Next manager candidates

[Mboto Gorge]

6 minutes ago, Saint_lambden said:

Says a lot about how far we’ve fallen that Carrick is considered a good appointment. Bored everyone to tears at Middlesbrough who are now playing much more to their level now he’s gone. 
 

Better than Still and more experienced at this level sure, but perhaps says a lot about the lack of quality candidates available that he’s high up the list. Don’t think anyone would have touched him with a barge pole in the summer. 

The lowering of standards and expectations season on season - otherwise known as the Sport Republic Effect

[Willo of Whiteley]

There is no point in getting rid of Will Still at the expense of someone like Michael Carrick, Steven Gerrard or Gary O’Neil etc.

People asking for the above are just reactionary to today’s game.

I’m not saying Will Still is doing a good job by any means but the above guys are no better. They haven’t achieved anything significant in their also short managerial careers.

At least we’ve been creating chances, there is enough there for us to do something. 
How we didn’t buy a clinical striker or a competent goalkeeper in the summer will determine our season.

Will Still hasn’t been helped by partly poor recruitment, but equally he doesn’t help himself in his formation or team selections.

[Saint86]

2 hours ago, Nieldy said:

Seriously Mark Robbins would be my first choice. Listening to Coventry fans, they are where they are because of him.

That's a good shout TBF.

[Killers Knee]

Everyone is aware that even Mad Nate would consider Saints a step down too far?

[CSA96]

Not saying he's who I want, mainly because he isn't, but we've shown interest in Steven Gerrard on more than one occasion and he remains out of work... perhaps if it's a Spors pick he might not go down that path again, but if he's off and not involved, then perhaps that's one to watch

[Sunnyside Saint]

Who was that ex Man Utd assistant or coach that was working in the US?  Would SR revisit? He was high up the shortlist last time.

 

Edit: just read above, think the name was Eric Ramsey 

Edited 12 hours ago by Sunnyside Saint
Found the answer in the thread.

[Wade Garrett]

5 hours ago, Willo of Whiteley said:

There is no point in getting rid of Will Still at the expense of someone like Michael Carrick, Steven Gerrard or Gary O’Neil etc.

People asking for the above are just reactionary to today’s game.

I’m not saying Will Still is doing a good job by any means but the above guys are no better. They haven’t achieved anything significant in their also short managerial careers.

At least we’ve been creating chances, there is enough there for us to do something. 
How we didn’t buy a clinical striker or a competent goalkeeper in the summer will determine our season.

Will Still hasn’t been helped by partly poor recruitment, but equally he doesn’t help himself in his formation or team selections.

Bullshit

[Jack]

7 hours ago, Willo of Whiteley said:

There is no point in getting rid of Will Still at the expense of someone like Michael Carrick, Steven Gerrard or Gary O’Neil etc.

People asking for the above are just reactionary to today’s game.

I’m not saying Will Still is doing a good job by any means but the above guys are no better. They haven’t achieved anything significant in their also short managerial careers.

At least we’ve been creating chances, there is enough there for us to do something. 
How we didn’t buy a clinical striker or a competent goalkeeper in the summer will determine our season.

Will Still hasn’t been helped by partly poor recruitment, but equally he doesn’t help himself in his formation or team selections.

Yeah, any one of them would be a huge improvement. Any proper football person would command some respect and get a better tune out of a really decent squad of players at this level.
 

It’s incredible how bad we’ve managed to be with this squad, he’s really had to find new ways to be worse than the week before. Impressive even. 

[Give it to Ron]

1 hour ago, Wade Garrett said:

Bullshit

Not achieved anything except at Rangers stopping Celtic winning 10 in a row. O’Neil keeping a terrible Wolves team up.

Carrick getting Boro in play offs …..let’s stick with Still who got a team in French league 8th some achievement that coupled with great job he is doing.

I’m with you!

 

[Fitzhugh Fella]

13 hours ago, madge said:

I’m at the point where we need someone tried and tested at this club. So Ralph or Nigel Adkins for me. Someone who would unite the fans. 

Neither would unite this particular fan. Both are busted flushes.

[EnoughAlready]

On 23/10/2025 at 21:59, chownie20 said:

Mark Robins

Robins is a winner. League One winner and Championship play off finalist with Coventry. Would prefer Robins to Carrick, who hasn't quite cut it in the Championship. Would be a strong contender for promotion at a club with our budget 

Edited 8 hours ago by EnoughAlready

[Harry_SFC]

9 hours ago, Saint86 said:

That's a good shout TBF.

We should've got him while we had the chance. Believe he was available when we sacked Juric?

Should've been planning for the Championship then. 

[whelk]

We need a well dressed Spaniard 

[Willo of Whiteley]

So you guys are telling me you’d accept Gary O’Neil? 😂

Fuck. 👀

[BILLY]

Just now, Willo of Whiteley said:

So you guys are telling me you’d accept Gary O’Neil? 😂

Fuck. 👀

No Fooking way

[Give it to Ron]

5 minutes ago, Willo of Whiteley said:

So you guys are telling me you’d accept Gary O’Neil? 😂

Fuck. 👀

He wouldn’t even be considered so no point wetting about it - the point is he has achieved more than Stilll

[SW11_Saint]

Despite the past connections, what about Gary O’Neill? Always seems quite ‘no nonsense’ which is what we need…

[SW11_Saint]

34 minutes ago, Willo of Whiteley said:

So you guys are telling me you’d accept Gary O’Neil? 😂

Fuck. 👀

Yes, 100%. He’s hardly Redknapp, and we accepted him at the time.

[Midfield_General]

14 hours ago, Nieldy said:

Seriously Mark Robbins would be my first choice. Listening to Coventry fans, they are where they are because of him.

 

11 hours ago, Saint86 said:

That's a good shout TBF.

 

2 hours ago, EnoughAlready said:

Robins is a winner. League One winner and Championship play off finalist with Coventry. Would prefer Robins to Carrick, who hasn't quite cut it in the Championship. Would be a strong contender for promotion at a club with our budget 

You do all realise Robins is the Stoke manager, right? Who he’s already got into the play-off places? He’s got a very decent shot at getting them promoted. 

Why would he jib that to drop into a relegation fight at a club in turmoil? 

[Gloucester Saint]

10 minutes ago, Midfield_General said:

 

 

You do all realise Robins is the Stoke manager, right? Who he’s already got into the play-off places? He’s got a very decent shot at getting them promoted. 

Why would he jib that to drop into a relegation fight at a club in turmoil? 

And has the backing of the Coates family Bet 365 empire. 

[S-Clarke]

39 minutes ago, Midfield_General said:

 

 

You do all realise Robins is the Stoke manager, right? Who he’s already got into the play-off places? He’s got a very decent shot at getting them promoted. 

Why would he jib that to drop into a relegation fight at a club in turmoil? 

Our choice of managers would be solely limited to the currently unemployed former Champ managers and up and coming L1 manager bracket.

No better than that.

We're not shopping in the ballpark of the likes of Lampard, Cooper and dare I say it - Jones - anymore.

Edited 6 hours ago by S-Clarke

[Lord Duckhunter]

The problem with getting old is you don’t really bother looking into every little detail, transfer and result anymore. 45 years ago, I’d have known who the manager of Torquay was, who was up and coming in Division 4, and would have an idea of who could step up. Now I’m fucking clueless (and no, I don’t work for SR).

It strikes me that we need somebody to change the culture of the club in a steady and emotionless way, over a period of 6 or 7 transfer windows. To me that rules out your Steven Gerrards or anyone else who will jump ship to their spiritual home or a bigger job if they do a great job. We need to hit the sweet spot like we did with WGS, never going to be Man Utd or Leeds manager, & never really going to attract a bigger club (although we were clearly bigger at the time).
 

As I said, I don’t follow the ins and outs of the managerial game anymore, but one name which maybe a possibly is David Wagner. Bit of a journeyman career, with some decent highs in the league we’re actually playing in, as well as some lows which unlike Nathan Jones (after Stoke), he may have learnt from. Not likely to be poached by anyone even if he does turn things around. I don’t know if he wants to get back in, he may love his present role, but my Huddersfield mate sings his praises and says he transformed their club from top to bottom. 

[beatlesaint]

38 minutes ago, Lord Duckhunter said:

It strikes me that we need somebody to change the culture of the club in a steady and emotionless way, over a period of 6 or 7 transfer windows. To me that rules out your Steven Gerrards or anyone else who will jump ship to their spiritual home or a bigger job if they do a great job. We need to hit the sweet spot like we did with WGS, never going to be Man Utd or Leeds manager, & never really going to attract a bigger club (although we were clearly bigger at the time).

Trouble is LD, like with Still at the moment he's had one transfer window and some of the players that he has bought in look to be good whilst others SHOULD be good as they have already done it in this league. I cannot see how fans will be patient enough for any manager to rebuild this club over the 2-3 seasons that many transfer windows would take. He is not frightened to drop players if they have a bad game (THB & Captai Jack as examples) and he is obviously trying to change the culture of the club. At the moment its not working. Now would it seem to be working gradually and would things look a lot more positive IF we had beaten Swansea, won at Blackburn and got a point at Bristol City? If we had a striker who could find that netty thing at the end of the pitch we would have gotten 7 points out of the last 3 games. That would have pout us joint 6th, and we would all be relatively happy with that right now.

Despite him saying "oh I didnt want a striker" he bloody well must have. The club has been crying out for a centre forward since Ings left, nobody can dispute that. He has been let down badly by this Spors fraud and SR. Christ even the owner said we need a centre forward and the money is there!!!!

I have wanted Still to succeed, I still do really cos I think he might be the manager you speak of, he wont bugger off at the first opportunity. But those changes he made yesterday made me seriously doubt him. Its not all on him, how many managers have we had since Ralph left? It cannot always be the manager thats the problem surely? 

Edited 5 hours ago by beatlesaint

[trousers]

48 minutes ago, Lord Duckhunter said:

The problem with getting old is you don’t really bother looking into every little detail, transfer and result anymore. 45 years ago, I’d have known who the manager of Torquay was, who was up and coming in Division 4, and would have an idea of who could step up. Now I’m fucking clueless (and no, I don’t work for SR).

It strikes me that we need somebody to change the culture of the club in a steady and emotionless way, over a period of 6 or 7 transfer windows. To me that rules out your Steven Gerrards or anyone else who will jump ship to their spiritual home or a bigger job if they do a great job. We need to hit the sweet spot like we did with WGS, never going to be Man Utd or Leeds manager, & never really going to attract a bigger club (although we were clearly bigger at the time).
 

As I said, I don’t follow the ins and outs of the managerial game anymore, but one name which maybe a possibly is David Wagner. Bit of a journeyman career, with some decent highs in the league we’re actually playing in, as well as some lows which unlike Nathan Jones (after Stoke), he may have learnt from. Not likely to be poached by anyone even if he does turn things around. I don’t know if he wants to get back in, he may love his present role, but my Huddersfield mate sings his praises and says he transformed their club from top to bottom. 

Dave Challinor might fit that profile....?

Got Stockport promoted from League 2 (awarded manager of the season in the process) and now riding high in Div 1. 

7 promotions in 14 seasons and over 50% win rate. High pressing, aggressive playing style. 

Apparently favourite to take over at Norwich if/when Liam Manning is relieved of his duties there.

Edit: just seen that he's been suggested by @Saint86 several times before... Great minds thinking alike...

Edited 5 hours ago by trousers

[Midfield_General]

Yeah I doubt we’re attracting any particularly attractive candidates at this stage. We’re going to need to get lucky with someone who might not look much from the outside but who turns out to be a ‘right time, right place’ appointment, like Strachan and Adkins were. I actually thought Still was going to be that person and would quietly get on with it, show common sense, do the basics well and actually build something. He just seemed a good cultural fit to me and his honesty and down to earth approach seemed like a breath of fresh air after the endless smug bullshit of you know who. But he’s just not showing anything at all at the minute that suggests he’s got what it takes, it’s so disappointing. 

I really do desperately want it to click for him, but as it unraveled yesterday in one of the poorest performances I can remember from a Saints side, and he just looked lost and alone and started making mad, panicky decisions which turned the game firmly in their favour when all we had to do was be competent, and it became apparent that after a whole pre-season and a good chunk of pretty kind fixtures that we’re just getting worse and worse, I just got that familiar sinking feeling again where you realise you can’t kid yourself any more and it’s just not happening for him. 

I really hope that by some miracle it suddenly clicks into place against Preston and that we can build from there. But there are absolutely zero signs of that being likely to happen, and I think if we lose again and slip into the bottom three then they’ll panic and he’s done. 

Then we’ll probably be saying hello to Wayne Rooney’s Southampton and a season in league one. 

Fucking Saints. Honestly. 

Edited 5 hours ago by Midfield_General

[trousers]

The more I read about Challinor the more I like the sound of him. Should definitely be on our radar IMO...

https://therealefl.co.uk/2025/04/24/is-stockport-county-boss-the-most-underrated-manager-in-the-efl/

 

As the League One season nears its dramatic conclusion, Stockport County find themselves in the promotion mix once again.

While the attention has often focused on money-fuelled campaigns from Birmingham City and Wrexham, the achievements of Dave Challinor and his side have quietly turned heads – but perhaps not loudly enough.

Could it be that Challinor is the most underrated manager in the entire English Football League?

A Managerial Journey Defined by Success

Dave Challinor’s career in management has been nothing short of remarkable. From his early days guiding AFC Fylde up the non-league ladder, to stabilising and revitalising Hartlepool United, Challinor has demonstrated an almost unmatched consistency. His current stint with Stockport County has only strengthened his reputation.

Across 14 full seasons in charge, Challinor has never finished lower than a play-off position. That statistic alone is enough to raise eyebrows, especially given the six different divisions he’s managed in. Whether in the National League North or now in the upper echelons of League One, Challinor has delivered results time and again. Promotions, title wins, and consistent contention have followed him wherever he’s gone.

Flying Under the Radar Amid Flashier Campaigns

One of the primary reasons Challinor hasn’t received the plaudits he deserves is the company he keeps this season. Birmingham City have blitzed the league with a record-breaking campaign. Wrexham, bolstered by Hollywood investment and global attention, have continued their own rise through the divisions. In this context, Stockport’s success has been comparatively subdued in the media spotlight – but no less impressive on the pitch.

Sitting comfortably in the top six, and with a mathematical chance at automatic promotion, Stockport have done everything right under Challinor’s guidance. Unlike their more headline-grabbing rivals, they’ve relied on tactical cohesion, squad depth, and astute management rather than big budgets or celebrity ownerships.

A System, Not a Star

Perhaps the most telling feature of Challinor’s Stockport side this season is how they’ve responded to adversity. The January departure of Louie Barry – the club’s top scorer – could have derailed their campaign. Instead, the goals have been spread across the squad, and performances have remained consistent.

This speaks volumes of Challinor’s philosophy: his teams are systems rather than showcases for individuals. From back to front, his players understand their roles, and that clarity has produced one of the league’s most balanced sides. There’s no single talisman – and that’s a compliment to the manager’s tactical organisation and leadership.

Snubbed for Recognition, Yet Still Rising

It’s astonishing that Challinor has not been shortlisted for League One’s Manager of the Season. His omission has even left neutrals puzzled. With the likes of Richie Wellens, Nathan Jones and Phil Parkinson nominated, it seems that Stockport’s subtler success has once again been overlooked.

And yet, that seems to be the story of Challinor’s career so far – persistent excellence without the acclaim. It’s no wonder clubs higher up the pyramid, such as West Brom and Norwich, have been linked with the 49-year-old. If promotion doesn’t materialise this season, there will surely be no shortage of suitors looking to bring his winning ways to a higher level.

Site Opinion

There’s a lot to admire about Dave Challinor’s journey. In an era where managerial careers are often judged on PR campaigns and social media buzz, he’s built a record grounded in substance. No gimmicks, no controversy – just pure coaching acumen and an unwavering ability to extract the best from his squads.

Challinor may not shout the loudest, but his results speak for themselves. As the EFL season edges towards its finale, it’s time the wider football world gave him the recognition he deserves. Whether he earns promotion with Stockport or takes the next step elsewhere, one thing is certain: he’s no longer just an underdog – he’s a force to be reckoned with.

Edited 4 hours ago by trousers

[tdmickey3]

Would a manager like Carrick or Gerrard look at our squad and think they could do a hell of a lot better with it?

I think someone like that would say absolutely yes.

[S-Clarke]

16 minutes ago, trousers said:

The more I read about Challinor the more I like the sound of him. Should definitely be on our radar IMO...

https://therealefl.co.uk/2025/04/24/is-stockport-county-boss-the-most-underrated-manager-in-the-efl/

 

As the League One season nears its dramatic conclusion, Stockport County find themselves in the promotion mix once again.

While the attention has often focused on money-fuelled campaigns from Birmingham City and Wrexham, the achievements of Dave Challinor and his side have quietly turned heads – but perhaps not loudly enough.

Could it be that Challinor is the most underrated manager in the entire English Football League?

A Managerial Journey Defined by Success

Dave Challinor’s career in management has been nothing short of remarkable. From his early days guiding AFC Fylde up the non-league ladder, to stabilising and revitalising Hartlepool United, Challinor has demonstrated an almost unmatched consistency. His current stint with Stockport County has only strengthened his reputation.

Across 14 full seasons in charge, Challinor has never finished lower than a play-off position. That statistic alone is enough to raise eyebrows, especially given the six different divisions he’s managed in. Whether in the National League North or now in the upper echelons of League One, Challinor has delivered results time and again. Promotions, title wins, and consistent contention have followed him wherever he’s gone.

Flying Under the Radar Amid Flashier Campaigns

One of the primary reasons Challinor hasn’t received the plaudits he deserves is the company he keeps this season. Birmingham City have blitzed the league with a record-breaking campaign. Wrexham, bolstered by Hollywood investment and global attention, have continued their own rise through the divisions. In this context, Stockport’s success has been comparatively subdued in the media spotlight – but no less impressive on the pitch.

Sitting comfortably in the top six, and with a mathematical chance at automatic promotion, Stockport have done everything right under Challinor’s guidance. Unlike their more headline-grabbing rivals, they’ve relied on tactical cohesion, squad depth, and astute management rather than big budgets or celebrity ownerships.

A System, Not a Star

Perhaps the most telling feature of Challinor’s Stockport side this season is how they’ve responded to adversity. The January departure of Louie Barry – the club’s top scorer – could have derailed their campaign. Instead, the goals have been spread across the squad, and performances have remained consistent.

This speaks volumes of Challinor’s philosophy: his teams are systems rather than showcases for individuals. From back to front, his players understand their roles, and that clarity has produced one of the league’s most balanced sides. There’s no single talisman – and that’s a compliment to the manager’s tactical organisation and leadership.

Snubbed for Recognition, Yet Still Rising

It’s astonishing that Challinor has not been shortlisted for League One’s Manager of the Season. His omission has even left neutrals puzzled. With the likes of Richie Wellens, Nathan Jones and Phil Parkinson nominated, it seems that Stockport’s subtler success has once again been overlooked.

And yet, that seems to be the story of Challinor’s career so far – persistent excellence without the acclaim. It’s no wonder clubs higher up the pyramid, such as West Brom and Norwich, have been linked with the 49-year-old. If promotion doesn’t materialise this season, there will surely be no shortage of suitors looking to bring his winning ways to a higher level.

Site Opinion

There’s a lot to admire about Dave Challinor’s journey. In an era where managerial careers are often judged on PR campaigns and social media buzz, he’s built a record grounded in substance. No gimmicks, no controversy – just pure coaching acumen and an unwavering ability to extract the best from his squads.

Challinor may not shout the loudest, but his results speak for themselves. As the EFL season edges towards its finale, it’s time the wider football world gave him the recognition he deserves. Whether he earns promotion with Stockport or takes the next step elsewhere, one thing is certain: he’s no longer just an underdog – he’s a force to be reckoned with.

We'd break him, IMO. No chance someone like him comes here and has success. The fans would be calling for blood after a couple of weeks.

We need someone experienced who doesn't take any shit, shake the shit out of the squad, get us competitive and in a better place. The next appointment also won't be long term, it's going to have to be an ugly stop gap to make us competitive again - as that's the biggest issue, we have been an uncompetitive professional football club for over 18 months now. We need strong leadership at this point.

[LGTL]

Yes, now is not the time for another fucking experiment. Experienced head who knows this league is a must. I guarantee you there are managers out of work looking at us knowing they could get a tune out of the squad. 

[Midfield_General]

10 minutes ago, S-Clarke said:

We'd break him, IMO. No chance someone like him comes here and has success. The fans would be calling for blood after a couple of weeks.

We need someone experienced who doesn't take any shit, shake the shit out of the squad, get us competitive and in a better place. The next appointment also won't be long term, it's going to have to be an ugly stop gap to make us competitive again - as that's the biggest issue, we have been an uncompetitive professional football club for over 18 months now. We need strong leadership at this point.

Reminds me of that Sunderland documentary when they were in free fall in league one I think and brought in Chris Coleman. Not a superstar by any means but had lots of experience, had managed an international side, had a bit of swagger about him for that level and you could just see everyone instantly respond to him, from the players to the crowd to the tea lady. He just commanded instant respect and injected positivity and hope into a club culture that was on its arse. 

Not him obviously, but someone like that. 

[benjii]

15 hours ago, Mboto Gorge said:

The lowering of standards and expectations season on season - otherwise known as the Sport Republic Effect

People saying we should have signed Ollie McBurnie, a pure embarrassment of a football player.

[trousers]

23 minutes ago, S-Clarke said:

We'd break him, IMO. No chance someone like him comes here and has success. The fans would be calling for blood after a couple of weeks.

We need someone experienced who doesn't take any shit, shake the shit out of the squad, get us competitive and in a better place. The next appointment also won't be long term, it's going to have to be an ugly stop gap to make us competitive again - as that's the biggest issue, we have been an uncompetitive professional football club for over 18 months now. We need strong leadership at this point.

Big Sam it is then

[trousers]

11 minutes ago, Midfield_General said:

Reminds me of that Sunderland documentary when they were in free fall in league one I think and brought in Chris Coleman. Not a superstar by any means but had lots of experience, had managed an international side, had a bit of swagger about him for that level and you could just see everyone instantly respond to him, from the players to the crowd to the tea lady. He just commanded instant respect and injected positivity and hope into a club culture that was on its arse. 

Not him obviously, but someone like that. 

Gareth Southgate...?

[benjii]

13 minutes ago, Midfield_General said:

Reminds me of that Sunderland documentary when they were in free fall in league one I think and brought in Chris Coleman. Not a superstar by any means but had lots of experience, had managed an international side, had a bit of swagger about him for that level and you could just see everyone instantly respond to him, from the players to the crowd to the tea lady. He just commanded instant respect and injected positivity and hope into a club culture that was on its arse. 

Not him obviously, but someone like that. 

And he's got five kids, so who are you calling a prick?

[benjii]

2 minutes ago, trousers said:

Gareth Southgate...?

Would be a fantastic appointment but I very much doubt he is interested. 

[Sheaf Saint]

4 hours ago, SW11_Saint said:

Yes, 100%. He’s hardly Redknapp, and we accepted him at the time.

Not all of us did.

[Midfield_General]

12 minutes ago, trousers said:

Gareth Southgate...?

In our dreams. I think that ship might have sailed!

[Sheaf Saint]

54 minutes ago, trousers said:

The more I read about Challinor the more I like the sound of him. Should definitely be on our radar IMO...

https://therealefl.co.uk/2025/04/24/is-stockport-county-boss-the-most-underrated-manager-in-the-efl/

 

As the League One season nears its dramatic conclusion, Stockport County find themselves in the promotion mix once again.

While the attention has often focused on money-fuelled campaigns from Birmingham City and Wrexham, the achievements of Dave Challinor and his side have quietly turned heads – but perhaps not loudly enough.

Could it be that Challinor is the most underrated manager in the entire English Football League?

A Managerial Journey Defined by Success

Dave Challinor’s career in management has been nothing short of remarkable. From his early days guiding AFC Fylde up the non-league ladder, to stabilising and revitalising Hartlepool United, Challinor has demonstrated an almost unmatched consistency. His current stint with Stockport County has only strengthened his reputation.

Across 14 full seasons in charge, Challinor has never finished lower than a play-off position. That statistic alone is enough to raise eyebrows, especially given the six different divisions he’s managed in. Whether in the National League North or now in the upper echelons of League One, Challinor has delivered results time and again. Promotions, title wins, and consistent contention have followed him wherever he’s gone.

Flying Under the Radar Amid Flashier Campaigns

One of the primary reasons Challinor hasn’t received the plaudits he deserves is the company he keeps this season. Birmingham City have blitzed the league with a record-breaking campaign. Wrexham, bolstered by Hollywood investment and global attention, have continued their own rise through the divisions. In this context, Stockport’s success has been comparatively subdued in the media spotlight – but no less impressive on the pitch.

Sitting comfortably in the top six, and with a mathematical chance at automatic promotion, Stockport have done everything right under Challinor’s guidance. Unlike their more headline-grabbing rivals, they’ve relied on tactical cohesion, squad depth, and astute management rather than big budgets or celebrity ownerships.

A System, Not a Star

Perhaps the most telling feature of Challinor’s Stockport side this season is how they’ve responded to adversity. The January departure of Louie Barry – the club’s top scorer – could have derailed their campaign. Instead, the goals have been spread across the squad, and performances have remained consistent.

This speaks volumes of Challinor’s philosophy: his teams are systems rather than showcases for individuals. From back to front, his players understand their roles, and that clarity has produced one of the league’s most balanced sides. There’s no single talisman – and that’s a compliment to the manager’s tactical organisation and leadership.

Snubbed for Recognition, Yet Still Rising

It’s astonishing that Challinor has not been shortlisted for League One’s Manager of the Season. His omission has even left neutrals puzzled. With the likes of Richie Wellens, Nathan Jones and Phil Parkinson nominated, it seems that Stockport’s subtler success has once again been overlooked.

And yet, that seems to be the story of Challinor’s career so far – persistent excellence without the acclaim. It’s no wonder clubs higher up the pyramid, such as West Brom and Norwich, have been linked with the 49-year-old. If promotion doesn’t materialise this season, there will surely be no shortage of suitors looking to bring his winning ways to a higher level.

Site Opinion

There’s a lot to admire about Dave Challinor’s journey. In an era where managerial careers are often judged on PR campaigns and social media buzz, he’s built a record grounded in substance. No gimmicks, no controversy – just pure coaching acumen and an unwavering ability to extract the best from his squads.

Challinor may not shout the loudest, but his results speak for themselves. As the EFL season edges towards its finale, it’s time the wider football world gave him the recognition he deserves. Whether he earns promotion with Stockport or takes the next step elsewhere, one thing is certain: he’s no longer just an underdog – he’s a force to be reckoned with.

Heard nothing but good things about Challinor from my Nephew. But he's onto a good thing at Stockport and they are flying in L1 - will go top if they beat Port Vale tomorrow night. I very much doubt he would want to throw that away to take the poisoned chalice of the Saints job.

[Saint86]

58 minutes ago, trousers said:

The more I read about Challinor the more I like the sound of him. Should definitely be on our radar IMO...

https://therealefl.co.uk/2025/04/24/is-stockport-county-boss-the-most-underrated-manager-in-the-efl/

 

As the League One season nears its dramatic conclusion, Stockport County find themselves in the promotion mix once again.

While the attention has often focused on money-fuelled campaigns from Birmingham City and Wrexham, the achievements of Dave Challinor and his side have quietly turned heads – but perhaps not loudly enough.

Could it be that Challinor is the most underrated manager in the entire English Football League?

A Managerial Journey Defined by Success

Dave Challinor’s career in management has been nothing short of remarkable. From his early days guiding AFC Fylde up the non-league ladder, to stabilising and revitalising Hartlepool United, Challinor has demonstrated an almost unmatched consistency. His current stint with Stockport County has only strengthened his reputation.

Across 14 full seasons in charge, Challinor has never finished lower than a play-off position. That statistic alone is enough to raise eyebrows, especially given the six different divisions he’s managed in. Whether in the National League North or now in the upper echelons of League One, Challinor has delivered results time and again. Promotions, title wins, and consistent contention have followed him wherever he’s gone.

Flying Under the Radar Amid Flashier Campaigns

One of the primary reasons Challinor hasn’t received the plaudits he deserves is the company he keeps this season. Birmingham City have blitzed the league with a record-breaking campaign. Wrexham, bolstered by Hollywood investment and global attention, have continued their own rise through the divisions. In this context, Stockport’s success has been comparatively subdued in the media spotlight – but no less impressive on the pitch.

Sitting comfortably in the top six, and with a mathematical chance at automatic promotion, Stockport have done everything right under Challinor’s guidance. Unlike their more headline-grabbing rivals, they’ve relied on tactical cohesion, squad depth, and astute management rather than big budgets or celebrity ownerships.

A System, Not a Star

Perhaps the most telling feature of Challinor’s Stockport side this season is how they’ve responded to adversity. The January departure of Louie Barry – the club’s top scorer – could have derailed their campaign. Instead, the goals have been spread across the squad, and performances have remained consistent.

This speaks volumes of Challinor’s philosophy: his teams are systems rather than showcases for individuals. From back to front, his players understand their roles, and that clarity has produced one of the league’s most balanced sides. There’s no single talisman – and that’s a compliment to the manager’s tactical organisation and leadership.

Snubbed for Recognition, Yet Still Rising

It’s astonishing that Challinor has not been shortlisted for League One’s Manager of the Season. His omission has even left neutrals puzzled. With the likes of Richie Wellens, Nathan Jones and Phil Parkinson nominated, it seems that Stockport’s subtler success has once again been overlooked.

And yet, that seems to be the story of Challinor’s career so far – persistent excellence without the acclaim. It’s no wonder clubs higher up the pyramid, such as West Brom and Norwich, have been linked with the 49-year-old. If promotion doesn’t materialise this season, there will surely be no shortage of suitors looking to bring his winning ways to a higher level.

Site Opinion

There’s a lot to admire about Dave Challinor’s journey. In an era where managerial careers are often judged on PR campaigns and social media buzz, he’s built a record grounded in substance. No gimmicks, no controversy – just pure coaching acumen and an unwavering ability to extract the best from his squads.

Challinor may not shout the loudest, but his results speak for themselves. As the EFL season edges towards its finale, it’s time the wider football world gave him the recognition he deserves. Whether he earns promotion with Stockport or takes the next step elsewhere, one thing is certain: he’s no longer just an underdog – he’s a force to be reckoned with.

If he is available and we let someone like Norwich pick him up, and then wait a few more weeks and sack still, it will be yet another massive frustration I will hold against SR for the foreseeable. He is the kind of manger we need - understands English football, up and coming, clearly going up the football pyramid (and not with Stockport), and we are the kind of club that can take him up to prem level and not have to worry about top many clubs coming in to poach him.

[Wade Garrett]

Don’t want another experiment, so that rules the Stockport bloke out for me.

 

Edited 3 hours ago by Wade Garrett

[Badger]

6 minutes ago, Saint86 said:

If he is available and we let someone like Norwich pick him up, and then wait a few more weeks and sack still, it will be yet another massive frustration I will hold against SR for the foreseeable. He is the kind of manger we need - understands English football, up and coming, clearly going up the football pyramid (and not with Stockport), and we are the kind of club that can take him up to prem level and not have to worry about top many clubs coming in to poach him.

Out of interest what style does he play  , saw reference somewhere on here to his teams being ‘aggressive’ and that reminded me of another manager we took from a lower level and over promoted him (admittedly he didn’t say “front footed” ). 

Impressive CV to date at lower levels, but I’m inclined to agree with S-Clarke that he might struggle to make an impact with us and it could be another Jones situation (albeit without the sideshow of the media car-crash).

Anyway I fully expect Saints to do fuck all. We’ve just stood idly by and watched Rohl go to Rangers. Can’t see the Tweedledums and Tweedledees in our Recruitment team doing anything of note. 

 

[Badger]

6 minutes ago, Wade Garrett said:

Don’t want another experiment, so that rules the Stockport bloke out for me.

 

Stockport. 🤔 Not a great record of managerial recruitment from there either. 

[Saint86]

1 hour ago, trousers said:

Edit: just seen that he's been suggested by @Saint86 several times before... Great minds thinking alike...

Hah, thank you trousers 😅. But I am also on record as saying Will Still would, "Belgium the f**k out of the championship", so maybe don't damn yourself with faint praise just yet! 😄😂.

For the type of manger that SR seem to go for, challinor would be my pick. I could see him as being a new Adkins for a promotion drive - or something of a ricky Lambert / Jamie vardy (but as a manger) - i.e., superb at the lower levels but unfancied until someone finally takes a punt on him. He evidently knows the English game and how to get teams promoted, he is going to get a bigger job than Stockport shortly, and i think he should be very high on any list of prospective managers for saints - if he isn't, we're either looking at a very impressive pool of interested managers (unlikely 😂), or sports republic really aren't learning.

 

Edited 3 hours ago by Saint86

[Badger]

7 minutes ago, Wade Garrett said:

Don’t want another experiment, so that rules the Stockport bloke out for me.

 

Trouble is, any appointment is a risk as we know. Challinor at least has some sort of CV in UK, more than Still. 
 

There are very few stand out candidates, who’d be interested, at this level. Cooper is tied up, are we then scraping around the Gerards, or possibly Carrick ( no success at Middlesbrough) ? 

[Badger]

1 minute ago, Saint86 said:

and i think he should be very high on any list of prospective managers for saints - if he isn't, we're either looking at a very impressive pool of interested managers (unlikely 😂), or sports republic really aren't learning.

 

There is nothing for them to learn. Rasmus Ankersen not only knows everything there is that’s worth knowing, he wrote the manual.*
 

*in his own mind anyway 

[SW11_Saint]

29 minutes ago, Sheaf Saint said:

Not all of us did.

Most did. I think people just need to grow up where O’Neill is concerned. 

[Wade Garrett]

1 minute ago, Badger said:

Trouble is, any appointment is a risk as we know. Challinor at least has some sort of CV in UK, more than Still. 
 

There are very few stand out candidates, who’d be interested, at this level. Cooper is tied up, are we then scraping around the Gerards, or possibly Carrick ( no success at Middlesbrough) ? 

I would he happy enough with Carrick.  Cooper would be my first choice, but it’s probably a non-starter with his current employment.

Can’t see us getting Gerrard either.

[Badger]

4 minutes ago, Wade Garrett said:

I would he happy enough with Carrick.  Cooper would be my first choice, but it’s probably a non-starter with his current employment.

Can’t see us getting Gerrard either.

Fair point, not knocking but what’s the attraction re Carrick ? He fell short of the play offs with  Middlesbrough (twice I think) although did improve them immensely in his first year, that’s true. 
 

Plus I’m surprised this is lost on you of all people : has a beard, and looks like a wearer of skinny jeans. No idea on his vaping habits though. 

Edited 3 hours ago by Badger

[Saint86]

59 minutes ago, Midfield_General said:

Reminds me of that Sunderland documentary when they were in free fall in league one I think and brought in Chris Coleman. Not a superstar by any means but had lots of experience, had managed an international side, had a bit of swagger about him for that level and you could just see everyone instantly respond to him, from the players to the crowd to the tea lady. He just commanded instant respect and injected positivity and hope into a club culture that was on its arse. 

Not him obviously, but someone like that. 

I think this is the crux of why challinor is so interesting and underlines how he's gone about building good teams. He is not a big name, and his record is frankly mad for the level of recognition he's received, he's only just now starting to get mentioned for championship jobs, yet his rise has mirrored Wrexham's. He gets his team's playing without fanfare or PR or flash, they know the system and work efficiently and ruthlessly as a team. Maybe saints are too much of a mess and too high a profile to make it work here ATM, but if I was picking one manager in the EFL to be the next McKenna etc - it would be him. It's certainly there for him - he just needs to make the right move. 

In fairness, I could see him at newly taken over Wednesday next season - and doing a McKenna / adkins etc.

Edited 3 hours ago by Saint86

[Wade Garrett]

3 minutes ago, Badger said:

Fair point, not knocking but what’s the attraction re Carrick ? He fell short of the play offs with  Middlesbrough (twice I think) although did improve them immensely in his first year, that’s true. 
 

Plus I’m surprised this is lost on you of all people : has a beard, and looks like a wearer of skinny jeans. No idea on his vaping habits though. 

But it’s not one of those really wanky beards and I’ve never seen him wearing skinny jeans.  Pretty sure he doesn’t vape and I definitely don’t think he walks round with a laptop studying his post-shot xG figures.