Stockport County start a new chapter at Edgeley Park under Jim McNulty

Stockport County head into the 2026-27 season with a new man in the dugout and the memory of an impressive campaign behind them. The Hatters finished third in League One last season, a strong showing that underlined how far the club has come.

That finish earned a place in the play-offs, and County came through their semi-final against Stevenage to reach the final. The day did not go their way, with Bolton Wanderers winning 4-1, but reaching the final was another sign of a club competing near the top of the division.

The summer brought change. Dave Challinor departed after almost five years in charge, a period in which he led the club on a remarkable journey, and Jim McNulty was appointed head coach on a three-year deal.

For McNulty it is something of a homecoming. He spent the 2008-09 season at Edgeley Park as a player, so he knows the club and its supporters well, and the County Supporters Co-operative welcomed his return.

He arrived with momentum, too. McNulty had just guided Rochdale back into the Football League, winning the National League play-off final against Boreham Wood, after more than three years in charge at Spotland. Rochdale confirmed that he had left to join League One Stockport.

The new season started brightly, with a 3-1 victory over Plymouth Argyle in the opening game. As with any new era there have been ups and downs since, but the early weeks have shown a squad ready to compete.

Edgeley Park remains the heart of it all. Matchdays bring supporters from across Stockport and beyond, and the busy autumn and winter fixture list includes visits from clubs such as Leyton Orient and Huddersfield Town.

For a town with a proud football history, having a club competing strongly in League One is something to celebrate, and a head coach with County connections adds fresh interest to the months ahead.

Fixtures, tickets and club news are available from Stockport County's official channels. An evening game under the Edgeley Park floodlights is a great way to see the Hatters in action.