Former Hibs boss Shaun Maloney has been sacked by Wigan after their defeat to Reading.
The Latics were defeated 2-1 on Saturday, leaving them 15th in the League One table and six points clear of the relegation places.
Maloney had been in charge for just over two years, returning to the club he served as a player in January 2023 and taking over with Wigan already looking doomed to relegation from the Championship.
The former Scotland international kept his job and managed to stabilise things last season despite the ongoing financial troubles, finishing 14th in League One.
Fans seem to have been happy with the job he was doing amid the money constraints but the club’s board have had other ideas and decided to part company with Maloney, with former Hearts midfielder Glenn Whelan going in on an interim basis for now.
It has not been met with the approval of supporters and they’re not the only ones.
Stelling and McCoist not happy with Wigan sacking Shaun Maloney
Legendary broadcaster Jeff Stelling discussed the news on talkSPORT’s breakfast show this morning and was dismayed by the decision to let the 42-year-old go.
Stelling insists the ex-Hibs manager had been loyal to Wigan and deserved to have that reciprocated. He also felt he was doing a decent job under the circumstances and that makes the sacking “ludicrous.”
He said: “I tell you what, first of all, the Shaun Maloney sacking is ludicrous. Absoltuley ludicrous.
“He has stayed there, been very loyal to the club when their were issues with payment under a previous ownership. I know it’s an unpopular decision with the fans, they are 15th, miles off relegation, most of the players are young and in their early 20s. He’s a popular figure and I don’t get it at all.”
Ally McCoist agreed: “I was coming back up yesterday and I was reading all about it. There was not anybody from Wigan supporters thought it was a good idea. They were all backing Shaun to the hilt.”
What Wigan said on Maloney sacking
A statement from the club yesterday read: “Wigan Athletic can confirm that Shaun Maloney has departed his role as Wigan Athletic Manager with immediate effect.
“Shaun was appointed Wigan Athletic Manager in January 2023 during what would be an extremely turbulent period in the Club’s history. Whilst he could not prevent the Club’s relegation from the EFL Championship, Shaun ensured that the Club returned to the third tier with fighting spirit.
“Furthermore, through a change of ownership in the summer of 2023, Shaun stuck by the Club and helped us overcome an eight-point deduction and a squad overhaul to retain our 2023/24 League One status comfortably with matches to spare.
“During his tenure, Shaun and his young team have provided the Club and its supporters with some proud moments, including an Emirates FA Cup Third Round tie with Manchester United, as well as three memorable victories over rivals Bolton Wanderers, just to name a few.
“Shaun has also helped develop a number of our young players, some of whom have moved on to further their careers to the mutual benefit of the Football Club.
“However, it cannot be overlooked that the current League One campaign has clearly not progressed as anticipated. Home results and performances, in particular, have been disappointing and below the standard at which our supporters expect. For this reason, the Board felt that it was time for a change.
“The timing of such change will allow the club the necessary time to appoint a successor and enable the Club to look forward to the future.
“Wigan Athletic Assistant Manager, Max Rogers, has also departed.
“The process of appointing a new Wigan Athletic Manager begins immediately. In the interim, First Team Coach, Glenn Whelan, will take charge of the first team supported by Club Ambassador and former Manager and Assistant Manager, Graham Barrow, along with Lead PDP Coach, Frankie Bunn.
“As a Board of Directors, we would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Shaun and Max for their service, efforts and dedication to the Club.
“We hope that in the years to come Shaun’s time as Manager is remembered fondly by supporters, as is his time as a player for the Club. Shaun and Max will always be welcomed back to Wigan Athletic Football Club and the Brick Community Stadium.
“The Club will make no further comment at this time.”