Stockport County striker Paddy Madden said the Hatters are targeting consecutive promotions after making their return after an 11-year absence from the EFL.
The Irishman, who finished the 2021/22 National League campaign as the Club’s top scorer with 25 goals in all competitions to his name, fired Stockport to Sky Bet League Two with his contribution.
And Madden insisted there is no reason why the League newcomers can’t be challenging again this term.
“You have a few surprise packages in each League but every game we’ll treat the same and give it our best shot,” he said.
“We said when we won the League against Halifax in the last game of the season that our aim was to go for back-to-back promotions, and I can’t see why not with the squad that we have here.”
Madden joined Stockport mid-way through the 2020/21 campaign, departing Sky Bet League One outfit Fleetwood Town in favour of a switch to Edgeley Park.
“It’s a massive Club; it’s like a sleeping giant and I was right in that,” he added. “When I signed, that was the plan. Thankfully, we’ve done it quick. That was my first full season in the National League and thankfully, we got the job done and got over the line.”
The 32-year-old brings a wealth of experience to this Stockport side, which could prove invaluable as Dave Challinor’s side look to mount a promotion push and ascend from League Two.
Madden enjoyed prolific spells at the likes of Scunthorpe United, Yeovil Town and Fleetwood during previous spells in the League, scooping the League One Golden Boot in 2012/13, and the attacker, who was buoyed by the release of the EFL fixtures, will be looking to boost his tally this year.
“Once the fixtures come out, everyone really does get excited – that’s player, staff and fans. Everyone’s just buzzing we’re back in the EFL and we’re ready to go.
“The fans back us every week. We’ve sold over 5,000 season tickets for next season which shows the kind of backing we have. They do make it very special.”
And Madden will be hoping that he, along with the Hatters, can get back into the swing of things once the campaign gets underway.