Football Season Guide

Stockport County might have lifted in the National League title in May but have already shown their League Two rivals that they mean business this season. It has been a long road back for the Hatters, who spent six years in the National League North after losing their Football League status back in 2011 and fought a momentous battle with fellow big spenders Wrexham to be crowned Champions of the National League. It was a personal triumph for manager Dave Challinor, who has now won back-to-back National League titles. There were plenty of eyebrows raised when he left newly-promoted Hartlepool United for Edgeley Park in November but it proved to be right move for both him and his new club. The most notable capture so far this summer has been centre-back Fraser Horsfall, who turned down offers from League One clubs to sign from Northampton Town. Not far behind are the signings of midfielder Callum Camps from Fleetwood Town and striker Kyle Wootton, both of whom were also linked with League One sides. It illustrates County’s pulling power and financial clout and Connor Lemonheigh is another shrewd addition having impressed in the middle of the park for Torquay United. Several influential loanees have returned to their parent clubs this summer, although they were expected of course and for a newly-promoted club, Stockport already boast an embarrassment of riches in the likes of midfielder Antoni Sarcevic, winger Ryan Rydel and striker Paddy Madden. Challinor’s side have momentum and will take some stopping this season.