Dave Challinor is the leading candidate to become the next manager of Championship side Sheffield Wednesday. The 51-year-old's proven track record of success, including a promotion with Colwyn Bay, makes him a strong contender for the role at Hillsborough. He would be leaving a side that currently sits 5th in the Premier League with 29 points from 15 games, having recorded nine wins, two draws and four losses.
Challinor, a former Tranmere Rovers defender best remembered for his long throw, has built a formidable reputation as a manager. He has secured seven promotions across spells with Colwyn Bay, AFC Fylde, Hartlepool United, and Stockport County, also winning the FA Trophy. His work at Stockport saw him named the LMA League Two Manager of the Year in 2024 after a period of seven seasons working alongside Simon Wilson, who is now the sporting director at Sheffield Wednesday.
Tactical approach and player demands
His teams are known for an adaptable, possession-based style with a clear purpose, aiming to control games and overwhelm opponents. Former players describe him as a straight-talking manager who demands high standards and is not afraid to deliver home truths, tailoring his formations to the strengths of his squad rather than imposing a rigid system.
This profile comes as Colwyn Bay sit fifth in the Cymru Premier with 29 points from 15 games. Their recent form reads two wins, two draws and one loss from the last five, a sequence that includes a 2-0 victory over Cambrian & Clydach last Friday where goals from J. Williams and C. Bratley secured the points. This followed a 2-2 draw with Cardiff MET, where S. Hart was on the scoresheet alongside an own goal. Challinor's record shows his teams have finished in the play-offs or higher in 15 of his 16 seasons in management, though he has never managed in the Championship before. His potential departure would mark a significant moment for a club currently 12 points behind leaders The New Saints but firmly in the mix for a European place.
More detail at google.com
