Speculation surrounding Gary Caldwell and a potential move to Wigan Athletic intensified on Saturday after it emerged the BBC were instructed not to question him about his future.
In a post shared by BBC Sport Devon on X, the broadcaster revealed that they had been asked by the club before the post-match press conference to focus solely on the game. The tweet stated that Caldwell wanted to thank supporters for their backing, but any questions regarding his future were off limits.
That development only added fuel to the growing belief that the Exeter City boss is edging closer to a return to the DW Stadium, with reports continuing to link him strongly with the vacancy at Wigan.
Caldwell coy after goalless draw
According to Devon Live, Caldwell refused to confirm whether the 0-0 draw with Northampton Town would be his final match in charge of the Grecians. Exeter had the better of the chances at St James Park, but were unable to find a breakthrough as they edged a point closer to safety in League One.
When pressed on whether he would still be in charge for Tuesday’s clash with Wycombe Wanderers, Caldwell said:
“I’m here today. We watched Wycombe yesterday. We were planning for Wycombe, we’ll see what happens.”
Asked how his Sunday looked, he added:
“I have no idea. I’ll see what my Saturday night looks like first and then that might decide my Sunday.”
Those comments did little to dampen talk of an imminent switch, particularly given that Caldwell had earlier guaranteed he would be in charge for the Northampton fixture but stopped short of committing beyond that.
He was, however, keen to acknowledge the backing he has received at St James Park.
“I think the supporters are amazing at this football club. What they give, in terms of backing this football club and what they’ve done over the kind of support their ownership is fantastic and I think you always have kind of up and down moments, but it feels like a really up moment at the minute for the football club, I think we’re in a brilliant position.”
“We have to keep building on that. I thank the fans for the support, they’re incredible.”
Caldwell attraction obvious
For Wigan, the attraction is obvious. Caldwell previously played more than 100 games for the club and was part of their FA Cup winning squad in 2013, making the DW a place that still holds significance for him. With the Latics looking to steady their League One campaign, appointing a manager who understands the club’s culture and expectations would be viewed as a calculated move rather than a gamble.
From Exeter’s perspective, losing Caldwell at this stage would be disruptive, particularly with safety not yet mathematically secured. Yet the manner in which questions were restricted, combined with his carefully chosen words, suggests this story is approaching a decisive moment.
Until official confirmation arrives, the situation remains fluid. But after Saturday’s developments, it feels increasingly like a case of when, not if, Gary Caldwell heads back to Wigan.
