However, it looks as though former Stockport County manager Dave Challinor is the most likely appointment at this stage.

So, we’ve had a closer look at Challinor’s managerial record and his style of play ahead of a potential move to Hillsborough.

Dave Challinor managerial record

Challinor started his managerial career in 2010 and has managed 839 games across four different clubs, starting with Welsh outfit Colwyn Bay.

The 51-year-old’s most notable spell came at Stockport, as he ended their 11-year absence from the Football League.

Challinor then earned promotion to League One in 2024, and in 2026, he had Stockport in a play-off final to reach the Championship.

Stockport suffered defeat to Bolton Wanderers at Wembley, and he made the decision to depart after almost five years at the club.

Dave Challinor explains his style of play

Speaking to Elite Soccer, Challinor explained that possession is an important principle of his style of play, but it has to be with a purpose.

“Some people will see it as possession being everything,” the Chester-born manager explained.

“Possession is important to us. We want it to be purposeful. Modern football is high intensity. It’s about being able to press. It’s about being able to run. It’s about being able to control and pass the ball.”

Challinor has also discussed the importance of getting to the byline and delivering crosses: “We crossed the ball more than any other team this year. We’ve got promoted by scoring the most goals and I think conceding the second least. So I think we’ve got that balance right.”

What formation does Challinor play?

Challinor often deploys a 3-4-2-1 formation, however, the shape he uses entirely depends on what his squad’s strengths are, so he’s very adaptable.

“I’m not a big one on shapes because you pick a shape that suits your players. We played a 4-3-3 (at Colwyn Bay). We got promoted in our first year, which was brilliant against all the odds with a really low budget, with a really good group of players.”

At Stockport, he found success with a three-at-the-back system, but if he were to join Wednesday, perhaps he’d revert to a four considering the players are familiar with it under Pedersen.

Changing formation in the middle of the season can be quite risky, as it will require time to learn on the training pitch.

With the games coming thick and fast, there is little time to implement such a drastic change.

Challinor admits he’s a ‘terrible loser’

Challinor admits he’s very demanding of his players and is a ‘terrible loser’, which will be an attractive mentality to the Sheffield Wednesday board.

“I’m a terrible loser and I’m not a great winner, to be honest; I want them to be better and I want them to be perfect, but that’s only for their benefit.

“I’d be demanding of my kids, so I’m demanding of them, but there will be times when they’ll have bad spells. That happens whether you’re 19 or 35, there’ll be stuff going on outside of football which can affect you, that myself and my staff have to be acutely aware of.”