Exclusive: League One boss now front-runner to be next Wigan Athletic manager
Exeter City manager Gary Caldwell has emerged as the front-runner for the vacant Wigan Athletic job, sources have told Football Insider.
The Latics have been assessing a number of options for the role since parting ways with Ryan Lowe following their 6-1 demolition against Peterborough.
Caldwell captained Wigan during his five-year spell at the club between 2010 and 2015 and remains very highly though of at the Brick Community Stadium.
His Exeter side are currently placed 13th in League One, and their divisional rivals are now hoping to poach the 43-year-old despite their lowly league position.
Caldwell signed a contract extension at Exeter in 2024 as they aimed to keep him for the long-term future, but he could now be tempted away.
Wigan eye Gary Caldwell to replace Ryan Lowe
Caldwell as appointed as the Exeter City manager in 2022 and has since helped them become a stable League One side since their promotion earlier that year.
Wigan have fallen into the relegation zone following a dismal run of form, although just two points are separating them from 17th-placed Blackpool, with a game in hand.
Their recent run of seven league games without a victory saw them plummet down the table and ultimately resulted in Lowe’s dismissal.
There is a feeling that Caldwell would be the ideal candidate to lead them to safety, with his experience and knowledge of the club also set to bet key.
Whether he could be tempted away from Exeter remains to be seen, but the Latics are hopeful.
Who could be next in League One sack race?
Football Insider reported in January that Lowe was at risk of being sacked by Wigan, but he was not alone with another League One boss facing pressure.
Jack Wilshere‘s position as Luton Town manager has come into question as a result of their inconsistent form since his arrival earlier this season.
However, the Hatters have since won back-to-back games against Blackpool and Bradford City, easing the pressure on the former Arsenal midfielder.
Luton have moved up to seventh place in League One and remain hopeful of reaching the playoffs to challenge for promotion back into the Championship.
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