Matt Hamshaw will be in the dugout as Sheffield Wednesday's interim manager for this weekend's home fixture against Blackpool. The club is actively interviewing candidates for the permanent role following the sacking of Henrik Pedersen last weekend. Sheffield Wednesday sit ninth in League One on 19 points after 12 games, a record of five wins, four draws and three losses, and are six points behind leaders Huddersfield.

Hamshaw, a former Sheffield Wednesday player, was appointed on a temporary basis after Pedersen's departure. He took charge for Tuesday's 1-1 draw with Cambridge United, where Mason Burstow scored their goal, and has been told to lead the team until a new appointment is made. The 39-year-old said he has found the role both tough and enjoyable.

He highlighted the supportive environment at the club, praising sporting director Simon Wilson and the owners. Hamshaw stated that the staff are united and rowing in one direction, and he believes good times will return to Hillsborough.

Managerial search continues

Interviews for the manager's job have already taken place, with more scheduled for next week. Dave Challinor, the former Stockport County boss, is understood to be a strong candidate for the position. The club's hierarchy is keen to make a considered appointment while maintaining stability.

Squad fitness for Blackpool

Ahead of the Blackpool match, the medical staff will assess defenders Liam Cooper, Di’Shon Bernard and Ricardo Santos. Their availability could be key as Wednesday look to improve on a recent run of one win, two draws and two losses in their last five league games. This sequence included a 5-0 win over AFC Wimbledon but also defeats to Doncaster and Notts County. The team currently sits ninth in the <a href="/standings">League One table</a> with 19 points from 12 matches, six points off the automatic promotion places. They have scored 21 goals and conceded 13 this season, giving them a goal difference of plus eight, with J. Lowe their top scorer on five goals.

A victory against 20th-placed Blackpool could see Sheffield Wednesday move back into the play-off positions. The <a href="/fixtures">next fixture</a> is at Hillsborough on Sunday, 1 November. Hamshaw's immediate task is to build on the point earned against Cambridge and secure a positive result to reignite the promotion push.

First reported at google.com

Blackpool head coach Ian Evatt expressed sympathy for Henrik Pedersen on October 31. "I do have so much empathy with coaches and managers that lose their jobs," Evatt said. He also confirmed defender Fraser Horsfall will miss Sunday's match at Hillsborough. Sheffield Wednesday, ninth in League One with 19 points, are under interim boss Matt Hamshaw.