Wednesday appoint former Stockport boss Challinor

Sheffield Wednesday have appointed former Stockport County manager Dave Challinor as their new head coach. The 51-year-old succeeds Henrik Pedersen, who was dismissed after securing only one victory in six League One matches. With Wednesday sitting ninth in the table on a three-game winless run, Challinor will observe from the stands against Blackpool while interim boss Matt Hamshaw directs the team.

Challinor arrives with seven career promotions, having previously guided Stockport from the National League to League Two champions and consecutive League One play-offs. He left County by mutual consent following their 2025-26 play-off final defeat to Bolton Wanderers. BBC Radio Sheffield's Rob Staton notes that Wednesday's hierarchy sought a proven winner to unite the squad under high expectations.