Sheffield Wednesday have confirmed that Dave Challinor will take over as manager following the dismissal of Henrik Pedersen last week.

Pedersen had been given the opportunity to steer the Owls out of League One at the first time of asking after sticking by the club during last season’s rollercoaster. However, an underwhelming start saw him lose his job following a 2-0 defeat to lowly Doncaster Rovers last weekend.

It was a result which left them languishing outside the play-off positions. Former Rotherham United boss Matt Hamshaw took the reins on a temporary basis on Tuesday night, where they were held to a 1-1 draw against Cambridge United at Hillsborough.

Challinor ‘Wait’ Pays Off

Dave Challinor has been linked with a number of jobs since leaving Stockport County at the end of last season. The 51-year-old is highly regarded at this level, having taking the Hatters from the National League to League One during his five years in charge.

Furthermore, having won the League Two title in 2024, the ex-Hartlepool United manager secured back-to-back third placed finishes in the third tier. He exited Edgeley Park following a 4-1 defeat against Bolton Wanderers in the play-off final in May.

Challinor was heavily linked with the vacant role at Bradford City last month after Graham Alexander departed for Preston North End. It was said that he rejected the opportunity though, instead opting to hold out for either a Championship position or the job at Sheffield Wednesday should Pedersen leave the club. It appears as if that decision has now paid off.

Sheffield Wednesday Confirm Agreement

Wednesday are back in action this afternoon when they welcome Blackpool to Hillsborough. Hamshaw is once again expected to take care of proceedings, but the club have announced that an agreement has been reached with Challinor. Posting on social media, a statement said:

“Sheffield Wednesday Football Club can confirm that an agreement was reached last night for Dave Challinor to become the club’s new First-Team Manager.

“The 51-year-old will be in attendance at today’s fixture against Blackpool at Hillsborough.

“The club looks forward to formally introducing Dave to supporters on Monday, when further details of the appointment will be announced.”

Sheffield Wednesday Football Club can confirm that an agreement was reached last night for Dave Challinor to become the club’s new First-Team Manager.

The 51-year-old will be in attendance at today’s fixture against Blackpool at Hillsborough.

The club looks forward to… pic.twitter.com/4IVCQbVF0a

— Sheffield Wednesday (@swfc) November 1, 2026

It’s perhaps an unusual move to announce the deal ahead of an official announcement, but it is one that is likely to give supporters a lift ahead of this afternoon’s fixture. Should the deal go through as expected, Challinor’s first game could be next weekend’s trip to League Two outfit Oldham Athletic in the FA Cup first round next weekend.