Wigan let Coyle go

Manager Owen Coyle has left UEFA Europa League debutants Wigan Athletic FC "by mutual agreement" with his side lying 14th in the English second teir.

"It is with great sadness that we have made this decision and I would like to thank all my football staff and the staff at the club, who have been very supportive of me in my time here," said the 47-year-old. "I am confident that with this set of players, the team can keep moving in the right direction." First-team coach Graham Barrow and Coyle's assistant Sandy Stewart have been placed in temporary command.

Coyle took charge at Wigan after Roberto Martínez left the relegated club for Everton FC in July 2013. Capped once by the Republic of Ireland at senior level, he spent most of his playing career in his native Scotland but enjoyed success south of the border as a coach with second-flight sides Burnley FC and Bolton Wanderers FC, having previously helped the latter win promotion to the Premier League as a player in 1994/95.

Earning their European bow by winning the 2013 FA Cup despite also being relegated, Wigan lie third in UEFA Europa League Group D. They need a win at NK Maribor on matchday six – and a defeat for SV Zulte Waregem at home against FC Rubin Kazan – to make it to the round of 32.