Stockport County manager Dave Challinor marvels as club inches closer to Championship return in 2026

Stockport County reached the League One play-off final after a 3-0 aggregate win over Stevenage, one match away from returning to the Championship for the first time in 24 years.

County's historic run to final Stockport County secured a place in the League One play-off final on Sunday with a commanding 3-0 aggregate victory over Stevenage, achieved after a 2-0 win in the second leg of the semi-final. The victory means County will face either Bradford City or Bolton Wanderers at Wembley on May 24 to determine who earns promotion to the Championship. Owner Mark Stott set a clear target when taking over in 2020: to guide the club from the National League to the second tier within seven years. The journey has taken the Hatters from financial struggles and National League North stints to the brink of a long-awaited return to higher-tier football. ## Challinor reflects on remarkable progress Dave Challinor, manager of Stockport County, called the club's current position "amazing," especially given the challenges overcome to reach this stage. In his 16 years as a manager, Challinor has earned seven promotions, two of which came with Stockport. He shared his thoughts in an interview, stating, "It's amazing. Even if you're the most optimistic person—and I think the owner is—I don't think anyone else would think a plan to get this club back into the Championship would be exactly on line. It's the biggest step and the hardest step, but it's an opportunity, and that's all you can ask for." The manager also praised the supporters, adding, "The supporters have been fantastic. It would be great for the players and the staff to thank the fans. Hopefully, we'll get the ultimate opportunity to thank them by holding up a trophy at Wembley a week on Sunday." ## From relegation to redemption Stockport County's last appearance in the second tier was in 2002, marking the end of their earlier glory years. The club then faced a steep decline, including financial instability and six seasons in the National League North between 2013 and 2019. Their resurgence began with promotion back into the Football League in 2022, followed by winning the fourth-tier title in 2024 to reach League One. This year's near 25-year journey back to the Championship is just one match away from completion, though the Hatters have never played in the current Championship format. ## Focus shifts to Wembley showdown While Stockport County can take pride in their progress, the team's focus remains firmly on the play-off final at Wembley. Challinor acknowledged the significance of the occasion, saying, "We'll take all the pats on the back for getting this far, but we now have the biggest game of the season in front of us, and it's about how we perform on that day." The manager also highlighted the team's prior Wembley experience this season, where they lost the EFL Trophy final to Luton Town. He noted, "If we don't, we know the disappointment could be there again. We certainly don't want to feel that. You should always be better prepared in the fact that the players have now all experienced it before. They know what disappointment feels like." With a week to prepare, the team views Wembley as a massive occasion but remains driven by a single goal: victory. ## Key players and recent performances Stockport County's path to the play-off final included a dominant 3-0 aggregate win over Stevenage, with Louie Barry highlighted as a notable figure in their campaign. The club's recent form follows their promotion from the fourth tier in 2024, capping years of rebuilding. Their journey has seen them surpass multiple obstacles, including time in non-league football, to reach this pivotal moment. The play-off final will determine whether they complete a historic return to the Championship after decades away.