Salford and Stockport cross paths again in search of the big time

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.

The former Manchester United teammates Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and the Neville brothers bought Salford in 2014, with David Beckham joining later. They have been open about wanting to reach the Premier League with the club that has had League Two’s second-lowest average attendance this season at 2,831.

ChampionshipSunderland v Luton Sat 13 May (5.30pm) & Tue 16 May (8pm)Coventry v Middlesbrough Sun 14 May (12pm) & Wed 17 May (8pm)Final Sat 27 May (4.45pm), Wembley

League OnePeterborough v Sheffield Wed Fri 12 May (8pm) & Thu 18 May (8pm)Bolton v Barnsley Sat 13 May (3pm) & Fri 19 May (8pm)Final Mon 29 May (3pm), Wembley

League TwoSalford v Stockport Sat 13 May (7.45pm) & Sat 20 May (12.30pm)Bradford v Carlisle Sun 14 May (7pm) & Sat 20 May (3pm)Final Sun 28 May (1.30pm), Wembley

The presence of the former internationals helped put the club on the map. A TV documentary, high-profile signings and big sponsorship deals, such as