Stockport draw up shortlist as they search for new manager following Dave Challinor’s departure

Stockport County draw up a shortlist as they search for a new manager following Dave Challinor’s departure on Monday afternoon.

Challinor’s time at the Hatters has come to an end following long discussions, and what a tenure he has had in charge,

It began in November 2021, and have since guided his side to a National League title, won the League Two title for the 2023/24 season, and had back-to-back third-place finishes in League One.

But a 4-1 play-off final defeat to Bolton Wanderers on the 24th of May marks his final game.

He’s currently favourite to get the job at Blackburn Rovers, although”>Lancashire Telegraph say it is ‘unrelated to any move’ and they are unclear if any contact has been made, but understand that those ‘higher up’ at Stockport reckon he’s off to Ewood Park.

Meanwhile, it’s reported that Stockport have Leyton Orient’s Richie Wellens, Rochdale’s Jimmy McNulty and Darren Moore as contenders the list, which also includes Grimsby manager David Artell, said to the frontrunner for the job.

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.

Read more 👇

— Stockport County (@StockportCounty) June 1, 2026

The club said in a statement: “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.

“Under Dave’s leadership, the club secured promotion back to the Football League after an 11-year absence, before continuing an exceptional rise through the divisions. He departs having established Stockport County as a force within the English game once again, receiving national plaudits after breaking numerous club and league records.

“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. 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.

“The relationship built over these past five years has been founded on trust, commitment and shared success, and there is a deep recognition from all involved that every party has played an important role in the club’s remarkable progress.”

Owner Mark Stott said:

“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.”

Dave Challinor said:

“What a journey it’s been. An amazing five years that have gone as I would have hoped, and probably beyond what I expected.

“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.

“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!

“Looking ahead, I’m really excited about what comes next when the right opportunity arises. I’ll also be keeping a keen eye on the club and, like all of you supporters, hoping Championship football returns to Edgeley Park very soon.

“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 Wembley 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.”

Everyone at Stockport County thanks Dave for his outstanding contribution to the Football Club and wishes him and his family every success in the future.

The process of appointing a new manager is already underway and we look forward to updating supporters in due course.

Been incredible for them, been incredible for each other

One of the great EFL managerial spells of recent years

Interested to see what’s next for both

Already seen links (Artell, Moore, McNulty for Stockport, Blackburn for Challinor) – let’s see what happens! https://t.co/xjdbMQmELk

— tomhwilliams23 (@tomhwilliams23) June 1, 2026

Grimsby Town head coach David Artell is reportedly one of the names in the frame to replace Dave Challinor at Stockport County 🧢 Via | @reluctantnicko

Artell’s side narrowly missed out on promotion this season as they lost in the play-offs 🐟 #StockportCounty | #GTFC pic.twitter.com/qezeLEhwpg

— eflpublished (@eflpublished) May 31, 2026

Former Huddersfield Town and Sheffield Wednesday manager Darren Moore is reportedly a contender for the Stockport County job 🧢 Via | @MailSport

Moore has been out of work since he was sacked by Port Vale in December last year 📉 #StockportCounty pic.twitter.com/9khcy3x4Ap

— eflpublished (@eflpublished) June 1, 2026

FAVOURITES TO BECOME NEW STOCKPORT MANAGER

BetVictor – 1st June

David Artell – 5/1
Richie Wellens – 6/1
Steven Gerrard – 6/1
Darren Ferguson – 6/1
Matt Taylor – 8/1
Darren Moore – 10/1
Danny Cowley – 12/1
Karl Robinson – 12/1
Mark Kennedy – 14/1

Here’s how fans reacted after Stockport up draw up shortlist as they search for a new manager following Dave Challinor’s departure…

@Mogglers: We need a next level appointment/announcement now, show some serious ambition to make that next step we have been so close to.

@drewconcannon: Genuinely gutted to learn this but we had the distinct feeling it was coming. I was sceptical post Gannon but his class, honest comms & various styles soon won me over. Stockport loves you more than you will know.. best of luck to Dave @ChallinorKate & family on his next role 💙

@chris_newbery: I really hope Dave reads some of these messages, but the overwhelming thought is one of thanks and gratitude done by Dave & the team. He rightly goes into the legend category, and in some ways it’s great to be able to part on a high point in the clubs recent history. Thankyou 💙

@Al_Hordman: The timing is right for everyone involved. What Chally has done & achieved in the last 5 years is remarkable. Cheers, thank you just isn’t enough. Made me believe we could achieve again. Hope he goes on to have further success. As for us we must get the next appointment right!

@Lancsiron: Has done a great job at @StockportCounty. Now he can go and try something similar somewhere new… Be interesting who they bring in tbh

@JadenChristy180: Orients £1m release clause for Wellens might be the stumbling block, but if activated that’s a great deal for a L1 manager.

@Chris4RAFC: From an outsider view the decision does look strange, he only signed a new 3 year contract last summer (Didn’t he). I definitely think something has happened in the background. Has he taken County as far as he could, who knows

@stopfordianTJ: a mixture of scary/exciting times ahead, we haven’t been in this position for the last 5yrs. no doubt we’re in a much better place now. bring it on.

@Mathew_scfc: Looking forward to hopefully building a team rather than a bunch of players. 9 players have left already (loans/ooc)/ Asking most fans theres another 10 that people would be happy to have seen the last of

@aimee22487: It’s a bit of a strange feeling to be honest. He’s been nothing short of brilliant throughout his reign 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 however I personally think we have looked lost this season. No point in dwelling on it, we have to embrace the change and get behind the new gaffer once announced.

@TheShoeArmy1897: Wow. Pretty sure I read that he had never once not finished in play off positions with Stockport. Obviously they have a healthy budget and located in a great part of the country but still did incredibly well. Can’t imagine he’ll be short of offers and he interesting to see who they think does a better job

@griffcounty: Must admit, I’m a little apprehensive about what County will look like next season. Wilson gone. DC gone. A rookie Sporting Director with an awful amount of deadwood on decent money to shift from the squad. Perhaps I’m being overly pessimistic, but I’m concerned.