Former Bolton Wanderers boss Owen Coyle was ‘far and away’ the best applicant says Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan, who is set to appoint him at the DW Stadium.
The Scot, who previously managed St Johnstone and Burnley, is rumoured to have agreed a one-year rolling contract to succeed Roberto Martinez as the Latics seek a Premier League return.
And Whelan, who looked at five or six top candidates including former England boss Steve McClaren, explained Coyle’s first priority was the top flight.
“He had a tough time at Bolton, but he has come across as being far and away the best for the job that I’ve seen,” he told Sky Sports.
“He has got a belief in Wigan Athletic, I can feel that. Of all the candidates, I thought he was the best.
“I know we’re in Europe next season but the total priority is to get Wigan back in the Premier League in the next two years.
“There is a lot of work to do and we are short of about eight to 10 players.”
The 46-year-old was sacked by the Wanderers last October after a poor string of results left them languishing near the bottom of the Championship.
But Whelan reminded Wigan fans of Coyle’s pedigree – he was promoted to the Premier League with the Clarets in 2009 – and expects his reign to begin tomorrow.
“Wigan fans will remember him well – he got Burnley promoted and they’ll also remember him at Bolton,” he said.
“It should all be signed up today. His agent is here and present to get the deal done and he’s operating from tomorrow morning.”
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