DAVE CHALLINOR has not watched a single episode of the documentary Welcome to Wrexham.
But he hopes the Red Dragons’ welcome to Stockport does not have a happy ending in Saturday’s promotion six-pointer.
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The TV series has been a hit on both sides of the Atlantic, largely thanks to Wrexham’s Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
But County boss Challinor has not yet been sucked in by all the hype.
He said: “I’ve never met their owners. They were at one of the games once but our paths didn’t cross.
“And I’ve never watched an episode of Welcome to Wrexham. There are lots of these type of documentaries and I’ve watched little bits around them.
“All that stuff is an eye-opener but I’d still question myself whether it would be something I’d like to do in terms of the cameras being in and around you 24-7.
“So I’m happy we don’t have that following us about. However, every credit to them if it gives them the chance to put their ambitions into place.”
Both clubs are seeking back-to-back promotions and Challinor has huge respect for Dragons chief Phil Parkinson who, at one stage in Wrexham’s National League days, was close to being sacked.
The much-travelled boss has done a superb job steering the North Wales club, despite having to deal with the sort of scrutiny you only expect at Premier League level.
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Challinor said: “There is big expectation and pressure on Phil and his players.
“They have a plan to move through the leagues, which has been successful.
“Some people look at them in a jealous sort of way because their clubs haven’t been taken over by Hollywood stars.
“But, personally, you have to look at it and admire what they’ve done.”
Challinor himself has done a fine job.
Having got Hartlepool promoted back into the EFL, he decided to drop a division and while Parkinson broke Wrexham’s 15-year exile from the EFL, Challinor ended Stockport’s 11 years in non-league.
He took his men to the League Two play-off finals in their first season back, before pipping Wrexham to the title last term.
The Hatters go into the game on the back of a 5-0 home win over Bolton — after getting hammered 5-0 at home by Wycombe.
Challinor said: “It sums up football. On a given day, you can be poor technically and not quite at it. But against Wycombe, they were good while we allowed mistakes to get on top of us.
“Against Bolton, we played with the personality and identity I’d expect.”
Aston Villa forward Louie Barry, 21, has been a huge hit in his second season on loan at Hatters.
While another boost for Challinor was keeping coach Andy Mangan — who nearly joined Real Madrid’s coaching staff until his work permit was blocked.
The former striker worked with boss Carlo Ancelotti’s son Davide, who is on the Bernabeu staff, while doing his Uefa coaching badges.
Mangan was also heavily linked with the Shrewsbury managerial job before Gareth Ainsworth was appointed on Wednesday.
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But Challinor said: “I don’t think he wants to manage. He sees himself as a coach.
“He formed a relationship with Ancelotti when he was doing his Pro Licence but Andy is happy where he is and plays a big part in what we’re doing.”
