Former Stockport County boss is new favourite to take over Sheffield Wednesday post - with promotion-winning rival also in contention as short-list narrows

Dave Challinor has emerged as the favourite to replace Henrik Pedersen as manager of Sheffield Wednesday.

The former Stockport County boss is free after departing Edgeley Park in June and has worked previously with Sheffield Wednesday sporting director Simon Wilson.

Pedersen was relieved of his duties on Sunday after his side were beaten 2-0 by Doncaster Rovers less than 24 hours earlier.

They sit ninth in League One, two points off the play off positions, but the hierarchy felt a change was required after a perceived dip in performances.

Another name understood to have come under consideration is Martin Paterson at Notts County, who beat Wednesday earlier this month.

The 39-year-old led County to promotion via the play-offs last summer and has been rewarded with a new contract. However, that hasn’t stopped clubs admiring the work he has done and the data he has amassed under restricted finances.

Former Stockport County manager Dave Challinor is the frontrunner to takeover at Sheffield Wednesday following Henrik Pedersen's exit

Challinor for his part oversaw a successful period at Stockport that included two league titles. During both title-winning campaigns, the Hatters amassed more than 90 points.

Pedersen's assistant Matt Hamshaw, who only joined the backroom staff in August, has been put in caretaker charge for the time being.