'The only way is up' for Hatters as club bids for promotion

WHEN you're up against NFL superstar Tom Brady and Hollywood giant Ryan Reynolds, it's perhaps easier to go under the radar.

- ALEX JAMES

Celebrity owners never used to be the norm in the third-tier of English football, but right now Birmingham City and Wrexham are in the thick of the promotion battle.

And while the leaders look nailed-on to earn a spot in the Championship, the fight to join them is hotly-contested. And Stockport County are hoping to complete their redemption arc.

County might not have the glamour of their rivals - and they missed the chance to close the gap after yesterday's 1-0 defeat to Wrexham.

Yet promotion for Stockport would see the club go full circle - from the second tier to non-league and near oblivion, and back again.

Stockport were in National League North as recently as 2019 amid continued financial struggles.