Sheffield Wednesday take on Plymouth Argyle this afternoon.

Dave Challinor had his first taste of the Sheffield Wednesday dugout in midweek - but is looking forward to experiencing the ‘real thing’ as Plymouth Argyle come to Hillsborough this afternoon.

The new Owls boss has suffered two cup defeat in his first matches in the role, though there is a wide acceptance that his is a longer-term mission that has so far not been helped by a rabid injury crisis. The Pilgrims clash could see a number of important figures make a return and with the fifth-placed side arriving in a form wobble and with injuries of their own to deal with, the hope would be that Wednesday can claim a first win under Challinor.

Together with newly-installed Challinor coaches Clint Hill and Tony Sweeney, a watered-down Wednesday crowd of just over 5,000 saw an EFL Trophy defeat to Accrington Stanley on Tuesday evening. Speaking about the prospect of a ‘proper’ S6 atmosphere this weekend, the Owls boss reflected on his first listen of pre-match anthem ‘Hi Ho Silver Lining’.

He said: “Even the anthem at the start of the game, I'm not sure how many were in here, but whatever it was, it's still a big noise from behind you with less than half empty stadium. To be able to experience and witness that at the weekend is something I'm looking forward to. Once that happens, straight away the focus will be on what the game looks like and hopefully putting in a performance that can build momentum and get a run going.

“The challenge that that brings (managing a big club) is something that for me personally was the next thing that I need to do for myself. The opportunity to come here and be part of something and build something. That being part of it, the fan base is obviously a great opportunity and one I'm desperate to take.

“It's special when you go to many football grounds and there's songs that are sung at the start of games. It provides a special atmosphere. For me to be stood there in the home dugout and it be sung by our supporters to our team makes it that much more special. It's something I'm really looking forward to. But more importantly, what happens on the pitch after the singing of the high-up silver line is going to be imperative.”