One of the early frontrunners for the vacant Wigan Athletic job has ruled himself out of the running, insisting there is “nothing” in the speculation linking him with a move to the Brick Community Stadium.
With the Latics searching for a successor to
However, speaking after his side’s 2-1 victory over
The 41-year-old, who has previously managed
“I’ve seen that myself,” he told BBC Sport NI. “My phone has been hopping for the last day or two from people sending me stuff. There is nothing in it.
“I’ve been in this job six or seven months, I have a brilliant owner, brilliant chief executive, brilliant staff and brilliant players.
“The club is going in the right direction and I’m so happy here, the happiest I have been in a long time.”
For Wigan, the search continues at pace. The club are now looking to stabilise after a turbulent few days that culminated in Lowe’s departure. A heavy 6-1 defeat at the weekend proved the final straw, although their cause wasn’t helped by City’s 1-0 win there a week ago. Both results, plus a general malaise among supporters, prompted the board to act as they attempt to steer the club back towards consistency in League One.
From a City perspective, the managerial uncertainty at the Brick Community Stadium adds another layer of intrigue to the coming weeks. City have already beaten Wigan 1-0 recently, and with them not featuring on our fixture list, it is in our interest to see them do well, especially with Stockport (21st Feb), and Huddersfield (28th Feb) coming up for them.
If Caldwell does go there, one would also hope it is before our tricky trip to Devon, sandwiched between Cardiff away and Stockport at home in a pivotal couple of days in March. For now, though, one supposed frontrunner is firmly out of the equation.
Higgins’ comments appear to close the door on what always felt like an outside possibility, leaving Wigan’s hierarchy to turn their attention elsewhere as they continue the hunt for their next head coach.