The Owls’ new manager Dave Challinor watched the draw against Blackpool on Sunday

Sheffield Wednesday have made a ‘good appointment’ in Dave Challinor, believes Matt Hamshaw, and that his presence in the stands is bound to have had put an extra spring in the players’ step.

Challinor, who is set to be officially confirmed as The Owls’ new manager on Monday, was at Hillsborough on Sunday as 10-man Wednesday drew 1-1 at home to Blackpool.

The club confirmed via a statement on Sunday morning that they had reached an agreement with Challinor to become manager. Hamshaw, who has overseen the last two matches in a caretaker role, confirmed to The Star that Challinor had no input on the team selection or formation before the game, but believed the players will have responded to him being there.

Hamshaw replied: “I haven't spoken to Dave yet. I just got told like everybody this morning what was happening. So yeah, no, I've not spoke to Dave yet. Hopefully, I will do at some point.”

He continued: “I got a phone call just explaining that the new gaffer was coming in, so yeah, just like I said to Simon Wilson, I'm not telling you anything I didn't say to him, I think it's a good appointment. He's proven at this level, and he's a good guy, and I know how much he wants to win, and I think that bodes well.”

And when asked if Challinor being at the match gave the players extra motivation, Hamshaw added: “I think it always does. We explained he's going to be here today. He's going to be watching the game. So it's an opportunity for you to show him what good players you are. And I think our first 45 minutes, we certainly did that. But also, I think the other side of it, like I spoke about, we're a bit pleased with the grit and the determination and the never-say-die attitude that we showed in that.”

Challinor’s first game as manager is set to be against Oldham Athletic in the FA Cup first round next Sunday.