The former promotion specialist great Dave Challinor. Now he’s prepared to guide Stockport County in their own efforts for a second climb in the leagues of English football. Challinor is looking for the eighth promotion in his managerial career. His leadership could not have come at a better time for Stockport County, a club currently having a fantastic season and having seen much success in their storied past. The team are now poised to stamp their authority in the play-offs and return to Wembley again.
Challinor’s know-how in the promotion game has earned him admiration across the football pyramid. In time, under his leadership, Stockport County has proven nothing short of miraculous resolve. Along with that unconventional ambition, they have shown clever spirit by continually punching above their weight at the top of the league table. His tactical acumen and ability to motivate players will be crucial as they approach the final stages of their campaign.
Stockport County’s Strong Season
Stockport County has had a phenomenal season, proving they have designs on success at every level. The joint team has made a strong argument for transit-oriented promotion. Their strategic success is only matched by their stellar execution of the capstone event held every four years. Challinor’s methods have completely transformed the squad, with players relishing their roles and thriving under the new management, resulting in a stunning run of form.
One of those top performers is Charlie Kelman, who has recently become one of the most important players on the side. Since the beginning of 2023, Kelman has outscored all other players in the top four tiers of English football. His incredible goal-scoring record symbolizes his impact on the game and how he dominated the field. His goals, including many late-game equalizers and winners, proved vital in guiding Stockport County up the table and into the play-off positions.
Challinor continues to prepare his squad for the challenges that will be faced in the months ahead. Their momentum from a terrific season will prove to be a key asset. The players have exhibited extraordinary technical ability coupled with remarkable solidarity. This level of collaboration is going to be key as they face the intimidation of serious competition from other teams competing for promotion.
AFC Wimbledon’s Resilience
AFC Wimbledon has remained well entrenched in the promotion battle since the back half of 2024. They’ve proven how fierce and gritty they are during the year. Opening up strong with four victories from five matches, they established themselves as early favorites for the title. The team has continued to battle, showing great perseverance and tenacity, even in the face of daunting odds.
By the end of November, the Chairboys had ascended to the summit of the table. They went on an incredible run of eight straight victories! The way they played during that stretch showed not just their quality but the quality and desire to be promoted. As the season wore on, their challenges began to strain their focus.
Alassana Jatta and David McGoldrick have been key to AFC Wimbledon’s success this year. They’ve combined to score 36 league goals with seven assists. This scintillating attacking return has sent their hopes of promotion through the roof. Both competitors have shown incredible poise and ability, making them players to keep an eye on as we look toward transitively staff-raising matches this spring.
Leyton Orient’s Final Push
Leyton Orient’s 2025 campaign was a mixed bag, as inconsistency plagued their season. Five straight league losses seemed to put paid to any prospects of a play-off placing for Mat Sadler’s team. One, they are super tenacious and scrappy. As the season comes to a dramatic conclusion, they’re making one last bid for promotion.
The recent troubles encountered by Leyton Orient haven’t broken their spirit. Even with the challenges, the team is committed to getting things back on track. Sadler’s leadership is sorely needed in this moment. It’s not surprising given that he’s desperately trying to get the buy-in from his players and get them confident before those opening matches.
Paul Cook captured the sentiment perfectly when he said, “Our season was summed up in the second half where it offers so much but ends with so little.” In many ways, this reflection embodies the hardships and miraculousness that Leyton Orient faced in their season. As they head into maybe the most important run-in of their club history, keeping the concentration level high will be the most important thing.
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