|

Cheers, Thank You

Phil Brennan

Monday, June 1st, 2026

1 Leave a comment on verse 1 0 From captain’s armband to the manager’s chair,
Chally returned to answer County’s prayer.
Eleven years in non-league shadows cast,
he took us back to The Football League at last.

2 Leave a comment on verse 2 0 Edgeley Park was roaring when the title was won,
the long exile ended, the journey finally done.
Then fourth place in League Two and a Wembley day,
only for play-off heartbreak to come our way.

3 Leave a comment on verse 3 0 Yet through disappointment, belief only grew,
foundations were laid, confidence renewed.
League Two champions the very next year,
then third in League One, another promotion so near.

4 Leave a comment on verse 4 0 Again came the play-offs, again came the pain,
but the dream of progress still firmly remained.
This season past, despite injuries taking their toll,
he drove County forward with heart and control.

5 Leave a comment on verse 5 0 Two trips to Wembley, two chances at glory,
though neither delivered a prize for our story.
The Trophy slipped away, then the play-off dream too,
cruel twists of fate for the loyal blue crew.

6 Leave a comment on verse 6 0 Though the chapter closes here, his legacy will stay,
written in the club’s revival every step along the way.
No bitterness lingers, no bridges to burn,
only thanks for all he helped our club earn.

7 Leave a comment on verse 7 0 For promotions, for dreams brought to life,
for guiding the club back from uncertainty and strife.
Dave Challinor, a Hatters hero through and through,
you built us back stronger. You led the Blue Army true.
County are back — and for that, Dave Challinor,
Cheers. Thank You.

Notes

After an incredible run of two titles, three play-off campaigns (two Wembley Final defeats) and a Vertu Cup Final (another Wembley defeat) in his five seasons in charge. Former skipper, Dave Challinor has today left Stockport County by ‘mutual consent’. Along with the majority of County fans, I will be forever grateful for what he has done for our club since he returned to Edgeley Park. To use his own sign off – Cheers Thank You

Tags:

Source: https://footballpoets.org/poems/cheers-thank-you/