Wigan Athletic Launch Search for New Manager After Sacking Ryan Lowe
Wigan Athletic have officially begun their hunt for a new head coach following the dismissal of Ryan Lowe on Sunday. The decision came after a devastating 6-1 defeat to Peterborough United, a result that left the Latics languishing in the League One relegation zone with only one victory in their last ten league matches.
Ryan Lowe's Tenure Comes to an Abrupt End
Ryan Lowe, who was appointed in March 2025 on a three-and-a-half-year contract to succeed Shaun Maloney, saw his 11-month tenure at the Brick Community Stadium cut short. During his time in charge, he managed just 12 wins from 49 matches, a record that ultimately proved insufficient to secure his position.
In a statement released on Sunday, Wigan Athletic confirmed the departure, saying: "Wigan Athletic can confirm that they have parted company with Head Coach Ryan Lowe. In the interim, Glenn Whelan & Graham Barrow will take on First Team matters, and the Club will work quickly to identify and appoint a new Head Coach of the Football Club. The Club would like to place on record its thanks to Ryan for his efforts and wishes him all the best for the future."
Interim Management and Immediate Fixtures
Glenn Whelan and Graham Barrow have stepped in to handle first-team affairs on a temporary basis, marking the second time in 12 months that Whelan has taken on this role following Maloney's exit. The Latics face a busy schedule, with a League One clash against Reading on Tuesday night and an FA Cup fourth-round trip to Arsenal on February 15th, adding urgency to the search for a permanent appointment.
Leading Candidates Emerge for the Vacant Role
Several names have already surfaced as potential successors to Lowe, with the club expected to move swiftly to fill the position.
- Glenn Whelan: As the current interim manager, Whelan is considered an early frontrunner for the permanent job, given his familiarity with the squad and previous experience in a similar capacity.
- Richie Wellens: The Leyton Orient head coach, aged 45, is highly regarded in League One after guiding the O's to the play-off final last season. Despite signing a contract extension until 2028 last summer, which could make a move challenging, his reputation has put him in the frame. Leyton Orient's director of football, Martin Ling, recently praised Wellens, noting his passion and commitment, though acknowledging occasional media criticisms.
- Alan Sheehan: Former Swansea City manager, sacked in November after a poor start to the season, is another option being considered by Wigan Athletic.
- Chris Coleman: The ex-Sunderland and Wales manager, currently available after leaving Asteras Tripolis, has been linked with various EFL vacancies and could be a contender for the role.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
Wigan Athletic's next manager will inherit a team in a precarious position, facing the dual challenge of securing League One survival and navigating an FA Cup fixture against Premier League opposition. The club's board is under pressure to make a decisive appointment that can inspire a turnaround in form and morale.
As the speculation intensifies, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see who steps into the hot seat at the Brick Community Stadium, with the hope of revitalising a squad in need of leadership and direction.
