Former Hartlepool United manager agrees deal to take charge of Sheffield Wednesday

Former Hartlepool United manager Dave Challinor has agreed a deal to take charge of League One club Sheffield Wednesday.

The former Tranmere Rovers and Stockport County defender became a firm favourite with the Victoria Park faithful as he guided Pools back into the EFL just over five years ago. After securing a fourth place finish in the National League, Challinor’s side came through play-off ties against Bromley and Stockport to set up a final showdown with Torquay United.

Promotion was secured via a penalty shoot-out on a memorable after when thousands of Poolies made their way to Bristol City’s Ashton Gate to roar their beloved club back into League Two. Challinor penned a new deal just months later but had departed the club in November of the same year before taking charge of former club Stockport. An overwhelmingly successful spell at Edgeley Park that saw the Hatters rise from the National League into League One followed before Challinor departed at the end of last season.

He will now return to the dugout with Sheffield Wednesday after the former Premier League club parted company with former manager Henrik Pedersen following a 2-0 defeat at South Yorkshire neighbours Doncaster Rovers last weekend. Challinor is set to attend Wednesday’s home game with Blackpool on Sunday afternoon before being officially unveiled as their new manager over the following 24 hours.

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A statement released via the Owls club website on Sunday morning read: 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.”

Challinor’s first game in charge of his new club will come when Wednesday visit League Two side Oldham Athletic in a televised FA Cup first round tie next Sunday afternoon.

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