Football Season Guide

Stockport County were only a penalty shoot-out away from securing a second successive promotion under manager Dave Challinor. The Hatters were one of the pre-season favourites but missed out on the top three after making a slow start to the season. They were just six minutes away from beating Carlisle United in the play-off final at Wembley before losing on spot-kicks. Whilst it was a painful defeat for the club, they enjoyed a successful return to the Football League after an eleven-year absence. They were the second best supported in the division, behind only Bradford City, and have significant financial backing from owner Mark Stott. This gives Challinor a great chance of guiding the club into League One this season. He has a strong squad, which has only got stronger this summer. The capture of former Manchester United midfielder Nick Powell is clearly a standout but the signing of wing-back Ibou Touray from Salford City could prove even more valuable. Touray will play on the left, complementing perfectly Kyle Knoyle on the right, who performed superbly following his January switch from Doncaster Rovers. The likes of Ryan Croasdale, Ryan Rydel and Will Collar made their mark in their first seasons in the EFL whilst Isaac Olaofe, Kyle Wootton and Paddy Madden make up one of the most potent strike-forces in the division. With such an embarrassment of riches, County will be one of the promotion favourites again and if they can make a better start, they will take some stopping.