Stockport County fans can breathe a sigh of relief after it was confirmed that Paddy Madden will be joining Chesterfield, avoiding a potential reunion with League One rivals Blackpool. Madden’s move to Chesterfield means he won’t be facing his former club in the upcoming season, sparing Stockport fans from a potentially painful experience.
Madden, who joined Stockport County in 2021, played a crucial role in their two promotions, culminating in the team’s return to League One. Both Chesterfield and Blackpool had shown interest in the striker, but it was the League Two side that ultimately secured his services.
Stockport fans have a history of seeing former players score against them, and it would have been particularly bitter to see a club legend like Madden do so. His move to Chesterfield, rather than a League One competitor, means that the Hatters are spared this fate, at least for now.
The decision for Madden to join Chesterfield came after his contract with Stockport expired. Despite efforts from County to retain him, the two parties couldn’t reach a satisfactory agreement. It is believed that the length of the contract offered was a key issue, with Chesterfield providing a more favorable two-year deal. This move is considered a significant acquisition for Chesterfield, given Madden’s 17 goals and five assists last season, which were pivotal in Stockport’s League Two title win.
Madden’s departure leaves a noticeable gap in the team, both in terms of leadership and goal-scoring ability. As the former captain, his influence on and off the pitch was significant. Stockport will now need to find a way to replace his contributions, either from within their current squad or through new signings. The club’s focus remains on progress, even if it means moving on from a beloved player.
In recent seasons, Stockport fans have endured the pain of watching former players score against them. Last season, Ben Whitfield scored for Barrow in a 2-2 draw, and Andy Cannon netted the winner for Wrexham on the final day of the League Two season. These experiences make the thought of Madden playing for a rival team particularly hard to bear.
Had Madden joined Blackpool, it would have intensified the frustration among Stockport fans, suggesting that meeting his contract demands might have been worthwhile. Fortunately, with Madden set to play for Chesterfield in League Two, County fans are spared this scenario.
Overall, the announcement of Madden joining Chesterfield is a relief for Stockport fans, who now only need to hope that the Hatters avoid a challenging cup draw against his new team.
