Exclusive: Glenn Whelan Front-Runner for Wigan Athletic Manager Role

A former midfield prospect who learned his trade under Kevin Keegan is favourite to become Wigan Athletic’s next permanent manager, SportsBoom can reveal. 

Glenn Whelan, together with veteran lower league boss, Graham Barrow, have taken the Latics’ reins on a temporary basis after Ryan Lowe’s departure on Saturday.

Wigan’s board finally ran out of patience with Liverpudlian Lowe after a 6-1 hammering at Peterborough left the club third bottom of League One. 

But sources at the Brick Community Stadium are keen for popular Irishman Whelan to succeed on a permanent basis. 

They have seen the success enjoyed by Whelan’s compatriot, Brian Barry-Murphy, at divisional leaders Cardiff. 

Both men played at Bury, Whelan while on loan from Keegan’s Manchester City, before their careers went in different directions.

Whelan enjoyed the greater playing career, capped 91 times by Ireland while serving Sheffield Wednesday, Stoke and Aston Villa.

He lags behind BBM in managerial experience but impressed when he took charge of Wigan temporarily after Shaun Maloney’s departure last year. He also held a coaching spell at Bristol Rovers.

Plans In Place

So, while it looks as though it’s Whelan’s job to lose, Wigan are making contingency plans in case the next few weeks don’t go to plan.

Ex-Athletic chief Shaun Maloney has emerged as a shock contender after being axed by the Tics 11 months ago.

Now assistant to Martin O’Neill at Celtic, Maloney remains popular with the fans and some consider he had a raw deal over his dismissal.

Former Peterborough boss Darren Ferguson knows the division inside out during four stints with Peterborough.

He has been out of work since leaving London Road last October but it’s understood he would be keen to help save Wigan from the drop.

Ex-Barrow and Fleetwood boss Pete Wild is also being considered but suggestions Steve Bruce is in the running are wide of the mark.