Dave Challinor departs from Stockport County

Stockport County Football Club has confirmed that the club and first team manager, Dave Challinor, have agreed to mutually part ways.

Since arriving in November 2021, Dave Challinor has overseen an extraordinary five-year period at Edgeley Park that has seen the club rise from the National League to the cusp of the Championship. He departs having established Stockport County as a force within the English game once again, receiving national plaudits after breaking numerous club and league records.

Despite signing a new long-term contract last summer, both Dave Challinor and the club have recognised this is right moment to move in a different direction, with strong foundations now in place at Stockport County.

Owner Mark Stott said:

“Since buying the club, there have been a few County legends mentioned to me, and in management there is obviously Jim Gannon and Danny Bergara. Dave Challinor definitely now joins that list.

“From the day that Simon and I first met Dave, we knew we had found the right person to kick-start our vision for the club. His track record spoke for itself, but it was Dave’s human qualities that gave us complete confidence he was the man for the job.
 
“The FA Cup replay against Bolton remains, for me, the greatest football night of my life, and from that moment I was fully sold on Chally.
 
“Five years on, the achievements speak for themselves. We have reached at least the play-offs every season, won two league titles and broken so many records along the way. Dave has played a huge role in transforming the club and helping us build foundations for the future.
 
“Kate and the boys have been ever-present throughout Dave’s time at the club. Seeing them at virtually every game showed the close bond they have as a family. They have been a big part of the journey and will be greatly missed.
 
“On behalf of everyone at the club, I would like to thank Dave for everything he has given to Stockport County. I wish him all the best in what I know will continue to be a successful managerial career, and he will always be welcome at Edgeley Park.”

Dave Challinor said:

“What a journey it’s been. An amazing five years that have gone as I would have hoped, and probably beyond what I expected.

“Firstly, thank you to Mark and Simon for believing in me and trusting that I was the right person to help carry out the plan they put together to move the club forward and get back to the Championship. We’ve come so close, and made some wonderful memories along the way – too many to mention.

“I’ve met some brilliant people during my time at the club, professionally and personally. Players and staff alike who will remain friends for life, and it’s been amazing to share success with them.

“Five seasons is a long time in football management at any level, and deciding to step away from the club at this moment has been incredibly tough, especially on the back of the Play-Off Final outcome. My family and I have put everything into County and it has become our lives over this period, but the timing feels right.

“It feels a little like the end of an era, with Simon moving on, Ben leaving, and the club entering a new phase with new people coming in. For me, it feels like the right time for all parties to look at what comes next, while leaving immensely proud of everything we’ve achieved together.

“Personally, I’m going to enjoy some time away with Kate, Ethan and Ellis, spend plenty of time in the sun, watch the boys graduate in July, take some time to reflect, learn and develop, support Ben wherever possible in his testimonial, something he thoroughly deserves, and finally be an England fan in the latter stages of the World Cup… hopefully!

“Looking ahead, I’m really excited about what comes next when the right opportunity arises. I’ll also be keeping a keen eye on the club and, like all of you supporters, hoping Championship football returns to Edgeley Park very soon.

“Finally, to the most important part of any football club, you, the supporters. Your backing has been incredible and I’m sure that will continue. From game one, when 5,000 of you travelled to Bolton, to game 268 and 15,000 at Wembley for the third time in four years, your support never wavered. Annoyingly, we couldn’t reward that with a win, but that moment will come. I hope we can all reflect positively on the experiences and emotions we’ve shared together over these years, mostly good, with a few painful moments along the way.

“I’ll be back at Edgeley Park as a watcher and a supporter, and hopefully I’ll get the opportunity to say thank you and goodbye properly in person. In the meantime, enjoy your summer and I’ll see you all soon.”

The process of appointing a new manager is already underway and Stockport County will update supporters in due course.