Sheffield Wednesday have officially confirmed the appointment of former Stockport County boss Dave Challinor as their new manager. The 51-year-old takes over at Hillsborough to succeed Henrik Pedersen, who was relieved of his duties last Sunday after securing just one victory from six League One fixtures. Challinor arrives with the Owls currently positioned ninth in the standings and enduring a three-match winless sequence that has yielded one draw and two defeats.
A former defender for Bury and Tranmere Rovers, Challinor began his managerial path with Colwyn Bay in 2010 and has since built an impressive record featuring seven career promotions. That journey has included promotion-winning tenures at both AFC Fylde and Hartlepool, followed by a standout spell at Stockport County. Across three seasons, he propelled the Hatters from the National League to the League Two title, subsequently reaching the League One play-offs twice before departing by mutual consent at the conclusion of the 2025-26 campaign following a play-off final loss against Bolton Wanderers.
The move aligns with the ambitions of Sheffield Wednesday's new ownership, who sought a proven winner capable of transforming recent stalemates and losses into victories. Challinor's previous working relationship at Stockport with Wednesday's sporting director, Simon Wilson, proved instrumental in the hire, with Clint Hill and Anthony Sweeney also expected to form part of his coaching staff. Challinor is now tasked with providing effective football and molding a squad of talented individuals into a united side as the Owls, alongside Leicester and a rising MK Dons, look to break into an increasingly competitive League One top seven.
Stepping into the Hillsborough dugout carries immense expectations, reminiscent of past campaigns such as Darren Moore's 96-point season where scrutiny remained constant after any negative result. Challinor will get his first look at his new team on Sunday at 14:00 GMT against Blackpool, observing the contest from the stands while interim manager Matt Hamshaw directs the side from the touchline.