Holt can spearhead Coyle’s Wigan to Premier League return
Published:
Wigan’s drop from the Premier League may have seemed somewhat inevitable, with the Latics constantly struggling at the foot of England’s top division, only to produce an unbelievable run-in to save their skins and set up another year in the top-flight.
However, last year the north-west club were unable to repeat their heroics of the past and instead suffered relegation to the Championship.
The departure of manager Roberto Martinez and star striker Arouna Kone along with the expected exits of key men such as Shaun Maloney, James McCarthy and James McArthur could easily incite panic.
This should not be the case. The sensible appointment of Owen Coyle could prove a masterstroke, and makes the 4/1 around them to bounce back at the first attempt look far too long.
The Scotsman has been tarnished a little from his time at Bolton, as his side struggled to adapt to his ethics and playing style. Relegation from the Premier League initiated a great hangover from which he and his players did not recover, meaning Coyle was dismissed in October 2012 with the Trotters 18th in the Championship.
It is his impressive showing at Burnley that should bring optimism to all Wigan supporters.
Coyle took the unfancied Clarets to the Premier League on a small budget and playing an entertaining brand of football that saw them beat the likes of Manchester United and Everton, before he departed for the Reebok.
Wigan have moved quickly to reinforce their ranks, making some shrewd signings in the process.
Grant Holt has been added to the forward line, and he could prove vital to their promotion charge.
The ex-Norwich man hit 23 goals in two seasons of Premier League football for the Canaries and smashed 21 in their promotion campaign in 2010-11.
Coyle has secured a host of Premier League experience with the likes of James Perch, Marc-Antoine Fortune and former England goalkeeper Scott Carson all joining the squad.
The Latics have also added Burnley star Chris McCann, Celtic centre back Thomas Rogne and Scotland stalwart Stephen Crainey to their ranks to complete a squad well-versed in Championship football.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publication
