Gary Caldwell returns to Wigan Athletic as new head coach | OneFootball

Wigan Athletic have announced the appointment of former player and manager Gary Caldwell.

The former defender was part of the Latics team that won the FA Cup in the 2012/13 season after stunning Manchester City with a stoppage-time winner from Ben Watson.

After hanging up his boots towards the end of the 2014/15 season, Caldwell began coaching at the club before being appointed manager following the sacking of Malky Mackay just a few months later.

Caldwell stayed on at Wigan despite relegation and won League One in his following season. However, he was sacked the following season with his side struggling in the Championship once again.

Now Caldwell is back at the club with Wigan paying Exeter City compensation. The 43-year-old leaves with the Grecians 14th in the table and eight points clear of his new side who are 22nd and facing a drop down to League Two.

"The Board believes this appointment represents a step forward - reconnecting the Club’s proud past with an ambitious future," a statement from the Latics said on the appointment.

With Wigan knocked out of the FA Cup in a 4-0 loss to Arsenal on Sunday, Caldwell's sole focus will be on the league with Luton Town visiting on Wednesday evening.