Wigan Athletic manager news: Exeter City's Gary Caldwell wanted, fresh club statement dropped | OneFootball

Football League World rounds up all the latest news as Wigan Athletic search for a new manager

Wigan Athletic have begun their hunt for a new head coach following the sacking of Ryan Lowe.

The Greater Manchester side's 6-1 defeat to Peterborough United on Saturday turned out to be the last straw for Lowe, who failed to win a game in League One since a 2-0 triumph at Burton Albion on 29 December.

Wigan sit in the third-tier relegation zone ahead of Tuesday's clash with Reading, which sees them come up against former Latics boss Leam Richardson.

The Brick Community Stadium outfit are set to face the Royals under the caretaker management of Glenn Whelan and club stalwart Graham Barrow.

Meanwhile, Football League World rounds up the latest news as the Latics look to acquire a new head coach who they hope can drag them out of the drop zone.

Gary Caldwell emerges as front-runner in Wigan Athletic manager search

Exeter City boss Gary Caldwell has guided the Grecians to a comfortable mid-table spot in League One so far this term, which is the sort of position his former club, Wigan wish they were in.

Caldwell previously steered the Latics to the third-tier title back in 2016, but was sacked the following October, when his side were in the Championship relegation zone.

Now, according to Pete O'Rourke on X, the ex-Scotland defender has emerged as the front-runner to replace Lowe, and is open to returning to the North West.

Caldwell earned legendary status as a Wigan player and was their club captain when they won the FA Cup, while he was also a regular feature in their latter Premier League years.

However, speaking to Devon Live in 2024, the 43-year-old expressed his annoyance that the Latics had pursued their ultimately successful swoop for former Exeter defender Will Aimson against his wishes, suggesting ill-feeling towards the Greater Manchester club.

Meanwhile, as reported by BBC Sport, the Grecians have encountered financial difficulties, which may influence whether Caldwell rejoins Wigan or not.

Wigan Athletic fans forum postponed amid manager search

The Latics board recently voiced their support towards Lowe despite ultimately sacking their head coach, but several supporters had been calling for the former Preston North End boss to be fired weeks before his dismissal.

As reported by Wigan Today, supporters were heard making anti-Lowe chants throughout their defeat to Peterborough, even when their side were only losing 1-0.

Stewards and police were both seen in the away end amid fan anger near the dugout.

Meanwhile, amid the frustration at sporting director Gregor Rioch and the hunt for a new head coach, the Latics confirmed via X on Monday that their fans' forum, which was scheduled to happen on Wednesday, has been postponed.

Arsenal test looms as Wigan Athletic vie to appoint new boss

The most bizarre aspect of Wigan's current demise is that they have an exciting FA Cup visit to Premier League leaders Arsenal in front of over 5,000 away supporters this Sunday.

Having such a high-profile clash, which will be televised, arguably puts the Latics under more pressure to appoint Lowe's successor quickly, whereas a likely heavy defeat in their first game is a non-ideal situation for managerial candidates.

Meanwhile, reported front-runner Caldwell knows how cruel the FA Cup can be, having recently suffered a 10-1 defeat to Manchester City with Exeter.