], [[John Miles (footballer)|John Miles]], [[Mark Lynch (association footballer)|Mark Lynch]], and [[Ryan McCann]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Gaffer Explains Deadline Day Deals|url=http://www.stockportcounty.com/page/LatestNews/0,,10419~2595319,00.html|accessdate=2 February 2012|newspaper=stockportcounty.com|date=31 January 2012}}</ref> He brought in 23-year-old [[A.F.C. Telford United|Telford]] defender [[Sean Newton]] and 18-year-old [[Sunderland A.F.C.|Sunderland]] keeper Lewis King on loan,<ref>{{cite news|title=AFC Telford's Sean Newton joins Stockport County|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17475650|accessdate=25 March 2012|newspaper=[[BBC Sport]]|date=22 March 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Stockport County sign Sunderland keeper Lewis King on loan|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17474361|accessdate=25 March 2012|newspaper=[[BBC Sport]]|date=22 March 2012}}</ref> whilst signing 19-year-old [[Lancaster City F.C.|Lancaster City]] midfielder Danny Hattersley on a permanent transfer.<ref>{{cite news|title=Stockport sign striker Danny Hattersley from Lancaster|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17398375|accessdate=25 March 2012|newspaper=[[BBC Sport]]|date=16 March 2012}}</ref> The "Hatters" secured their Conference status with two games to spare, after a 1–1 home draw with [[Braintree Town F.C.|Braintree Town]] on 14 April, having lost just twice in the league at Edgeley Park since Gannon's return.<ref>{{cite news|title=Stockport secured their place in the Blue Square Bet Premier despite an injury-time goal from Brad Quinton which rescued a point for Braintree|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17643261|accessdate=14 April 2012|newspaper=[[BBC Sport]]|date=14 April 2012}}</ref> Stockport finished the campaign in 16th place, 10 points above the drop and 20 points below the play-off zone.

In preparation for the [[2012–13 Stockport County F.C. season|2012–13]] season, Gannon signed defenders [[Sean Newton]] and [[James Tunnicliffe]], and took back Paul Turnbull on loan once again.<ref>{{cite news|title=Paul Turnbull returns to Stockport County on loan|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19675534|accessdate=20 January 2013|newspaper=[[BBC Sport]]|date=21 September 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Stockport County re-sign James Tunnicliffe|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18628395|accessdate=20 January 2013|newspaper=[[BBC Sport]]|date=28 June 2012}}</ref> However he was disappointed to lose striker [[Tom Elliott (footballer)|Tom Elliott]], who rejected a contract offer to switch to [[Cambridge United F.C.|Cambridge United]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Cambridge United sign Tom Elliott from Stockport County|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18180268|accessdate=20 January 2013|newspaper=[[BBC Sport]]|date=23 May 2012}}</ref> He also appointed long-time associate Alan Lord as his assistant.<ref>{{cite news|title=Stockport County name Alan Lord as new assistant manager|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18118710|accessdate=20 January 2013|newspaper=[[BBC Sport]]|date=18 May 2012}}</ref> However County found themselves struggling in the league, and Gannon blamed the predicament on the board's decision to slash the wage budget in the summer.<ref>{{cite news|last=Collins|first=Ben|title=Jim Gannon in for showdown talks with Stockport County chief|url=http://menmedia.co.uk/stockportexpress/sport/football/stockport_county/s/1595903_jim-gannon-in-for-showdown-talks-with-stockport-county-chief|accessdate=20 January 2013|newspaper=Stockport Express|date=12 December 2012}}</ref> An angry Lord Snape told the press that "I'm getting pretty fed up of watching part-time teams beat Stockport County. Changes are going to be made unless things improve. Jim Gannon's pretty good at telling me how this club should be run. Well I'm going to tell him that I'm not impressed by the way the team is being run. If we lose a couple of our next games, we're in a relegation battle with a much bigger budget than most of the teams down there with us, which quite frankly is not good enough."<ref>{{cite news|title=Snape fires Gannon warning|url=http://www.bluesqfootball.com/story/0,20970,21658_8321589,00.html|accessdate=20 January 2013|newspaper=bluesqfootball.com|date=10 December 2012}}</ref> Fourteen months into his second spell at Edgeley Park and with County sitting in the relegation zone, Gannon was relieved of his duties as Stockport manager on 16 January 2013 following the 3–1 home defeat by [[Mansfield Town F.C.|Mansfield Town]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Stockport County: Jim Gannon sacked after 14 months in charge |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21037493 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=16 January 2013 |accessdate=16 January 2013}}</ref>

===Northwich Victoria===
On 9 December 2013 it was announced that Gannon would become the new manager of [[Northern Premier League Division One North]] side [[Northwich Victoria F.C.|Northwich Victoria]]. He replaced [[Lee Ashcroft]], who resigned as manager and became director of football after picking up a ten match ban for sexist abuse.<ref>{{cite web|title=Gannon returns to management with Northwich Victoria|url=http://twentyfour7football.com/gannon-returns-to-management-with-northwich-victoria-21350|work=twentyfour7football.com|accessdate=10 December 2013}}</ref> The "Vics" ended the [[2013–14 Northern Premier League|2013–14]] season in ninth place. They reached the play-offs in the [[2014–15 Northern Premier League|2014–15]] campaign, losing to [[Bamber Bridge F.C.|Bamber Bridge]] at the semi-final stage.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Smith|first1=Oliver|title=Match report: Bamber Bridge 2-1 Northwich Victoria (aet)|url=http://www.leylandguardian.co.uk/sport/football/match-report-bamber-bridge-2-1-northwich-victoria-aet-1-7234303|accessdate=3 May 2015|work=Leyland Guardian|date=29 April 2015}}</ref> He took the club on a successful [[FA Cup]] run in the [[2015–16 Northern Premier League|2015–16]] campaign, leaving them as the lowest rank team in the competition when they were knocked out by [[Football League Two|League Two]] side [[Northampton Town F.C.|Northampton Town]] in the Second Round.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Wilson|first1=Paul|title=Northwich’s Jim Gannon flies non-league flag with Northampton test in store|url=http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/dec/04/northwich-jim-gannon-non-league-northampton|accessdate=18 January 2016|work=The Guardian|date=4 December 2015}}</ref> Northwich had led 2–0 with eight minutes to play before a late comeback from Northampton.<ref>{{cite news|title=Northampton 3 - 2 Northwich Victoria|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/34952309|accessdate=19 January 2016|work=[[BBC Sport]]|date=5 December 2015}}</ref>

===Third spell at Stockport County===
Gannon became manager of Stockport County, now in the [[National League North]], for the third time in his career on 18 January 2016.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Byrne|first1=Sam|title=Jim Gannon returns to Stockport County for third stint as manager|url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/jim-gannon-returns-stockport-county-10754650|accessdate=18 January 2016|work=Manchester Evening News|date=18 January 2016}}</ref>

==Managerial style==
Gannon is one of few managers in the lower leagues to hold a full [[UEFA Pro Licence]].<ref name="LMA" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://posh.footballblog.co.uk/jim-gannon-named-manager-london-road.html|title=Jim Gannon named new manager at London Road|date=6 February 2010|work=theposh.com|accessdate=2010-05-23}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sportm.ro/Fotbal-intern/profil-mario-marinica-super-mario-in-africa.html|date=15 July 2009|title=Mario Marinica and his Pro-Licence classmates visit Steve Bruce at Birmingham City FC}}</ref>

Priding himself on playing flowing football in the lower leagues of the English game, Gannon has repeatedly spoken out against clubs he feels play too physically, and referees he feels do not give his players enough protection.<ref>{{cite web|title = Get set for a thriller|work = Stockport Express, 26 March 2008|url=http://www.stockportexpress.co.uk/sport/football/stockport_county/s/1042445_get_set_for_a_thriller}}</ref> As a manager in England, Scotland and Ireland, his teams have picked up fair play awards.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jimgannon.co.uk/#/fair-play/4534201521|title=Fair Play|work=jimgannon.co.uk|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref><ref name="fair">{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/motherwell/6115735/Motherwell-will-play-honestly-and-fairly-says-manager-Jim-Gannon.html|title=Motherwell will play 'honestly and fairly' says manager Jim Gannon |last=Lomax|first=Andrew|date=30 August 2009|work=The Telegraph|accessdate=12 March 2011|location=London}}</ref> He has stated that this fair play approach is based on his belief that it is "good principles that lead to good football".<ref name="fair" />

{{Quote|"My philosophy is good passing football, it is how I believe the game should be played and it brings out the best in players. It inspires them and motivates them to play football in the right manner."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.leaguemanagers.com/news/news-6511.html|title=Posh Appoint Gannon|date=2 February 2010|work=LMA|accessdate=10 March 2011}}</ref>|Gannon speaking in February 2010.}}

Gannon has also been called a 'tactical maverick' due to his unusual [[Formation (association football)|formations]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Yes, Gannon's still a maverick|last=Dunlavy|first=Chris|date=11 April 2010|work=The Football League Paper|accessdate=12 March 2011}}</ref> These formations include [[Formation (association football)#3.E2.80.934.E2.80.931.E2.80.932|3–4–1–2]], [[Formation (association football)#4.E2.80.933.E2.80.932.E2.80.931 .28the .22Christmas Tree.22 formation.29|4–3–2–1]], [[Formation (association football)#4.E2.80.931.E2.80.932.E2.80.933|4–1–2–3]], and his preferred set-up of [[Formation (association football)#4.E2.80.932.E2.80.933.E2.80.931|4–2–3–1]].<ref name="mavericks">{{cite web|url=http://www.jimgannon.co.uk/#/news/4538637438|title=Only 'Mavericks' Play the 4–3–2–1 System|date=27 May 2010|work=personal website|accessdate=12 March 2011}}</ref> He has stated that he prefers formations that use four lines of players (as opposed to three lines in the classic [[Formation (association football)#4.E2.80.934.E2.80.932|4–4–2]]) due to the added depth in defence and presence in midfield, and was inspired to use the formations by [[Carlo Ancelotti]].<ref name="mavericks" /> He has also stated that he prefers the [[Formation (association football)#4.E2.80.933.E2.80.933|4–3–3 formation]] to the 4–4–2 formation, and has criticised the way he perceives 4–4–2 to be 'ingrained in the culture' of English football.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jimgannon.co.uk/#/news/4538637438|title=Will the 4–3–3 ever be Popular in England?|date=7 October 2010|work=personal website|accessdate=12 March 2011}}</ref> He is known to be extremely thorough and meticulous in preparing his players for games.<ref>{{cite news|last=Owen|first=Gareth|title=I've had an eventful time at Vale, but I wouldn't change a minute of it|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Gareth-Owen-ve-eventful-time-Vale-wouldn-t-change/story-15481601-detail/story.html|accessdate=10 March 2012|newspaper=[[The Sentinel (Staffordshire)|The Sentinel]]|date=10 March 2012}}</ref>

Of an outspoken nature, he has had public fallings out with players,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/stockport/8138857.stm|title=Rose ready for life after Gannon|date=7 July 2009|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/spl/2010/01/14/jim-gannon-didn-t-have-guts-to-tell-me-i-wasn-t-in-his-plans-says-ex-motherwell-striker-steven-mcgarry-86908-21966173/|title=Jim Gannon didn't have guts to tell me I wasn't in his plans, says ex-Motherwell striker Steven McGarry|last=Mcdermott|first=Scott|date=14 January 2010|work=Daily Record|accessdate=6 January 2011}}</ref> referees,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/motherwell/8190744.stm|title=Gannon criticises referee display|last=Barnes|first=John|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011|date=7 August 2009}}</ref> chairmen,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/motherwell/6900497/Jim-Gannon-leaves-Motherwell.html|title=Jim Gannon leaves Motherwell|last=Grahame|first=Ewing|date=28 December 2009|work=Telegraph|accessdate=6 January 2011|location=London}}</ref> opposition players and managers, and authorities.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/stockport/7029778.stm|title=Boss Gannon is hit with FA charge|date=5 October 2007|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> ''[[The Guardian]]'' surmised this by saying that "the feeling about Gannon is that it is His Way or the Highway."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/football-league-blog/2011/mar/22/port-vale-jim-gannon-robbie-williams|title=Why Robbie Williams won't rescue Port Vale after Gannon finally goes|date=22 March 2011|work=The Guardian|accessdate=22 March 2011|location=London|first=Steve|last=Busfield}}</ref>

==Honours==

===As player===
;Dundalk
*[[League of Ireland]] champion: [[1987–88 League of Ireland|1987–88]]
*[[FAI Cup]] winner: [[1988 FAI Cup Final|1988]]

;Stockport County
*[[Football League Second Division]] runner-up: [[1996–97 Football League|1996–97]]
*[[Football League Fourth Division]] runner-up: [[1990–91 Football League Fourth Division|1990–91]]
*[[Football League Trophy]] runner-up: [[1992 Football League Trophy Final|1992]], [[1993 Football League Trophy Final|1993]]

;Shelbourne
*[[League of Ireland]]: [[2001–02 Shelbourne F.C. season|2001–02]], [[2003 Shelbourne F.C. season|2003]]
*[[League of Ireland]] runner-up: [[2002–03 Shelbourne F.C. season|2002–03]]

===As manager===
;Stockport County
*[[Football League Two play-offs]] winner: [[2008 Football League Two play-off Final|2008]]

;Individual
*[[List of Scottish Premier League monthly award winners|Scottish Premier League Manager of the Month]]: [[2009–10 Scottish Premier League|October 2009]]

==Managerial statistics==
{{updated|match played 1 November 2015.}}<ref>{{soccerbase (manager)|2022|Jim Gannon}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable" border="1" style="text-align: center"
|-
!rowspan="2"|Team
!rowspan="2"|From
!rowspan="2"|To
!colspan="5"|Record
|-
!G!!W!!D!!L!!Win %
|-
|align=left|[[Dundalk F.C.|Dundalk]]
|align=left|8 June 2004
|align=left|14 November 2005
{{WDL|72|26|18|28}}
|-
|align=left|[[Stockport County F.C.|Stockport County]]
|align=left|28 December 2005
|align=left|6 May 2009
{{WDL|182|79|42|61}}
|-
|align=left|[[Motherwell F.C.|Motherwell]]
|align=left|30 June 2009
|align=left|28 December 2009
{{WDL|25|7|8|10}}
|-
|align=left|[[Peterborough United F.C.|Peterborough United]]
|align=left|1 February 2010
|align=left|6 April 2010
{{WDL|14|4|1|9}}
|-
|align=left|[[Port Vale F.C.|Port Vale]]
|align=left|6 January 2011
|align=left|21 March 2011
{{WDL|15|4|4|7}}
|-
|align=left|[[Stockport County F.C.|Stockport County]]
|align=left|14 November 2011
|align=left|16 January 2013
{{WDL|59|18|14|27}}
|-
|align=left|[[Northwich Victoria F.C.|Northwich Victoria]]
|align=left|9 December 2013
|align=left|19 January 2016
{{WDL|113|66|21|26}}
|-
|align=left|[[Stockport County F.C.|Stockport County]]
|align=left|19 January 2016
|align=left|Present
{{WDL|5|2|2|1}}
|-
!colspan="3"|Total
{{WDLtot|481|205|108|168}}
|}

==References==
{{reflist|20em}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Jim Gannon}}
*{{soccerbase|2751|Jim Gannon}}
*{{soccerbase (manager)|2022|Jim Gannon}}
*[http://www.leaguemanagers.com/managers/profile-1562.html Profile] at the [[League Managers Association]] website

{{Stockport County F.C. squad}}
{{Dundalk F.C. managers}}
{{Stockport County F.C. managers}}
{{Motherwell F.C. managers}}
{{Peterborough United F.C. managers}}
{{Port Vale F.C. managers}}
{{Northwich Victoria F.C. managers}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Gannon, Jim}}
[[Category:1968 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:People from Southwark]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from London]]
[[Category:English footballers]]
[[Category:Republic of Ireland association footballers]]
[[Category:Association football defenders]]
[[Category:Dundalk F.C. players]]
[[Category:Sheffield United F.C. players]]
[[Category:Halifax Town A.F.C. players]]
[[Category:Stockport County F.C. players]]
[[Category:Notts County F.C. players]]
[[Category:Crewe Alexandra F.C. players]]
[[Category:Shelbourne F.C. players]]
[[Category:The Football League players]]
[[Category:League of Ireland players]]
[[Category:Irish accountants]]
[[Category:UEFA Pro Licence holders]]
[[Category:English football managers]]
[[Category:Republic of Ireland football managers]]
[[Category:Dundalk F.C. managers]]
[[Category:Stockport County F.C. managers]]
[[Category:Motherwell F.C. managers]]
[[Category:Peterborough United F.C. managers]]
[[Category:Northwich Victoria F.C. managers]]
[[Category:Port Vale F.C. managers]]
[[Category:League of Ireland managers]]
[[Category:The Football League managers]]
[[Category:National League (English football) managers]]
[[Category:Scottish Premier League managers]]
[[Category:Northern Premier League managers]]

Jim Gannon

2016-02-20T18:02:29Z

212.183.128.49: Fellow centr back was Mike Flynn, not Sean Connelly.

{{For|the rugby league player|Jim Gannon (rugby league)}}
{{Use British English|date=December 2012}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2012}}
{{good article}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Jim Gannon
| image = Jim Gannon Apr 2008.JPG
| image_size = 200px
| caption = Gannon as [[Stockport County F.C.|Stockport County]] manager (April 2008).
| fullname = James Paul Gannon
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1968|9|7|df=y}}<ref name="LMA">{{cite web|url=http://www.leaguemanagers.com/managers/profile-1562.html|title=Jim Gannon Profile|work=League Managers Association|accessdate=10 March 2011}}</ref>
| birth_place = [[Southwark]], [[London]], England<ref name="base">{{soccerbase|2751|Jim Gannon}}</ref>
| height = {{convert|6|ft|2|in|m|2|abbr=on}}<ref name="base" />
| position = [[Defender (association football)|Centre-half]]; various
| currentclub = [[Stockport County F.C.|Stockport County]] (manager)
| years1 = 1987–1989|clubs1 = [[Dundalk F.C.|Dundalk]] |caps1 = 17|goals1 = 1
| years2 = 1989–1990|clubs2 = [[Sheffield United F.C.|Sheffield United]] |caps2 = 0|goals2 = 0
| years3 = 1990 |clubs3 = → [[Halifax Town A.F.C.|Halifax Town]] (loan)|caps3 = 2|goals3 = 0
| years4 = 1990–2000|clubs4 = [[Stockport County F.C.|Stockport County]] |caps4 = 383|goals4 = 52
| years5 = 1994 |clubs5 = → [[Notts County F.C.|Notts County]] (loan) |caps5 = 2|goals5 = 0
| years6 = 2000–2001|clubs6 = [[Crewe Alexandra F.C.|Crewe Alexandra]] |caps6 = 7|goals6 = 0
| years7 = 2001–2004|clubs7 = [[Shelbourne F.C.|Shelbourne]] |caps7 = 48|goals7 = 3
| totalcaps = 459| totalgoals = 56
| manageryears1 = 2004–2005|managerclubs1 = [[Dundalk F.C.|Dundalk]]
| manageryears2 = 2005–2009|managerclubs2 = [[Stockport County F.C.|Stockport County]]
| manageryears3 = 2009 |managerclubs3 = [[Motherwell F.C.|Motherwell]]
| manageryears4 = 2010 |managerclubs4 = [[Peterborough United F.C.|Peterborough United]]
| manageryears5 = 2011 |managerclubs5 = [[Port Vale F.C.|Port Vale]]
| manageryears6 = 2011–2013|managerclubs6 = [[Stockport County F.C.|Stockport County]]
| manageryears7 = 2013–2016|managerclubs7 = [[Northwich Victoria F.C.|Northwich Victoria]]
| manageryears8 = 2016– |managerclubs8 = [[Stockport County F.C.|Stockport County]]
}}
'''James Paul''' "'''Jim'''" '''Gannon''' (born 7 September 1968) is a former [[Association football|footballer]] who is now manager of [[National League North]] side [[Stockport County F.C.|Stockport County]]. He started and finished his career as a player in Ireland, but made most of his professional appearances in the [[England|English]] [[The Football League|Football League]] at Stockport County, where supporters elected him as a member of the Hall of Fame.

Gannon began his playing career at [[Dundalk F.C.|Dundalk]], but moved to English club [[Sheffield United F.C.|Sheffield United]] in 1989. The next year he transferred to Stockport County, following a short loan spell with [[Halifax Town A.F.C.|Halifax Town]]. He spent the next ten years at Stockport, becoming one of the club's most loyal servants, and helped the club to second-place finishes in both the [[Football League Second Division|Second Division]] and [[Football League Fourth Division|Fourth Division]], as well as two [[Football League Trophy]] finals. After leaving the club in 2000, he spent a season with [[Crewe Alexandra F.C.|Crewe Alexandra]], before returning to Ireland with [[Shelbourne F.C.|Shelbourne]], winning two [[League of Ireland]] titles in his three years there.

Starting a career in management, he took charge of his first club Dundalk in 2004. After a season in Ireland he returned to Stockport County as manager. There he led the club to promotion from [[Football League Two|League Two]] via the [[Football League Two play-offs|play-offs]] in [[2008 Football League Two play-off Final|2008]]. Leading County to safety in [[Football League One|League One]] despite a ten-point deduction for entering administration, he lost his job as part of a cost-cutting measure. Heading to [[Scottish Premier League]] side [[Motherwell F.C.|Motherwell]], he managed the club in the [[UEFA Europa League|Europa League]], but left after just 25 games in charge. He took charge of [[Football League Championship|Championship]] side [[Peterborough United F.C.|Peterborough United]] in 2010, but stayed at the struggling club for only two months, turning down a four-year contract. In January 2011 he was appointed manager of Port Vale, but lasted just ten weeks in the job. He returned to Stockport in November 2011, as the club's director of football and manager, before being sacked in January 2013. He took charge at [[Northwich Victoria F.C.|Northwich Victoria]] in December 2013. He spent just over two years with Northwich before returning to manage Stockport County for the third time in January 2016.

==Early life==
Gannon was born in [[Southwark]], [[South London]] and moved with his family to [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]] at a young age.<ref name="bio">{{cite web|url=http://www.jimgannon.co.uk/#/biography/4534188248|title=Biography|work=jimgannon.co.uk|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> He considers himself to be 'a [[working class]] Irish [[Catholicism|Catholic]]'.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/motherwell/jim-gannon-sets-out-to-keep-crowd-quiet-at-parkhead-1.926534|title=Jim Gannon sets out to keep crowd quiet at Parkhead|last=Jack|first=Chris|date=15 October 2009|work=The Herald|accessdate=3 February 2011}}</ref>

==Playing career==
===Early career===
In 1987 he received his start in higher level football with Irish club [[Turlough O'Connor (footballer)|Turlough O'Connor]]'s [[Dundalk F.C.|Dundalk]].<ref name="mcd">{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/gannon-to-take-reins-at-dundalk-171324.html|title=Gannon to take reins at Dundalk|last=McDermott|first=Gerry|date=12 May 2004|work=independent.ie|accessdate=13 March 2011}}</ref> Whilst with the club he played in both the [[UEFA Champions League]] and [[UEFA Cup Winners' Cup]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/I+want+that+shirt+off+Rava%27s+back!-a061103145|title=I want that shirt off Rava's back!|last=Tanner|first=Richard|date=26 February 1997|work=The Mirror|accessdate=12 March 2011}}</ref> in a highly successful period in the club's history. During his spell at the club they did the [[Double (association football)#Republic of Ireland|Irish double]], winning both the [[FAI Cup]] and topping the [[League of Ireland]] in [[1987–88 League of Ireland|1987–88]].<ref name="mcd" /> His performances for Dundalk earned him a £70,000 move to [[England|English]] team [[Sheffield United F.C.|Sheffield United]] in April 1989.<ref name="mcd" /> However he was unable to break into the first team at [[Bramall Lane]].<ref name="bio" /> He spent a brief time in [[1989–90 Football League|1989–90]] on loan at struggling [[Halifax Town A.F.C.|Halifax Town]], making two appearances for the "Shaymen".

===Stockport County===
In 1990 he moved to [[Stockport County F.C.|Stockport County]], who paid United between £40,000 and £75,000 for his services.<ref name="target">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/stockport/4649788.stm|title=Gannon targets Hatters turnaround|last=Oliver|first=Pete|date=26 January 2006|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref><ref name="Conn">{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/gannons-edgeley-love-affair-ends-in-acrimony-703675.html|title=Gannon's Edgeley love affair ends in acrimony|last=Conn|first=David|date=18 January 2001|work=The Telegraph|accessdate=12 March 2011|location=London}}</ref><ref name="stock"/> He remained at the club for ten years, during which the club would win promotion on two occasions, and make four [[Wembley Stadium (1923)|Wembley]] appearances. On 10 March 1993, Gannon verbally abused [[Stoke City F.C.|Stoke City]] player [[Mark Stein (footballer)|Mark Stein]], who reacted by assaulting Gannon. Gannon made a formal complaint to the police and as a result Stein was later required to appear in court for the attack.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-gannon-to-make-complaint-1497057.html|title=Football: Gannon to make complaint |last=Shaw|first=Phil|date=11 March 1993|work=The Independent|accessdate=12 March 2011|location=London}}</ref> The two players' confrontation continued the following month after Gannon's then-girlfriend spat at Stein in a post-match interview.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-promotion-rivals-add-to-spiteful-saga-1453507.html|title=Football: Promotion rivals add to spiteful saga|last=Shaw|first=Phil|date=5 April 1993|work=The Independent|accessdate=12 March 2011|location=London}}</ref> Stein was given a conditional discharge<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/racism-in-sport-when-respect-is-the-goal-simon-ohagan-examines-the-barriers-to-pride-created-by-prejudice-1465395.html|title=Racism in Sport: When respect is the goal: Simon O'Hagan examines the barriers to pride created by prejudice|last=O'Hagan|first=Simon|date=5 December 1993|work=[[The Independent]]|accessdate=5 January 2011|location=London}}</ref> after the court accepted he was under "extreme provocation" from what he claimed was [[Racism|racial abuse]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4161/is_19980308/ai_n14473385/pg_2/?tag=content;col1|title=Football: I whacked the player who taunted me for being black|last=Nickless|first=Graham|date=8 March 1998|work=[[Daily Mirror]]|accessdate=6 January 2011}} {{Dead link|date=April 2012|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> During his early days at the club Gannon was criticised by supporters for his performances, but he soon won them over after moving from centre-half to become a goalscoring midfielder.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jimgannon.co.uk/#/a-ghost-story/4534323537|last=Brennan|first=Phil|title=A Ghost Story|work=jimgannon.co.uk|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> Stockport fans named him 'The Ghost',<ref name="grand">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/stockport/4829238.stm|title=Gannon mounts a grandstand start|last=May|first=John|date=21 March 2006|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> due to his knack of 'ghosting' in at the back of [[Penalty area|the box]] to score from crosses.<ref name="bio" /> He was also nicknamed 'Big Jimbo'.<ref name="stock" />

In [[1990–91 Football League Fourth Division|1990–91]], County achieved promotion from the [[Football League Fourth Division|Fourth Division]] as runners-up. In [[1992 Football League Trophy Final|1992]] he made his first trip to [[Wembley Stadium (1923)|Wembley Stadium]], as Stockport lost 1–0 to Stoke City in the [[Football League Trophy]] final. During the same season, Stockport also reached the [[1992 Football League Third Division play-off Final|Third Division play-off Final]], but were defeated at Wembley. The following year, County again reached the [[1993 Football League Trophy Final|League Trophy Final]], but lost 2–1 to [[Port Vale F.C.|Port Vale]]. In January 1994 Gannon joined [[Notts County F.C.|Notts County]] on a brief loan spell to help him overcome some personal problems.<ref name="stock">{{cite web|url=http://www.stockportcounty.com/page/PastPlayers/0,,10419~602604,00.html|title=Jim Gannon|date=27 June 2008|work=stockportcounty.com|accessdate=3 February 2011}}</ref> Returning to Stockport, he finished the season with his fourth trip to Wembley in two years, as County were denied promotion from the [[Football League Second Division|Second Division]] by [[1994 Football League Second Division play-off Final|a 2–1 defeat]] to [[Burnley F.C.|Burnley]]. The team finally achieved promotion from the division in [[1996–97 Football League|1996–97]] as runners-up. This promotion was built on a strong defence, of which Gannon and fellow centre-back Mike Flynn were a major part.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jimgannon.co.uk/#/news/4538637438|title=Memories for Life|date=10 February 2010|work=personal website|accessdate=12 March 2011}}</ref> The following season, County achieved an eighth-place finish in the [[Football League First Division|First Division]]. He played under the management of [[Danny Bergara]], [[Dave Jones (footballer born 1956)|Dave Jones]], [[Gary Megson]], and [[Andy Kilner]].

On 21 March 2000, during a game with [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]], he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligaments, keeping him out of action for several months.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/true-grit-gannon-sets-out-on-special-cup-mission-359088.html|title=True grit Gannon sets out on special Cup mission|last=Quinn|first=Philip|date=27 January 2011|work=independent.ie|accessdate=12 March 2011}}</ref> He was awarded a testimonial against [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]] in August 2000,<ref>{{cite news|title = What A Weird Weah To Start|work = Sunday Mirror, 6 August 2000 |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4161/is_20000806/ai_n14511745 | first=Ian | last=Whittell | date=6 August 2000}}</ref> but got into a dispute with the club over the financial arrangements.<ref name="con">{{cite web|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/motherwell/a-career-marked-with-conflict-jim-gannon-a-man-in-a-hurry-but-unfortunately-he-always-seems-to-be-heading-for-the-exit-1.994868|title=A career marked with conflict: Jim Gannon a man in a hurry, but unfortunately he always seems to be heading for the exit|last=MacDonald|first=Hugh|date=29 December 2009|work=The Herald|accessdate=6 March 2011}}</ref> He then left the club in November 2000, and issued employment tribunal proceedings for unfair dismissal.<ref name="Conn" />

===Later career===
The following month he joined [[Dario Gradi]]'s [[Crewe Alexandra F.C.|Crewe Alexandra]] on non-contract terms.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/crewe_alexandra/1080346.stm|title=Crewe sign Gannon|date=20 December 2000|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> After ten games with Crewe, he returned to Ireland.

Following a break from football to obtain qualifications in [[accountancy]], Gannon signed with [[Shelbourne F.C.|Shelbourne]] in August 2001.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/gannon-could-be-shels-ace-509949.html|title=Gannon could be Shels' ace
|last=Ryan|first=Sean|date=19 August 2001|work=independent.ie|accessdate=12 March 2011}}</ref> Despite being appointed as captain upon his arrival, he initially struggled to get into the first team during the [[2001–02 Shelbourne F.C. season|2001–02]] League Championship winning season, and considered a move back to England.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Football%3a+GANNON%27S+EYES+ON+ENGLAND.-a078946589|title=Football: GANNON'S EYES ON ENGLAND.|date=7 October 2001|work=The Mirror|accessdate=12 March 2011}}</ref> However he found himself a key member of the defence when new manager [[Pat Fenlon]] took over.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Football%3A+GOLDEN+DAYS+AHEAD+FOR+JIM%3B+PREMIER+LEAGUE%3A+DROGHEDA+U+v...-a0100601977|title=Football: GOLDEN DAYS AHEAD FOR JIM; PREMIER LEAGUE: DROGHEDA U v SHELS Gannon can't wait to be part of eircom League's new era.|last=Scully|first=Michael|date=25 April 2003|work=The Mirror|accessdate=12 March 2011}}</ref> Under Fenlon, Gannon helped the "Shels" to a second-place finish in [[2002–03 Shelbourne F.C. season|2002–03]], and also played in the [[2002–03 UEFA Champions League qualifying rounds]], scoring past [[Hibernians F.C.|Hibernians]] in a 2–2 draw at the [[Ta' Qali National Stadium]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.archive.uefa.com/competitions/ucl/history/season=2002/round=1633/match=69698/index.html|title=Shelbourne have narrow advantage|date=17 July 2002|work=uefa.com|accessdate=6 January 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title = Reds so close to glamour tie with Boavista|work = The Mirror, 18 July 2002 |url=http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G1-89200001.html}}</ref> He did not feature extensively in the club's [[2003 Shelbourne F.C. season|2003]] League Championship winning side.

Gannon holds a unique record, having scored in all four English divisions, the [[FA Cup]], the [[Football League Cup]], the [[Full Members Cup]], the English League play-offs, the [[League of Ireland]], the [[FAI Cup]], the [[League of Ireland Cup]], and the [[UEFA Champions League]].<ref>{{cite web|title = Past Players: Jim Gannon|work = Stockport County, 27 June 2008 |url=http://www.stockportcounty.com/page/PastPlayers/0,,10419~602604,00.html|accessdate=12 March 2011}}</ref><ref name="saviour" /> He has received two distinguished honours from Stockport's supporters since leaving the club – being elected to the Stockport Hall of Fame and as Honorary Vice President of the Hatters Independent Supporters Club. His 479 club appearances puts him in third spot in Stockport's all-time appearance list and his 65 goals are ninth in their scoring records.<ref name="bio" />

==Managerial career==

===Dundalk===
In June 2004 he was appointed to his first managerial post, taking charge of Dundalk, who were also the first club in Gannon's professional playing career. The side finished sixth in the [[League of Ireland First Division]] in the [[2004 League of Ireland|2004 season]]. On 14 November 2005, Gannon confirmed his resignation from Dundalk after his position had been called into question as his chief supporters, vice-chairman Tom Baldwin and chief executive Sean Connolly, left the club.<ref>{{cite web|title = Dundalk manager hands in resignation|work = RTÉ Sport, 14 November 2005 |url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/2005/1114/dundalk.html|accessdate=12 March 2011}}</ref> This left Dundalk without a manager for their final match of the [[2005 League of Ireland|2005 season]], in which they had already secured a comfortable mid-table position in Ireland's second tier of association football.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ireland Republic Division One 2005 Table |work=Soccerway, 19 November 2005 |url=http://www.soccerway.com/national/ireland-republic/division-1/2005/regular-season/ |accessdate=12 March 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20090604085135/http://www.soccerway.com:80/national/ireland-republic/division-1/2005/regular-season/ |archivedate=4 June 2009 }}</ref> Prior to Gannon's departure, the team had drawn ten consecutive matches.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Football%3A+Now+Dundalk+crisis+is+even+worse+as+Gannon+resigns%3B+NO+BOSS...-a0138644184|title=Football: Now Dundalk crisis is even worse as Gannon resigns; NO BOSS & LITTLE HOPE.|last=Doyle|first=Garry|date=14 November 2005|work=thefreelibrary.com|publisher=Daily Mirror|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref>

===Stockport County===

====2005–06====
In November 2005, Gannon was appointed as director of Stockport County's centre of excellence for girls.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/boss-quits-dundalk-230651.html|title=Boss quits Dundalk|last=Dunne|first=Eoin|date=14 November 2005|work=independent.ie|accessdate=12 March 2011}}</ref> After the resignation of [[Chris Turner (footballer born 1958)|Chris Turner]] as Stockport County manager on [[Boxing Day]] 2005, Gannon was appointed as [[caretaker manager]] with the team nine points adrift of safety at the bottom of [[Football League Two|League Two]],<ref>{{cite web|title = Table at the time of Gannon's appointment|work = StockportMAD, 17 June 2007|url=http://www.stockportcounty-mad.co.uk/footydb/loadgen.asp?Day=26&Month=Dec&ssnno=135&teamno=499}}</ref> facing potential relegation from the Football League.

County went undefeated in Gannon's first four league games in charge.<ref name="target" /> After three weeks,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/stockport/4620446.stm|title=Gannon unveiled as Stockport boss|date=17 January 2006|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> this upturn in results saw Gannon offered the job full-time, which allowed him to guide County to safety. The club won more than twice as many points in the second half of [[2005–06 in English football|the season]] than they did in the first. Believing that safety would be assured on the final day of the season,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/stockport/4786896.stm|title=Gannon guiding Hatters to safety|last=Oliver|first=Pete|date=9 March 2006|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> he was proved correct as they managed to avoid relegation with a final day draw with champions [[Carlisle United F.C.|Carlisle United]]. Comparisons were made to [[Sam Allardyce]].<ref name="grand" /> As a committed Stockport fan,<ref name="grand" /> and already a legend at the club for his ten years as a player,<ref name="target" /> he was loved by many County supporters. After delaying talks,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/stockport/4860552.stm|title=Gannon delays talks on new deal|date=30 March 2006|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> he accepted a one-year rolling contract in the summer.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/stockport/4989114.stm|title=Boss Gannon agrees new contract|date=17 May 2006|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref>

====2006–07====
At the beginning of the [[2006–07 in English football|2006–07 season]], Gannon and Stockport announced they had drawn up a five-year plan to take the club to the [[Football League Championship|Championship]]. Results on the field followed this statement of intent, with Gannon leading County to a [[Football records in England|League record]] nine consecutive victories without conceding a goal.<ref name="fit">{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/Promotion-winner-perfect-fit-Vale/article-3071344-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Promotion-winner Jim is a perfect fit for Vale|last=Baggaley|first=Michael|date=6 January 2011|work=[[The Sentinel (Staffordshire)|The Sentinel]]|accessdate=6 January 2011}}</ref> Gannon lodged a complaint with [[The Football Association]] against [[Bristol Rovers F.C.|Bristol Rovers]] when a fixture was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch, as he felt not enough was done to ready the pitch, and also a complaint with regard to the referee's handling of the situation. Gannon was later incensed with the FA when the same referee was allowed to take charge of the postponed fixture,<ref>{{cite web|title = Double whammy angers Gannon|work = Manchester Evening News, 22 March 2007|url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/stockport_county/s/1002/1002549_double_whammy_angers_gannon.html}}</ref> which Rovers won 2–1. Gannon also branded approaches from [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]] and [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]] questionable and unprofessional after the two [[Premier League]] clubs swooped for youngsters being trained in Stockport County's development squads.<ref>{{cite web|title = City offer imminent|work = Manchester Evening News, 20 December 2006|url = http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/stockport_county/s/231/231270_city_offer_imminent.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title = Liverpool snatch youngster (archive)|work = Stockport Express, 15 June 2007|url = http://www.northernireland-mad.co.uk/news/loadgnrl.asp?id=341070&teamno=499 |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20070928035333/http://www.northernireland-mad.co.uk/news/loadgnrl.asp?id=341070&teamno=499 |archivedate=28 September 2007}}</ref>

During the season, Gannon and Stockport began to form a close relationship with [[Alan Lord]], the founder of Football Development School ProFootball4u. [[Anthony Pilkington]], who began to feature in County's first team in the second half of this season, was developed through Lord's school.<ref>{{cite news|title = Another Success Story |work = ProFootball 4 U|url=http://www.profootball4u.com/pics/pdf/successanthonypilkington.pdf | accessdate=23 May 2010}}</ref> At the end of the season, Lord was taken on at County as a scout and development team coach;<ref>{{cite news|title = Alan's Bright Future |work = Stockport Express|url=http://menmedia.co.uk/stockportexpress/sport/football/stockport_county/s/1018352_alans_bright_future | date=3 October 2007 | accessdate=23 May 2010}}</ref> he would later follow Gannon to Motherwell.

County missed out on the [[Football League Two play-offs|League Two play-offs]] due to results on the final day of the season, missing out on goal difference despite a 5–0 victory over [[Darlington F.C.|Darlington]].

====2007–08====
The [[2007–08 in English football|2007–08 season]] started with a friendly marking the death of [[Danny Bergara]], the manager who had brought Gannon to County as a player in 1990. The friendly was against [[Cardiff City F.C.|Cardiff City]], managed by Dave Jones, who also managed County whilst Gannon was a player at the club.<ref>{{cite news|title = Day for Danny|work = Manchester Evening News, 27 June 2007|url=http://menmedia.co.uk/sport/football/stockport_county/s/1012254_day_for_danny | date=27 June 2007 | accessdate=24 May 2010}}</ref>

On 12 February, Gannon had to leave his father critically ill in hospital in Ireland to lead his team out to a 4–1 victory over [[Rotherham United F.C.|Rotherham United]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/stockport/7242797.stm|title=Gannon leaves sick dad for County|date=13 February 2008|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> Later in the year Gannon publicly criticised [[Paul Ince]] and the [[Milton Keynes Dons F.C.|MK Dons]] after he felt the "Dons" were poor sports in their 3–2 victory over County that ensured Ince's side promotion out of the division.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/stockport/7358557.stm|title=Gannon upset by Dons 'arrogance'|date=21 April 2008|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref>

County finished the 2007–08 season fourth in the league, and subsequently won their play-off semi-final against [[Wycombe Wanderers F.C.|Wycombe Wanderers]] 2–1 on aggregate.<ref>{{cite news|title=Stockport 1–0 Wycombe (agg 2–1) |work=[[BBC Sport]], 17 May 2008|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_3/7393798.stm | date=17 May 2008|first=Chris|last=Whyatt}}</ref> The club had previously visited Wembley four times, and Gannon had played on all four occasions.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7419214.stm|title=Stockport 3–2 Rochdale|date=26 May 2008|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> He did as a manager what he could never do as a player, and guided Stockport victory at Wembley.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1021981/Gannons-Wembley-jinx-Stockport-reach-League-One.html|title=Gannon's Wembley jinx is over as Stockport reach League One|last=Speck|first=Ivan|date=26 May 2008|work=Daily Mail|accessdate=5 January 2011|location=London}}</ref> The 3–2 win over [[Rochdale A.F.C.|Rochdale]] earned Gannon's club promotion to [[Football League One|League One]].<ref>{{cite news|title = Stockport 3–2 Rochdale|work = [[BBC Sport]], 26 May 2008|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_3/7416601.stm | date=26 May 2008 | accessdate=6 May 2010|first=Paul|last=Fletcher}}</ref> He refused to give a post-match interview to [[Sky Sports]] following a nine-month dispute with the company over a broken [[Digibox|Skybox]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/article-1020834/Usmanovs-knives-Gunners-Moscow-talks.html|title=Usmanov's knives out for Gunners in Moscow talks|date=20 May 2008|work=[[Daily Mail]]|accessdate=5 January 2011|location=London|first=Charles|last=Sale}}</ref> Nevertheless, having quickly taken Stockport from the foot of League Two and into League One on a meagre budget, Gannon had established himself as one of most highly rated young managers in the lower leagues.<ref>{{cite news|title=Gannon Emerges|work=Sky Sports, 12 November 2008|url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_4490295,00.html|accessdate=12 March 2011}}</ref> In the summer he sold [[Liam Dickinson]] to [[Derby County F.C.|Derby County]] for £750,000 – a player signed by previous manager, Chris Turner from [[Stockport Sports F.C.|Woodley Sports]] for a nominal fee just over two years previous.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/d/derby_county/7445778.stm|title=Derby swoop for Stockport striker|date=1 July 2008|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=6 January 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/stockport/4553806.stm|title=Stockport sign striker Dickinson|date=22 December 2005|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=6 January 2011}}</ref>

====2008–09====
Gannon led County to an impressive start to [[2008–09 in English football|the season]] following their promotion,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/stockport/7750869.stm|title=Stockport step up pleases Gannon|date=26 November 2008|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> and they spent Christmas in the play-off places with the best away record in the division.<ref>{{cite web|title=Football League One Table|date=20 December 2008|url=http://www.stockportcounty.com/page/LeagueTable/0,,10419~20081220,00.html}}</ref> The new year started uncomfortably for Gannon; with media speculation linking him with a move away from Edgeley Park, and the club announcing they were in financial difficulty, he took interviews reassuring fans of his intent to stick by County. Gannon stuck to his one-year rolling deal after rejecting new contract offers from the club.<ref>{{cite web|title = County plan new Gannon deal|work = Manchester Evening News, 13 November 2008|url = http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/stockport_county/s/1079473_county_plan_new_gannon_deal}}</ref>

After a touch-line argument with then-club captain [[Gareth Owen (footballer, born 1982)|Gareth Owen]], Gannon gave a forthright interview explaining that disciplinary action would be taken, and Owen would be stripped of the captaincy.<ref>{{cite web|title = Gannon wants Owen apology|work = Manchester Evening News, 1 October 2008|url = http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/stockport_county/s/1069917_gannon_wants_owen_apology}}</ref> Owen, who was later released by the club, did not play another game for County. Meanwhile, Gannon was left threatening police action over a strong challenge that left Stockport striker [[Matty McNeil]] unconscious and in hospital.<ref>{{cite web|title = Hatters take Reid evidence to police|work = Teamtalk.com, 20 October 2008|url=http://www.teamtalk.co.za/football/story/0,16368,1819_4358356,00.html}}</ref>

On 24 February 2009 Stockport agreed to allow Gannon to hold talks with [[Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.|Brighton & Hove Albion]], who were seeking to fill the managerial position left vacant by [[Micky Adams]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stockportcounty.com/page/LatestNews/0,,10419~1568802,00.html |title=Official Approach For Gannon |publisher=Stockportcounty.com |date= |accessdate=4 June 2009}}</ref> He suggested that his family would play a large part in his decision to move clubs, with Stockport's financial troubles looming but uprooting his family to move to [[Brighton]] being undesirable. Gannon was made favourite to be given the job by several bookmakers,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.online-betting-guide.co.uk/news/18227808/New+Brighton+Manager+Set+To+Be+Jim+Gannon+Or+Aidy+Boothroyd.html |title=New Brighton Manager set to be Jim Gannon |publisher=Online-betting-guide.co.uk |date= |accessdate=4 June 2009}}</ref> and he met with Brighton chairman [[Dick Knight (businessman)|Dick Knight]] on the 25th, before announcing on the 26th that he had chosen not to take the job.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/stockport/7908756.stm|title=Gannon rejects Brighton approach|date=26 February 2009|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> Knight had indicated that Gannon was his first choice for the job,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theargus.co.uk/sport/4157180.Knight_setback_as_Gannon_says_no/ |title=Knight setback as Gannon says no |publisher=Theargus.co.uk |date=26 February 2009 |accessdate=4 June 2009}}</ref> and former Stockport players now at Brighton had shown their desire for Gannon to be given the job.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theargus.co.uk/sport/4155173.Gannon_will_have_done_his_homework/ |title=Gannon will have done his homework |publisher=Theargus.co.uk |date=26 February 2009 |accessdate=4 June 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theargus.co.uk/sport/4149517.Albion_ace_backs_Gannon/ |title=Albion ace backs Gannon |publisher=Theargus.co.uk |date=24 February 2009 |accessdate=4 June 2009}}</ref> However, Gannon turned down the opportunity and vowed stay with at the [[Edgeley Park]] club.

During the final weeks of the season, County were placed into [[Administration (British football)|Administration]] and docked 10 points, leaving them placed dangerously close to the relegation places.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/s/stockport/8036682.stm|title=Gannon leaves as Stockport boss |date=6 May 2009|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=6 May 2009}}</ref> On 6 May 2009, soon after the final game of the season, Gannon was made redundant as manager of Stockport along with assistant boss [[Peter Ward (footballer born 1964)|Peter Ward]]. This was done by the administrators in order to slash the wage bill.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/stockport/8036682.stm|title=Stockport cuts force Gannon out|date=6 May 2009|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref>

===Motherwell===
As speculation of a move to [[Hibernian F.C.|Hibernian]] came to nothing (despite his being installed as the bookmaker's favourite<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/stockport/8081219.stm|title=Gannon contender for Hibs post|date=3 June 2009|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref>),<ref name="confirm" /> Gannon instead was confirmed as manager of [[Scottish Premier League]] side [[Motherwell F.C.|Motherwell]] at the end of June 2009, two days before the club's [[2009–10 UEFA Europa League qualifying phase and play-off round|Europa League first round qualifying tie]] against [[Llanelli A.F.C.|Llanelli]] of Wales.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/motherwell/8111043.stm|title=Motherwell confirm Gannon as boss|date=30 June 2009|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=30 June 2009}}</ref> To do this he fended off competition from [[Aidy Boothroyd]], [[Lawrie Sanchez]], and [[Steve Staunton]].<ref name="confirm">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/motherwell/8111043.stm|title=Motherwell confirm Gannon as boss|date=30 June 2009|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> At the start of his reign he had a limited squad, and had to draft in youth players for the Llanelli game.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/motherwell/8123184.stm|title=Motherwell look to Gannon|date=28 June 2009|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> The club had sold off some of their best players, whilst loan deals had ended for others.<ref name="confirm" /> He also brought in Peter Ward as assistant manager.<ref name="confirm" />

{{Quote|"He has a very very good tactical sense, he is a great motivator of players, he works particularly well with young players and brings them on, which is important at a club the size of Motherwell, and he has boundless enthusiasm".|Motherwell Chairman John Boyle, speaking of Gannon's appointment.<ref name="england">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/motherwell/8127234.stm|title=Gannon targets England for talent|date=30 June 2009|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref>}}

After taking the job, Gannon said that he hoped to bring in up to six players, most of them from England to bolster a squad threadbare after summer exits.<ref name="england" />
On 2 July, his first game in charge in the [[UEFA Europa League|Europa League]] first round qualifying first leg, Motherwell lost 1–0 against Llanelli.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/8129623.stm|title= Motherwell 0–1 Llanelli |date=2 July 2009|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=2 July 2009}}</ref> However, on the away leg in Wales, the "Steelmen" recorded a 3–0 win to send them into the next round.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/motherwell/8140954.stm|title=Gannon targets new Well recruits|date=9 July 2009|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> Motherwell then beat [[Flamurtari Vlorë]] 8–2 on aggregate after an 8–1 victory in the home leg. Motherwell were then knocked out by [[Romania]]n side [[FC Steaua București]] 6–1 on aggregate.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/motherwell/8186229.stm|title=Gannon praises Motherwell display|date=6 August 2009|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> Gannon was sent to the stand in Motherwell's Europa League match against Bucharest; however Gannon later stated he did not know why he, or his assistant manager were sent off by [[Spanish people|Spanish]] referee [[Carlos Clos Gómez]].<ref>{{cite news|title = Gannon criticises referee display|work = [[BBC Sport]], 7 August 2009|url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/motherwell/8190744.stm | date=7 August 2009 | accessdate=6 May 2010|first=John|last=Barnes}}</ref> His first league victory was a 3–1 win over [[Kilmarnock F.C.|Kilmarnock]] at [[Fir Park]].

Gannon was named Manager of the Month for October 2009, but he warned of a clear out in the January transfer window.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/motherwell/8342807.stm|title=Gannon targets January clear-out|date=5 November 2009|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> His young team impressed, but proved to be inconsistent.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/motherwell/8331793.stm|title=Gannon pierces Motherwell gloom|last=Barnes|first=John|date=29 October 2009|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> Gannon had a dispute with the [[Scottish Football Association|SFA]] head of referee development [[Hugh Dallas]], following Gannon's criticism of Scottish referees.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/motherwell/8409100.stm|title=Scottish referees' chief fires back at Jim Gannon|date=11 December 2009|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/8141067.stm|title=Llanelli 0–3 Motherwell (1–3) |date=9 July 2009|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=4 August 2009}}</ref> Gannon had claimed the standard of refereeing was "bringing the game into disrepute".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/8385116.stm|title=Dallas defends response to Gannon|date=30 November 2009|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> He suggested a league table for referees.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/motherwell/8394313.stm|title=Gannon eyes league table for refs|date=3 December 2009|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> He then felt the official response to his criticisms to be disrespectful.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/motherwell/8391850.stm|title=Gannon hits back at chief of refs|date=2 December 2009|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> Following this he temporarily refused to speak to the media, claiming he did not wish to cause further controversy.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/motherwell/8407220.stm|title=Gannon gag to avoid more ref rows|date=10 December 2009|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> He also criticised his predecessor [[Mark McGhee]], after McGhee speculated in the press on possible transfers of Motherwell players.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/aberdeen/8358844.stm|title=Gannon hits out at McGhee talk|date=20 November 2009|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> As well as this he had a public-falling out with club captain [[Stephen Craigan]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/motherwell/8203571.stm|title=I axed duo to save game – Gannon|date=15 August 2009|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref>

On 28 December, Gannon was sacked by Motherwell,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/scotland_video_and_audio/8433551.stm|title=Gannon sacked by Motherwell|date=29 December 2009|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> with the club indicating that Gannon was "not fully committed to the club" as the reason for their decision.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/motherwell/8432623.stm|title=Boss Gannon sacked by Motherwell |date=28 December 2009|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=2009-12-30}}</ref> He had been rumoured to be looking for other jobs.<ref name="con" /> Gannon was reportedly working under a temporary contract, and was yet to sign a longer term deal as had been expected.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1238913/Motherwell-axe-manager-Jim-Gannon-refusal-sign-new-contract.html|title=Motherwell axe manager Jim Gannon |date=29 December 2009|work=Daily Mail|accessdate=2010-05-23 | location=London | first=John | last=Greechan}}</ref> Though the board were satisfied with results on the pitch, they felt that the relationship between Gannon and the directors had broken down.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/motherwell/8432623.stm|title=Boss Gannon sacked by Motherwell|date=28 December 2009|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> Dubbed a 'loose Gannon', it was seen that either he or club captain Craigan would leave the club.<ref name="loose">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/motherwell/8433225.stm|title=Loose Gannon fired for not signing Motherwell contract|last=Lindsay|first=Clive|date=29 December 2009|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> Despite this he was praised for his signings from the English leagues, and for the good open passing football his young side could play whilst at their best.<ref name="con" /><ref name="loose" /> Motherwell went on to finish the season in fifth place under [[Craig Brown (footballer born 1940)|Craig Brown]].

===Peterborough United===
On 2 February 2010 Gannon was appointed manager of [[Peterborough United F.C.|Peterborough United]], following the sacking of [[Mark Cooper (footballer born 1968)|Mark Cooper]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ontheminute.com/news/news.php?news=20732|title=Gannon named new Peterborough boss|date=2 February 2010|work=Ontheminute.com|accessdate=2010-02-02}}</ref> The "Posh" [[2009–10 Peterborough United F.C. season|lay bottom]] of the [[Football League Championship|Championship]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/peterborough_united/8492504.stm|title=Jim Gannon named Peterborough manager|date=2 February 2010|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> nine points adrift of safety.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/peterborough_united/8522787.stm|title=Peterborough United have survival hope – Jim Gannon|date=18 February 2010|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> He aimed to restore 'pride' in the club,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/peterborough_united/8493742.stm|title=Peterborough boss Jim Gannon aims to bring pride back|date=2 February 2010|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> and offered a fresh start to unsettled players.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/peterborough_united/8500798.stm|title=Peterborough boss Gannon supports 'unsettled' players|date=5 February 2010|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> He won his first game in charge, leading The Posh to a 1–0 victory over [[Queens Park Rangers F.C.|QPR]] on 6 February.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theposh.com/page/MatchReport/0,,10427~47306,00.html|title=Gannon starts with victory|date=6 February 2010|work=theposh.com|accessdate=2010-02-06}}</ref> His contract due to expire in the summer, the club were keen to tie him down to a longer deal.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/peterborough_united/8536580.stm|title=Jim Gannon yet to discuss Peterborough future|date=25 February 2010|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> There soon came confusion over the exact role of the manager and others at the club in terms of recruiting new players.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/peterborough_united/8557651.stm|title=Jim Gannon keen to clarify Peterborough United role|date=9 March 2010|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref>

He utilised unique tactical formations, which earned him comparisons to [[Martin O'Neill]].<ref name="saviour">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/peterborough_united/8583736.stm|title=Posh have lost a potential saviour in Jim Gannon|date=25 March 2010|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> He was particularly experimental with the front line,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/peterborough_united/8516985.stm|title=Peterborough boss Gannon in quandary over striker roles|date=15 February 2010|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> and was willing to use the loan market to bring in fresh talent.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/peterborough_united/8551919.stm|title=Posh boss Jim Gannon hints at further changes|date=5 March 2010|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> On 24 March, it was announced Gannon would leave Peterborough at the end of the season. Unable to avoid relegation despite a vast upturn in results,<ref name="saviour" /> he announced that family commitments made him unwilling to stay for longer.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/peterborough_united/8583044.stm|title=Manager Jim Gannon to leave Peterborough United|date=24 March 2010|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> Gannon had been satisfied with the board's contract offer, but his family still resided in [[Stockport]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/peterborough_united/8571988.stm|title=Jim Gannon set to consider Peterborough United offer|date=17 March 2010|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> He was replaced by [[Gary Johnson (footballer, born 1955)|Gary Johnson]] on 6 April, following Gannon's own recommendation of Johnson.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/peterborough_united/8602168.stm|title=Jim Gannon gives Gary Johnson backing as next Posh boss|date=4 April 2010|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> Though Gannon insisted that this was not ultimately his decision, but instead was down to the board.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/peterborough_united/8599383.stm|title=Gannon cool over recruitment of new Peterborough boss|date=1 April 2010|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> Striker [[Liam Dickinson]] was sad to seem him go, and told the media that Gannon would have little trouble finding a new management post.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/peterborough_united/8595200.stm|title=Jim Gannon 'in demand' after Peterborough United job|date=31 March 2010|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref>

===Port Vale===
In January 2011, Gannon was one of three candidates reported to have impressed in interviews for the vacant Port Vale job, making him one of the favourites for the position.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9336823.stm|title=Three in frame for Port Vale manager's job|date=4 January 2011|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> However, [[Paul Simpson (footballer)|Paul Simpson]]'s dismissal at Stockport County led to hopes of a return to the club for some County fans. Therefore, he was installed as the bookies favourite to become the next Port Vale manager,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/Port-Vale-Gannon-fore-Trollope-turns-Vale/article-3065796-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Gannon to the fore as Trollope turns back on Vale|last=Shaw|first=Steve|date=5 January 2011|work=[[The Sentinel (Staffordshire)|The Sentinel]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> and also the bookie's favourite for the Stockport job.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.valuechecker.co.uk/peter-ward-or-jim-gannon-the-most-likely-next-stockport-county-manager-102651.html|title=Peter Ward Or Jim Gannon The Most Likely Next Stockport County Manager|last=Darby|first=Simon|work=valuechecker.co.uk|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> Gannon was confirmed as the manager of [[Port Vale F.C.|Port Vale]] on 6 January 2011, succeeding [[Micky Adams]] at the helm of the promotion chasing club, signing a contract that lasted until summer 2012.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9343059.stm|title=Port Vale appoint Jim Gannon as new manager|date=6 January 2011|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=6 January 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/Port-Vale-Gannon-offered-Vale-job/article-3069963-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Jim Gannon signs 18-month deal to become Port Vale manager|last=Shaw|first=Steve|date=6 January 2011|work=[[The Sentinel (Staffordshire)|The Sentinel]]|accessdate=6 January 2011}}</ref> Saying that finishing outside of the top seven would be a failure, the [[Cheshire]]-based manager's first task after 'burying the hatchet' with Gareth Owen was to look for a new striker.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/Port-Vale-New-boss-determined-promotion-challenge/article-3074668-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: New boss determined to see though promotion challenge|last=Shaw|first=Steve|date=7 January 2011|work=[[The Sentinel (Staffordshire)|The Sentinel]]|accessdate=7 January 2011}}</ref> Two weeks into his reign club captain [[Tommy Fraser]] left the club by mutual consent,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9366695.stm|title=Midfielder Tommy Fraser leaves Port Vale|date=19 January 2011|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=19 January 2011}}</ref> as signs of what would be an unhappy relationship between club and manager quickly came to the surface.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/vale/portvalenews/Port-Vale-Jim-Gannon-s-time-charge-Vale-Park/article-3356292-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Jim Gannon's time in charge at Vale Park|date=22 March 2011|work=[[The Sentinel (Staffordshire)|The Sentinel]]|accessdate=22 March 2011}}</ref> Gannon then brought in [[Romaine Sawyers]] and [[Kayleden Brown]] on loan from [[West Bromwich Albion F.C.|West Bromwich Albion]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wba.co.uk/page/News/0,,10366~2271498,00.html|title=Duo join Vale on loan|date=21 January 2011|work=wba.co.uk|accessdate=21 January 2011}}</ref> [[Jay O'Shea]] on loan from [[Birmingham City F.C.|Birmingham City]],<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9365121.stm |title=Port Vale sign Birmingham City midfielder Jay O'Shea |publisher=[[BBC Sport]] |date=20 January 2011 |accessdate=20 January 2011}}</ref> [[Exodus Geohaghon]] on loan from [[Peterborough United F.C.|Peterborough United]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9371690.stm|title=Peterborough's Exodus Geohaghon joins Port Vale on loan|date=24 January 2011|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=24 January 2011}}</ref> and striker [[Tom Pope]] on loan from [[Rotherham United F.C.|Rotherham United]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9377693.stm|title=Port Vale sign Rotherham striker Tom Pope on loan|date=28 January 2011|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=28 January 2011}}</ref>

Losing four of his first five games in charge, Gannon was forced to respond to criticism over his team selections and substitutions,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9370986.stm|title=Port Vale manager Jim Gannon explains Rob Taylor change|date=23 January 2011|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=30 January 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9381292.stm|title=Port Vale manager Jim Gannon defends team selection|date=30 January 2011|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=30 January 2011}}</ref> and announced plans to expand the club's non-playing staff.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9378665.stm|title=Port Vale manager Jim Gannon plans to reshuffle staff|date=28 January 2011|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=30 January 2011}}</ref> On 1 February the players met with the Chairman and rumours spread that Gannon had 'lost the dressing room',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/Port-Vale-Players-turn-Jim-Gannon-management/article-3166320-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Players turn on Jim Gannon over management|date=1 February 2011|work=[[The Sentinel (Staffordshire)|The Sentinel]]|accessdate=4 February 2011}}</ref> as comparisons were made with the tenure of [[Brian Clough]] in ''[[The Damned United]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/Port-Vale-Players-fans-renewed-hope/article-3172510-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Players give fans renewed hope|last=Tideswell|first=Martin|date=2 February 2011|work=[[The Sentinel (Staffordshire)|The Sentinel]]|accessdate=2 February 2011}}</ref> Yet the next day an O'Shea volley gave Vale a 1–0 win over promotion rivals [[Rotherham United F.C.|Rotherham United]] to give Gannon his first win in charge at the club.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9384633.stm|title=Port Vale manager Jim Gannon thrilled with first win|date=2 February 2011|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=2 February 2011}}</ref> However tension remained, as proven at the end of the month when it was reported that Gannon left the team bus on a pre-match journey after rowing with assistant manager [[Geoff Horsfield]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9407897.stm|title=Port Vale boss Jim Gannon gets off team coach after row |date=25 February 2011|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=25 February 2011}}</ref> Gannon had previously told the press his staff were 'underqualified', though insisted any changes would be 'implemented at a later stage' and that Horsfield was a 'great assistant'.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9378665.stm|title=Port Vale manager Jim Gannon plans to reshuffle staff |date=28 January 2011|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=25 February 2011}}</ref> It was later reported in the national media that Horsfield had requested a day off to deal with a family matter, Gannon then granted him permission but subsequently wrote a letter to the board complaining of his conduct.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/vale/portvalenews/Port-Vale-ll-fight-future-says-Gannon/article-3273908-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: I'll fight for my future, says Gannon|date=28 February 2011|work=[[The Sentinel (Staffordshire)|The Sentinel]]|accessdate=28 February 2011}}</ref> An unnamed director then handed the letter to Horsfield, who confronted Gannon over the issue, brandishing the letter as proof when Gannon denied its existence.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1360810/Port-Vale-coach-row-Why-Horsfield-confronted-Gannon.html|title=Revealed: Why Horsfield confronted manager Gannon on Port Vale team bus|last=Moxley|first=Neil|date=26 February 2011|work=Daily Mail|accessdate=28 February 2011|location=London}}</ref> This came on the same day that local paper ''[[The Sentinel (Staffordshire)|The Sentinel]]'' ran an editorial that questioned his loan signings, his decision to drop [[Gary Roberts (footballer, born 1987)|Gary Roberts]] and branded his tactics and team selections as baffling.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/sport/Port-Vale-Sentinel-Gannon-plenty-prove-worrying-start/article-3266831-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale Sentinel: Gannon has plenty to prove after worrying start|last=Sentinel|first=Vale|date=25 February 2011|work=[[The Sentinel (Staffordshire)|The Sentinel]]|accessdate=25 February 2011}}</ref> Having returned to the team to steer his side to a 2–1 victory over [[Aldershot F.C.|Aldershot]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/9401918.stm|title=Aldershot 1 – 2 Port Vale|date=26 February 2011|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=2 March 2011}}</ref> Gannon said "there's been misrepresentation in the media over my part in this. I'm completely the innocent party".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/vale/portvalenews/Port-Vale-case-answer-coach-bust-claims-Gannon/article-3281899-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: I have no case to answer over coach bust-up, claims Gannon|last=Shaw|first=Steve|date=2 March 2011|work=[[The Sentinel (Staffordshire)|The Sentinel]]|accessdate=2 March 2011}}</ref> The club informed Horsfield that he would face a disciplinary hearing, whilst Gannon would not be asked to defend his actions and would merely provide a witness statement.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9410705.stm|title=Vale's Horsfield to face disciplinary hearing over row|date=1 March 2011|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=1 March 2011}}</ref> The club took no action, and after Horsfield spent two weeks at home the pair returned to work as before.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/vale/portvalenews/Port-Vale-Club-action-coach-bust/article-3335829-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Club take no action over coach bust-up|last=Smith|first=Peter|date=16 March 2011|work=[[The Sentinel (Staffordshire)|The Sentinel]]|accessdate=16 March 2011}}</ref> He continued to exploit the loan market, signing [[Dominic Blizzard]] from [[Bristol Rovers F.C.|Bristol Rovers]], a midfielder who played under him at Stockport.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9429219.stm|title=Port Vale sign Bristol Rovers' Dominic Blizzard |date=18 March 2011|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=18 March 2011}}</ref>

Results continued to go against the Vale though, as on 19 March they lost 3–0 at [[Accrington Stanley F.C.|Accrington Stanley]], and as a result dropped out of the play-off zone for the first time in the season.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/9422367.stm|title=Accrington Stanley 3 – 0 Port Vale|date=19 March 2011|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=19 March 2011}}</ref> Ugly post-match scenes at the [[Crown Ground]] saw Geohaghon confront fans who singled him out for abuse, whilst Gannon was ushered quietly out of the back door.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9430521.stm|title=Port Vale investigate Exodus Geohaghon clash with fans |date=20 March 2011|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=20 March 2011}}</ref> Roberts told the media "I don't think the manager likes me and, to be honest, I don't like him".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/vale/portvalenews/Port-Vale-don-t-like-manager-doesn-t-like-claims-axed-Roberts/article-3352569-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: I don't like the manager and he doesn't like me, claims axed Roberts|date=21 March 2011|work=[[The Sentinel (Staffordshire)|The Sentinel]]|accessdate=21 March 2011}}</ref> Rumours circulated that Gannon would soon be on his way out.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/vale/portvalenews/Port-Vale-Board-discuss-Gannon-s-future/article-3352647-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Board to discuss under-fire Gannon's future (VIDEO)|last=Shaw|first=Steve|date=21 March 2011|work=[[The Sentinel (Staffordshire)|The Sentinel]]|accessdate=21 March 2011}}</ref> These rumours were proved accurate two days later, as Gannon's departure was confirmed by the club.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9431553.stm|title=Manager Jim Gannon parts company with Port Vale |date=21 March 2011|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=21 March 2011}}</ref> Hugely unpopular with Vale supporters,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/vale/portvalenews/Port-Vale-Fans-s-views-Gannon-sacking/article-3356326-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Fans's views on Gannon sacking|date=22 March 2011|work=[[The Sentinel (Staffordshire)|The Sentinel]]|accessdate=22 March 2011}}</ref> his sacking was "quick and with little emotion",<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/vale/portvalenews/Port-Vale-Gannon-s-exit-brings-end-turbulent-spell-club-s-history/article-3356279-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Gannon's exit brings end to turbulent spell in club's history|date=22 March 2011|work=[[The Sentinel (Staffordshire)|The Sentinel]]|accessdate=22 March 2011}}</ref> whilst his poor man-management skills helped to earn him the dubious honour of having the shortest reign in [[History of Port Vale F.C.|the club's history]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/vale/portvalenews/Phil-Sherwin-column-Fans-plenty-look-forward-Gannon-gone/article-3356316-detail/article.html|title=Phil Sherwin column: Fans have plenty to look forward to now Gannon is gone|last=Sherwin|first=Phil|date=22 March 2011|work=[[The Sentinel (Staffordshire)|The Sentinel]]|accessdate=22 March 2011}}</ref> Despite this he did receive credit for spotting the potential talent in a teenage [[Sam Morsy]], and for bringing Tom Pope to the club.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/vale/portvalenews/Port-Vale-Sentinel-Gannon-win-situation-Vale-Park/article-3356315-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale Sentinel: Gannon was in no-win situation at Vale Park|last=Tideswell|first=Martin|date=22 March 2011|work=[[The Sentinel (Staffordshire)|The Sentinel]]|accessdate=22 March 2011}}</ref> Gannon himself made a statement on his website declaring his disappointment in the club's decision to terminate his contract after such a short period of time, and also bemoaned that he "wasn't able to add many new players [to the squad]".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jimgannon.co.uk/#/news/4538637438|title=Termination at contract at Port Vale FC on 21 March 201|date=25 March 2011|work=jimgannon.co.uk|accessdate=26 March 2011}}</ref> The "Valiants" continued to struggle under caretaker manager [[Mark Grew]], winning just two of their remaining ten games, and finishing 2010–11 in eleventh place.

===Return to Stockport County===
[[File:Jim Gannon SCFC1.jpg|thumb|Gannon as [[Stockport County F.C.|Stockport County]] manager in 2012]]
Following the resignation of [[Dietmar Hamann]] in November 2011, speculation came of a return to Stockport County for Gannon; when questioned on the possibility, club chairman [[Peter Snape, Baron Snape|Lord Snape]] stated that should he apply for the position then "he'd merit very serious consideration".<ref>{{cite news|title=Dietmar Hamann resigns as Stockport County manager|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/15620388.stm|accessdate=7 November 2011|newspaper=[[BBC Sport]]|date=7 November 2011}}</ref> In the thirty months since Gannon's departure, the club had seen five full-time managers come and go,<ref>{{cite news|title=Jim Gannon appointed Stockport County director of football|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/15732895.stm|accessdate=15 November 2011|newspaper=[[BBC Sport]]|date=15 November 2011}}</ref> suffered relegation into the [[Conference National]], and had not won back-to-back games since February 2009. On 14 November, he was revealed as the club's [[director of football]], a position leaving him "responsible for all football matters including 1st team selection and transfers"; [[Willie McStay (footballer born 1961)|Willie McStay]] remained at the club, as his assistant.<ref>{{cite web|title=Gannon Back|url=http://www.stockportcounty.com/page/LatestNews/0,,10419~2515804,00.html|work=stockportcounty.com|accessdate=14 November 2011}}</ref> When he took charge Stockport were seventeenth in the league, just two points above the relegation zone, having won just three of their opening twenty games. He stated that his aim for [[2011–12 Stockport County F.C. season|2011–12]] was to avoid letting the club slip to a third successive relegation.<ref>{{cite news|title=Stockport County in worse state now – Jim Gannon|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/15755580.stm|accessdate=27 November 2011|newspaper=[[BBC Sport]]|date=16 November 2011}}</ref>

After losing his first five games in charge, including a 7–0 thumping from [[Grimsby Town F.C.|Grimsby Town]] at [[Blundell Park]], Gannon admitted that the club's finances limited his ability to change personnel.<ref name="smarting">{{cite news|title=Gannon smarting from heavy defeat|url=http://www.bluesqfootball.com/story/0,20970,21658_7346843,00.html|accessdate=16 January 2012|newspaper=bluesqfootball.com|date=2 December 2011}}</ref> He also stated that "if I didn't take the job, this club would've had a real chance of dying... I'm not proud to be the manager of a club that loses 7–0... but this is my team now... It has always been my club, so it's my responsibility to make things better, and over time we will."<ref name="smarting"/> He released striker [[Antonio German]],<ref>{{cite news|title=Two to Leave Edgeley Park|url=http://www.stockportcounty.com/page/LatestNews/0,,10419~2557506,00.html|accessdate=16 January 2012|newspaper=stockportcounty.com|date=24 December 2011}}</ref> defender [[Chris Blackburn]],<ref>{{cite news|title=Chris Blackburn leaves|url=http://www.stockportcounty.com/page/LatestNews/0,,10419~2566009,00.html|accessdate=16 January 2012|newspaper=stockportcounty.com|date=4 January 2012}}</ref> and seven goal top-scorer [[Nick Chadwick]] in the January transfer window.<ref>{{cite news|title=Plymouth Argyle sign Nick Chadwick from Stockport County|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16416922.stm|accessdate=16 January 2012|newspaper=[[BBC Sport]]|date=4 January 2012}}</ref> He then signed defender [[Joe Connor (footballer born 1986)|Joe Connor]] on non-contract terms,<ref>{{cite news|title=Stockport County snap up defender Joe Connor|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16185817.stm|accessdate=16 January 2012|newspaper=[[BBC Sport]]|date=14 December 2011}}</ref> and teenagers Aaron Cole and Danny Rowe on loan.<ref>{{cite news|title=Stockport County sign Fleetwood Town's Danny Rowe|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16415638.stm|accessdate=16 January 2012|newspaper=[[BBC Sport]]|date=4 January 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Cole joins on loan|url=http://www.stockportcounty.com/page/LatestNews/0,,10419~2526084,00.html|accessdate=16 January 2012|newspaper=stockportcounty.com|date=24 November 2011}}</ref> His first win in his second spell at the club came on New Year's Day, in a 3–2 victory over [[Barrow A.F.C.|Barrow]] at [[Edgeley Park]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Stockport vs Barrow|url=http://www.stockportcounty.com/page/MatchReport/0,,10419~60265,00.html|accessdate=16 January 2012|newspaper=stockportcounty.com|date=1 January 2012}}</ref> He then re-signed former players [[Paul Turnbull]] and [[Matty Mainwaring]] on loan.<ref>{{cite news|title=Northampton's Paul Turnbull rejoins Stockport County on loan|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16679753.stm|accessdate=23 January 2012|newspaper=[[BBC Sport]]|date=23 January 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Stockport County bring Matty Mainwaring back from Hull|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16610698.stm|accessdate=23 January 2012|newspaper=[[BBC Sport]]|date=18 January 2012}}</ref> Worried by the situation at crisis clubs [[Darlington F.C.|Darlington]] and [[Kettering Town F.C.|Kettering Town]], Gannon cancelled the contracts of veterans [[Matt Glennon]], [[John Miles (footballer)|John Miles]], [[Mark Lynch (association footballer)|Mark Lynch]], and [[Ryan McCann]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Gaffer Explains Deadline Day Deals|url=http://www.stockportcounty.com/page/LatestNews/0,,10419~2595319,00.html|accessdate=2 February 2012|newspaper=stockportcounty.com|date=31 January 2012}}</ref> He brought in 23-year-old [[A.F.C. Telford United|Telford]] defender [[Sean Newton]] and 18-year-old [[Sunderland A.F.C.|Sunderland]] keeper Lewis King on loan,<ref>{{cite news|title=AFC Telford's Sean Newton joins Stockport County|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17475650|accessdate=25 March 2012|newspaper=[[BBC Sport]]|date=22 March 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Stockport County sign Sunderland keeper Lewis King on loan|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17474361|accessdate=25 March 2012|newspaper=[[BBC Sport]]|date=22 March 2012}}</ref> whilst signing 19-year-old [[Lancaster City F.C.|Lancaster City]] midfielder Danny Hattersley on a permanent transfer.<ref>{{cite news|title=Stockport sign striker Danny Hattersley from Lancaster|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17398375|accessdate=25 March 2012|newspaper=[[BBC Sport]]|date=16 March 2012}}</ref> The "Hatters" secured their Conference status with two games to spare, after a 1–1 home draw with [[Braintree Town F.C.|Braintree Town]] on 14 April, having lost just twice in the league at Edgeley Park since Gannon's return.<ref>{{cite news|title=Stockport secured their place in the Blue Square Bet Premier despite an injury-time goal from Brad Quinton which rescued a point for Braintree|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17643261|accessdate=14 April 2012|newspaper=[[BBC Sport]]|date=14 April 2012}}</ref> Stockport finished the campaign in 16th place, 10 points above the drop and 20 points below the play-off zone.

In preparation for the [[2012–13 Stockport County F.C. season|2012–13]] season, Gannon signed defenders [[Sean Newton]] and [[James Tunnicliffe]], and took back Paul Turnbull on loan once again.<ref>{{cite news|title=Paul Turnbull returns to Stockport County on loan|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19675534|accessdate=20 January 2013|newspaper=[[BBC Sport]]|date=21 September 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Stockport County re-sign James Tunnicliffe|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18628395|accessdate=20 January 2013|newspaper=[[BBC Sport]]|date=28 June 2012}}</ref> However he was disappointed to lose striker [[Tom Elliott (footballer)|Tom Elliott]], who rejected a contract offer to switch to [[Cambridge United F.C.|Cambridge United]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Cambridge United sign Tom Elliott from Stockport County|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18180268|accessdate=20 January 2013|newspaper=[[BBC Sport]]|date=23 May 2012}}</ref> He also appointed long-time associate Alan Lord as his assistant.<ref>{{cite news|title=Stockport County name Alan Lord as new assistant manager|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18118710|accessdate=20 January 2013|newspaper=[[BBC Sport]]|date=18 May 2012}}</ref> However County found themselves struggling in the league, and Gannon blamed the predicament on the board's decision to slash the wage budget in the summer.<ref>{{cite news|last=Collins|first=Ben|title=Jim Gannon in for showdown talks with Stockport County chief|url=http://menmedia.co.uk/stockportexpress/sport/football/stockport_county/s/1595903_jim-gannon-in-for-showdown-talks-with-stockport-county-chief|accessdate=20 January 2013|newspaper=Stockport Express|date=12 December 2012}}</ref> An angry Lord Snape told the press that "I'm getting pretty fed up of watching part-time teams beat Stockport County. Changes are going to be made unless things improve. Jim Gannon's pretty good at telling me how this club should be run. Well I'm going to tell him that I'm not impressed by the way the team is being run. If we lose a couple of our next games, we're in a relegation battle with a much bigger budget than most of the teams down there with us, which quite frankly is not good enough."<ref>{{cite news|title=Snape fires Gannon warning|url=http://www.bluesqfootball.com/story/0,20970,21658_8321589,00.html|accessdate=20 January 2013|newspaper=bluesqfootball.com|date=10 December 2012}}</ref> Fourteen months into his second spell at Edgeley Park and with County sitting in the relegation zone, Gannon was relieved of his duties as Stockport manager on 16 January 2013 following the 3–1 home defeat by [[Mansfield Town F.C.|Mansfield Town]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Stockport County: Jim Gannon sacked after 14 months in charge |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21037493 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=16 January 2013 |accessdate=16 January 2013}}</ref>

===Northwich Victoria===
On 9 December 2013 it was announced that Gannon would become the new manager of [[Northern Premier League Division One North]] side [[Northwich Victoria F.C.|Northwich Victoria]]. He replaced [[Lee Ashcroft]], who resigned as manager and became director of football after picking up a ten match ban for sexist abuse.<ref>{{cite web|title=Gannon returns to management with Northwich Victoria|url=http://twentyfour7football.com/gannon-returns-to-management-with-northwich-victoria-21350|work=twentyfour7football.com|accessdate=10 December 2013}}</ref> The "Vics" ended the [[2013–14 Northern Premier League|2013–14]] season in ninth place. They reached the play-offs in the [[2014–15 Northern Premier League|2014–15]] campaign, losing to [[Bamber Bridge F.C.|Bamber Bridge]] at the semi-final stage.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Smith|first1=Oliver|title=Match report: Bamber Bridge 2-1 Northwich Victoria (aet)|url=http://www.leylandguardian.co.uk/sport/football/match-report-bamber-bridge-2-1-northwich-victoria-aet-1-7234303|accessdate=3 May 2015|work=Leyland Guardian|date=29 April 2015}}</ref> He took the club on a successful [[FA Cup]] run in the [[2015–16 Northern Premier League|2015–16]] campaign, leaving them as the lowest rank team in the competition when they were knocked out by [[Football League Two|League Two]] side [[Northampton Town F.C.|Northampton Town]] in the Second Round.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Wilson|first1=Paul|title=Northwich’s Jim Gannon flies non-league flag with Northampton test in store|url=http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/dec/04/northwich-jim-gannon-non-league-northampton|accessdate=18 January 2016|work=The Guardian|date=4 December 2015}}</ref> Northwich had led 2–0 with eight minutes to play before a late comeback from Northampton.<ref>{{cite news|title=Northampton 3 - 2 Northwich Victoria|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/34952309|accessdate=19 January 2016|work=[[BBC Sport]]|date=5 December 2015}}</ref>

===Third spell at Stockport County===
Gannon became manager of Stockport County, now in the [[National League North]], for the third time in his career on 18 January 2016.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Byrne|first1=Sam|title=Jim Gannon returns to Stockport County for third stint as manager|url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/jim-gannon-returns-stockport-county-10754650|accessdate=18 January 2016|work=Manchester Evening News|date=18 January 2016}}</ref>

==Managerial style==
Gannon is one of few managers in the lower leagues to hold a full [[UEFA Pro Licence]].<ref name="LMA" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://posh.footballblog.co.uk/jim-gannon-named-manager-london-road.html|title=Jim Gannon named new manager at London Road|date=6 February 2010|work=theposh.com|accessdate=2010-05-23}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sportm.ro/Fotbal-intern/profil-mario-marinica-super-mario-in-africa.html|date=15 July 2009|title=Mario Marinica and his Pro-Licence classmates visit Steve Bruce at Birmingham City FC}}</ref>

Priding himself on playing flowing football in the lower leagues of the English game, Gannon has repeatedly spoken out against clubs he feels play too physically, and referees he feels do not give his players enough protection.<ref>{{cite web|title = Get set for a thriller|work = Stockport Express, 26 March 2008|url=http://www.stockportexpress.co.uk/sport/football/stockport_county/s/1042445_get_set_for_a_thriller}}</ref> As a manager in England, Scotland and Ireland, his teams have picked up fair play awards.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jimgannon.co.uk/#/fair-play/4534201521|title=Fair Play|work=jimgannon.co.uk|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref><ref name="fair">{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/motherwell/6115735/Motherwell-will-play-honestly-and-fairly-says-manager-Jim-Gannon.html|title=Motherwell will play 'honestly and fairly' says manager Jim Gannon |last=Lomax|first=Andrew|date=30 August 2009|work=The Telegraph|accessdate=12 March 2011|location=London}}</ref> He has stated that this fair play approach is based on his belief that it is "good principles that lead to good football".<ref name="fair" />

{{Quote|"My philosophy is good passing football, it is how I believe the game should be played and it brings out the best in players. It inspires them and motivates them to play football in the right manner."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.leaguemanagers.com/news/news-6511.html|title=Posh Appoint Gannon|date=2 February 2010|work=LMA|accessdate=10 March 2011}}</ref>|Gannon speaking in February 2010.}}

Gannon has also been called a 'tactical maverick' due to his unusual [[Formation (association football)|formations]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Yes, Gannon's still a maverick|last=Dunlavy|first=Chris|date=11 April 2010|work=The Football League Paper|accessdate=12 March 2011}}</ref> These formations include [[Formation (association football)#3.E2.80.934.E2.80.931.E2.80.932|3–4–1–2]], [[Formation (association football)#4.E2.80.933.E2.80.932.E2.80.931 .28the .22Christmas Tree.22 formation.29|4–3–2–1]], [[Formation (association football)#4.E2.80.931.E2.80.932.E2.80.933|4–1–2–3]], and his preferred set-up of [[Formation (association football)#4.E2.80.932.E2.80.933.E2.80.931|4–2–3–1]].<ref name="mavericks">{{cite web|url=http://www.jimgannon.co.uk/#/news/4538637438|title=Only 'Mavericks' Play the 4–3–2–1 System|date=27 May 2010|work=personal website|accessdate=12 March 2011}}</ref> He has stated that he prefers formations that use four lines of players (as opposed to three lines in the classic [[Formation (association football)#4.E2.80.934.E2.80.932|4–4–2]]) due to the added depth in defence and presence in midfield, and was inspired to use the formations by [[Carlo Ancelotti]].<ref name="mavericks" /> He has also stated that he prefers the [[Formation (association football)#4.E2.80.933.E2.80.933|4–3–3 formation]] to the 4–4–2 formation, and has criticised the way he perceives 4–4–2 to be 'ingrained in the culture' of English football.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jimgannon.co.uk/#/news/4538637438|title=Will the 4–3–3 ever be Popular in England?|date=7 October 2010|work=personal website|accessdate=12 March 2011}}</ref> He is known to be extremely thorough and meticulous in preparing his players for games.<ref>{{cite news|last=Owen|first=Gareth|title=I've had an eventful time at Vale, but I wouldn't change a minute of it|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Gareth-Owen-ve-eventful-time-Vale-wouldn-t-change/story-15481601-detail/story.html|accessdate=10 March 2012|newspaper=[[The Sentinel (Staffordshire)|The Sentinel]]|date=10 March 2012}}</ref>

Of an outspoken nature, he has had public fallings out with players,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/stockport/8138857.stm|title=Rose ready for life after Gannon|date=7 July 2009|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/spl/2010/01/14/jim-gannon-didn-t-have-guts-to-tell-me-i-wasn-t-in-his-plans-says-ex-motherwell-striker-steven-mcgarry-86908-21966173/|title=Jim Gannon didn't have guts to tell me I wasn't in his plans, says ex-Motherwell striker Steven McGarry|last=Mcdermott|first=Scott|date=14 January 2010|work=Daily Record|accessdate=6 January 2011}}</ref> referees,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/motherwell/8190744.stm|title=Gannon criticises referee display|last=Barnes|first=John|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011|date=7 August 2009}}</ref> chairmen,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/motherwell/6900497/Jim-Gannon-leaves-Motherwell.html|title=Jim Gannon leaves Motherwell|last=Grahame|first=Ewing|date=28 December 2009|work=Telegraph|accessdate=6 January 2011|location=London}}</ref> opposition players and managers, and authorities.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/stockport/7029778.stm|title=Boss Gannon is hit with FA charge|date=5 October 2007|work=[[BBC Sport]]|accessdate=5 January 2011}}</ref> ''[[The Guardian]]'' surmised this by saying that "the feeling about Gannon is that it is His Way or the Highway."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/football-league-blog/2011/mar/22/port-vale-jim-gannon-robbie-williams|title=Why Robbie Williams won't rescue Port Vale after Gannon finally goes|date=22 March 2011|work=The Guardian|accessdate=22 March 2011|location=London|first=Steve|last=Busfield}}</ref>

==Honours==

===As player===
;Dundalk
*[[League of Ireland]] champion: [[1987–88 League of Ireland|1987–88]]
*[[FAI Cup]] winner: [[1988 FAI Cup Final|1988]]

;Stockport County
*[[Football League Second Division]] runner-up: [[1996–97 Football League|1996–97]]
*[[Football League Fourth Division]] runner-up: [[1990–91 Football League Fourth Division|1990–91]]
*[[Football League Trophy]] runner-up: [[1992 Football League Trophy Final|1992]], [[1993 Football League Trophy Final|1993]]

;Shelbourne
*[[League of Ireland]]: [[2001–02 Shelbourne F.C. season|2001–02]], [[2003 Shelbourne F.C. season|2003]]
*[[League of Ireland]] runner-up: [[2002–03 Shelbourne F.C. season|2002–03]]

===As manager===
;Stockport County
*[[Football League Two play-offs]] winner: [[2008 Football League Two play-off Final|2008]]

;Individual
*[[List of Scottish Premier League monthly award winners|Scottish Premier League Manager of the Month]]: [[2009–10 Scottish Premier League|October 2009]]

==Managerial statistics==
{{updated|match played 1 November 2015.}}<ref>{{soccerbase (manager)|2022|Jim Gannon}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable" border="1" style="text-align: center"
|-
!rowspan="2"|Team
!rowspan="2"|From
!rowspan="2"|To
!colspan="5"|Record
|-
!G!!W!!D!!L!!Win %
|-
|align=left|[[Dundalk F.C.|Dundalk]]
|align=left|8 June 2004
|align=left|14 November 2005
{{WDL|72|26|18|28}}
|-
|align=left|[[Stockport County F.C.|Stockport County]]
|align=left|28 December 2005
|align=left|6 May 2009
{{WDL|182|79|42|61}}
|-
|align=left|[[Motherwell F.C.|Motherwell]]
|align=left|30 June 2009
|align=left|28 December 2009
{{WDL|25|7|8|10}}
|-
|align=left|[[Peterborough United F.C.|Peterborough United]]
|align=left|1 February 2010
|align=left|6 April 2010
{{WDL|14|4|1|9}}
|-
|align=left|[[Port Vale F.C.|Port Vale]]
|align=left|6 January 2011
|align=left|21 March 2011
{{WDL|15|4|4|7}}
|-
|align=left|[[Stockport County F.C.|Stockport County]]
|align=left|14 November 2011
|align=left|16 January 2013
{{WDL|59|18|14|27}}
|-
|align=left|[[Northwich Victoria F.C.|Northwich Victoria]]
|align=left|9 December 2013
|align=left|19 January 2016
{{WDL|113|66|21|26}}
|-
|align=left|[[Stockport County F.C.|Stockport County]]
|align=left|19 January 2016
|align=left|Present
{{WDL|5|2|2|1}}
|-
!colspan="3"|Total
{{WDLtot|481|205|108|168}}
|}

==References==
{{reflist|20em}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Jim Gannon}}
*{{soccerbase|2751|Jim Gannon}}
*{{soccerbase (manager)|2022|Jim Gannon}}
*[http://www.leaguemanagers.com/managers/profile-1562.html Profile] at the [[League Managers Association]] website

{{Stockport County F.C. squad}}
{{Dundalk F.C. managers}}
{{Stockport County F.C. managers}}
{{Motherwell F.C. managers}}
{{Peterborough United F.C. managers}}
{{Port Vale F.C. managers}}
{{Northwich Victoria F.C. managers}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Gannon, Jim}}
[[Category:1968 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:People from Southwark]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from London]]
[[Category:English footballers]]
[[Category:Republic of Ireland association footballers]]
[[Category:Association football defenders]]
[[Category:Dundalk F.C. players]]
[[Category:Sheffield United F.C. players]]
[[Category:Halifax Town A.F.C. players]]
[[Category:Stockport County F.C. players]]
[[Category:Notts County F.C. players]]
[[Category:Crewe Alexandra F.C. players]]
[[Category:Shelbourne F.C. players]]
[[Category:The Football League players]]
[[Category:League of Ireland players]]
[[Category:Irish accountants]]
[[Category:UEFA Pro Licence holders]]
[[Category:English football managers]]
[[Category:Republic of Ireland football managers]]
[[Category:Dundalk F.C. managers]]
[[Category:Stockport County F.C. managers]]
[[Category:Motherwell F.C. managers]]
[[Category:Peterborough United F.C. managers]]
[[Category:Northwich Victoria F.C. managers]]
[[Category:Port Vale F.C. managers]]
[[Category:League of Ireland managers]]
[[Category:The Football League managers]]
[[Category:National League (English football) managers]]
[[Category:Scottish Premier League managers]]
[[Category:Northern Premier League managers]]