Stockport County can go one better in 2025/26 as transfer business makes them League One contenders

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While most neutrals will be drooling over the prospect of another thrilling Championship campaign in 2025/26, there’s much to be said about what League One has to offer. In particular, Stockport County will be ones to watch.

Last season, big spenders Birmingham City and Wrexham secured the top two promotion spots in League One, leaving the likes of Stockport, Charlton, Leyton Orient, and Wycombe to battle it out in the play-offs.

Nathan Jones was able to get his Addicks over the line and book a place in the Championship, but teams in the third tier are giving it everything in the summer transfer window to ensure they are the ones to taste glory this season.

Predictions for League One in 2025/26 are more difficult than ever, but one thing’s for certain: We can’t write Stockport County off after their latest transfer business.

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Nathan Lowe can propel Stockport County to promotion

This week, Stockport clinched the signing of Nathan Lowe on loan from Stoke City, despite intense interest from League One rivals Huddersfield Town.

The young striker was prolific in League Two last season and was one of the most coveted players in the EFL this summer. After seeing Louie Barry thrive at Stockport last season, it’s not surprising Lowe has chosen the Hatters as his next destination.

For Dave Challinor, Lowe can be the key to firing Stockport past the unpredictable play-offs and straight into an automatic promotion spot in the coming campaign.

Goals are crucial at any level, and as we saw last season, the output of Alfie May and Jay Stansfield made promotion a simple enough achievement for Birmingham.

Throw into the mix the impending arrival of Owen Dodgson from Burnley, and Stockport are truly putting together the kind of well-rounded, talented squad needed to go all the way this year.

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Dave Challinor’s impressive record surely set to continue

Over the last 14 seasons, Challinor has never failed to finish in the play-off places or higher with his teams. Indeed, in the last five years, he’s taken Stockport from the National League to the precipice of promotion to the Championship.

While Wrexham’s success eclipses Stockport for the most part, it’s worth celebrating just how far the Hatters have come. And they still have so much potential to go even further.

The likes of Huddersfield and Blackpool are well-fancied this season, as are relegated teams like Luton Town and Plymouth Argyle. But, having improved the squad from last term, there’s no reason why Stockport can’t trump them all.