Wigan Athletic are giving serious consideration to Alan Sheehan as they move quickly to appoint a new head coach, with the former Swansea City boss emerging as a leading name on the Latics’ internal shortlist, as exclusively revealed to The Deck.
Sheehan has been out of work since leaving Swansea City in November, but his recent Championship experience and reputation as a progressive coach have put him firmly in the frame as Wigan look for a reset following a bruising run of results. The 39-year-old had previously impressed during caretaker spells in south Wales before being handed the job on a permanent basis in 2025, overseeing a notable winning run earlier in his tenure.
Wigan’s vacancy was created on Sunday after the club dismissed Ryan Lowe, bringing an end to an 11-month spell at the Brick Community Stadium. A heavy 6-1 defeat to Peterborough United proved decisive, leaving the Latics in the League One relegation zone with just one win from their last ten league fixtures. Lowe had won 12 of his 49 matches in charge after arriving in March 2025 on a three-and-a-half-year contract.
Wigan aftermath
In the immediate aftermath, Wigan confirmed that Glenn Whelan and Graham Barrow would take interim responsibility while the club conducts its search for a permanent appointment. Whelan, who has stepped into caretaker duties before, is understood to be under consideration himself, though the club are casting the net wider as they weigh up short and long-term options.
Sheehan is not the only name to be linked, but he is now believed to be at the top of the list. Leyton Orient head coach Richie Wellens has also been mentioned following his work with the O’s, including last season’s run to the play-off final. However, Wellens signed a contract extension last summer running until 2028, and internally, he is believed to have his sights set a little higher than Wigan if he is to jump ship.
Sheehan’s profile
For now, Sheehan’s profile appears to fit what Wigan are seeking. As well as his recent managerial experience, his coaching background includes time at Luton Town and Southampton, and he holds a UEFA Pro Licence. His track record of steadying the ship during caretaker spells, allied to a modern approach, is believed to appeal to decision-makers as they look to arrest a slide and stabilise their League One campaign.
He’s also not attached to a club, meaning the costs are kept low. Wigan are not one of the division’s paupers, but cannot get into the sack and replace cycle, especially not if compenstion is paid on the way out and on the way in. Sheehan therefore ticks another box, that of low cost, as well as relatively low risk.
Wigan return to action against Reading on Tuesday night before an FA Cup fourth round trip to Arsenal on February 15, meaning clarity over the next permanent head coach is likely to be sought sooner rather than later.