Gary Caldwell becomes player-coach at Wigan Athletic

Wigan Athletic manager Uwe Rosler believes that Gary Caldwell can have a big influence on and off the pitch at the DW Stadium.

Caldwell has reportedly turned down the advances of Panathinaikos to take on a player-coach role at the Championship outfit, and Rosler has revealed that the Scot's "experience" and "calmness" can benefit his first-team squad.

The 45-year-old is quoted by BBC Sport as saying: "Whether playing in the team or not, he is someone who can have a big influence here.

"We're delighted to be able to keep calling on his experience. We saw at the end of the season what an impact he made with his calmness on the field.

"It's part of Gary's natural development that when he has no first-team duties to fulfil, he will take an active role in coaching at the academy."

Caldwell spent the majority of last season on the sidelines before returning to feature in five of Wigan's remaining fixtures.