Mark Stott reaffirms commitment to Stockport County in open letter to fans

Stockport County owner, Mark Stott, has reaffirmed his commitment to the Hatters in an open letter to the club’s fans.

The letter follows a number of sporting investments by Stott Capital, including into top-division Hungarian side, Debreceni VSC. Stott clarified that the two clubs will operate entirely independently and will not change plans or ambitions regarding the future of Stockport County.

Mark Stott also indicated of future plans for the Hatters’, revealing that six years into his seven-year plan for the club’s transformation, the Stockport County Board is now developing a five-year plan for the club that will take effect from January 2027.

His full letter is detailed below:

Happy New Year, County Fans.

I hope 2026 has started well for you and your families.

First and foremost, I want to say how proud I am of Stockport County and of everything we have achieved together. We begin 2026 competing strongly in League One, with a clear long-term plan for the club and the incredible backing you give week in, week out.

Our progress on the pitch and the stability we have built off it are the result of a genuine collective effort. I never lose sight of the vital role you all play in that success.

Since becoming the owner of Stockport County in January 2020, my focus has been on the club and its long-term progress. With that in mind, it’s important to me that I update you on other sporting investments by Stott Capital that you may be aware of.

Alongside County, Stott Capital continues to invest in sport with the same long-term mindset: developing talent, strengthening foundations, and helping organisations realise their fullest potential. Pro Football Academy, which began in Stockport, has grown into the largest football coaching business in Europe. We have also acquired F2, one of the world’s leading football media platforms, reaching more than 30 million followers globally.

This week, Stott Capital completed an investment in Debreceni VSC (DVSC), a club competing in Hungary’s top division. It is an exciting opportunity, as Hungary has invested significantly in football infrastructure over the past decade, and DVSC is one of the country’s most established clubs, with a proud history, a strong talent pipeline, and experience in European competition.

I wanted to reassure you that Stott Capital’s investment in DVSC does not change our plans for Stockport County. The two clubs will operate entirely independently, and I remain firmly committed to delivering on our ambitions.

We are now six years into our seven-year plan to transform County, and I can confirm that the Board is now developing a new five-year plan to take us beyond January 2027, with continued investment in infrastructure, the academy, and the club’s long-term potential. We look forward to sharing more details on how this plan is shaping up by the summer.

Thank you, as always, for your trust, passion, and incredible support. I’m excited about where we can take Stockport County in the years ahead.  

Mark