Wigan sack manager Owen Coyle after fans revolt over third home loss in a week

[josie andrews]

Defeat to Derby side managed by Steve McClaren - who the Scot beat to the Latics job in the summer - proves the final straw

Owen Coyle has been sacked by Wigan, as owner Dave Whelan reacted to fan power an hour after a home defeat.

Latics lost at the DW Stadium on Sunday for the third time in a week - this time to Derby - and some fans turned on Coyle after a horror first half-hour when they conceded three soft goals.

Coyle’s men could have moved within range of the Championship play-off places with a win against the revitalised Rams – now managed by Steve McClaren who, ironically, missed out on the Wigan job in the summer.

The Scot was summoned to meet Whelan for crisis talks afterwards - despite his side coming back with a header from Nick Powell and twice hitting the woodwork – and the pair decided to end his spell.

Former Bolton boss Coyle becomes the third manager to be axed on Sunday, following Fulham's Martin Jol and Dave Jones of Sheffield Wednesday.

Wigan were unbeaten in their first 10 home games, but have gone down to Brighton, Zulte Waregem in the Europa League and now Derby, with a heavy schedule taking its toll.

Coyle inherited a squad weakened by the loss of players following ­relegation from the Premier League and had no time to spend the £12million from the sale of James ­McCarthy to former boss Roberto Martinez at Everton.

The Scot was fuming about the reaction of some of Sunday’s crowd.

He said: “I will take what criticism comes my way. There is expectation at Wigan and there is a majority who are outstanding.

“But there is a section that is ultra-critical. We have already seen that in the treatment they give Jordi Gomez. We should all be sticking together.”

Minutes after Coyle spoke those words, he and Whelan – back from a holiday in Barbados – discussed the future and the 47-year-old's reign ended dramatically.

Whelan picked Coyle ahead of McClaren, who had the last laugh as Derby marched into the top six and their buoyant away support sang his name while Latics fans howled for the head of their chosen manager.

Midfield general Craig Bryson quickly curled a free-kick beyond Lee Nicholls for Derby’s opener.

Ben Watson made a horrible mess of a pass to play in Simon Dawkins, who scored a simple second.

Then James McClean bundled into the back of Russell Martin to concede a penalty.

The striker stroked home the spot-kick as the locals chanted “We want Coyle out!


http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/ ... le-2874263

[weststandguy]

Picking Owen over McClaren certainly came back to bite them in the backside on Sunday.

[Kittwazzer]

I'll never understand football. Some Latics fans are asking for Martin Jol who was also sacked over the weekend. Seems that getting sacked is a big plus to enter on your CV!

[bill.inger]

Minutes after Coyle spoke those words, he and Whelan – back from a holiday in Barbados – discussed the future and the 47-year-old's reign ended dramatically.

That makes a change, he used to piece managers up from both codes while he was IN Barbados.

[cpwigan]

It was inevitable IMO. He seems to have been a bad fit so Whelan needs to carry some of the can. Wigan Athletic Fans need to understand though that the Championship is a damn difficult division.

[platt-warrior]

He seemed to change the playing style completely,all Martinez good work undone.

Ian Hollaway anyone?

[Owd Codger]

He seemed to change the playing style completely,all Martinez good work undone.

Ian Hollaway anyone?

Was this the same Martinez who the same idiot element also wanted sacking whenever things were not going well.

Come on, nothing to do with style, just no longer having a good squad.

As for Holloway, the same could be said about him undoing all the good work by Dougie Friedman at Crystal Palace.

Mind you, if appointed, should provide some good of field humour for the local media.

[jobo]

http://www.wigantoday.net/sport/wigan-a ... -1-6291016

Dave Whelan thinks latics still have a good squad of players and to be fair, they have. Think there's enough quality for them to be pushing for a promotion spot but it's obvious something wasn't quite gelling.

They probably need a Championship specialist like Holloway to sort them out but he wont come cheap.

[cpwigan]

I do think there is ample evidence that Whelan opted for the wrong man when he chose Coyle over McClaren or do you not agree WW? I also think it is a valid argument to say you replace Martinez with a similar philosophy. Didn't Swansea do that?

The caveats. Damn tough division; long term injury to best attacking midfielder. Loss of some quality players did not help but the cheque book was opened for Coyle.

[weststandguy]

Ian Holloway is a good manager with proven Championship credential. Trouble is he has a strong personality and a mind of his own. He would not be Whelan's yes man and this could present a problem.