By David Lee Wheatley
Wigan Athletic's swift appointment of Brentford boss Uwe Rosler as their new manager caught many off-guard, with the expectation largely centered around a more experienced and perhaps high-profile figure being handed the job.
Latics owner Dave Whelan conceded a mistake had been made in his decision to install former Bolton and Burnley man Owen Coyle as the man charged with leading the club back to the Premier League following the disappointment of relegation last May. Coyle and Whelan failed to see eye-to-eye and the rift grew wider as the season progressed, eventually leading to the sacking of the ex-Ireland international striker.
Whelan publicly questioned Coyle's team selection and tactics towards the end of his reign, something the proud Lancastrian never felt the need to do in the past with any of his previous managers. However, the clash of personalities between himself and Coyle led to an outburst that signalled the end of the Glasgow-born supremo's time at the club and heralded the second search for a new man within six months.
Relative stability had been key to Wigan's eight-year stay in the top-flight under the likes of Paul Jewell, Steve Bruce and Roberto Martinez before the latter left for Everton with the FA Cup safely tucked away in the trophy cabinet at the DW Stadium. Now, outspoken owner Whelan will be desperate to see Rosler develop his own dynasty in the north-west after a surprise switch from Brentford this week.
The German took Brentford to the League One play-off final last term, before putting them in a handy fourth spot so far this season as they attempted to make the difficult leap to the Championship despite missing out in agonising fashion last time. His work didn't go unnoticed in the higher divisions and now he's been handed a golden opportunity to show what he can do at a better level.
Rosler watched on from the stands yesterday afternoon, as his new players fell 2-1 away to Millwall at the New Den leaving them lagging in mid-table obscurity. Matters could become precarious should Rosler fail to spark an instant upturn in fortunes, with a run of good results desperately required in order to avoid hurtling towards the drop zone. Athletic sit six points clear of the relegation spots, while there is currently a nine-point gap up to sixth and a prized play-off place.
Omens appear good in that Rosler has galvanised his Bees squad for another promotion charge after losing out at Wembley. It's not an easy task to motivate your players once more following such a blow, but the former Manchester City forward found a way to do so and will be searching for the same winning formula at Wigan. They too require a boost after the wind got sucked from their sails somewhat due to an ultimately sickening elimination from the Premier League.
Of course, Martinez preached an attractive passing style of football while at the Wigan helm and Rosler looks set to continue with that basic ideology. However, a lack of confidence is a major hindrance to those plans and he shall need to address that mental blockage as soon as possible. If he can quickly instil some belief in his squad, then his chances of success will increase greatly.
Jordi Gomez and Callum McManaman, both subs against Millwall, are the type of footballers that Rosler will look to in an attempt to reintroduce that flair and flowing football so long associated with the club. Workmanlike players will no doubt find themselves on the periphery as the German puts his own stamp on the outlook of his new side.
The 45-year-old did reasonably well while earning a grounding in the coaching arena with Lillestrom, Viking and Molde in Norway before finally returning to England to manage Brentford. There, he showed great resolve and determination to succeed in the face of certain setbacks and has forged a fine reputation on the League One stage.
All the signs are very encouraging for his imminent rise up a notch when beginning to lead a Championship club that have serious designs on at least a play-off slot this year and promotion within two campaigns. Rosler is well-liked and highly thought of across the football world and his stock will jump considerably should he haul Wigan back to the promised land in the near future.
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