WIGAN Athletic have sacked Chris Hutchings, ending the manager's short tenure in charge at the JJB Stadium.
A 2-0 defeat against Chelsea at the weekend, the club's sixth successive Premier League loss, has prompted owner Dave Whelan to act.
Assistant boss Frank Barlow will take charge of the club on a caretaker basis, starting with Sunday's trip to fellow strugglers Tottenam.
Former Newcastle, Blackburn and Galatasaray boss Graeme Souness is leading the early running to be Hutching's replacement.
In a statement, Whelan said: “This has been a very difficult decision for me and the board to make - but I felt we had to act in the best interests of the football club and its long-term future.
Effort
“Having been so close to the team and such a big part of the success, I felt Chris deserved to be given the chance to take over as number one last summer and receive full backing from myself and the board to shape the team as he wished.
“Chris has worked very hard since becoming manager, and I cannot fault his effort and commitment to the cause. However, it is crucial for the development of Wigan Athletic that we maintain our Premier League status this season - and following results and performances in recent matches, we feel it is critical to act now.
“My energies will now be fully focused on getting the right man - firstly to stop the decline we have suffered in the last two months or so, and secondly to take us forward in the future.
“This search will be exhaustive, and I will not be commenting on any names or speculation until I have found the man I want.”
Hutchings took over in the summer following Paul Jewell’s surprise departure - and Wigan briefly topped the table earlier this season. However, the Latics are third bottom of the Premier League with eight points from their 12 games played.
What is your verdict on the decision? Have your say.
Wigan axe Hutchings
November 05, 2007
Comments
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im going for joe royal. or peter reid...
its a cruel world football, but i suppose if the club stood by him and they were relegated it would cost them 10s of millions in lost revinue so it makes sence to change sooner rather than later and try to turn it around quickly before the point of no return.
wigan would do well trying to bring in martin jol as i think with dave whelans backing he'd do a first class job. best of luck to all connected with wigan, i hope you manage to stay in the prem and we see you at the C.O.M next season.
Sammy Lee has just been seen coming out of the JJB with a big smile on his face, looks like he will be sending you boys back to the championship where you belong!
If ever there was a "told you so " What on gods earth was he appointed for, when will these sentimental Chairman stop mucking around with a load of peoples lives.Sammy Lee,Stuart Pearce,Hutchings...crazy philosphy
This happened at Bradford City as well, after Jewell went. At the time I couldn't believe Dave Whelan would make the same mistake. Hutchins is an ok number 2 but is by no stretch a Prem manager.
Jewell to return and persuade Dave to keep Hutchings? Cheers.
I hope you don't get Pearce who you were linked with or I am afraid you will be in the Championship next season.
Surely Jewell has had enough of a break - I thought he did an excellent job for you... or did he really want something better?
Good luck for the rest of the season and I hope you get it right, as your next appointment is key
CTID
I here Sammy Lee is up for a new challenge, saying that if you hang on Megson will be ready for a change of clubs in 5 weeks!
Thought Paul Jewell was still manager. Never heard of the chap that's just been fired. Personnally I'd go for Fabio Capello or Marcelo Lippi as a replacement.
I think Wigan should go for Mourinho!
It really makes me laugh to see Bolton fans calling Wigan.
Lets get one thing straight: Wigan are a BIGGER club than Bolton, they have more loyal fans, better team and better stadium
Nothing to do with me of course, being a City fan, but you could do no worse than Joe Royle, and him bringing Willie Donachie in as his No. 2. Both are currently free agents.
What you don't need are Souness, Reid, Sammy Lee, or any of their ilk, we've been through numpties like these and suffered the consequences.
If Joe has the right funds available, he'll keep you up,.................. and more, no trouble.
if someone as inept as Stuart Pearce has discounted himself from the Wigan job then something really is untoward about working under Mr Whelan,perhaps not its just maybe because WAFC are SMALL TIME!!!!
wigan should show some continuity and go for the best young manager in the country Aidy Boothroyd at Watford.Give the chap some money to spend in the transfer window and reap the benefit of a good young manager.I think he would have kept Watford up last year but he had bad injuries and no money to spend.Go on Wigan be BRAVE.
Reidy it is then.
Paul Jewell did a great job at Bradford and left,he was followed by hutchings who was a disaster it was obvious to all he would be a disaster at Wigan,Dave Whelan needs to question his judgement as far as I am concerned he has put Wigan back 4 months the prem is hard enough as it is without starting behind the start line !!
Yep, I've a Wigan-supporting friend who says that Sammy Lee is pretty much signed and sealed.