Wigan Athletic old boy on 'lost identity'

Caldwell was sacked by Partick Thistle in September 2019, with the club second-bottom of the Scottish Championship.

That came on the back of an unsuccessful spell with Chesterfield, which lasted only nine months and included relegation to League Two.

Prior to that, Caldwell had delivered the League One title to Wigan, in what remains his only full season in management, before being relieved of his duties just five months later.

And he says it’s been difficult to settle back into ‘normal’ life away from the spotlight involved in football.

“You go from 100mph to zero pretty much,” Caldwell commented.

“You get time with your family which is nice, but you lose your identity a little bit.

“Football has been my life since I was 16 years old. I left school and went to Newcastle and I’ve never done anything else.

“One thing I’ve learned is you have to pick up the phone yourself.

"Every manager or coach is so welcoming, everyone wants to help you and be there for you.

“Because I think everyone understands that at some point, they’re going to lose their job and need that support.”

Caldwell remains on good terms with then-Latics chairman David Sharpe despite the parting of ways at Wigan, and he says that’s an important part of the process.

“Don’t ever take it personally, and don’t fall out with people,” he added on BBC Scotland. “Try and leave and be respectful.

“But once you leave, try and learn the lessons from the job you’ve just been in.

"Take the best and the negative from that and try and improve, so every time you come back you come back a better manager.”