The former Hibs and Celtic man is in contention with an ex Aston Villa star for the Wigan Athletic job, it’s claimed.
A former Hibs star is vying with an ex Aston Villa man to become the next manager of Wigan Athletic, it’s claimed.
The Latics moved on from boss Ryan Lowe at the weekend amid their struggles in English League One, and have a mammoth FA Cup tie with Arsenal this weekend. That will come amid a hunt for a new gaffer, and it’s reported that Exeter City boss Gary Caldwell is in the mix.
He had two spells at Hibs as a player early in his career before featuring for Celtic, Scotland and others including Wigan, where he won the FA Cup in 2013. Previously boss of Chesterfield and Partick Thistle, his work on a budget at third tier outfit Exeter City has gained credit and he’s now being eyed by Wigan. Former Aston Villa manager Conor Hourihane could provide competition as he is also on their radar amid his work at League One level with Barnsley.
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Transfer guru Alan Nixon claimed via Patreon: “Wigan have put rival bosses Gary Caldwell and Conor Hourihane on their short list of four to succeed Ryan Lowe.Former skipper and manager Caldwell could leave Exeter City if offered the chance to return by the Latics.
“And Barnsley chief Hourihane is also in contention for the post. He is only in his first full season in management. There are other contenders for the post, both out of work , but Caldwell and Hourihane may have the edge in the race despite compensation issues.”
Attention at Hibs is on the Edinburgh derby this Tuesday at Tynecastle against Hearts, as head coach David Gray seeks a statement result amid his side’s race for European football next term. He said ahead of the Premiership clash: “This week, I think training has had a wee edge to it, partly because we’re looking forward to the derby – and also off the back of a last-minute winner, that’s something that obviously gives you that confidence and belief coming back into training.
David Gray on Hearts vs Hibs
“It has been good to get some time with the new lads on the grass as well. I think that’s something I was looking forward to straight after the game. I know I spoke about it in my post-match — the opportunity to try and get more time on the grass with the new players.
“I’ve certainly seen that freshness in the group and when you’ve got a game like the Edinburgh Derby to look forward to and prepare for, it certainly raises the standard in training, which is always a good thing. It takes a bit of calmness in the chaos that is an Edinburgh Derby, because they’re always fast and frantic – especially at Tynecastle.
“It’s a slightly tighter pitch, and when you’re the away team, you’re outnumbered in terms of supporters, but the noise you get from the fans behind the goal is incredible. They’re brilliant atmospheres to play in, so the team that can settle in that atmosphere usually comes out on top. You need to show composure on the ball rather than it becoming too much of a fight. You also need to stand up and win the fight, but you need to have that discipline at the same time.”
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