The extensive search to find the right man to replace Paul Jewell as manager of Wigan Athletic appears to be over. They searched high and low, scouring Europe to find someone with the right skills, after a whole afternoon they realised the man they were after was right under their nose!

Chris Hutchings, Jewell’s number two will be stepping up to the plate to take the reigns at the JJB Stadium. Chairman Dave Whelan has promised to back Hutchings in the transfer window with funds to buy players. Hutchings will have his work cut out trying to attract players to a struggling side with an unknown manager.

Hutchings has managed in the premiership before he won just one game from twelve when Jewell stepped down from his position at Bradford. Wigan could find themselves in a similar position to Charlton, Hutchings may not make the grade or he could follow Jewell again when he finds a new job at a bigger club like Manchester City. Then they will have to do the searching and consideration that they should have done now, probably during a busy time during the season when results are needed immediately. With a wealth of proven Premiership managers looking for employers Wigan could have done worse than stretching their recruitment drive out for a few days rather than a few hours.