Football Season Guide

Stockport County continue their rise up the English pyramid with a third promotion in six seasons. They justified their favourites tag at the start of the season and were deserved crowned League Two Champions in April. Two of the last three promotions have come under manager Dave Challinor, who hasn’t rested on his laurels and has continued to strengthen his squad this summer. He does have the support of owner Mark Stott, who continues to provide significant financial backing in the transfer market. There are also big plans to double the capacity of the modest Edgeley Park as they look ahead to a possible return to the Championship. That might not be the immediate next step, however Challinor has shown no sentiment with the likes of defender Akil Wright, midfielders Antoni Sarcevic and Ryan Croasdale and striker Paddy Madden allowed to leave the club this summer, despite having been integral in two promotions. The summer recruitment has clearly centred on the middle of the park with the additions of Jay Mingi, Lewis Fiorini and most notably Lewis Bate, with an undisclosed fee paid to Leeds United. They supplement an already strong midfield in the likes of Callum Camps, Nick Powell and Will Collar. Corey Addai will provide competition with Ben Hinchcliffe for the number one jersey following an impressive season with Crawley Town whilst Jayden Fevrier could be a shrewd addition from Colchester United. Michael Mellon steps up a division after joining on a season-long loan from Burnley whilst Jack Stretton will feel like a new signing having missed the entirety of last season through injury. The Hatters will be looking up rather than down as they step up to a new level.