Stockport County will face Bolton Wanderers at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, May 23, 2026, in the League One play-off final as they attempt to secure promotion to the Championship for the first time in 24 years.
The Hatters, who were playing in the National League North just six years ago, have undergone a rapid ascent under the ownership of local businessman Mark Stott, who purchased the club in January 2020.
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Manager Dave Challinor, who played in Stockport's last second-tier match in 2002, is aiming to secure the eighth promotion of his managerial career after guiding the team back into the Football League.
Guardiola's Surprise Call
Challinor recounted a surprise phone call from Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola regarding Leyton Orient.
"He phoned and asked for some advice, which, when I got the first message, I thought someone was on the wind-up," said Challinor.
Challinor noted that Guardiola's gesture demonstrated a deep appreciation for the entire English football pyramid, which is connected to Stockport through Stott, who operates the City Suites apartment block where Guardiola resides.
"But to speak to him for 10 minutes and for him to speak to me, a League One manager, to ask your thoughts about another team, just shows what he feels about what this country provides," Challinor added.
Guardiola previously accepted Stott's invitation to attend a match at Edgeley Park in April, a night that ended in a 2-1 defeat for Stockport against Port Vale while European fixtures were taking place elsewhere.
