Dave Challinor set for Sheffield Wednesday unveiling after watching ten-man Owls hold Blackpool

Dave Challinor is set to be formally introduced as Sheffield Wednesday manager on Monday after watching his new side battle to a 1–1 draw with Blackpool at Hillsborough.

Wednesday announced on Sunday that an agreement had been reached with the former Stockport County boss, ending their search for Henrik Pedersen’s successor.

The 51-year-old watched from the stands as Matt Hamshaw remained in caretaker charge. Davis Keillor-Dunn put the Owls ahead before Sil Swinkels was sent off, with Jerry Yates eventually rescuing a point for Blackpool.

Dave Challinor appointment details due on Monday

Wednesday said the agreement was reached on Saturday night and that Challinor would be formally introduced to supporters on Monday, 2 November, when further details would be released.

He takes over a side sitting ninth in League One, with 20 points from 13 matches and a two-point gap to the play-off places.

Challinor’s arrival reunites him with sporting director Simon Wilson, with whom he worked during Stockport’s rise through the divisions.

He led County to promotion from the National League and League Two before taking them to last season’s League One play-off final, where they lost to Bolton Wanderers.

The Star reports that long-time assistant Clint Hill is expected to join him at Hillsborough. Wednesday’s initial announcement did not set out the full coaching team.

Hamshaw welcomes new Sheffield Wednesday manager

Hamshaw backed the appointment after Sunday’s draw, describing Challinor as a proven manager whose determination to win should serve Wednesday well.

“I think it’s a good appointment. He’s proven at this level, and he’s a good guy.”

Speaking to The Star after the match, Hamshaw confirmed that Challinor had no involvement in selecting the team or deciding the formation against Blackpool.

He said the players had been told the incoming manager would be watching and had an opportunity to show him their qualities.

Hamshaw praised both Wednesday’s first-half performance and the determination they showed after being reduced to ten men. His two matches in caretaker charge produced draws against Cambridge United and Blackpool.

Ten-man Owls forced to settle for a point

Keillor-Dunn gave Wednesday the lead with a low strike from distance midway through the first half, but Swinkels’ straight red card changed the contest before the interval.

The Owls defended their advantage for much of the second half before former Wednesday loanee Yates equalised with nine minutes remaining.

Hamshaw had made three changes from the Cambridge match, bringing Liam Palmer, Jaden Heskey and Swinkels into the starting side.

Wednesday’s official match report confirms Challinor’s presence in the stands as the hosts held on for a point after losing their lead.

Why Wednesday moved on from Pedersen

Pedersen was dismissed on 25 October after successive 2–0 defeats at Notts County and Doncaster Rovers.

Wednesday were still close to the play-off places, but Wilson said the club had not seen enough progress towards a recognisable playing style or greater consistency.

Our report on Pedersen’s departure and Hamshaw’s interim appointment covers the reasons behind the change.

Challinor inherits a team within reach of the top six, with five wins, five draws and three defeats from their opening 13 league matches.

Oldham vs Sheffield Wednesday next in the FA Cup

Wednesday’s next fixture is the FA Cup first-round trip to Oldham Athletic on Sunday, 8 November, which is expected to be Challinor’s first match in charge.

The FA’s broadcast announcement confirms a 5.15pm GMT kick-off at Boundary Park, live on TNT Sports 1 and HBO Max.

Detail	Information
Match	Oldham Athletic vs Sheffield Wednesday
Competition	FA Cup first round
Date	Sunday 8 November 2026
Venue	Boundary Park
Kick-off	5.15pm GMT
UK coverage	TNT Sports 1 and HBO Max

Wednesday have sold their full allocation of 2,323 away tickets for the tie. The travelling support will be hoping Challinor can begin with a victory after successive league draws under Hamshaw.