Stockport County manager Dave Challinor has revealed that Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola once sought his advice during the current football season. The exchange highlights an unexpected connection between the two managers, linked through County owner Mark Stott, who developed residential properties where Guardiola is based.

Challinor, who is preparing his team for the upcoming League One playoff final against Bolton Wanderers at Wembley Stadium, shared the anecdote ahead of the crucial match. He recalled that following City’s FA Cup tie against Leyton Orient earlier this season, Guardiola reached out to him for insight. “I thought someone was on the wind-up,” Challinor said, reflecting his initial disbelief at the call.

The unusual interaction reportedly arose after Guardiola attended Stockport’s League One match against Port Vale, choosing to watch that fixture instead of a high-profile Champions League game between Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain. The occasion marked a rare moment of intersection between the high-profile manager and the lower league coach.

Challinor, who aspires to add a Wembley victory to his managerial achievements, views the connection as a notable endorsement, underscoring the respect he has garnered despite operating outside football’s top tiers.

The playoff final on Sunday represents a significant opportunity for Stockport County to secure promotion to the Championship, with Challinor’s side aiming to emulate the success of managers like Guardiola on football’s biggest stages.