Stockport County have parted company with manager, Dave Challinor to end a five-year spell.
Challinor took charge in November 2021 and oversaw the Hatters’ promotion from National League to League Two as champions at the end of his first season in charge.
He subsequently led them to the League Two title two years later for their first EFL title since the 1966-67 Fourth Division title, and quickly consolidated them as a League One club but twice missed out on promotion to the Championship via the play-offs in each of the last two seasons.
Challinor’s final match in charge consequently was their 4-1 Play-Off Final defeat to Bolton Wanderers last weekend, with the decision for club and manager to part company taken following a review of the season.
Explaining his decision to leave Stockport, Challinor felt that the timing was right for a fresh chapter in both his and the club’s lives, especially with CEO, Simon Wilson and goalkeeper, Ben Hinchcliffe also departing this summer.
“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!”
Challinor also thanked owner – Mark Stott for entrusting him with the managerial reins alongside club staff and players for their efforts.
“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.”
Stott in return hailed Challinor as an icon of the club as he paid tribute to the 50-year-old for his commitment and effort to turning the team into a successful club after 11 years in non-league football.
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.”