The situation at Wigan Athletic has reached a breaking point. Following a humiliating 6-1 thrashing at the hands of Peterborough United on Saturday, the Latics board has officially pulled the trigger, sacking manager Ryan Lowe after less than a year in charge.
With the club currently languishing in 22nd place in League One and facing the very real threat of a historic drop into the fourth tier, the hierarchy has turned to a familiar face to steady the ship: Premier League cult hero Glenn Whelan.
The Fall of the Lowe Era
Ryan Lowe arrived at the Brick Community Stadium in March 2025 with a reputation for EFL promotions, but the "Lowe Effect" never quite materialized. His tenure ends with a dismal record:
7 wins in 29 matches this season.
A points-per-game average of just 1.07.
The 6-1 defeat to Peterborough was the final straw for the ownership, leaving Wigan two points adrift of safety with 17 games remaining.
Enter the Interim: Glenn Whelan
To spark a "Great Escape," Wigan has placed first-team matters in the hands of Glenn Whelan and club legend Graham Barrow.
Whelan, who earned "cult hero" status during his long Premier League career with Stoke City and Aston Villa, is no stranger to the Wigan dugout. He previously took interim charge after Shaun Maloney’s exit in early 2025, maintaining an unbeaten record during his brief two-game stint.
"Glenn knows this squad inside out. He’s proven he can get an immediate reaction from the players, which is exactly what we need before the Reading game on Wednesday." — Club Statement
A Massive Week Ahead
Whelan’s first task is a survival "six-pointer" against Reading this Wednesday. However, the biggest test of his interim tenure looms next Sunday, February 15, when Wigan welcomes Premier League leaders Arsenal in a David-vs-Goliath FA Cup fourth-round tie.
Whelan’s grit and experience in the top flight will be vital if Wigan is to navigate this grueling schedule and keep their League One status alive.