Shaun Maloney sacked by Wigan as ex Celtic ace replaced by forgotten Hearts veteran midfielder

The Latics released a heartfelt statement having been forced to act after 'disappointing' results

Shaun Maloney has been sacked as the coach of Wigan Athletic after a poor run of results.

The former Celtic playmaker was relieved if his post after a "disappointing" run with the Latics currently 15th in League One. The ex Hibs boss kept Wigan in the division last season despite an eight-point deduction. Maloney spent four seasons as a player with Wigan and won the FA Cup in 2013.

Maloney returned some stability to the Lancashire when he took over from ex Hoop Kolo Toure in January 2023 but could not save the club from relegation in 2023.

A Wigan statement on Sunday read: "Shaun was appointed Wigan Athletic manager in January 2023 during what would be an extremely turbulent period in the Club’s history. Whilst he could not prevent the club’s relegation from the EFL Championship, Shaun ensured that the Club returned to the third tier with fighting spirit.

"Furthermore, through a change of ownership in the summer of 2023, Shaun stuck by the Club and helped us overcome an eight-point deduction and a squad overhaul to retain our 2023/24 League One status comfortably with matches to spare.

"During his tenure, Shaun and his young team have provided the Club and its supporters with some proud moments, including an Emirates FA Cup Third Round tie with Manchester United, as well as three memorable victories over rivals Bolton Wanderers, just to name a few.

"Shaun has also helped develop a number of our young players, some of whom have moved on to further their careers to the mutual benefit of the Football Club. However, 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."

Maloney's No2 Max Rogers has also left his role. Former Hearts and Stoke midfielder Glenn Whelan stepping up as interim gaffer. The Irish midfielder spent six months as a player at Tynecastle in the 19/20 season but struggled to impress fans.