Stockport County script the perfect ending to turn Football League dream into reality
15.05.2022 - 20:03
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
They'd waited a long time for this moment in Stockport and they weren't going to wait a second longer than necessary. With five minutes of their 2021/22 season to go hundreds of supporters ringed the edge of the Edgeley Park pitch. It was time to get the party started.
In the home team's technical area Dave Challinor looked like the calmest man inside the ground. He shared handshakes with his backroom staff, asked the fourth official if it was worth playing added time and offered a thumbs-up to the fans who had gathered behind the dugout.
When referee Matthew Dicicco signalled for his linesman to begin the sprint for the tunnel Challinor was engulfed. Eleven years of pain, of frustration and of wondering if this moment would ever come were over.
READ MORE: Inside the rebirth of Stockport County
From three sides of Edgeley Park, Stockport County fans flooded the playing surface. Blue smoke filled the air and the players who had returned the club to their rightful standing were hoisted high on shoulders.
After 11 years away the Hatters are back in the Football League. The last decade has seen some dark times at Edgeley Park, including six years in the purgatory of the National League North, but at long last this club are back where they belong.
This season turned on the appointment of Challinor, who spent two years here as a player between 2002 and 2004. He took a risk by leaving a Football League job with Hartlepool United to return to Edgeley Park.
As the celebrations died down he reflected on that decision and why this is only the start for the rebirth of Stockport County.
“There’s no real glass ceiling on what can be achieved. This is a special football club," he said.
"People will say how is it a special club, but