FORMER Tranmere great Dave Challinor has been appointed as manager of National League side Stockport County.

A former County captain, Challinor played for the Edgeley Park outfit between 2002-2004 but is probably best know for his eight year spell at Prenton Park.

During his time with Tranmere the centre back became famed for his long throws and at one point held the world record after launching the ball 152 feet (46.34 metres).

Since stepping into management, Challinor, 46, has forged a successful career throughout the lower divisions, with five previous promotions to his name.

Most recently, he led Hartlepool back to the English Football League in his first full season at Victoria Park, adding to promotions with Colwyn Bay and AFC Fylde, as well as an FA Trophy win with the Coasters in 2019.

Challinor joins the club in time for Sunday’s big fourth round Emirates FA Cup tie against Bolton Wanderers, with almost 5,000 County fans travelling to the University of Bolton stadium.

Director of Football for Stockport County, Simon Wilson said: “A friend of the club, Dave brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and determination. With a proven track record for achieving promotion, Dave was a firm favourite for the job, and we’re delighted to welcome him back to Edgeley Park.”

Challinor added: “The chance to return to County and help make club history was too good an opportunity to miss.

“The excitement surrounding the club and the investment that has been put into it, on and off the pitch, makes County an incredibly attractive proposition for any manager. This can be seen by the influx of new talent the club has recruited over the last month, with the likes of Robert Elstone and Bolton Wanderer’s Antoni Sarcevic joining.

“Now is the time to capitalise on this and take the fans on the journey they deserve, making Stockport County a force to be reckoned with and getting back to the Football League. I look forward to being re-united with County fans on Sunday.”