Manager Dave Challinor of Stockport County is being referred to as “top class” for his decision to honour young fan George Thompson, who tragically passed away in 2021, by dedicating his team’s League Two victory to him in a heartfelt tribute.
Tuesday night’s 5-2 victory over Notts County saw the former defender, who played a century of games for the team before eventually returning to Edgeley Park as head coach in 2021, watch his high-flying and free-scoring team secure the League Two title.
This past weekend saw promotion assured, but Challinor has maintained throughout that his team only wanted to advance as champions. More than anything, he wanted to give the supporters—and one particular local family—something truly unique to cherish.
The 48-year-old made sure to cap off the celebrations in the best way possible by asking father and longtime supporter Dave Thompson if he could borrow a very significant flag that has grown to be so important to the entire County fan base. This Saturday will see a trophy lift and more joyous scenes.
Warming stuff.
The manager wasted little time in identifying Dave in the crowd and bringing the flag made in memory of his late son George over to his squad after the final whistle blew and the team celebrated in front of the travelling fans who had travelled to Meadow Lane in Nottingham on a weeknight.
George Thompson, a devoted County supporter and frequent attendee, passed away tragically in October 2021 at the age of just 18, just one month before Challinor was appointed manager.
The young fan, who had attempted to cross in front of a train in September, had already been taken to the hospital once and had battled mental illness for a number of years prior to his death. Having compared low points to fighting through “thunderstorms,” he tragically chose to end his life.
Since then, his father has contributed to fund-raising efforts for organisations that support mental health and suicide prevention, like the Mentell Charity, which was founded by locals in Stockport. In August 2023, Dave and his other son Will decided to box for as many minutes in a 24-hour period in memory of George, who had a passion for combat sports.
The personalised St George’s Cross, a heartbreaking local legend that the Hatters have ingrained in their hearts, is carried to almost every County game, and seeing it raised by the players obviously struck a chord with everyone involved, not just the Thompsons.
George’s father reacted instantly after Challinor approached to seize the flag, saying, “I have no words.” You know if you witnessed the conclusion.
Dave went on to thank the Chester-born coach for “creating something so, so special” and a moment he’ll never forget. Not only was it a championship-sealing victory, but it was also the last away game the youngster had ever attended.
As anticipated, the sincere act moved a great number of SK locals and beyond. Critics praised Challinor as “absolutely top class” and “a special man in charge full of empathy and decency,” and called the moment “superb” and “Just beautiful” in addition to moving them to tears.
Very touching content.
Regarding the man himself, he has publicly declared that winning League Two with the Hatters is “the greatest achievement” of his career to date. He attributes this accomplishment to players such as club legend Paddy Madden, who scored his second hattrick in four games, and supporter Graham Allsopp, who sent him a “lucky gold pen” at the beginning of the season that has obviously had a positive impact.
Challinor has now received two promotions from County and seven promotions overall as a manager; this EFL title is both his first and County’s first since 1967. For a team that spent more than ten years in non-league play, this is quite the accomplishment.
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