Dave Challinor is reportedly interested in the Sheffield Wednesday head coach role as he seeks a Championship opportunity. The 51-year-old free agent has turned down interest from other League One clubs to focus on a step up, with the Owls a potential destination.
Challinor’s interest is linked to his long-standing professional relationship with Sheffield Wednesday’s sporting director, Simon Wilson. The pair worked closely for around five years at Stockport County, a partnership that helped propel the club from the National League to League One. Wilson has previously described Challinor as the best manager in the division.
Their successful collaboration ended when Wilson departed Stockport, a move Challinor admitted left him "surprised, shocked and obviously disappointed." Challinor himself left the club shortly afterwards, and he is now a free agent. His availability coincides with a period of ambition at Hillsborough under new ownership, with the club targeting promotion.
Sheffield Wednesday currently sit fourth in League One with 14 points from seven games, having lost just once. Their recent form reads three wins and two draws from the last five matches, placing them two points off the summit.
New owners David Storch and his consortium played a major part in a productive summer transfer window, making what they described as a massive call to retain head coach Henrik Pedersen. That decision was not universally popular with supporters, many of whom felt a change was needed for the new era. Pedersen has overseen a strong start, with the team unbeaten in five.
The club’s immediate focus is a key away fixture against third-placed Huddersfield on 10 October. A victory in that match, coupled with winning games in hand, could see Sheffield Wednesday rise to the top of the table. Challinor’s interest adds an intriguing subplot to the club’s leadership landscape as they continue their promotion push.
First reported at Yahoo
