In a move that has sparked both excitement and debate, Wigan Athletic has reappointed Gary Caldwell as manager, marking his second stint at the helm of the club. But here’s where it gets intriguing: Caldwell himself believes he’s a vastly different coach now compared to his first tenure a decade ago. At 43, Caldwell returns to Wigan after leaving Exeter City, a club where he’s been hailed for consistently overachieving despite limited resources. His journey back to Wigan, where he spent six seasons as a player and 18 months as manager from 2015, is fueled by a deep love for the club and a bold vision to elevate its standing in the league—and perhaps even return it to the Premier League someday. And this is the part most people miss: Caldwell’s first spell at Wigan wasn’t just about management; it was about resilience. After retiring as a player in 2015, he took on the daunting task of trying to save the club from relegation, eventually leading them to the League One title in 2016 before parting ways later that year. His subsequent stints at Chesterfield, Partick Thistle, and Exeter have honed his skills, with Exeter fans particularly saddened by his departure, given his ability to punch above the club’s financial weight. But is Caldwell’s return to Wigan a step forward or a risky gamble? While his connection to the club is undeniable—highlighted by his 100 top-flight appearances and captaining the team to a historic FA Cup win against Manchester City in 2013—Wigan currently sits 22nd in League One, winless in eight games. Caldwell’s task is clear: steer the club away from relegation and rebuild its fortunes. Yet, the decision to leave Exeter, a club that hasn’t sacked a manager since 2003, for Wigan, whose last manager lasted just 11 months, raises questions. Is this a homecoming or a high-stakes challenge? What do you think—is Caldwell the right man to revive Wigan’s glory days, or is he stepping into a storm? Share your thoughts below!
