Twelve seasons in management, six promotions, only one finish outside the play-offs. Pound for pound, has anyone in English football had a better resume in the last decade than Dave Challinor?
His first coaching role was in the depths of our pyramid at Colwyn Bay where he was officially manager of the first team, but at that level he was also chief groundsman, kitman and logistics manager.
Asked how leading Stockport at Wembley for a place in League One compares to those formative days in North Wales, Challinor chuckles. “Yeah, it’s a little different… you could say that,” he tells Mail Sport.
‘At Colwyn Bay I immediately jumped into the deep end as a player manager, but arranging training sessions, booking travel, signing players, contracts, you name it. But it was a very good starting point and basis.’
Ahead of Sunday’s grand final at the National Stadium, it will be interesting to hear Challinor talk about the art of consistency.
Stockport County manager Dave Challinor is aiming for his seventh promotion in 13 seasons as they face Carlisle United in the League Two play-off final at Wembley on Sunday
The Stockport player celebrates their victory over Salford City on penalties last weekend
In terms of preparation, the Chester-born former defender has not moved from semi-professional divisions to the Football League.
Why would he change every other season on average with a success rate of one promotion?
“My mindset has always been that, even at a part-time level, it’s about working as professionally as possible,” he adds.
“Whether it’s the top tier or part-time competitions, you have to minimize excuses and make people accountable.
“At Colwyn Bay it was a group of players who were really good friends, I just brought together some organization and professionalism and it brought them to the Conference North – we hit massively above our weight and level.”
Challinor has always been flexible. His Colwyn Bay side trained in Chester so they could sign players from the nearby cities of Manchester and Liverpool.
After taking them to the National League North, he moved down two tiers to join Lancashire club AFC Fylde in the eighth tier.
Within six seasons they had risen three promotions to the National League and lost a play-off final for a place in the Football League, while also winning an FA Trophy at Wembley.
Challinor lift the trophy after Stockport secured their return to the Football League last season
“I dropped two divisions to Fylde but it was a unique opportunity and journey,” says Challinor. “It was run like a business with a 15-year plan to get into the EFL. We were 90 minutes away from doing that. We’ve been through it all – from a simple non-league club to a club with professionalism.
‘I was still all hands on deck – mowing the lawn and watering. Every manager has their own blue mindset, but it’s all about minimizing excuses and not cutting corners.
“After Fylde I joined Hartlepool in the National League. It was sometimes about playing to the needs of the fans. We had a team that counterattacked, but we had to give the fans something to cheer about… get them aggressive and front and centre.’
Yes, you guessed it. Challinor won promotion with Hartlepool in his first and only full season at County Durham.
And that brings us to Stockport, which sees them return to the Football League after an 11-year absence in its first campaign – and now one game from League One.
Stockport could secure back-to-back promotions if they overcome Carlisle on Sunday
“To be leading in this final – while noting that I’ve only led 60 matches in the EFL – is an honour,” he says.
“It’s important that with all the baggage, it’s just a different game and my players have to remember that.
“I’ve won and lost at Wembley and I can tell you now that I know what I prefer. Football moves very fast, you have success one year, but the next season it’s up to you – you don’t have time to breathe.
“We only have to look at each other after the game and know that we gave everything and have no regrets.
Many people and teams better than us have lost important games. It’s a pity, but there will be 50,000 on Sunday and half of them will leave the stadium aggrieved.
“The impact the club has on the community has not gone unnoticed and League One would pay off very much from the club’s perspective – stadium and academy improvements.
“That’s not in the hands of the players – all they can do is be a team that our fans can resonate with and give their all.”