Dave Challinor has been speaking to the media for the first time today

Dave Challinor wants to bring attacking football and ‘excitement’ to Sheffield Wednesday.

The 51-year-old, who has signed a contract until summer 2030, was officially announced on Tuesday morning and later took his first training session at Middlewood Road. He spoke to the media for the first time at Hillsborough in the afternoon.

When asked about his style of play, Challinor told the Star: “It's not particularly a 4-4-2 or a 3-5-2. We're pretty sort of standard in terms of how we'll build in certain areas. We need to get some excitement into this place. That comes from being positive, playing forward, being purposeful with our possession, making the other team defend for long periods, and getting the supporters off the seats. And hopefully, we can see that immediately.

“We want to score more goals, or at least have the opportunity to score more goals. I'm not saying that's going to happen every week, but can we be a football team that shows the ability and desire to want to attack and want to get forward? “

He continued: “Being on the front-foot is a must. With 30,000 supporters in the ground, we need to get them behind us. We will be front-foot behind intensity. I want us to be possession- based but purposeful with that. I want us to play forward within a structure. I want us to try and dominate the ball and dominate territory, and also make the game as exciting as possible with goal-scoring moments.”

Challinor has won seven promotions as a manager and came close to making it eight last season but missed out in the play-off final at Wembley against Bolton Wanderers. He left in the summer, along with Simon Wilson, the Owls’ sporting director.

Described by the club as a ‘proven winner’ and someone who sets ‘exceptionally high standards’, Challinor has been tasked with ‘establishing a recognisable playing identity’ and ‘building a team capable of sustained growth and success.’

The former Hartlepool United, AFC Fylde and Colwyn Bay boss was described as the ‘standout candidate’ for the job following a ‘comprehensive recruitment process involving multiple candidates.’ He will be assisted by former Crystal Palace defender Clint Hill and ex-Hartlepool United midfielder Antony Sweeney.

Owls owner David Storch has said their ambitions remain ‘clear’ but explained that patience will be needed. Wednesday are currently ninth in League One and their next game is away at Oldham Athletic on Sunday in the FA Cup first round.

Challinor added: “An amazing football club with an amazing history and a huge opportunity to continue to move forward in something that's really exciting. First few days really have shown the size of the the club, the amazing people that are working here. “