STOCKPORT COUNTY have confirmed the departure of boss Dave Challinor despite him guiding them to the brink of the Championship.
Challinor, 50, took over the club in 2021 when they were ninth in the National League.
Stockport have announced the departure of manager Dave Challinor Credit: Getty
Challinor took the club from non-league to the brink of the Championship Credit: Getty
He guided them to a play-off spot that season after losing just one of his first 23 matches in charge.
And the club ended up winning the title by the end of the season to clinch an incredible promotion into the for the first time in 11 years, earning him the Manager of the Season award.
Challinor continued to lead the Hatters up through the pyramid by winning before only narrowly missing out on the club getting into the by losing play-off final to Bolton.
However, the former Stockport defender has now left the club with an incredible record of 144 wins from 268 games in charge.
A club statement said: “Stockport County Football Club can confirm that, following long and constructive discussions, we have mutually agreed to part ways with First-Team Manager Dave Challinor.
“Dave leaves Edgeley Park after an extraordinary five-year period that has helped transform the trajectory of the football club.
“Since arriving in November 2021, he has overseen one of the most successful eras in the club’s modern history, guiding us from the National League to the cusp of the Championship, while creating numerous memorable moments that will live forever in County’s long and illustrious history…
“Although Dave signed a new long-term contract last summer, all parties have, after honest and fair conversations, recognised that this is the right moment to move in a different direction.
Challinor won League Two and the National League with Stockport Credit: Getty
“Strong foundations at the club are now in place, with this decision providing both parties with an opportunity for productive change and a fresh start.”
In a lengthy exit statement, Challinor thanked owner Mark Scott and outgoing CEO Simon Wilson for their believing in him to be the person to help establish the club in the once again.
However, he expressed his desire to spend time away with his family, including watching his boys, Ethan and Ellis, graduate in July.
He added he would be looking forward to one day returning to Edgeley Park.
On his exit, Challinor concluded: “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 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.”
Incredibly, in a full 15 seasons as a manager, including for Colwyn Bay, AFC Fylde and Hartlepool United, Challinor is yet to finish outside of a play-off place.
He has been linked with the vacant job, while it was reported by Manchester Evening News reporter Sam Byrne there will be no compensation fee over his exit.
Challinor’s exit comes after the club announced four player exits, including legendary goalkeeper Ben Hinchliffe.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
