Sheffield Wednesday name Dave Challinor as manager after Henrik Pedersen sacking
Sheffield Wednesday have appointed former Stockport County boss Dave Challinor as their new manager, replacing Henrik Pedersen, with the Owls ninth in League One and winless in three matches.
Sheffield Wednesday have appointed Dave Challinor as their new manager, replacing Henrik Pedersen, who was dismissed last Sunday after a run of just one win in six League One matches. The Owls are ninth in the table and without a victory in their last three games, having drawn one and lost two.
Challinor, a former Bury and Tranmere Rovers defender, began his managerial career at Colwyn Bay in 2010 and has since secured multiple promotions with AFC Fylde and Hartlepool. His most recent spell at Stockport County brought the National League and League Two titles within three seasons and two League One play-off appearances; he left the club by mutual consent after the 2025-26 season ended with a play-off final defeat to Bolton Wanderers.
Challinor will watch Sunday's 14:00 GMT match against Blackpool from the stands, with interim boss Matt Hamshaw taking charge. BBC Radio Sheffield's Rob Staton said Wednesday's new owners wanted a manager with a winning record, and that Challinor's seven promotions and knowledge of League One made him a suitable fit. Staton added that the challenge is to turn a squad of talented individuals into an effective team, and that the job carries far greater expectations than his previous roles.
Supporters have welcomed the appointment, with several pointing to Challinor's promotion record as evidence he can reverse the club's recent form, though some fans questioned whether he can handle the pressure of a club expected to win regularly at this level. Challinor is expected to be joined on his staff by Clint Hill and Anthony Sweeney, while Simon Wilson, who worked with him at Stockport, is reported to have played a key role in the appointment.
Image: Shutterstock / BBC Sport
