EFL club sack manager and immediately put ex-Premier League star as interim boss

The Latics are 16th in League One and just six points above the relegation zone.

Former Stoke and Aston Villa midfielder Glenn Whelan was then immediately named as the interim manager.

In a statement, the club said: "It cannot be overlooked that the current League One campaign has clearly not progressed as anticipated.

"Home results and performances, in particular, have been disappointing and below the standard at which our supporters expect. For this reason, the board felt that it was time for a change.

"The timing of such change will allow the club the necessary time to appoint a successor and enable the club to look forward to the future.

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"As a board of directors, we would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Shaun and Max [Rogers] for their service, efforts and dedication to the club.

"We hope that in the years to come Shaun's time as manager is remembered fondly by supporters, as is his time as a player for the club. Shaun and Max will always be welcomed back to Wigan Athletic Football Club and the Brick Community Stadium.

"The club will make no further comment at this time."

A number of supporters appeared to be dismayed by the decision and refused to lay the blame on their struggles to Maloney.

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One said: "This is a terrible call."

Another added: "Wow!"

Maloney took over as manager in January 2023, a season that saw them relegated from the Championship.

The 2023/24 campaign saw them finish a disappointing 12th in League One as they tried to go straight back to the second tier.

However, this was against a backdrop of a change in ownership and an eight-point deduction.

Just 12 years ago they won the FA Cup, beating Man City in the final, and spent eight consecutive seasons in the Premier League.

Wigan's assistant manager Max Rogers has also departed the club.

The Latics have said that the process to begin appointing a new manager has already started.

Whelan takes over interim charge and will be helped by former manager and assistant manager Graham Barrow.