EFL boss swaps mid-table for instant relegation battle as he makes immediate job switch

Wigan have appointed Gary Caldwell as their new manager from Exeter.

The Latics had been looking for a new manager after sacking Ryan Lowe earlier in February.

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Lowe was axed after a 6-1 defeat to Peterborough that leaves them under the very real threat of relegation to League Two.

Caldwell was quickly identified as a top target and swaps 14th place in League One for 22nd at Wigan.

His assistant at Exeter, Dan Green, will take charge of the Grecians for the rest of the season.

What did Caldwell say?

Caldwell oversaw a 0-0 draw with Northampton on Saturday, with fans chanting for him to stay in Devon.

After the match, he refused to be drawn into questions over his future.

Caldwell said: “It was amazing and I think the supporters are amazing at this football club with what they give in terms of backing. What they have done over the supporter ownership is fantastic.”

However, just two days later he is the new manager of Wigan.

In a statement, Exeter said: “Exeter City FC can confirm that Gary Caldwell has left his role as first-team manager to take up the position of manager at Wigan Athletic.

“Following negotiations over the last few days, City and Wigan Athletic have reached an agreement on a suitable compensation sum.

“We thank Gary for his leadership and commitment, and for representing our club with great passion over the last three-and-a-half years.”

Wigan added: “The board believes this appointment represents a step forward – reconnecting the club’s proud past with an ambitious future.

“With Caldwell and [David] Perkins both returning to the Brick Community Stadium, there is renewed optimism and a shared determination to build a team that supporters can be proud of.”

Who was in charge of Wigan?

Wigan had the small matter of an FA Cup clash with Arsenal on Sunday afternoon, losing 4-0.

Former Premier League midfielder Glenn Whelan took charge of the side along with Graham Barrow.

To managerless Wigan’s credit, they did well to avoid an even heavier defeat, a round after Manchester City put 10 past Exeter.

Assistant boss Barrow said: “It can happen. Manchester City (showed in the last round) they can do it to anybody and City and Arsenal are the two teams you don’t want to play in this situation.

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“You want someone good to come out of the hat, but I always said be careful what you wish for and we saw that today. It was probably relief at the end that the players showed what they were about in the second half.”

However, Whelan has now left the club with immediate effect following Caldwell’s appointment.

Wigan said: “We can confirm that Assistant Head Coach Glenn Whelan and First-Team Coach Nicky Adams have departed the Football Club. We thank both Glenn and Nicky for their efforts and wish them well in the future.”