Mid-season report: Wigan Athletic

After Uwe Rosler guided Wigan to last season's playoff semi-finals, where they lost to eventual winners Queens Park Rangers, much was expected of the Latics in 2014-15.

Midfielders James McArthur and Jordi Gomez made Premier League moves, but Rosler kept the bulk of his squad and was able to add the likes of Emyr Huws, Adam Forshaw and Andy Delort.

They were picked for the title and a return to the Premier League in our season preview, but it has gone horribly wrong and here, Sports Mole picks apart their campaign so far.

August

The Latics began with a visit from Reading and they were on the verge of a losing start when McArthur, who would transfer to Crystal Palace later in the month, popped up with a last-minute goal. Next was a League Cup tie against League Two side Burton Albion, but that wouldn't bring about a win either as the Brewers advanced.

While a late goal helped Wigan on the first weekend, it would hurt them on the second as Charlton Athletic netted deep into stoppage time at The Valley to grab the points. A third straight away game followed and it was defeat again as Cardiff City edged them out in Wales.

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A return to the DW Stadium would sort Wigan out as they won two games on the bounce to end August on a high. First, pointless Blackpool were eased out before Birmingham City were dispatched 4-0, lifting the Latics into the top half after the first month.

September

A trip to Blackburn Rovers was first up in September and although Wigan took the lead not long after half time, they folded soon after and ended up losing 3-1 at Ewood Park.

It would be three defeats in four games for Rosler's men as a goalless draw at Huddersfield Town was followed by losses at home to Ipswich Town and on the road at Bournemouth.

Next was a visit from high-flying Nottingham Forest, but they would earn a point in another goalless draw, ending a winless month 20th in the standings and not far clear of the drop zone.

October

Although October would turn out to be an unbeaten month, Wigan's slow form continued with three straight draws against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Brentford and Millwall, making it four stalemates in a row overall. Three of them had been goalless and the Latics' frontline was really struggling to find the net.

Wigan were now just a point above the bottom three and faced a daunting trip to league leaders Derby County. Despite being eight games without a win, Rosler's side produced one of the shocks of the season with a James McClean-inspired 2-1 victory at the iPro Stadium, easing the pressure on the German boss.

November

An entertaining draw against Fulham which had six goals and two red cards began November, and that would be Rosler's last point as Latics manager.

Consecutive away defeats at Brighton & Hove Albion and Bolton Wanderers saw Rosler sacked two days before his 46th birthday, with Malky Mackay the man chosen to succeed him during an international break.

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The Scot was a controversial choice after his text message scandal from earlier in the year while he was being lined up for the Crystal Palace job. Still, his recent achievement of getting Cardiff City promoted was why chairman Dave Whelan chose him.

With Mackay's appointment stirring discontent from some, it got worse for Whelan when he made anti-Semitic comments while trying to defend Mackay - not what the club needed.

On the pitch, Middlesbrough, just a point off the top at that stage, were the next visitors to the DW Stadium and Mackay's reign began with an encouraging point. A trip to Sheffield Wednesday ended the 11th month and Mackay tasted defeat for the first time as Latics boss, with Wigan 23rd in the table.

December

A visit from out-of-form Norwich City wouldn't bring Mackay his first win, as the Canaries scored early and managed to defend their lead in a drab affair at the DW Stadium.

Make it four defeats in a row and five games without a win for Mackay after consecutive 2-1 defeats to Watford and Rotherham United. The latter was particularly gutting as the Millers were right down at the bottom with Wigan and on a poor run of form themselves.

Wigan were now six points from safety and only four ahead of lowly Blackpool in second-bottom at Christmas. Boxing Day would bring Mackay's first win, though, as they edged past Leeds United at Elland Road.

The year would end on a bad note with a seventh defeat in nine games at Sheffield Wednesday, leaving Mackay's men three points from safety and six off the bottom at the start of 2015.

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On New Year's Eve Whelan was fined £50,000 and given a six-week ban from football activities. When the revelation first emerged, the 78-year-old said that he would quit the club, but whether he will remains to be seen.

What his actions have done is cast an even longer shadow over the club. They will need to bring in reinforcements, especially in attack, in January and a mid-table finish is surely their best hope now.

Star man: James Perch

Must do better: Andy Delort

Where to strengthen in January: Attack

Position at start of 2015: 23rd

Mid-season grade: E

To see Wigan's remaining fixtures in 2014-15, click here.