Blackpool FC's League One rivals announce huge decision following Bolton Wanderers defeat

Blackpool’s North West rivals Stockport County are on the search for a new manager following the departure of long-serving boss Dave Challinor.

The Hatters were defeated 4-1 by Bolton Wanderers in the League One play-off final a few weeks ago, as Steven Schumacher’s side secured promotion to the Championship.

This marked Stockport’s second Wembley heartbreak in the space of a month, after losing 3-1 to Luton Town in April’s EFL Trophy final.

Across a five-year stint in charge at Edgeley Park, Challinor has proven to be a successful figure, with his CV including titles in both the National League and League Two.

The 50-year-old departs the Hatters following ‘long and constructive’ conversations to mutually part ways.

Discussing his exit, the former centre back told Stockport’s club website: “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.

“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.”

Challinor’s time in Lancashire

Challinor’s success in the dugout started long before his time with Stockport, with three promotions and an FA Trophy coming while in charge of AFC Fylde.

Ex-Blackpool and Oldham Athletic midfielder Danny Philliskirk was among the players at Mill Farm during that time, and had fond memories of playing under the now-former Hatters boss.

“Brilliant coach, he was very good,” he stated.

“The way he coached us and the way he had us set up, we were really strong. It was only a matter of time before he went onto bigger and better things.

“His record speaks for itself. I don’t know what league he started in with Fylde, but he got promotion after promotion. He then went to Hartlepool and got promoted. He then got a double promotion with Stockport.

“When you’ve got a record like that, you’re doing something right. I’m in no doubt that he’s got a bright future ahead of him.”