What’s Next For Stockport County’s Paddy Madden? – Opinion

Stockport County confirmed the news that striker Paddy Madden would be leaving the League Two champions at the end of his contract, but what is next for the forward?

The 34-year-old has enjoyed two promotions with the football club, seeing them climb into the third tier for the 2024/25 season but will now seek a new challenge away from Stockport next season.

Madden has featured for the likes of Carlisle United, Fleetwood Town and Stockport County during his career so far and could be looking for his eighth different club.

During the 2023/24 campaign, Madden made 49 appearances in all competitions for the League Two side, scoring 22 goals and providing six additional assists for the football club in his final campaign.

With that being said, let’s take a look at five potential destinations for the 34-year-old next season…

Fleetwood Town

Beginning with the side I believe are most likely to sign him, Madden’s former side Fleetwood Town have just suffered relegation down to the fourth tier and is likely to target a goal scorer this summer, so why not target someone that already lives in the town?

Madden spent three years with the football club before leaving for Stockport County and remains a popular figure at the League Two side which could signify a potential return this summer.

Fleetwood will need a new striker to help fire them back to the third tier and given Madden is based in the North West, this seems like a strong contender for the forward.

Gillingham

Admittedly, this suggestion will depend on who the next Gillingham manager is, but I believe the football club missed out on a play-off place based on their inability to take chances in key matches.

Madden is a proven goal scorer at League Two level, netting 17 goals last season including two hat-trick’s against Sutton United (four in total) and possesses the qualities that the Gills have lacked in a striker over the previous campaign.

Available on a free transfer after recently winning League Two, if Gillingham wants to compete for promotion next season then Madden is the type of player they have to be targeting.

Oldham Athletic

They may be a National League side, but Oldham Athletic have always had a habit of signing experienced players as seen with the likes of James Norwood and Kieron Freeman joining the club.

Oldham isn’t based too far away from Stockport, meaning the 34-year-old would be able to commute between Fleetwood and Oldham and that could be a crucial factor in his decision this summer.

With Norwood potentially facing an uncertain future and Oldham pushing for a place in the top seven, Madden would have the ability to be the main man and send the club back into the EFL.

Doncaster Rovers

Sticking the theme of Northern sides, Doncaster Rovers boss Grant McCann could have the ‘pull factor’ to persuade Madden to sign a contract with the League Two side this summer.

Doncaster currently lead Crewe in the play-off semi-finals and have one step in the final which could of course see the club gain promotion back to League One.

Madden is a proven EFL goal scorer and would provide a good partner for Joe Ironside next season regardless of what division they are in.

Rotherham United

Potentially a risk, but with Rotherham United likely facing a busy summer, Madden could be the ideal striker that Steve Evans may target for his rebuild.

The Millers were relegated to League One following an extremely poor season and are likely to make a lot of important player decisions over the coming weeks, especially with a new manager at the helm.

Rotherham needs an experienced figure in attack and with Madden available on a free transfer, I firmly believe the Millers should be doing their best to target him.

Readers, where do you think Madden will end up next season?