Dave Challinor

Professional football manager and former professional footballer (defender)

English Chester, England

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Quick Info

ProfessionProfessional football manager and former professional footballer (defender)
NationalityEnglish
Date of Birth02/10/1975
Age50 years
BirthplaceChester, England

Latest News about Dave Challinor

01/06/2026

Dave Challinor left his position as manager of Stockport County by mutual agreement, with the club confirming the departure on 1 June 2026. He had been in charge since 2021 and had helped Stockport progress through the divisions during his tenure.

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Bio/Wiki

SummaryDavid Paul Challinor is an English professional football manager and former defender. He was most recently manager of EFL League One club Stockport County and is known for his long-throw-in world record as a player and for guiding several non-league and lower-league clubs to promotions.

Physical Stats & More

Height1.85 m
Playing PositionDefender

Educational Qualification(s)

Planned StudySports science at Loughborough University (deferred entry)
Professional QualificationQualified physiotherapist

Career

Playing Career
  • Club: Tranmere Rovers Period: Late 1990s–2002 Notes: Professional defender; also set a world record for the longest football throw‑in at Prenton Park in 1998 (46.34 m / 152 ft), verified by Guinness World Records.
  • Club: Stockport County Period: 2002–2004 Notes: Defender; transferred from Tranmere Rovers in January 2002 for £120,000.
  • Club: Bury Period: 2004–2008 Notes: Defender; joined Bury in January 2004 and remained there until 2008.
  • Club: Colwyn Bay Period: 2010–2011 Notes: Non-contract player.
  • Club: Tranmere Rovers Period: Late 1990s–2002 Notes: Professional defender; also set a world record for the longest football throw-in at Prenton Park in 1998 (46.34 m / 152 ft), verified by Guinness World Records.
Managerial Career
  • Club: Colwyn Bay Period: 2010–2011 Notes: Became manager in 2010 and guided the club into the Conference North.
  • Club: AFC Fylde Period: 2011–2019 Notes: Led the club through multiple promotions and oversaw the development of a new stadium.
  • Club: Hartlepool United Period: 2019–2021 Notes: Manager from November 2019 to November 2021.
  • Club: Stockport County Period: 2021–present Notes: Currently manager of EFL League One club Stockport County; aiming to become the first manager in the club’s history to achieve three promotions.
  • Club: Stockport County Period: 2021–2026 Notes: Managed EFL League One club Stockport County; he left the club on 1 June 2026 by mutual decision.

Some Lesser Known Facts

1. As a schoolboy, Challinor was a successful javelin thrower, which contributed to his exceptional long throw‑ins.
2. He set a Guinness World Record for the longest football throw‑in (46.34 m / 152 ft) in a special challenge at Prenton Park in 1998, breaking the previous record held by Andy Legg.
3. He deferred entry to study sports science at Loughborough University when Tranmere Rovers offered him a permanent professional contract.
4. While managing Colwyn Bay, he combined his managerial duties with training to become a qualified physiotherapist.
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