T hey may not like to admit it but Salford City and Stockport County have a lot in common. The clubs have been transformed by changes in ownership in recent times and face each other in a League Two playoff semi-final.
The two clubs – about 10 miles apart – have come a long way in the past five years, from battling for promotion from National League North.
In the Class of 92’s first five years as Salford’s owners, they achieved four promotions to reach League Two in 2019. Since then things have plateaued but this playoff, with the first leg at Salford on Saturday night, provides a chance to reach the third tier for the first time.
Stockport, who have moved back to the Football League under the ownership of Mark Stott, are aiming to return to a division they were last in back in 2009-10.