Sheffield Wednesday set for off-field announcement as Josh Windass makes feelings clear

Sheffield Wednesday are preparing for another fresh chapter after appointing Dave Challinor as their new manager, with former Stockport County assistant Clint Hill also set to join the coaching staff at Hillsborough.

The Owls have endured a difficult period, with their relegation from the Championship last season compounded by multiple points deductions and a squad that was already short of depth. Despite those challenges, the club’s decision-makers initially chose to keep Henrik Pedersen in charge, believing the Dane could lead the team back towards promotion.

Wednesday made significant changes to the playing squad ahead of the new campaign, bringing in 18 new players in an attempt to strengthen their chances of competing near the top of League One.

However, Pedersen struggled to deliver the desired results. Five victories from his first 11 league matches left Wednesday outside the play-off places in eighth position, with consecutive 2-0 defeats against Notts County and Doncaster Rovers proving costly.

His departure brought an abrupt end to his 15-month spell at Hillsborough, prompting the club to move quickly in their search for a replacement.

The appointment of Challinor has now given Wednesday a new direction, with the former Stockport County boss arriving with an impressive working relationship with sporting director Simon Wilson, dating back to their time together at Edgeley Park.

Hill is also expected to reunite with Challinor after previously working alongside him at Stockport, and the development has attracted a reaction from former Wednesday forward Josh Windass.

Josh Windass reacts to Clint Hill’s Sheffield Wednesday move

Hill enjoyed a lengthy playing career, featuring in both the Premier League and Championship while representing clubs including Stoke City, Crystal Palace and Queens Park Rangers.

Following his retirement, the 48-year-old moved into coaching and developed a strong partnership with Challinor.

The pair first worked together at Tranmere Rovers before crossing paths again during Challinor’s spell in charge of Hartlepool United. Hill subsequently joined him at Stockport County in 2021 as assistant manager.

Their time together in Greater Manchester proved successful, with the duo spending four years at the club before leaving following Stockport’s 4-1 defeat to Bolton Wanderers in the play-off final at the end of last season.

Now, they are preparing to work together once again, this time at Sheffield Wednesday.

Windass, who previously shared a dressing room with Hill at Rangers during the 2017/18 campaign, has responded to the news involving his former teammate.

The Wrexham forward shared a message for Hill alongside a photograph showing the pair celebrating together during their time at Ibrox.

Windass knows Wednesday well, having spent five seasons at Hillsborough before departing for Wrexham in July last year. During that period, he scored 50 goals in 173 appearances for the Owls, establishing himself as an important figure for the club.

Josh Windass still has a connection with Sheffield Wednesday

Although Windass is now playing his football at Wrexham, his previous relationship with Sheffield Wednesday means he will naturally retain an interest in developments at his former club.

His message to Hill also highlights the connections that can remain between players and coaches long after their time together on the pitch has ended.

For Wednesday, the reunion between Challinor and Hill represents an opportunity to bring an established working partnership to Hillsborough as they look to build a more competitive side.

The immediate priority will be getting the team back on track in League One and mounting a serious challenge for promotion. With a new manager and coaching staff taking shape, Wednesday supporters will be hoping the changes can deliver the improvement the club desperately needs.

Editorial note: I’ve paraphrased the supplied article and retained its key details. Before publishing, verify the appointment status and the exact wording of Windass’ message, as those details may have changed.