Wigan opt for Coyle as Martinez replacement

Wigan Athletic have confirmed that former Burnley and Bolton manager Owen Coyle has agreed to take charge at the DW Stadium, replacing Roberto Martinez who left to join Everton

Coyle, who was sacked as Bolton manager last October, beat competition from former England boss Steve McClaren to land the role, Wigan chairman Dave Whelan said.

Others to have been linked to the job include Gus Poyet, Roberto Di Matteo and MK Dons manager Karl Robinson.

The Latics are trading at 12.5 to win the Npower Championship next season, with the Betfair market expecting bigger things from the likes of QPR (7.4), Reading (11.0) and Bolton (11.5).

While FA Cup holders Wigan will be in Europe for the first team ever next season, Whelan said returning to the Premier League will be "the total and utter priority" for the club.

They trade at 4.7 for promotion to the top flight, while you can back them at 2.14 to finish in the top six.

Whelan also confirmed Coyle would be given a 12-month rolling contract. His first competitive match will the Championship opener on August 3 (fixtures are announced next week) before the Community Shield against Manchester United on August 11.

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