Dave Challinor early front-runner as Sheffield Wednesday seek Henrik Pedersen replacement
Dave Challinor is the clear front-runner to be Sheffield Wednesday’s next full-time manager after the Owls sacked Henrik Pedersen for not producing the style of play they were looking for.
Matt Hamshaw, sacked as Rotherham United manager last season, has put been put in caretaker charge for Tuesday's home game against Cambridge United, having only been added to Pedersen's backroom staff in August.
Pedersen was sacked eight days after the Owls extended their unbeaten run to nine games in all competitions and went two points off the top of League One with a game in hand.
But with dissatisfaction at the style of play, it was a run built on sand, and as soon as they suffered back-to-back away defeats to Notts County and Notts County, supporters were calling for the Dane to go.
With sporting director Simon Wilson leading the search for a full-time replacement, is seems highly likely there will be interest in the out-of-work Challinor, with whom he formed an effective League One partnership at Stockport County.
Challinor has a reputation for eye-catching and successful football.
Th 51-year-old has managed four clubs – Colwyn Bay, Fylde, Hartlepool United and Stockport – and won promotions with all of them. He left the Hatters by mutual consent after they lost to Bolton Wanderers in last season's League One play-off final.
The Owls’ style of play, which saw them score seven against Bromley, five against Wimbledon but none in their other three home league games, was decisive in the decision.
“I want to thank Henrik for his professionalism, commitment and contribution during an exceptionally challenging period for Sheffield Wednesday," said Wilson.
“We knew the start of this season would be difficult due to the scale of change across the club, but our expectation was always that we would develop as the season progressed, establishing a recognisable style of play and greater consistency in our performances.
“Although we have accumulated points, we haven’t seen enough progress in those areas.”
Pedersen took over as manager for arguably the most difficult season in the club's history 16 months ago, and was rewarded with an improved contract in September. But in the excitement surrounding David Storch's takeover, more was expected in terms of entertainment.
He was Danny Rohl's assistant manager and despite seeing his contract expire in the summer of 2025 when the club was in crisis with chairman/owner Dejphon Chansiri running out of money and enthusiasm, and Rohl trying to negotiate his way out, he returned to oversee a gutted squad, initially officially in his old position, but quickly as the new manager.
Wednesday docked points for non-payment of debts and for going into administration, only made it to zero points on the final day.
But even with tougher financial restrictions as a result of those issues, much was expected of them this season.
Saturday's defeat dropped them to eighth in League One, two points outside the play-off places with a game in hand on all the top six.