Relegation-threatened Wigan sack manager and put Premier League cult hero in charge

Wigan have sacked manager Ryan Lowe after 11 months in charge.

The Latics announced Lowe’s exit on Saturday night, several hours after a 6-1 defeat to Peterborough.

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That miserable loss leaves them 22nd in League One with a very real possibility of dropping down to the fourth tier.

Wigan announced that former Stoke and Aston Villa midfielder Glenn Whelan would take interim charge.

The club said: “Wigan Athletic can confirm that they have parted company with head coach Ryan Lowe.

“In the interim, Glenn Whelan and Graham Barrow will take on first team matters, and the club will work quickly to identify and appoint a new head coach of the football club.

 “The club would like to place on record its thanks to Ryan for his efforts and wishes him all the best for the future.”

Wigan have been bouncing between the Championship and League One since their eight-season stay in the Premier League ended in 2013.

They have been relegated from the second tier four times over the last 11 seasons.

This is the Latics’ third consecutive season in League One, having finished a disappointing 12th and 15th over the last two campaigns.

Were they to drop down to League Two, it would be their first time in the fourth tier since 1997 – in the old Division 3.

Ryan Lowe’s Wigan record

Former Preston manager Lowe replaced Shaun Maloney as Wigan boss in March 2025.

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Over his 49 games in charge he has won just 12, picking up 20 draws and 17 defeats.

A 6-1 defeat to Peterborough on Saturday – with Kyrell Lisbie scoring a hat-trick – appears to have been the final straw for the Wigan hierarchy.

The Latics have not won in seven league games, with the last victory coming on December 29 against Burton.

Next up is Reading at home on Tuesday, before an FA Cup fourth round tie with Arsenal on Sunday, February 15.