Sheff Wed appoint former Stockport boss Challinor

Sheffield Wednesday appoint former Stockport County boss Dave Challinor as their new manager. Dave Challinor previously worked with Sheffield Wednesday's sporting director Simon Wilson at Stockport County Sheffield Wednesday have appointed former Stockport County boss Dave Challinor as their new manager. He replaces Henrik Pedersen, who was sacked last Sunday after just one win in six League One games. The Owls are currently on a winless run of three matches – where they have drawn once and lost twice – and are ninth in the table. They next play Blackpool at 14:00 GMT on Sunday, for which Challinor will be watching from the stands as interim boss Matt Hamshaw takes charge.

A former Bury and Tranmere Rovers defender, Challinor began his managerial career at Colwyn Bay in 2010. The 51-year-old has since achieved multiple promotions across spells with AFC Fylde and Hartlepool. More recently, he guided Stockport County from the National League and to the League Two title within three seasons – and twice took them to the League One play-offs. The Englishman departed the Hatters by mutual consent at the conclusion of the 2025-26 season after losing in the play-off final to Bolton Wanderers. Sheffield Wednesday's new owners wanted to bring in a winner – someone capable of turning recent defeats and draws into victories. Challinor's record fits the