Who Could Succeed Maloney at Wigan Athletic?

With Shaun Maloney’s departure from Wigan Athletic now confirmed, attention turns to who could step in as the club’s next manager. Here are some of our picks for potential successors.

Ryan Lowe

• Teams Managed: Bury, Plymouth Argyle, Preston North End
• Style of Play: Attacking, possession-based football
• Preferred Formation: 3-5-2 or 3-4-1-2
• Managerial Achievements:
  • Bury: EFL League Two promotion (2018-19)
  • Plymouth Argyle: EFL League Two promotion (2019-20)

Lowe has been consistently linked with a return to the EFL, and I personally believe he would be a great fit at Wigan. His dynamic approach and preference for attacking football would likely gain the fans’ trust quickly.

Leam Richardson

• Teams Managed: Accrington Stanley, Wigan Athletic, Rotherham United
• Style of Play: Pragmatic, well-organised, and resilient
• Preferred Formation: 4-2-3-1 or 3-4-2-1
• Managerial Achievements:
  • Wigan Athletic: EFL League One champions (2021-22)

Richardson’s previous tenure at Wigan was nothing short of brilliant, leading the club to the League One title under difficult circumstances. Many fans would welcome his return for a redemption arc, bringing back stability and defensive organisation.

Paul Warne

• Teams Managed: Rotherham United, Derby County
• Style of Play: High-intensity, hardworking, and direct
• Preferred Formation: 3-5-2 or 4-3-3
• Managerial Achievements:
  • Rotherham United: EFL League One runners-up (2019-20, 2021-22, 2023-24)
  • Rotherham United: EFL Trophy winners (2021-22)

Warne, an ex-Wigan player, has built a strong reputation for his intense playing style and ability to get the most out of his teams. Though not the most likely appointment, his history of overachieving at Rotherham makes him an intriguing candidate.

Steven Gerrard

• Teams Managed: Liverpool U18s, Rangers, Aston Villa, Al-Ettifaq
• Style of Play: High-intensity, possession-based approach
• Preferred Formation: 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1
• Managerial Achievements:
  • Rangers: Scottish Premiership champions (2020-21)

Gerrard’s name might raise some eyebrows, but reports linking him to the vacant Carlisle job suggest he is looking for a return to English football. While unlikely, his experience at a high level and winning pedigree could make him a left-field but exciting choice for Wigan.

Final Thoughts

These are just a few potential candidates I think could take over. Each brings a unique style and managerial approach that could impact Wigan Athletic in different ways.

Do you agree with my list? Who would you like to see take charge? Let us know!