Stockport County Battle Championship Opposition for in Demand League One Man
League One Stockport County are attempting to get ahead of Championship Norwich City for Wigan Athletic defender K’Mani Miller from Wigan Athletic.
Dave Challinor’s side came close last season to securing promotion, but fell in the League One Play-Off Semi-Final to Leyton Orient on penalties after drawing over two legs on aggregate.
With the heavy hitters of Birmingham City and Wrexham making their way to the second tier, County will be keen to take advantage of what could be a more open and weaker title race.
The club do have an abundance of top talent, but they have been linked to a young prospect from rivals Wigan Athletic.
Stockport County Hope to Secure K’Mani Miller from Wigan Athletic Ahead of Norwich City
Stockport County are attempting to sign talented teenager Miller from rivals Wigan Athletic and are hopeful of convincing the Latics to sell him for a “sensible fee” according to Alan Nixon (paywall).
The 19-year-old is yet to break through in a significant way with Wigan but has made four senior appearances, two in the League and two in the EFL Trophy. He is highly regarded by the club but interest from the likes of Norwich City could complicate the transaction and cause Wigan to demand more.
Stockport County to Aim For League One Title?
County surprised many in League One by keeping pace with the automatic promotion spots for much of the season. Their return of 87 points would have been enough to secure them automatic promotion in several seasons. However, they will be keen to avoid the mistakes of the last club to finish third with 87 points Bolton Wanderers, who followed up their impressive season with one filled with turmoil.
If they want to secure promotion to the Championship next season, then utilising the transfer market in a clever way could be a good way to go. Whilst Miller will not bring in immediate return his age and potential mean he will still have a sell on value later down the line.
Manning’s move from Bristol City marked a homecoming for the Norwich-born, Bungay bred coach, and the culmination of a seven week process following the dismissal of Johannes Hoff Thorup.
But Knapper made it clear at Manning’s recent Carrow Road unveiling how long the 39-year-old had actually been on his radar.
The City sporting director was previously at Arsenal for a period with one of Manning’s key lieutenants, James Krause, who along with long time assistant Chris Hogg is expected to follow the 39-year-old to Norfolk once the Robins have confirmed Manning’s replacement.
“He’s somebody that we’ve been aware of for a long time,” said the City chief. “We’ve followed his career and I’ve got some really close connections to Liam as well, to be honest. Just a couple of staff that Liam’s worked with along the way that I’d worked with at various points in my past as well. I’ve been aware of him for many years, even before he took a head coaching role.
