Danny Plant

Sheffield Wednesday Football Club are delighted to confirm the appointment of Dave Challinor as the club's new First-Team Manager. Arriving at Hillsborough on a contract until summer 2030, the 51-year-old begins the next chapter of an immensely successful managerial career spanning more than 850 games. During that time, Challinor has secured multiple promotions and established a reputation for building winning teams, developing players and consistently delivering high standards. His teams have been characterised by competitiveness and continuous improvement, with Challinor demonstrating an ability to evolve his methods and maximise the potential of his players. His appointment follows a comprehensive recruitment process involving multiple candidates and has received the unanimous support of the club's Board of Directors. He will be supported by First-Team Assistant Coaches Clint Hill and Antony Sweeney, who will work alongside the club's existing coaching and performance staff. Together, the new coaching appointments represent an important step in Wednesday's long-term football strategy, focused on establishing a recognisable playing identity and building a team capable of sustained growth and success. Sporting Director Simon Wilson said: "Dave was the outstanding candidate following a detailed and comprehensive recruitment process, and we're delighted to welcome him to Sheffield Wednesday. "His record speaks for itself. He is a proven winner who has consistently built successful teams, improved players and demonstrated an ability to adapt and evolve throughout his career. "Dave sets exceptionally high standards and challenges everyone around him to improve. He has a proven ability to get more from individuals and teams, and that mentality is central to what we want to establish here. "We believe there is significant potential within our squad. Our focus is on developing a recognisable playing identity, greater consistency and a team that competes with intensity, organisation and attacking intent. "Dave understands both the ambition of this club and the work required to achieve it. His appointment is about building something sustainable, not pursuing a short-term solution." Chairman David Storch added: “Dave’s appointment has the unanimous support of our Board, following a thorough recruitment process expertly led by Simon Wilson, and reflects our shared commitment to the long-term future of Sheffield Wednesday. “We are still at the beginning of an ambitious journey. Significant progress has been made in rebuilding the foundations of the club, but we recognise there is much more work ahead. “Our ambitions remain clear, but our progress cannot be defined by the outcome of one moment or season alone. We must establish a clear footballing identity, consistent standards and a culture capable of delivering sustained success. “That journey will require patience, resilience and collective commitment. Progress will not always be straightforward, but we believe Dave has the leadership, character and determination to help us achieve our ambitions. “We are delighted to welcome Dave to Sheffield Wednesday and look forward to building the next chapter together.”