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‘Dave will know...’ - Sheffield Wednesday icon Carlton Palmer delivers exciting Dave Challinor verdict

Sheffield Wednesday will secure automatic promotion this season if they appoint Dave Challinor as their next manager.

Dom Howson's avatar
Dom Howson
Oct 30, 2026
∙ Paid
Carlton Palmer during his time as Stockport County manager. Image: Getty

That is the verdict of Owls great Carlton Palmer following another turbulent week at Hillsborough.

Wednesday are searching for a new boss following Henrik Pedersen’s sacking at the weekend. Matt Hamshaw has been placed in caretaker charge of the first team and oversaw Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with Cambridge United. He is expected to remain

The Wednesday Word understands the Owls are looking to appoint new manager before their FA Cup first round tie at Oldham Athletic a week on Sunday. Sources have indicated that Wednesday are interested in Challinor and have held talks with him about replacing Pedersen.


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Challinor seems an obvious choice, having worked successfully with Wednesday’s sporting director Simon Wilson at Stockport County. He spent five years in charge of County, taking them from the National League to the cusp of the Championship. County finished third in League One in each of the past two seasons but fell short in the play-offs on both occasions.

Renowned for his demanding standards and no-nonsense approach, Challinor boasts an outstanding managerial record, having delivered seven promotions in 16 years in the dugout. The former AFC Fylde and Hartlepool United boss is free after leaving Edgeley Park in June.

Palmer knows Challinor well, having signed him during his time as Stockport manager. “I brought Dave in from Tranmere and he was my captain,” Palmer told The Wednesday Word. “He was a good trainer, a good leader and did really well for me.

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