Stockport County manager Dave Challinor has called on some of his fans to do better following heartbreak in the League One playoff semi-finals.
The Hatters have had an impressive first season back in the English third tier, landing just outside of the automatic promotion places and only narrowly missing out on making the final two following a disappointing penalty defeat on Wednesday night.
County hosted Leyton Orient at Edgeley Park for the second leg, an outfit that has displayed similar defiance in the division throughout the campaign, but conceding a sloppy early goal saw the home side scratching to get into the contest until there was only around a quarter of an hour left to go.
Ultimately, Challinor and his squad equalised and took the game to penalties, but it was the performance from a section of the supporters that he was just as frustrated with, as fans could be seen leaving the ground mid-shoot-out. Here’s what he had to say on the matter.
In a word, he felt they “deserved better’. What do you make of his comments?
A notably hoarse Challinor was left frustrated by some fans’ lack of faith, noting that several supporters began exiting the stadium whilst the penalty shoot-out was still going on.
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The 49-year-old coach described it as the so-called County faithful “giving up”, reluctantly adding that he’d seen similar instances “throughout the course of the season”.
Insisting that if his players let their belief sleep and called it a day early like some of those in the stands, then the club “wouldn’t be in the position that [they] are.”
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He also touched upon missing some big chances in the dying minutes of the 90 and extra time – that Isaac ‘Tanto’ Olaofe one, in particular – but as he told BBC after the game, “it might not have been [their] time”, and there’s a case to be made that may not quite be ready for the Championship just yet.
That being said, he and his backroom aren’t waiting around to make up that ground, insisting that all the staff will be straight back in to prepare for next year.
As for the winning spot-kick, it was scored by Manchester United academy product Ethan Gailbraith and former Salford City loanee, who dispatched it with great aplomb to send Orient into the playoff final.
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LOOK AT WHAT IT MEANS!!!!
Ethan Galbraith won the game for Leyton Orient against Stockport County as they book their place at Wembley in the League One Play Off final! 👏#LOFC#StockportCounty pic.twitter.com/mfOmMdlTNN
— Attacking Football (@AttackingFooty) May 14, 2025
Orient are marching into the decisive tie at Wembley under the stewardship of Moston-born manager and another United graduate, Richie Wellens, who also played 87 times for Oldham Athletic before finishing his career at the likes of Salford and Macclesfield Town.
Much like Challinor at County, Wellens’ managerial record thus far has been an impressive one and were he to see the East London club promoted, it would undoubtedly be one of, if not the biggest, achievement of his coaching career.
The 45-year-old hailed his team as a “special group” and has every faith they can go all the way against either Charlton Athletic or Wycombe Wanderers in the final.
Featured Images — Charlie T (via WikiCommons)/Stockport County (screenshot via YouTube)
Sport
Wigan Warriors finally reveal next season’s kits following update on delayed release
Danny Jones
Wigan Warriors have now officially revealed their new shirts for next season, following a much-anticipated update regarding the 2026 kits, the release of which had been delayed.
The Greater Manchester club lost this year’s Grand Final but still had a strong season, and with another local outfit having been relegated from the division, they are one of just two teams from the region competing for the title in the upcoming campaign.
However, supporters were fretting that they might not be able to get their new threads until after Christmas due to the launch of the latest merchandise being postponed.
Thankfully, this week, the club not only informed fans that things are getting back on schedule but also officially revealed the Wigan Warriors home and away shirt strips for the 30th anniversary edition of the Super League on Tuesday afternoon.
As you can see, the nearby rugby outfit is staying with Kappa as their manufacturer and, as ever, is sticking with the deep red, white and black colour combos across both jerseys.
Branding the home shirt as the ‘Loyal’ fit and the away one as their ‘Rebel’ version, the kits both feature horizontal stripes and other geometrical variations.
Most notably, Warriors now have a positive update on the status of the kits’ full launch, even if they don’t have an exact timeline just yet.
Writing to fans in an official statement, the club said: “Wigan Warriors are happy to report that [we are] expecting delivery of the 2026 home and away kits imminently.”
They go on to explain that they have been “experiencing significant delays” regarding the supply pipeline, which they say “were beyond the control of the Club.”
Nevertheless, the cogs are moving once again; you can see a closer look at some of the details below.
The home shirt…A.K.A. ‘Loyal’ kitAnd the away jersey…Or ‘Rebel’ strip
Warriors Chief Executive, Kris Radlinski, continued: “We want to thank everyone for their patience and continued support. Due to issues outside of our control, delivery timelines have unfortunately been impacted.
“We understand how frustrating this has been for supporters, particularly so close to Christmas, and we genuinely share that frustration. Please be assured that our team has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure delivery as quickly as possible.
“We apologise that we have not been able to provide an earlier update while matters were ongoing. We are pleased to confirm that the delivery has now cleared customs and will be arriving at the Club imminently.”
Although personalisation will not yet be made available due to a focus on processing “as many orders as possible in the shortest time frame”, pre-orders for both shirts are now live, and those interested are being urged to opt for click and collect/visit in store where possible to avoid any further waiting.
Macclesfield FC player Ethan McLeod tragically killed in car crash
Danny Jones
Local footballer Ethan McLeod, who played for Macclesfield FC, has sadly died following a tragic car crash on the motorway.
The Birmingham-born player and former Wolves academy talent was driving back home from Macclesfield’s away game against Bedford Town on Tuesday night when he was involved in a collision along the M1.
Just 21 years old, the talented Cheshire-based forward was a substitute in the 2-1 win over the East Midlands side in the National League North.
The accident is said to have occurred at around 10:40pm on 16 December near Northampton after his white Mercedes collided with a barrier.
You can read the official Silkmen statement in full down below:
“With the heaviest of hearts and an overwhelming sense of surrealism that Macclesfield FC can confirm the passing of 21-year-old forward Ethan McLeod.
Travelling back from Bedford Town last night, Ethan was involved in a car accident on the M1, which tragically took his life. Ethan was an incredibly talented and well-respected member of our First Team Squad, who had his whole life ahead of him.
“But more than that, Ethan’s infectious personality endeared him to everyone that he came into contact with. In giving his all in everything he did, Ethan effortlessly pushed us all to be the best we can be – both on and off the pitch.
“Ethan’s professionalism and unwavering work ethic inspired everyone, and his lust for life put smiles on all our faces – even on the darkest of days. News of Ethan’s passing has devastated our entire Club, and no words can convey the immense sense of sadness and loss that we feel now.
Rest in peace, Ethan McLeod.
The Macclesfield FC forward was involved in a car accident that took his life when travelling back from Bedford Town on Tuesday night. pic.twitter.com/A3u7JFmdlE
“The deep mental scars elicited from Ethan’s passing will undeniably never heal”, they continued, “but one thing is for sure, and that is Ethan’s vibrant legacy will never fade, no matter how much time passes in the future.
“Ethan will live in our hearts and minds forevermore, and no matter what the future holds, his unique smile that mesmerised us all will never be forgotten.
“Our deepest sympathy goes out to Ethan’s family and friends at this deeply traumatic time, together with an assurance that we will provide as much support as we can to those who need it. May you rest in peace, Ethan – you will forever be a Silkman.
His past clubs, as well as plenty of other teams, organisations and people in and around the footballing world, are paying tribute to the promising youngster.
Rest in peace.
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Macclesfield forward Ethan McLeod who has passed away following a car accident last night.
The 21 year old spent a number of years with the academy setup at Wolves and will be missed by many. #WWFCpic.twitter.com/MSjKaISMKT
Danny Jones -
15th May 2025 
