There were no grand proclamations or sweeping promises as Challinor faced the media for the first time as the Owls’ new manager. Instead, both men were measured, buisnesslike and focused on the task in hand.
As the first managerial appointment of the Arise era, the significance of Challinor’s arrival was obvious. Yet the message from both the sporting director and manager was clear: this was less about fanfare and more about getting to work.
Challinor had been out of management since leaving Stockport County in June following defeat to Bolton Wanderers in the League One play-off final. During that time, he had been selective about his next move.
The Chester-born had aspirations of stepping into the Championship. It is easy to see why given his outstanding track record. He is a serial promotion winner.
Blackburn Rovers were among the clubs known to admire his body of work while other opportunities came and went before he made his decision to return to football.
His switch to Hillsborough also brings a reunion with Wilson, with the pair having enjoyed considerable success at Edgeley Park.
“Working with Simon again is brilliant,” said Challinor. “We know how each other works. We know what good looks like. He’s brilliant in terms of strategy and processes that will allow a plan to go in the direction that you all want it to.
