Gary Caldwell has emerged as the leading candidate to become the next manager of Wigan Athletic, with sources indicating the League One boss is now firmly at the front of the queue following Ryan Lowe’s dismissal.
The Latics are searching for a new head coach after parting company with Ryan Lowe in the wake of a 6-1 defeat to Peterborough United, a result that capped a damaging run of seven league games without a win. That sequence dragged Wigan into the relegation zone, although the margins remain tight, with just two points separating them from 17th place and a game in hand still to come.
Caldwell’s name has quickly risen to the top of the shortlist, and that is no surprise given his deep-rooted connection to the club. The 43-year-old captained Wigan during a five-year spell as a player between 2010 and 2015 and later returned in a coaching capacity before being appointed manager in April 2015. Although he was unable to prevent relegation from the Championship that season, he was backed to continue and responded by guiding the Latics to the League One title in 2015-16.
That promotion-winning campaign remains a major part of Caldwell’s appeal. Wigan not only bounced straight back to the Championship but did so in convincing fashion, with Caldwell later recognised as League One Manager of the Month in February 2016 and named LMA League One Manager of the Year. His spell ultimately ended in October 2016 following a poor start in the Championship, but his reputation at the Brick Community Stadium has endured.
Post-Wigan Career
Since leaving Wigan, Caldwell’s managerial journey has been mixed, with difficult spells at Chesterfield and Partick Thistle followed by developmental roles at Newcastle United and Manchester City. His appointment at Exeter City in October 2022 marked a return to League One management, and he has since overseen a period of relative stability at St James Park.
Exeter finished 14th in League One in the 2022-23 season and currently sit 13th this term, a position that underlines both their competitive resilience and their limitations. Caldwell signed a contract extension in 2024 as the Grecians looked to secure continuity, but Wigan’s interest could test that resolve, particularly given the personal and professional significance of a return to Lancashire.
Mutual Attraction
From Wigan’s perspective, the attraction is clear. The club is searching for stability at a critical moment, and Caldwell offers familiarity with the environment, an understanding of the pressures involved, and a proven track record of navigating League One successfully. With relegation a genuine threat but far from inevitable, the belief internally is that a short-term uplift, combined with Caldwell’s knowledge of the club, could be decisive.
Caldwell might also think about jumping ship before it sinks. Exeter have performed admirably, but their financial issues loom large over the club, and the recent departure of their chairman after a short tenure is worrying in the extreme.
Whether Exeter are willing to allow their manager to leave mid-season remains uncertain, but momentum appears to be building. As Wigan weigh up their next move, Caldwell’s past achievements and present availability have combined to make him the standout contender for one of the division’s most scrutinised vacancies.
