Five days on from Henrik Pedersen’s departure, Sheffield Wednesday are still searching for his successor.
The Dane was relieved of his duties on Sunday, less than 24 hours after the Owls were beaten 2-0 by Doncaster Rovers at the Club Doncaster Sports Village. It marked Wednesday’s second defeat in five days and some supporters chanted ‘We want Henrik out’ both during and after the game.
Matt Hamshaw, who returned to Hillsborough during the summer, was installed as interim manager and oversaw Tuesday night’s 1-1 draw with Cambridge United. He is set to remain in charge for Sunday’s clash with Blackpool at Hillsborough.
As revealed by The Star on Friday, the process of appointing Pedersen’s successor is moving forward, with a number of interviews having taken place with club officials. An undisclosed number of candidates with experience both domestically and overseas are being considered.
Former Stockport County boss Dave Challinor is understood to be among the candidates, having quickly emerged as the overwhelming favourite to land the job after Pedersen’s departure was confirmed.
With the process ongoing, BetVictor have provided the latest odds on who they think could be in the running:
1. Dave Challinor - 1/2
As already documented, Challinor has been the favourite to replace Pedersen ever since the latter’s departure from Hillsborough was announced. Understood to be among the candidates, the former Stockport boss knows his way around League One, having led the Hatters to a third-place finish in each of the last two seasons. He also has close ties with Wednesday sporting director Simon Wilson. | Getty Images
2. Paul Heckingbottom - 2/1
No stranger to the Steel City, having played for Wednesday and managed United, Heckingbottom was sacked by Preston North End last month following a poor start to the season. He had been in charge at Deepdale for just over two years. He also has experience of managing in League One with Barnsley, having led them to promotion via the play-off final in 2016. | Getty Images
3. Matt Hamshaw - 8/1
After taking charge of Tuesday night’s 1-1 draw with Cambridge, Hamshaw is expected to be in the dugout again on Sunday when Blackpool visit Hillsborough. Although he is among the bookmakers’ favourites to land the job on a permanent basis, there is very little to suggest that he is in the running to replace Pedersen on a full-time basis. | Steve Ellis
4. Andy Woodman - 8/1
Sacked by Bromley as recently as last week, Woodman was arguably a victim of his own success after guiding the London club from the National League to League One in just two years. He had been in charge for five years, overseeing an unprecedented period of success. | Getty Images