Nick Powell: The Catalyst for Stockport County’s Ascent to League One?

At the lower levels of the EFL, a great striker can mask a lot of flaws. If you’ve got someone who can put up goals in bunches, you can turn a lot of losses into draws and draws into wins simply because the other side cannot keep up. That’s why teams with big ambitions love turning to players who’ve shown they can do the job at higher levels, and that’s what Stockport County’s looking for out of Nick Powell.

Powell, a one-time Manchester United striker, made the move to Stockport after Championship side Stoke City allowed him to leave on a free at age 29. He’s inked a three-year deal, so he’s planning to be central to the Hatters’ efforts to move up the table and join League One. Here’s why this move could work — and why it might not.

Pro: Powell’s Still Got the Scoring Touch

When healthy, Powell was one of Stoke’s best options. In 2021, he was voted player of the year at Stoke after notching 12 goals in 42 appearances. He averaged a goal every four matches, and that was against competition two levels up from where Stockport’s going to play this season. At Wigan, Powell was even better, scoring 29 goals in 92 matches. He never lived up to the lofty expectations of a top player at Old Trafford, but he’s consistently proven himself a solid Championship-level scorer. Having that kind of striker in League Two is almost unfair.

Con: Will Powell’s Health Hold Up?

Read that first sentence again: when healthy. Powell’s not going to be back at what used to be the Britannia because he couldn’t keep himself on the field. He got off to a flying start in 2021-22 with six goals in 10 matches, but then sustained a fibula injury and followed with a quad injury. And that was that, as Stoke decided to move on from his health issues.

While Powell’s experience in higher-tier football is an asset, there’s a danger that both he and Stockport could underestimate the League Two opposition. The lower leagues often feature a more physical, relentless style of play that might not suit Powell’s preferred style. The focus here is less on technical skill and more on grit, determination, and a never-say-die attitude. Given Powell’s history of injuries, the tough tackles and constant pressing from League Two defenders might pose a risk to his health and performance. Underestimating your opponent can be a critical mistake in football, and Powell will need to adapt quickly to the unique challenges of this league.

Stockport can afford more patience, as long as it gets Powell on the pitch for most of the year. But if injuries flare up again, this won’t work.

Con: High Expectations Could Lead to Pressure

The expectations will be sky-high, and the fans will be looking for immediate results. If Powell fails to deliver right off the bat, the initial excitement could quickly turn into disillusionment and pressure. High expectations can sometimes crippate a player’s performance, and it remains to be seen how Powell will manage this psychological aspect of his move to Stockport County.

As the star signing, there will be tremendous pressure on Powell to perform in every match. He will be the focal point of the team’s attacking strategy, and opponents will single him out for special defensive attention. This heightened focus could limit his effectiveness and make it harder for Stockport to get the best out of their new striker.

Pro: Powell Wants To Play Here

This could have been ugly if Powell was signing as a last resort. But he had plenty of suitors in the Championship, as well as from interests outside England. Many would have paid him more money than Stockport. He chose to come because he knows and likes owner Mark Stott and wants to make Stockport’s visions a reality.

A high-profile signing who wants to be on the pitch can make such a difference on Saturdays. He can uplift the entire squad’s morale and performance. Powell’s presence in the locker room and on the field can serve as an inspiration for his teammates. His arrival could be the catalyst that transforms Stockport from a mid-table side into genuine promotion contenders.

Powell believes in the Hatters and thinks there’s something special here. He might be the extra piece that proves himself correct.

A Calculated Gamble Worth Taking?

Nick Powell’s move to Stockport County is filled with potential rewards but also significant risks. The pros and cons balance each other out, making this a calculated gamble for the club. Powell’s arrival has undoubtedly generated excitement, but whether he can translate that into consistent performances and help Stockport achieve their ambitions remains to be seen.