Wigan chairman Dave Whelan insists that the impromptu decision to dispense with Owen Coyle has left him with no pre-determined ideas when it comes to appointing a successor. Instead, the Latics chief has told Sportsmail he will invite all applications before drawing up a shortlist and working through an interview process. Sportsmail understands that Celtic boss Neil Lennon could be among those in for the job, as well as former Manchester United assistant Mike Phelan and ex-Crystal Palace manager Ian Holloway. Coyle left the club by mutual consent on Sunday evening after Whelan admitted events ‘came to a head’ following a third straight defeat and a dismal performance during the 3-1 loss to Derby County. That result leaves Wigan – relegated from the Premier League last season – languishing in 14th position in the Championship table. Whelan, though, believes his club boasts a squad capable of making a swift return to the top flight and, to that end, is determined to charge the right man with leading that quest. ‘We will invite all applications and just see who comes in,’ he told Sportsmail. ‘From there we will draw up a shortlist. ‘Because we only made the decision with Owen on Sunday, there is no-one who we have in mind. ‘It will be a case of seeing who applies and taking it from there; nothing is pre-judged. ‘We’ll have interviews after that and take everything into consideration’ And, of the decision to part company with Coyle - who was only appointed as successor to Roberto Martinez during the summer - he went on: ‘We were so poor on Sunday and have lost three in a row and everything came to a head that night. ‘I’m sure we’ve got a good enough squad, Owen Coyle just did not hit it off with them. ‘So this is a very important appointment for us, although it’s never easy and we will take our time.’ Lennon is an interesting name given that Celtic were eliminated from all European competition last week and it is believed he would be interested in a move south of the border. Phelan, meanwhile, has made no secret of his desire for a shot at a top job. He was No 2 to Sir Alex Ferguson for five years at Old Trafford but left following the Scot’s retirement at the end of last season. The 51-year-old claimed just last week that he was manager in all but name towards the end of their tenure at United. He was linked to the position at Middlesbrough in November but the vacancy at Wigan is far closer to his North West home. Former Blackpool and Blackburn Rovers boss Michael Appleton is also interested but he could consider an assistant role. GBNL YNWA HH -PP-
Posted on: Mon, 02 Dec 2013 23:11:45 +0000
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