Phelan and Whelan partnership at Wigan could spell success

With the Roberto Martinez saga finally over, newly relegated Wigan can now focus on hiring a replacement as they aim to bounce straight back. Numerous names have been linked, but there is a certain north-west bias in the betting market, with former Bolton and Burnley manager Owen Coyle prominent.

But after aiding Sir Alex Ferguson lead Manchester United to three Premier League titles, two League Cups and a Club World Cup, Mike Phelan could be just the man for the Latics.

Although he has never taken a first team managers role, Phelan, priced at 5/2 with Ladbrokes to take the hot seat, has a wealth of coaching and assistant management experience, following spells at Norwich and Stockport as well as his five years at Old Trafford.

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has made a point that he wants business concluded swiftly and after Phelan followed Sir Alex out of the door at Manchester United there would be no compensation to agree on.

Contacts at his former club could also yield the prospects of good loan opportunities should the 50 year-old be appointed at the DW Stadium.

Striker Angelo Henriquez has already stated he wishes to return to Wigan for the coming season after a short loan spell last season from the Red Devils and Phelan’s connections could go a long way to establishing that.

United’s England international Tom Cleverley also spent time on loan at their neighbours and it would be no surprise should the champions decide to send the young Chilean back to Wigan to develop further.

With Owen Coyle (5/2) and Steve Mclaren (5/1) also near the top of the market, Phelan has some much more experienced managers to content with.

However, it would be no big surprise if Dave Whelan turned to the former Manchester United man to take the club back up to the next level and at the prices he looks well worth taking a chance on.

All odds and markets correct as of the date of publishing