Jimmy McNulty was quick to deflect the credit after Stockport County opened their League One season with a 3-1 home win against Plymouth Argyle, insisting the result belonged entirely to his squad.

"It's all about the players today," McNulty said in his post-match interview, broadcast on BBC Radio Manchester. The result gave the Stockport manager a perfect start to what is his first managerial stint in the third tier, and it sent a statement of intent to the rest of the division on the opening weekend.

A controlled performance from the off

Stockport were the more purposeful side throughout, working their way into a commanding position before Plymouth pulled one back to make it briefly interesting. The Hatters ultimately held firm, though, running out 3-1 winners and giving their supporters at Edgeley Park exactly the kind of opening-day performance they would have hoped for.

For Plymouth, the afternoon was a difficult one. Manager Tom Cleverley had already acknowledged that his side had "conceded soft goals" in the defeat, a frank assessment that points to defensive work still to be done as both clubs settle into the new campaign. Conceding in the manner Cleverley described against a side of Stockport's quality will be a concern, though the season is long and Plymouth will have every opportunity to correct those habits.

McNulty sets the tone early

What will encourage Stockport fans most is the manner in which McNulty handled his first competitive league fixture in charge. Rather than drawing attention to his own tactics or preparation, he pointed firmly at the players, which is precisely the kind of culture that tends to build dressing-room trust quickly.

McNulty joined Stockport with a reputation built on his playing career as a no-nonsense central defender, and those who know him will not be surprised that humility was his first instinct in victory. The challenge now is to sustain the level shown on opening day across what promises to be a competitive League One season.

Early table implications

Three points on the first day of the season are worth no more than three points earned in April, but the psychological boost of a winning start should not be underestimated. Stockport have made clear they intend to be involved in the upper reaches of the table this term, and a win of this margin against fellow third-tier opposition suggests the squad has the quality to make good on that ambition.

Plymouth, meanwhile, face an early test of character. Dropping points on day one is far from terminal, but Cleverley's side will need to tighten up defensively and respond quickly when they return to action next weekend.

What comes next

Both clubs will be back in League One action in the coming days as the fixture list begins to take shape. Stockport will look to carry the momentum of this result forward, while Plymouth must regroup and demonstrate that the opening-day performance does not reflect where this squad truly is.

For now, the bragging rights belong firmly to Edgeley Park. McNulty's men have made their statement, and on this evidence, they will not be easy to shift from the upper end of the table.

Frequently asked

What was the score between Stockport County and Plymouth Argyle?
Stockport County beat Plymouth Argyle 3-1 in their League One opening-day fixture.
Who is Jimmy McNulty?
Jimmy McNulty is the manager of Stockport County. The 3-1 win over Plymouth was his first league victory in charge of the club.
When did Stockport County vs Plymouth Argyle take place?
The match was played on the opening day of the 2026-27 League One season, on 15 August 2026.