Stockport and Bolton set for League One play-off final at Wembley
The two clubs meet on Sunday with promotion to the Championship on the line, marked by significant managerial narratives and key injury updates.
Bolton Wanderers and Stockport County are set to contest the League One play-off final at Wembley on Sunday, with both clubs aiming to secure promotion to the Championship. Stockport manager Dave Challinor seeks to return the club to the second tier for the first time since 2002, while Bolton, led by Steven Schumacher, aim to avenge their 2024 play-off final defeat. Bolton captain Eoin Toal is ruled out due to a hamstring injury sustained in the semi-finals.
Challinor has managed Colwyn Bay, AFC Fylde, Hartlepool United and Stockport over 16 seasons, securing seven promotions and four league titles. He noted that a whole host of people work hard to give the opportunity, emphasising the need to grab it. Stockport last played in the second tier in the 2001-02 season before suffering relegation, administration, and a drop into non-league football. Owner Mark Stott, who took over the club in 2020, is credited with kick-starting the club's revival from non-league football back up the pyramid.
Bolton narrowly avoided financial collapse in 2019, with their rebuild delayed by a protracted takeover process. They returned to League One in 2020-21, and with Ian Evatt in charge, the club reached the play-off semi-finals in 2022-23 and one stage further in 2023-24. However, their lacklustre 2-0 play-off final defeat by Oxford at Wembley was put down to "fear" by Evatt, and after his exit the following season, Steven Schumacher arrived to try to restore some glory to the club.
Bolton captain Eoin Toal has been ruled out of the final due to a high-grade hamstring tear sustained during the semi-final second leg against Bradford City. Schumacher stated that the injury was quite significant and will require rehabilitation. He added that the medical and performance team will ensure players are hydrated and fuelled up as best as possible, but they won't let the heat affect their game plan.
Stockport manager Dave Challinor believes the club’s recent experience in the Vertu Trophy final against Luton Town provides a tactical and logistical advantage regarding the Wembley routine. He noted that the routine of travelling, seeing the stadium, and driving inside to the changing rooms has been experienced, which is beneficial. Challinor's first game in charge of Stockport was an FA Cup draw against Bolton in November 2021, when Stockport were still in the National League.
Bolton defender George Johnston told BBC Radio Manchester that the mood in the camp is different ahead of this particular trip to Wembley. He said it almost felt like before that the job was done, but this time it is definitely half-job done and they are fully focused on the next game. Bolton manager Steven Schumacher stated the team is prepared for the forecasted heatwave, with medical staff ensuring players are hydrated and fuelled.
