The centre-back, who played for Tranmere Rovers and Stockport County, previously held the world record for the longest throw in football.

This was 152 feet (46.34 metres) in a special challenge set-up at Prenton Park in 1998, beating the previous record held by Cardiff City's Andy Legg.

[10] In October 2008, Challinor joined Colwyn Bay in the Northern Premier League Division One North, he captained the side to the play-offs in his first season where they lost out to Newcastle Blue Star on penalties.

The club won the Fair Play Award for the fewest disciplinary points through the season and Challinor was named manager of the month for March, April and May 2011.

On 2 November 2011 it was announced that Challinor had been appointed the new manager of AFC Fylde, in the Northern Premier League Division One North.

[15] In 2012–13, Fylde once again qualified for the Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division play offs but were defeated on penalties by Hednesford Town who took their place in the Conference North.

The 2013–14 season saw Fylde gain promotion to the National League North after defeating Ashton United in the Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division play offs.

Having been defeated 3–0 by Salford City in the play-off final,[20] Fylde returned to Wembley Stadium the following week to beat Leyton Orient 1–0 and lift the FA Trophy for the first time in the club's history.

[26] In the semi-final, they travelled to Stockport County where Rhys Oates scored with fifteen minutes left to book Hartlepool's place in the final.

[28] After Luke Armstrong gave Hartlepool the lead in the first half, Torquay goalkeeper Lucas Covolan scored a last minute equaliser to take the match to extra-time.

[28] Despite both sides missing their first two penalties, Hartlepool eventually won the shootout 5–4, returning to the Football League for the first time since their relegation in 2017.

[32] On 2 November 2021, Challinor was appointed manager of National League side Stockport County with the club in 9th position, ten points from 1st place.

[43] In August 2023, rumours emerged that Challinor had been interviewed for the vacant manager's job at League One club Charlton Athletic.