WIGAN sacked club legend Shaun Maloney with the club 15th in League One.
But they showed their class with a touching farewell gesture.
Maloney spent four seasons as a player with Wigan from 2011 to 2015 and was part of the team that famously won the FA Cup in 2013.
The former Celtic, Aston Villa and Hull playmaker – who had a stint as Hibernian boss – returned to Lancashire when he took over from Kolo Toure at the Latics in January 2023.
He provided some much-needed stability amid chaos at the Brick Community Stadium – despite being unable to save the club from relegation in 2023.
Maloney kept Wigan in League One last season despite an eight-point deduction.
But Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat to Reading spelt the end of his tenure – leaving the club just six points above the relegation zone.
Wigan said: “Shaun was appointed Wigan Athletic Manager in January 2023 during what would be an extremely turbulent period in the Club’s history.
“Whilst he could not prevent the Club’s relegation from the EFL Championship, Shaun ensured that the Club returned to the third tier with fighting spirit.
“Furthermore, through a change of ownership in the summer of 2023, Shaun stuck by the Club and helped us overcome an eight-point deduction and a squad overhaul to retain our 2023/24 League One status comfortably with matches to spare.
“During his tenure, Shaun and his young team have provided the Club and its supporters with some proud moments, including an Emirates FA Cup Third Round tie with Manchester United, as well as three memorable victories over rivals Bolton Wanderers, just to name a few.
“Shaun has also helped develop a number of our young players, some of whom have moved on to further their careers to the mutual benefit of the Football Club.
“However, it cannot be overlooked that the current League One campaign has clearly not progressed as anticipated.
“Home results and performances, in particular, have been disappointing and below the standard at which our supporters expect. For this reason, the Board felt that it was time for a change.
“The timing of such change will allow the club the necessary time to appoint a successor and enable the Club to look forward to the future.”
Maloney’s No2 Max Rogers has also left his role with former Stoke midfielder Glenn Whelan stepping up as interim gaffer.
However, despite his dismissal, Wigan ensured the 47-cap Scotland international was given a classy send-off – and insisted he is “always welcome” back at the club.
The statement added: “As a Board of Directors, we would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Shaun and Max for their service, efforts and dedication to the Club.
“We hope that in the years to come Shaun’s time as Manager is remembered fondly by supporters, as is his time as a player for the Club. Shaun and Max will always be welcomed back to Wigan Athletic Football Club and the Brick Community Stadium.”
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