Wigan Athletic's journey through the 2025-26 League One season has been a test of resilience, strategy, and renewed hope. After a turbulent start and a flirtation with the relegation zone, the Latics have found a revitalized spirit under returning manager Gary Caldwell. As the campaign enters its crucial final stretch, the mood around the DW Stadium has shifted from anxious to cautiously optimistic, thanks in large part to Caldwell’s innovative approach and the emergence of key performers.
This season marks Wigan’s third consecutive year in the third tier of English football, following their relegation from the Championship in 2023. Last season, they finished 15th—ten points clear of the drop—but the current campaign has proved more challenging. As of early April, Wigan sits 19th in League One, just three points above the relegation zone. Yet, recent form suggests a team on the rise: two wins, two draws, and only one defeat in their last five league outings, including a vital 2-0 home victory against fellow strugglers Exeter City.
Much of this turnaround can be traced back to the appointment of Gary Caldwell in mid-February. Caldwell, who returned for his second stint as Latics boss after replacing Ryan Lowe, knows the club well. His first spell saw him guide Wigan to the League One title in 2016, though his tenure ended abruptly the following season. Since then, Caldwell has managed at Chesterfield and Partick Thistle, held developmental roles at Newcastle United, Manchester City, and Hibernian, and most recently led Exeter City to steady mid-table finishes.
Upon his return to Wigan, Caldwell wasted no time implementing a new philosophy—both on and off the pitch. He divided the remaining 16 games of the season into three distinct blocks, each with clear points targets. This block-by-block approach, as Caldwell explained, was designed to keep the focus sharp and the pressure manageable. "Since we've come in, we've had a clear structure of how we're going to win enough points to be a League One team next year," Caldwell stated. "The players overachieved in block one, the players still have the potential to overachieve in block two, and then we can look forward to block three with a real enthusiasm and excitement about what the rest of the season could bring."
The results speak for themselves. Since Caldwell’s appointment, Wigan has won four of eight matches—a points-per-game rate more akin to a play-off contender than a relegation battler. The structured approach has resonated with the squad, as midfielder Jensen Weir confirmed: "It's good what they've done, and given us targets for the three blocks of games. It gives us motivation to hit certain numbers from certain periods. Everyone will look at the table, no-one can deny that, but all we can do is focus on the next game and the next block, and keep hitting those targets."
Weir, who has found his best form since Caldwell’s arrival, also highlighted the importance of emotional balance. "When things are going our way, people are quick to get high. So when things don't go our way, it's important to stay level and keep going. It's all the cliches, but it's true, you just need to stick to your standards. We need to keep doing the right things and stay positive." That sense of calm and clarity has lifted the mood around the club, fostering belief that survival is well within reach.
Wigan’s resurgence has also been fueled by smart recruitment during the winter transfer window. Four new faces arrived, with defender Jack Hunt joining permanently from Stockport County and three loanees—midfielder Owen Moxon (Stockport County), forward Caylan Vickers (Brighton & Hove Albion), and striker Joe Taylor (Huddersfield Town)—adding depth and dynamism. Of the new arrivals, Taylor has made the most immediate impact. The 23-year-old striker, a product of Norwich City and Kings Lynn Town, has been on a tear since his January loan move, netting nine goals in just 13 appearances. His pace, energy, and finishing ability have given Wigan a much-needed cutting edge up front.
At the back, Jason Kerr has provided stability and leadership. The Scottish centre-back, who joined from St Johnstone in 2021, has now surpassed 100 appearances for the Latics and remains a key figure. Known for his aerial prowess and precise passing, Kerr’s experience has been invaluable during this high-pressure run-in. He’s also no stranger to captaincy, having worn the armband at St Johnstone and represented Scotland at the under-21 level.
Squad depth has been further bolstered by the return of midfielder Callum Wright from suspension, giving Caldwell more options as the team navigates a congested fixture list. The predicted starting lineup for the crucial upcoming clash features Tickle in goal; a back line of Aimson, Kerr, Chapman, and Borges Rodrigues; a midfield trio of Moxon, Weir, and Murray; with Bettoni, Wright, and Taylor leading the attack.
Wigan’s home form has been a particular strength, with nine of their eleven league wins coming at the DW Stadium. Away from home, however, results have been harder to come by—a trend the Latics will be keen to reverse as the season draws to a close. Their last meeting with Reading, for instance, ended in a 1-2 defeat, with second-half goals from Jeriel Dorsett and Paudie O’Connor sealing the points for the Royals.
Despite these challenges, there is a quiet confidence within the Wigan camp. Caldwell’s message of focusing on the process, rather than the table, has been embraced throughout the dressing room. The manager’s willingness to give opportunities to younger players and his preference for aggressive, front-footed football have injected fresh energy into the squad. As many players have noted, Caldwell’s calmness and clarity have been transformative, lifting spirits both on and off the pitch.
With the block system in full effect and targets being met or exceeded, the Latics now look ahead to the final phase of the campaign with everything to play for. The next milestone is the Easter Monday trip to Northampton Town, which will conclude block two of Caldwell’s plan. If Wigan can maintain their current momentum and continue to hit their targets, the threat of relegation could soon be a distant memory.
For now, the action remains ongoing, and every point is precious. The Latics’ fate is firmly in their own hands—a scenario that seemed unlikely just a few months ago. With Caldwell at the helm, key players stepping up, and a united squad pushing in the same direction, Wigan Athletic’s bid for League One survival is very much alive and kicking.