Wigan Athletic

Next Wigan Athletic manager: Five contenders

By Liam Apicella, Features Editor | 04 June 2013

Sports Mole assesses the five men that are thought to be leading the race to become the next manager of Wigan Athletic.

With Roberto Martinez close to agreeing a deal with Everton, Wigan Athletic can now go about securing a replacement.

Chairman Dave Whelan revealed last week that he had granted Martinez permission to speak to the Toffees, who are in need of a new boss following the departure of David Moyes to Manchester United.

Even though Wigan have been relegated to the Championship, a number of names have been linked with the soon-to-be-vacant position. With that in mind, Sports Mole has complied a list of the five leading contenders to fill the void at the DW Stadium.

Manchester United first team coach Rene Meulensteen prior to the match against Manchester City on April 8, 2013

Rene Meulensteen
Earlier today the Dutchman dismissed reports that he had plans to quit the Man United coaching staff following the arrival of Moyes. However, the feeling is that the 49-year-old is open to the possibility of leaving Old Trafford, particularly if Wigan were to come calling. Despite being a coach under Sir Alex Ferguson, he does have managerial experience from stints in the Middle East and Denmark. How ironic it would be if Moyes's move allows Meulensteen to take on his first manager's job in England.
Odds: 11/10

Owen Coyle
Having managed both Bolton Wanderers and Burnley, Coyle appears to be settled in the North West of England. The 46-year-old showed his credentials in 2009 when he got the Clarets promoted to the Premier League, something that Wigan supporters will be eager to happen next term. What could also tempt Whelan into appointing the Scot is his relationship with managers in the top flight, highlighted by the fact that he managed to gain the loan services of Jack Wilshere and Daniel Sturridge while at Bolton.
Odds: 9/2

MK Dons manager Karl Robinson claps after the FA Cup match against AFC Wimbledon on December 2, 2012

Karl Robinson
One of these days Robinson is bound to leave the MK Dons, so highly are his methods thought of within the game. Despite being just 32, there are not many jobs in the Championship and League One that the Liverpool-born boss is not linked with. Under his guidance the Dons have been praised for the style of passing football that they play - something that Wigan had become accustomed to during the Martinez era.
Odds: 5/1

Steve McClaren
In England at least, McClaren has a lot of work to do to repair his managerial reputation. His time in charge of the national team was nothing short of disastrous, while he lasted just 10 matches at Nottingham Forest. He has shown on the continent though that he has the ability to produce decent teams. Whelan may also be attracted by the number of contacts that the 52-year-old has to call upon.
Odds: 5/1

Mike Phelan
While Meulensteen's departure from Man United has not been confirmed, Phelan's has. Having served as the assistant to Ferguson, Moyes has decided that he has no room for the 50-year-old on his coaching staff. His appointment would carry an element of risk, having not managed solo before, but his relationship with United may see him be able to land some of their up and coming youngsters on a loan basis.
Odds: 14/1