Owen Coyle an ideal fit in search for next Wigan manager

Wigan have parted company with the man that brought them their biggest prize ever, with Roberto Martinez’ resignation seemingly paving the way for a move to Everton and now the focus of the next manager betting debate has fallen on the FA Cup holders, with former Manchester United assistant Rene Meulensteen the early 5/2 front-runner.

Meulensteen is on his way out of Old Trafford after turning his back on an offer to continue in the less glamorous role of head of youth development under David Moyes and the Dutchman is thought to have been the subject of interest from clubs in Britain and abroad, though he’s yet to make a statement on where his future may lie.

Also among the early market leaders is Martinez’ right hand man at Wigan Graeme Jones, but he looks likely to follow the Spaniard to his next managerial destination. Martinez fought off interest in Jones’ signature from Burnley, who had hoped to bring the Scot in to replace Eddie Howe last season, and it seems likely he’ll do everything he can to keep their successful alliance together.

Wigan overlord Dave Whelan is thought to favour a young, hungry manager and the likes of Owen Coyle and Stuart Pearce – 9/2 and 8/1 for the DW hotseat respectively – fit the bill in that respect.

Coyle, who has previously earned promotion at Burnley, would be an ideal fit, not least because he has been without a club since being axed by Bolton after a fairly dismal start to the 2012/13 Championship.

The same could not be said of Pearce, who is currently concerning himself with the upcoming European Under-21 Championship as manager to the young England team.

However the former international full-back – who had been a first-team coach for the Three Lions under previous gaffer Fabio Capello – may be in the market for a return to club management following his omission from duties with Roy Hodgson’s senior squad.

With Dave Whelan previously having championed “Psycho” for the England manager’s role when he was at Manchester City, he clearly has an influential admirer in the process.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publication