Stockport County is currently competing for promotion to the Championship, holding fourth place in the league.
Cardiff City and Lincoln City occupy the top two spots, which offer automatic promotion, while the next four teams will enter the play-offs.
Stockport is eight points behind league leaders Cardiff and six points behind Lincoln, while being ten points ahead of seventh-place Luton Town, who are just outside the play-off positions.
In addition to their promotion efforts, the League One club is expanding its focus with a new initiative led by one of the Neville siblings.
Stockport County has announced the return of their women’s team, with Tracey Neville, sister of Gary and Phil Neville, appointed as the managing director.
The announcement stated, “Stockport County Football Club today announces the launch of Stockport County Women, marking a significant new chapter for women’s football in Stockport and beyond.”
It added, “Founded in 1989 as Stockport County Ladies, the club has spent 37 years as a volunteer-run community organization, providing opportunities for women and girls to play football throughout the area.”
“Starting from the 2026-27 season, the team will compete as Stockport County Women, reflecting the evolution of the women’s game and the club’s long-term commitment to equality and growth.”
“Stockport County aims to become a leading force in women’s sports in the region and to provide the same opportunities for girls and women as the men’s team enjoys, aiming to establish Stockport County Women as a competitive presence in women’s football.”
“The club is also happy to confirm the appointment of Tracey Neville as Managing Director of the women’s team, a role that highlights Stockport County’s ambitions for women’s football.”
“Neville brings a wealth of experience in elite sports, having worked at the highest levels of performance and governance.”
“Her role signifies a shift from support to strategic leadership, focusing on building a sustainable high-performance program rooted in the community and capable of competing at the top level.”
“Tracey will serve on a new board dedicated to Stockport County Women, which will be appointed in the coming months to oversee the team’s next development phase, reinforcing the club’s commitment to leadership and expertise in women’s sports.”
“A key part of this vision is to create a legacy of local role models who will inspire girls from Stockport to get involved in sports.”
“The long-term goal is to establish a clear pathway from grassroots football to elite levels, allowing girls from Stockport to aspire to play at the highest level.”
After her appointment, Tracey Neville shared, “I am incredibly proud to join Stockport County at such a crucial time for the club and women’s football.”
She continued, “My career in elite sports has shown me the impact of a clear vision, strong leadership, and a commitment to developing talent.”
“Women’s football is at a crucial juncture, and Stockport has the chance to make a big difference.”
“This community club has a rich history, and my focus will be on creating a practical pathway for girls and women, while building the standards and culture needed for high-level competition.”
“We want young girls in Stockport to know they can achieve their dreams in football without having to leave their community. That’s how you create something impactful, sustainable, and truly representative of the community it serves.”