Former Chesterfield manager reappointed Wigan Athletic boss
Former Chesterfield boss Gary Caldwell has been reappointed as Wigan Athletic manager.
The 43-year-old won the League One title with the Latics as manager in 2016 and lifted the FA Cup as a player with the club in 2013. He returns after Wigan, who sacked Ryan Lowe last week, agreed a compensation package with Exeter City, where he had been since October 2022.
Wigan described his return as an ‘exciting new chapter’ and one which they hope will bring back ‘proud values, identity and ambition that have long defined Wigan Athletic.’
Caldwell takes over with the Latics in the League One relegation zone, sitting third from bottom and two points from safety.
"The former Scotland international has a profound understanding of the club's culture and ethos, and will be looking to build on his already strong relationship with the supporters,” a statement read.
"With 16 fixtures remaining in the 2025/26 Sky Bet League One campaign, Caldwell’s immediate focus will be on inspiring the squad to a strong finish to the season. He will demand intensity, belief, and togetherness as the Tics push to secure survival and to create a platform to build from heading into the summer.”
Caldwell, who could not save Chesterfield from relegation from League One in 2017 and was sacked after a poor start to the following season in League Two, will be assisted by two-times Wigan promotion-winner, David Perkins.
"The board believes this appointment represents a step forward - reconnecting the club’s proud past with an ambitious future. With Caldwell and 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.”
The Latics, who lost 4-0 at Arsenal in the FA Cup on Sunday, confirmed that coaches Glenn Whelan and Nicky Adams have departed.
Caldwell’s first game in charge will be at home to Luton Town on Wednesday night.