Dave Challinor has officially been confirmed as the new Sheffield Wednesday manager.

The 51-year-old, who was at the game against Blackpool on Sunday, has signed a contract until summer 2030.

In a club statement on Tuesday morning, The Owls said his appointment follows a ‘comprehensive recruitment process involving multiple candidate’, stating he received the ‘unanimous support of the club's board of directors’.

Challinor, who has won seven promotions as a manager at Stockport County, Hartlepool United, AFC Fylde and Colwyn Bay, 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, Wednesday said.

The club added that the 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.’

Owls sporting director, Simon Wilson, who worked with Challinor across several years at Stockport County before the pair departed in the summer, 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."

Challinor’s first match will be this Sunday’s FA Cup first round tie at Oldham Athletic. The Owls, who are ninth in League One, sacked Henrik Pedersen last month, stating inconsistent results and a lack of a clear playing style as the reasons why.