Caldwell sacking: A look back at manager's career

Gary Caldwell's departure from Wigan Athletic brings to an end his first managerial appointment.
Gary CaldwellGary Caldwell
Gary Caldwell

The Scot took over from Malky Mackay at the DW Stadium with just five games to go in the 2014-15 season, when it was already took late to save Latics from the drop to League One.

But last season, Caldwell’s first full term as manager, proved successful, with Latics recovering from a shaky start to storm to the League title, with Caldwell winning the League One manager of the year award in the process.

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A former Newcastle junior, he had spells on loan before breaking through with Scottish side Hibs in 2004.

He moved to Celtic in 2006 before joining Wigan Athletic in 2010 when they were still a Premier League side.

Roberto Martinez handed the Scottish international the Latics captaincy the following season and in 2013, Caldwell lifted the FA Cup at Wembley - despite not getting off the bench for the decider against Manchester City.

Despite suffering relegation to the Championship, they returned to Wembley the following year to face Arsenal in a semi-final which finished 1-1. Caldwell missed the first attempt in the penalty shootout, and they eventually crashed out.

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In February last year, he formally retired from playing because of a persistent hip injury, and moved on to the coaching staff with the academy, having previously worked with the development team on a part-time basis.

Yet just three months later, he was thrust into the hot-seat after new chairman David Sharpe - who succeeded his grandad Dave Whelan - sacked Malky Mackay.

At the time, Sharpe said he was the only candidate he considered for the role.

He said it was “an appointment for the long-term” and spoke about having a “blueprint for the future”.

Caldwell was unable to halt the club slipping into League One in his five games in charge, but last season he overcame a rocky start to guide Latics to the title.