Ryan Giggs Reportedly Targeted for Wigan Manager's Role After Gary Caldwell Exit
Oct 26, 2016
ZAGREB, CROATIA - OCTOBER 21: Ryan Giggs looks on during the UEFA Champions League Trophy Tour - by UniCredit press conference at UniCredit Head Quoters on October 21, 2016 in Zagreb, Croatia. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images)
Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs is reportedly being targeted by Wigan Athletic to take up the vacant managerial role at the DW Stadium following Tuesday's dismissal of former Latics boss Gary Caldwell.
According to ESPN FC's Peter O'Rourke, Giggs, 42, is "in the frame" for the Wigan job having recently been passed over to succeed Francesco Guidolin at Swansea City in favour of Bob Bradley.
Wigan are currently second from bottom in the Championship—on 11 points after 14 games of the 2016-17 season—so were Giggs to be hired, his first target would be to guide the north-west outfit to safety.
Giggs is still searching for his first full-time managerial job and O'Rourke suggested the Wigan position may appeal to him as it would mean staying in the north-west.
The Welshman left United upon the arrival of Jose Mourinho in the summer after almost 30 years at the club.
Date
Home/Away
Result
April 26, 2014
H
4-0 win vs. Norwich
May 3, 2014
H
1-0 loss vs. Sunderland
May 6, 2014
H
3-1 win vs. Hull City
May 11, 2014
A
1-1 draw vs. Southampton
He had acted as assistant manager to both David Moyes and Louis van Gaal, and served as interim manager for four matches in 2014 following the sacking of the Scotsman.
Per ITV News, United had hoped to persuade Giggs to stay on in a different role under Mourinho, but the Old Trafford club said in a statement that he was leaving "to pursue his desire to be a manager."
In a recent column for the Telegraph, Giggs revealed he has "had a number of offers from abroad, the Championship and Premier League, one of those being Swansea City."
Having missed out on the Swansea job, the Wigan role could be ideal for Giggs to start his managerial career.
It is less high profile than if he were to take a role in the Premier League, but at a club with a history of top-flight status.
The end-game for Giggs is likely to take the top job full-time at Old Trafford, and guiding Wigan to safety would be a fine first step on the road back to United.
Will Grigg Makes Top 25 for Best Player in Europe Award, Level with Paul Pogba
Jul 18, 2016
Northern Ireland's Will Grigg sits on the bench before the start of the Euro 2016 round of 16 soccer match between Wales and Northern Ireland, at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris, Saturday, June 25, 2016. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)
Will Grigg's meteoric rise to fame got another boost on Monday, when he was named in the top 25 for the UEFA Best Player in Europe Award.
The list was compiled using the votes of journalists from each of UEFA's 55 member associations. Each voter provided five picks, with the top choice carrying five points, the second choice four points and so on.
The Wigan Athletic and Northern Ireland striker, whose goalscoring exploits last season led to the viral fan chant "Will Grigg's on Fire," earned enough points in the vote to place him joint 25th in the shortlist, alongside Juventus and France midfielder Paul Pogba.
Last year's award was won by Lionel Messi, but Cristiano Ronaldo should be the favourite this time around, following his success in both the UEFA Champions League and Euro 2016.
'Will Grigg's on Fire' Creator Rewarded with Free Wigan Athletic Season Ticket
May 17, 2016
WIGAN, ENGLAND - APRIL 23: Will Grigg of Wigan Athletic (C) shoots to score during the Sky Bet League One match between Wigan Athletic and Southend United at DW Stadium on April 23, 2016 in Wigan, England. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images)
The internet has been taken by storm in recent weeks by an infectious chant, sung by Wigan Athletic fans for their hotshot striker Will Grigg.
The 24-year-old scored 25 goals as the Latics secured promotion to the Championship by winning League One, leading dedicated supporter Sean Kennedy to create an instantly memorable chant to the tune of Gala's Freed from Desire.
— Will Griggs on fire! (@WillGriggFire) May 16, 2016
Kennedy has since been rewarded for his ingenuity with a free Wigan season ticket for the 2016/17 Championship season, as confirmed by club chairman David Sharpe.
For inventing the best chant ever known to man, you've earned yourself a free season ticket for next season @KennoUTJ. Will Griggs on fire 🔥
Liverpool Transfer News: Jerome Sinclair to Wigan Loan Move Agreed
Mar 16, 2015
SEIXAL, PORTUGAL - FEBRUARY 24: Liverpool's foward Jerome Sinclair in action during the UEFA Youth League match between SL Benfica and Liverpool FC on February 24, 2015 in Seixal, Portugal. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images for UEFA)
Liverpool youngster Jerome Sinclair has joined Wigan Athletic on loan for the remainder of the season.
The 18-year-old striker will remain under the tutelage of Wigan manager Malky Mackay until the summer, which was confirmed by Liverpool's official Twitter account:
Sinclair made his debut for the Reds during the 2012 League Cup campaign but has failed to secure a senior appearance since, as reported by Sami Mokbel of MailOnline.
He has remained in Liverpool's youth sides this season, scoring three goals and three assists in eight under-21 appearances, per transfermarkt. Wigan note Sinclair has scored 22 goals across the U18s and U21s this campaign.
Sinclair enjoyed an excellent run in the side's UEFA Youth League progress, notching six goals and an assist in seven matches, recorded by transfermarkt.
This included doubles against Ludogorets and Basel. Sinclair has appeared in various England youth lineups, including his recent spell with the under-17 national squad. His qualities can be seen below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PI837BHrgjI
Mackay detailed his conversation with Reds boss Brendan Rodgers in Wigan's official press release following the announcement of Sinclair's deal:
We had a long chat about Jerome and we both feel that this is a positive step for him to make in his career, which will hopefully benefit both clubs.
We have to thank Liverpool for allowing him to come to Wigan, but they have seen how well Sheyi (Ojo) is progressing and that we are a club who will nurture a young player with potential. We are all hopeful he can make a good contribution during his time here.
BOLTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 03: Manager Malky Mackay of Wigan watches on during the FA Cup Third Round match between Bolton Wanderers and Wigan Athletic at the Macron Stadium on January 3, 2015 in Bolton, England. (Photo by Paul Thomas/Getty Images)
As noted by Mackay, Liverpool starlet Sheyi Ojo has enjoyed a useful season on loan at the Championship side, making eight appearances so far. Although Wigan currently reside in the relegation zone, both players need first-team experience to continue their development.
Rodgers is a lover of developing youth, so it's no surprise to see him provide Sinclair with an opportunity to become a hero at the DW Stadium.
Wigan are six points away from safety with nine games remaining, meaning Sinclair will need to take advantage of any opportunity offered to him if the club is to escape a second relegation in three years.
Sinclair is a pacey, agile striker who can lead the line or support a centre-forward. Mackay will be hoping he provides a spark for the stagnating Latics, who continue to disappoint after dropping out the Premier League and winning the FA Cup in 2013.
Dave Whelan Accepts FA Racism Charge After Controversial Comments
Dec 12, 2014
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 09: Wigan chairman Dave Whelan looks on during the FA Cup Quarter-Final match between Manchester City and Wigan Athletic at the Etihad Stadium on March 9, 2014 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has accepted the Football Association's charge of misconduct for a series of controversial remarks made in the past few weeks, according to Sky Sports:
Sky Sources: Wigan chairman Dave Whelan accepts FA misconduct charge over comments about Jewish and Chinese people. #SSNHQ
The 78-year-old made headlines in November when he gave an interview in support of Malky Mackay, who was under investigation for alleged racist commentary himself, according to BBC Sport.
Speaking to the Guardian, he made several statements that were immediately shot down on social media for being anti-Semitic. He also used a derogatory term to refer to the Chinese people. Incredibly enough, he did the same thing in an interview that was meant as an apology, via the Guardian's James Riach.
Football 365's Daniel Storey couldn't believe it:
Oh Dave Whelan, like a grossly offensive and out-of-touch Sideshow Bob stumbling from rake to rake.
Whelan previously threatened to resign from his post if the FA passed down a guilty verdict, via Sky Sports, but he has now apparently changed his mind.
Maligned Manager Malky Mackay Unveiled at Wigan, Head-Scratching Quotes Ensue
Nov 19, 2014
Cardiff City's manager Malky Mackay arrives at the dugout before the start of their English Premier League soccer match against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, London, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013. (AP Photo/Sang Tan)
Updates from Thursday, November 20
The hits kept coming from Wigan chairman Dave Whelan a day after he delivered a few howlers in Malky Mackay's introductory press conference.
According to The Guardian, Whelan delivered some highly unsavoury quotes in defending the club's decision to hire Mackay, who is under investigation for alleged antisemitism and racism.
"Jewish people chase money more than everybody else," Whelan said, according to the report.
According to the BBC, shirt sponsor Premier Range also pulled out of their agreement with Wigan, as a protest to Mackay's appointment.
Never one to shy away from controversy, Rio Ferdinand presumably weighed in on the matter.
Old fashioned mentalities in corridors of power are alive and kicking.....
Former Cardiff City boss Malky Mackay had a pretty awful fall from grace when a series of highly insensitive text messages were made public.
He's still under investigation by the FA over his comments.
With all of that, Wigan decided to take a shot on the Scot, who was widely maligned when his private messages went public.
He was introduced to the press on Wednesday and some rather interesting comments came out of it, both from Mackay himself and Wigan chairman Dave Whelan.
"I would ask people to judge me when they see me," he said. "I've apologised for my mistakes, I've studied diversity and that's something that's ongoing."
Then Whelan dropped a few gems that opponents of Mackay, which there are many, will scoff at.
We've all done things wrong...we're not saints...he was apologetic...what he did was private and brought out into the public.
There's nothing to investigate.
He was so honest and up front...on the racist thing...I think he'll be a brilliant manager for Wigan Athletic.
Malky's been so unlucky...he's done a little bit wrong...he's apologised...it's one of those things...he's had plenty of stick.
We've had these little problems before...what he did, I can't see it going too far...he sent texts which were private.
Kick It Out, the organisation looking to rid football of any sort of discrimination, certainly weren't impressed by Wigan's appointment.
Uwe Rosler Fired by Wigan Athletic: Latest Details, Reaction, Analysis
Nov 13, 2014
Wigan Athletic's manager Uwe Rosler issues instructions as his team beat Manchester City 2-1 during their English FA Cup quarterfinal soccer match at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England, Sunday March 9, 2014. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Uwe Rosler has been fired by Championship side Wigan after a poor start to the season has seen the Latics drop into the relegation zone with only 16 points from 17 games.
The former Brentford boss took charge at the DW Stadium as a replacement for Owen Coyle at the end of last year. Thursday saw the end of his tenure after a string of bad results, with Wigan dropping to 22nd in the Championship table, as confirmed by BBC Sport:
A club statement relayed chairman Dave Whelan's comments on why he reached the decision to let Rosler go:
The situation we find ourselves in at the moment, and the run of results in recent months, really has been alarming. Something is clearly not working. For whatever reason, the team is not gelling, despite substantial financial backing in the summer and the dressing room being blessed with a huge amount of quality. Therefore, I have now come to the reluctant conclusion that for the long term good of the club, we need a change.
Rosler led Wigan to the Championship playoffs last season before QPR defeated them over two legs in the semi-finals and went on to return to the Premier League.
However, Wigan have been very poor in 2014-15 so far and have won just one game in their last 12 outings in the league.
Friday's 3-1 loss to Bolton seems to have spelt the end of Rosler's reign with Whelan clearly lacking confidence that the German could turn things around.
Malky Mackay is being tipped by many as the man to replace Rosler despite his involvement in recent controversies surrounding his sacking from Cardiff City last December, per the Daily Star's Chris McKenna:
Malky Mackay a serious contender for the Wigan job. Be a risky choice given what happened at Cardiff with Wigan in a dangerous position.
The former Watford boss was under heavy scrutiny back in August after a dossier emerged from Cardiff which uncovered a string of inappropriate text messages sent by Mackay, per Matt Lawton in the Daily Mail.
However, he succeeded in the Championship previously with Cardiff, getting them promoted to the Premier League in 2013.
Former Newcastle, Birmingham and Norwich boss Chris Hughton will also likely be in the frame to take over at Wigan after Rosler's departure.
Not only did Rosler take Wigan to the playoffs last season, but he also led them to an FA Cup semi-final before being knocked out on penalties by Arsenal.
Despite the poor start to the season, there will be many who feel Rosler deserved more time, and it is now essential that the club act quickly in replacing him to return some stability to Wigan.
Wigan Athletic Home Kit Unveiled for 2014-15 Season
Jul 15, 2014
WIGAN, ENGLAND - JANUARY 04: General view of the DW Stadium prior to the Budweiser FA Cup Third Round match between Wigan Athletic and Milton Keynes Dons at DW Stadium on January 4, 2014 in Wigan, England. (Photo by Ben Hoskins/Getty Images)
Wigan Athletic have revealed their home kit for the upcoming 2014-15 season, as unveiled by the Latics' official Twitter account:
The Championship side also provided a close-up of the club's crest on the classy design:
Uwe Rosler's team will hope the simple striped design can inspire them to glory next season. Wigan racked up 73 points during the 2013-14 campaign—their first season back in England's second tier after suffering relegation with Roberto Martinez—winning 21, drawing 10 and losing 15 of their 46 matches in a crammed schedule.
While this led Dave Whelan's side into the playoffs, Wigan stuttered across two legs with eventual winners Queens Park Rangers. A 2-1 extra-time loss during the Loftus Road second leg was enough to see Wigan's advances halted for another season at least.
WIGAN, ENGLAND - JANUARY 04: General view of the DW Stadium prior to the Budweiser FA Cup Third Round match between Wigan Athletic and Milton Keynes Dons at DW Stadium on January 4, 2014 in Wigan, England. (Photo by Ben Hoskins/Getty Images)
Captain Emmerson Boyce can't wait for the challenge of next season and admires the new shirt's classic style, saying, "It’s exciting when you see the new kit and I like the stripes, they’re the tradition for us," per Wigan's official website.
Similarly, recent signing Oriol Riera is excited by finally stepping into his debut strip. The Spanish striker—who is preparing for his first season in England after signing from Osasuna in June, per Simon Jones of the Daily Mail—also spoke to the club site:
"Now that I have worn the shirt on my back I can’t wait to get started in my new adventure," said Riera. "It looks great, it makes me want to play."
The 28-year-old won't have long to wait. He can expect to feature during Tuesday's home match with Turkish side Besiktas. This also represents the debut of new sponsor Intersport, confirmed by the club's Twitter feed:
Once preseason concludes, Wigan's first league test of the season comes on Saturday, Aug. 9, when the DW Stadium will usher in the new term against Reading.
Adult shirt prices for the new season—ranging from Small to 4XL and 8-16—have been frozen at £39.99. Junior Boys' shirts can be purchased in sizes Small to Extra Large and will set you back £29.99, with Baby kits between six and 12 months costing the same. So-called "Mini Kits" for toddlers between two to five years old are priced at £34.99.
WIGAN, ENGLAND - JANUARY 04: Wigan manager Uwe Rosler looks on prior to the Budweiser FA Cup Third Round match between Wigan Athletic and Milton Keynes Dons at DW Stadium on January 4, 2014 in Wigan, England. (Photo by Ben Hoskins/Getty Images)
The new strip is available from Aug. 2, but can be pre-ordered through the club's website or via the DW Wigan Town Centre Grand Arcade.
Rosler and his team possess the quality to improve on last season's showing, which may prove to be a little easier since the Latics aren't expected to compete in the Europa League. Although a welcome challenge after winning the 2012-13 FA Cup, Wigan's squad won't be stretched so thoroughly during next season's schedule.
As such, the team can expect to challenge for a top-five place once more.
Wigan Athletic Fined £40,000 and Warned for Signing Marc-Antoine Fortune
Apr 30, 2014
Wigan Athletic Marc-Antoine Fortune takes the ball, during the Europa League group stages in group D against Zulte-Waregem, at the Jan Breydel stadium in Bruges, Belgium, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2013. (AP Photo/Yves Logghe)
Championship side Wigan Athletic have been fined £40,000 and warned about their future conduct following the signing of Marc-Antoine Fortune and the related agency activities of Willie McKay.
The Football Association divulged the information via its official website but went into little detail as to the nature of the violation. All that the FA stated is that Wigan have been fined “after breaching The FA’s Football Agents Regulation C10(a)(i)."
Both Wigan and McKay have admitted to breaking the regulation, with the agent also being warned of his future conduct and having his Overseas Agent Registration suspended for nine months. The FA added, “Mr McKay, as an Overseas Agent, will be reported to his licencing National Association (The Scottish FA) for this misconduct.”
Both the fine for the club and the suspension for McKay are subject to appeal.
Fortune has made 46 appearances in total for the Latics this season across three competitions but has failed to find the net on a regular basis, scoring just five times. The 32-year-old has formerly played for West Brom and Celtic, amongst others, and signed for Wigan last summer on a free transfer.
This is not the first time McKay has been in the headlines for the wrong reasons. The Scot was fined for driving whilst disqualified in 2012 and cautioned for possessing drugs in the same incident, per the Mirror. With a ban and an ever-worsening reputation, it may not be too long before we see the end of McKay’s involvement in English football.
As for Wigan, everyone involved with the club will be hoping that the news does not affect the side as they prepare for the play-offs. Good form from the Latics under Uwe Rosler has seen them guaranteed a play-off place with a game to spare. The last thing they need is an off-the-field problem derailing their season.
In terms of the financial burden of a £40,000 fine, it should not weigh too heavily on the club. Last time Wigan issued financial statements at the end of last year, chief executive Jonathan Jackson reported, per the team's official website: “By increasing turnover and controlling costs the Club is continuing to report a healthy position in respect of profitability and debt.”
As a result, such a fine won't hurt too much financially, yet the negative publicity is still not ideal.
