Dave Challinor has been appointed the new manager of Sheffield Wednesday.

The Owls and the 51-year-old reached an agreement for him to become the new boss on Saturday night, the club announced on Sunday morning. The former Stockport County, Hartlepool United and AFC Fylde manager is set to attend today’s game against Blackpool. The Owls said more details about the appointment would be confirmed on Monday.

Challinor was the favourite for the job as soon as Henrik Pedersen’s sacking was confirmed a week ago. He has won seven promotions in his managerial career. He worked with Owls sporting director Simon Wilson for several years at Stockport and now the pair link-up again at Hillsborough. Challinor led the Hatters to promotions from the National League and League Two and narrowly missed out on taking them to the Championship last season, losing to Bolton in the League One play-off final.

Challinor is the first managerial appointment that Arise have made since taking over the club in May. They stuck with Pedersen in the summer but opted to make a change after a lack of consistency in results and over doubts about a clear style of play.

The Owls said in a statement: “Sheffield Wednesday Football Club can confirm that an agreement was reached last night for Dave Challinor to become the club's new first-team manager. The 51-year-old will be in attendance at today's fixture against Blackpool at Hillsborough. The club looks forward to formally introducing Dave to supporters on Monday, when further details of the appointment will be announced.”

Challinor’s first game in charge looks set to be next Sunday’s FA Cup first round tie away at Oldham Athletic. Wednesday are currently ninth in League One, three points outside the play-offs, ahead of today’s match at home to Blackpool.