Whelan reveals why he sacked Coyle less than six months in
thesun
Why Coyle had to go
DAVE WHELAN has revealed why he sacked Owen Coyle less than six months after appointing him as Wigan boss.
The Latics chairman blamed strange team selections and lack of fight as the chief reasons for giving Coyle the boot yesterday following the 3-1 home defeat by Derby.
Whelan said: The fans expect the manager to pick the best team and for them to fight and graft.
On Sunday that didnt happen and its been the case for the last two or three games.
You have got to be realistic and ask, Are we picking the best team Are we getting the best out of the players If the answer is No then you have to look at the manager.
I had a meeting with Owen after the match and said I was unhappy. He asked did I want him to resign and I said Yes.
Whelan was particularly unhappy former Burnley and Bolton chief Coyle was refusing to pick FA Cup hero Roger Espinoza.
The Honduran came on as a half-time sub against Derby and helped to restore some credibility.
Whelan added: I was unhappy about the selection of the team he should have been playing Espinoza.
The lad got a tremendous cheer from the fans when he came on. For some reason he didnt select him, though. I just dont think hes been choosing his strongest side.
I have asked him three times this season, Why are we leaving Espinoza out He didnt think he was fitting into the team.
But he played in the Cup final and played well. It was very strange.
Whelan insists Wigan have a good enough squad to be competing for instant promotion back to the Premier League.
He said: We have a big wage bill for the Championship. The players are good enough to do a lot better than we have been doing.
We have had three losses in a week at home and are looking to get back in the Premier League.
Coyle took over in the summer from the popular and successful Roberto Martinez.
The Spaniard had been at the helm for four years and Whelan has been renowned for his loyalty to managers. The DW chief, 77, said: I stand by managers until the time comes to separate.
The fans are used to Robertos style of play. In a way it is unfair for anyone who comes after him.
Whelan is now looking for a third boss in little more than six months and insists it is an open field.
He revealed: We are looking for applications. It is not easy to select the right man. There are no special requirements.
Were looking for a manager who has the team at heart and who can get them to graft and fight. Hopefully itll not be too long.
Asked about ex-Blackpool and Crystal Palace boss Ian Holloway, Whelan replied: Im sure if Ian is interested then he will apply.
Former Manchester United No 2 Mike Phelan is also in the running.
Whelan, however, dismissed rumours he went into the teams dressing room at half-time and ordered changes.
He said: No, I have never done that and would never dream of doing that.
DAVE WHELAN has revealed why he sacked Owen Coyle less than six months after appointing him as Wigan boss.
The Latics chairman blamed strange team selections and lack of fight as the chief reasons for giving Coyle the boot yesterday following the 3-1 home defeat by Derby.
Whelan said: The fans expect the manager to pick the best team and for them to fight and graft.
On Sunday that didnt happen and its been the case for the last two or three games.
You have got to be realistic and ask, Are we picking the best team Are we getting the best out of the players If the answer is No then you have to look at the manager.
I had a meeting with Owen after the match and said I was unhappy. He asked did I want him to resign and I said Yes.
Whelan was particularly unhappy former Burnley and Bolton chief Coyle was refusing to pick FA Cup hero Roger Espinoza.
The Honduran came on as a half-time sub against Derby and helped to restore some credibility.
Whelan added: I was unhappy about the selection of the team he should have been playing Espinoza.
The lad got a tremendous cheer from the fans when he came on. For some reason he didnt select him, though. I just dont think hes been choosing his strongest side.
I have asked him three times this season, Why are we leaving Espinoza out He didnt think he was fitting into the team.
But he played in the Cup final and played well. It was very strange.
Whelan insists Wigan have a good enough squad to be competing for instant promotion back to the Premier League.
He said: We have a big wage bill for the Championship. The players are good enough to do a lot better than we have been doing.
We have had three losses in a week at home and are looking to get back in the Premier League.
Coyle took over in the summer from the popular and successful Roberto Martinez.
The Spaniard had been at the helm for four years and Whelan has been renowned for his loyalty to managers. The DW chief, 77, said: I stand by managers until the time comes to separate.
The fans are used to Robertos style of play. In a way it is unfair for anyone who comes after him.
Whelan is now looking for a third boss in little more than six months and insists it is an open field.
He revealed: We are looking for applications. It is not easy to select the right man. There are no special requirements.
Were looking for a manager who has the team at heart and who can get them to graft and fight. Hopefully itll not be too long.
Asked about ex-Blackpool and Crystal Palace boss Ian Holloway, Whelan replied: Im sure if Ian is interested then he will apply.
Former Manchester United No 2 Mike Phelan is also in the running.
Whelan, however, dismissed rumours he went into the teams dressing room at half-time and ordered changes.
He said: No, I have never done that and would never dream of doing that.
