Dave Challinor agrees new deal with Stockport County

Stockport County has announced that manager, Dave Challinor, has signed a new three-year deal that extends his time with the club to Summer 2028.

Since joining from Hartlepool United in 2021, Challinor has become one of the Hatters’ most successful managers. During his time at Edgeley Park, Stockport County has secured two league titles and two play-off campaigns, with 114 matches won out of 207 played: the second-highest win percentage of any permanent manager in the Club’s history.

Last season, Challinor kept guided the team to a third-place finish with 87 points—a new club record in the third tier and the club’s highest league finish since 2002. The three highest points totals in Stockport County history have all come under his management, achieved through a clear identity of high-intensity, front-foot football.

Despite missing out on promotion via the play-offs, there was plenty to be proud of when reflecting on the 2024/25 campaign as the Club continues its push to return to the Championship.

With only one year remaining on his previous deal, Dave Challinor has committed his immediate future to Stockport County, reaffirming his commitment to bringing further success to Edgeley Park.

Club CEO, Simon Wilson said:

“We are delighted to have Dave extend his stay at the Club again, for his third consecutive contract here. Without question I believe we have the best manager in the division, but more importantly a top person who is uncompromising in his desire to fulfil the vision of the Club on and off the pitch.

“We continue to work very well together and have great trust that whatever challenges are laid in front of us, together with our fantastic staff, and a growth mindset, we will find a way of overcoming them.”

On signing his new deal, Dave Challinor said:

“I’m delighted to extend my stay at the Club beyond the end of the upcoming season.

“Last season gives me even more motivation to improve and aim to meet the shared objectives we have. I’m still highly ambitious, and feel that what we have built here over the last three-and-a-half years makes County somewhere that I want to continue to build, alongside my staff, players and everyone involved at the Club.

“A manager’s tenure at any football club is getting shorter and shorter, and I feel proud to have been at Edgeley Park for as long as I have. That comes from the trust placed in me by Mark and Simon to come in and have a positive impact, and I thank them both for that.

“We’ve had great success, excitement, ups and the odd down over this period. Next season will undoubtedly be tougher than the last, and we have to continue to develop and move forward as a Club year on year. But we still remain positive that together we can achieve what we all want, and importantly what the original plan was – Championship football.”