Dave Challinor Leaves Stockport County After 5 Years , Stkport 2026

Key Points

• Stockport County manager Dave Challinor has left the League One club by mutual consent after almost five years in charge
• The decision followed “lengthy and constructive discussions” between Challinor and club hierarchy
• Stockport finished third in League One for the past two seasons but failed to reach promotion via the play-offs
• In the 2026 play-off final, Stockport lost 4-1 to Bolton Wanderers at Wembley, with Bolton promoted to the Championship
• Challinor returned to Stockport County as manager in November 2021 after leaving Hartlepool United
• The departure marks the end of a significant era at Edgeley Park for the legendary boss
• Stockport County has now begun searching for a new manager to replace Challinor

Stockport (Manchester Mirror)June 01, 2026 – Stockport County manager Dave Challinor has officially left the League One club by mutual consent after nearly five years in charge, marking the end of a transformative period at Edgeley Park. The club confirmed the decision came following “lengthy and constructive discussions” between Challinor and the club’s hierarchy, with both parties agreeing it was the right time to part ways.

As reported by BBC Sport, the announcement came on Monday, June 01, 2026, just days after Stockport’s disappointing play-off final defeat. The Hatters finished third in League One for the second consecutive season but fell short in their pursuit ofpromotion to the Championship.

Why Did Stockport Finish Third Again but Miss Promotion?

Stockport County’s league performance over the past two seasons has been consistently strong yet ultimately unrewarded. The club secured third-place finishes in League One in both the 2024-25 and 2025-26 campaigns. However, playoff success proved elusive on both occasions.

The most recent setback came on May 24, 2026, when Bolton Wanderers defeated Stockport 4-1 in the League One play-off final at Wembley Stadium. Two goals from Rúben Rodrigues, a Kyle Wootton own goal, and an acrobatic volley from Sam Dalby secured Bolton’s return to the Championship. With Sam Dalby’s spectacular overhead kick in the 81st minute, Bolton Wanderers began strategizing their return to the Championship, a league they exited in 2019 amid significant turmoil.

How Long Did Dave Challinor Manage Stockport County?

Dave Challinor’s tenure at Stockport County spanned almost five full seasons. He returned to his former club as manager in November 2021, after leaving League Two side Hartlepool United. His return to Edgeley Park was significant, as he had previous connections with the club before taking the managerial role.

During his time in charge, Challinor transformed Stockport from a lower-league side into consistent League One contenders. The club’s third-place finishes in consecutive seasons represented the club’s highest league positions in decades.

What Did Challinor Say About Heavy Losses During His Tenure?

Throughout his tenure, Challinor demonstrated resilience and a growth mindset following difficult matches. As reported by BBC Sport, after Stockport’s heavy 5-0 home loss to League One leaders Wycombe Wanderers in November 2024, Challinor acknowledged the challenging result.

“Heavy loss can change behaviour,” Challinor stated regarding the defeat to Wycombe Wanderers. He explained that the aftermath of their significant loss presented an opportunity for growth as they moved forward in the season. This philosophy of learning from setbacks characterised much of his managerial approach at Stockport.

Who Could Replace Dave Challinor at Stockport County?

With Challinor’s departure now official, Stockport County has begun identifying potential replacements. As reported by The72, the question of who could replace the legendary boss has become the club’s priority. The publication noted that Challinor’s departure from Edgeley Park was made official following mutual agreement reached after talks with the club hierarchy.

The72 identified three managers as potential targets for Stockport County as they search for their next leader. The club now faces the challenging task of finding a manager who can maintain the momentum Challinor built while potentially achieving the promotion that has remained just out of reach.

What Does This Mean for Stockport County’s Future?

The departure of Dave Challinor represents a pivotal moment for Stockport County Football Club. After nearly five years of steady progress, the club stands at a crossroads. The consistent third-place finishes demonstrated the foundation Challinor built, but the inability to secure promotion through the play-offs has ultimately led to this decisive moment.

Fans and stakeholders now watch closely as the club embarks on its search for a new manager. The expectation will be high for the next appointment to deliver the promotion that has eluded the club during Challinor’s tenure.

Background of Dave Challinor’s Departure from Stockport County

Dave Challinor’s managerial journey at Stockport County began in November 2021 when he returned to his former club after leaving Hartlepool United. His appointment marked a homecoming, as he had previously been associated with the club before taking charge.

Under Challinor’s leadership, Stockport County experienced significant upward momentum. The club climbed from lower divisions to become consistent contenders in League One, achieving third-place finishes in consecutive seasons (2024-25 and 2025-26). These achievements represented the club’s highest league positions in decades, establishing Stockport as a serious force in English football.

Despite regular-season success, play-off disappointment became a recurring theme. Stockport fell short in both play-off campaigns, with the most recent defeat coming against Bolton Wanderers in the May 2026 final. The 4-1 loss at Wembley, where Bolton secured promotion to the Championship, proved to be the final straw in a series of near-misses.

The decision to part ways was described as mutual and followed “lengthy and constructive discussions” between Challinor and club officials. This wording suggests no acrimony between the parties, with both sides recognising that change was necessary for the club’s next chapter.

Challinor’s tenure also included notable moments of resilience, such as his response to the 5-0 defeat to Wycombe Wanderers in November 2024, where he emphasised learning from setbacks. His philosophy of using difficult matches as growth opportunities defined much of his managerial approach at Edgeley Park.

How Will Challinor’s Departure Affect Stockport County Fans and Players?

Dave Challinor’s departure will have significant implications for multiple stakeholders associated with Stockport County Football Club.

Impact on Stockport County Fans

Fans who have supported the club through Challinor’s five-year tenure will experience a mixture of emotions. The consistent third-place finishes created hope and renewed interest in the club, with attendances and engagement likely increasing during his tenure. The repeated play-off disappointments, however, have created frustration among supporters who saw promotion remain just out of reach.

The uncertainty surrounding the next managerial appointment will create anxiety among fans concerned about maintaining the progress made under Challinor. Supporters will be watching closely to see if the club can find a manager capable of delivering the promotion that has become the club’s primary objective.

Impact on Stockport County Players

For the players, Challinor’s departure represents a significant adjustment. After nearly five years under one manager, the squad will need to adapt to a new managerial philosophy, tactical approach, and training methods. Players who thrived under Challinor’s system may face uncertainty about their roles under the new manager.

The play-off final defeat to Bolton may have already affected player morale, and a managerial change could further impact confidence. However, some players might view this as an opportunity for a fresh start under new leadership.

Impact on Stockport County’s Promotion Ambitions

The club’s promotion ambitions face immediate uncertainty. Challinor built a squad capable of consistent top-three finishes, but未能 convert that consistency into promotion. The new manager will inherit a competitive squad but will face the pressure of immediately delivering promotion.

The Championship promotion represents significant financial rewards for Stockport County, making the next managerial appointment crucial. Failure to secure promotion quickly could result in player departures and a potential decline from the Standards Challinor established.

Impact on Edgeley Park and Club Culture

The departure of a manager who spent almost five years at a club fundamentally affects the culture at Edgeley Park. Challinor’s presence became synonymous with the club’s recent identity, and his departure marks the end of an era.

The club will need to carefully manage this transition to maintain the positive culture Challinor fostered while implementing necessary changes. How quickly and effectively Stockport County appoints a suitable replacement will significantly influence whether the club maintains its trajectory or experiences a setback.

Theamanagement decision reflects the high expectations at Stockport County, where consistent regular-season success must now translate into promotion. The coming months will determine whether this departure marks a necessary step forward or the beginning of a downward trend for the Hatters.