Stockport's return to the second flight after an absence of 60 years appeared to be in danger of being written off as a failure before a ball had been kicked, as manager Dave Jones, who had led County to promotion and the League Cup semi-final the previous season, left to join Southampton,[1] taking his assistant John Sainty, goalkeeper Paul Jones and defender Lee Todd with him to The Dell.
Three points from the opening seven games left Stockport facing relegation, but four straight wins after that lifted Stockport up to eighth,[2] signalling the end of their relegation fears for the season.
These fears were replaced with hopes of finally reaching the top flight, but ultimately County's poor away form saw them finish in eighth, nine points off the play-offs.
Stockport County's scores comes first Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.