CEO Wilson to step down after six years at Stockport County

Together with owner Mark Stott, Wilson built a seven-year plan to get the club into the Championship – and he presented about it at TGG’s Scouting and Recruitment Webinar in 2023. This is still available to view for TGG Members.

In February 2025, Wilson was promoted from Director of Football to CEO of Stockport. During his tenure, the club have become regular contenders at the top end of League One and are aiming to secure their second successive play-off campaign since promotion to the Division. 

From the outset, Stott and Wilson had agreed to review the club’s position after six years. And following these discussions, it has been mutually agreed that Wilson move on, with the duo stating that “the foundations are now firmly in place for continued success by a talented team of staff.”

In a statement, the club said its “main growth phase” had been completed, with the next chapter focusing on long-term sustainability. County now had “a squad built with significant assets, a maturing Academy, record attendance levels and revenues, increased community impact and a strong pipeline of talented staff across the organisation.”

Wilson has been invited to serve as an advisor to Stott Capital’s investments in Football, “providing advice to the leadership team and mentorship to key individuals.”

County said that “further updates regarding the club’s leadership structure will be provided in due course.”

Stott said: “It’s on record that I would not have bought the club if I hadn’t met Simon, and it’s clear how much progress has been made over the past six years. When we wrote the plan, we said we would see where we are after the sixth season.

“We both feel the major work has been done in setting the club up, and the next decade will be about capitalising on that. Simon felt that it might be the right time to step back from his day-to-day role to allow others to step up, and while I did ask him to consider staying, I am happy of where we have got to.

“He’s played a huge role in getting the club to where it is today, and I’m pleased he will continue to support me through Stott Capital and by mentoring key people within my investments.”

Wilson added: “When I joined, we set out on a clear long-term plan, and I’m proud that we’ve delivered on what we said we would and put the club in a strong position.

“This has been the best thing I’ve ever done in my career. The last 18 months, stepping into both CEO and Director of Football roles, have been particularly intense but hugely rewarding as I’ve seen the club mature further and sit on the cusp of the Championship.

“We always said we’d take stock around this point, and I feel now is the right moment for me to step back and allow the club to move into its next phase.

“The most important thing is that the club is now in a position of real strength. The structures are in place, there’s a clear way of working, and there are talented people throughout the organisation who will drive things forward.

“This isn’t the end of my connection—I’ll continue to support Mark through Stott Capital’s sports investments and by working with some of the emerging leaders within the group.

“There are so many people to thank for their support over my journey here at County. It’s been a truly special ride. To all the players, staff and supporters – from me and my family – thank you for the last six years, you have been a huge part of our lives and we will never forget how you have made us feel.”