Potentially no manager, and their best players are on their way out too. Wigan Athletic have it all to do.
Now we have learned by now never to write off Wigan Athletic, that is something you do only at your peril.
Nevertheless, their prospects ahead of next season already look ‘challenging’ – and that is putting it mildly.
Right now they are in a state of limbo, while boss Roberto Martinez puts himself forward for the Liverpool job.
Even if he does not get it, there is every chance he may still leave, Aston Villa could pursue him again, but right now the club are stuck with no direction.
The player exodus is most concerning; Victor Moses has announced his desire to leave, and on the plus side Wigan look set to get some money back for him.
Others on the other hand, they will not. Hugo Rodallega and Mohammed Diame, two huge presences in their side have left as free agents.
Even though Rodallega only bagged two goals last year he has been one of their better players since arriving at the club, and Diame had one of his best seasons to date and has been linked with a host of top clubs. Both will require replacing.
Take Part In Our Euro 2012 Predictor Competition – Free Entry, £4,000 Prize Fund
The future of fefender Maynor Figueroa is also unclear, while Goal.com list him as a free agent, he in fact still has one year to run.
If he cannot be persuaded to renew his deal, Wigan may be advised to cash in if they can, otherwise they would face losing him on a free like Diame and Rodallega. Selling him and replacing him would mean the re-strengthening job facing Wigan will increase.
On top of these players exiting, it must be considered that last summer, a replacement for Charles N’Zogbia was never bought, although Jean Beausejour was a welcome January arrival.
A new striker is needed, Franco di Santo top scored with seven goals last season, which tells its own story.
Reserve goalkeeper Chris Kirkland will also be released, leaving the club with just 40-year-old Mike Pollitt as back-up. Do they need to buy an understudy to the excellent Ali Al-Habsi. How much cash is actually available? This is why the club need to try and get as much as they can for Moses.
It should not be forgotten that Wigan’s recent history is full of success in the face adversity, they ended the season in 15th, five points ahead of 16th placed Aston Villa, an excellent achievement.
However unless they strengthen, you feel that this time they could be leaving themselves too much to do, if a new manager comes in too late.
The club surely realise this, and will be working on securing transfer targets and scouring the market for free agents, but until the future of their manager is sorted out, progression is on hold. Dave Whelan is reported to be looking at setting a deadline for Martinez to sort his future which can only be a sensible idea.
If Martinez leaves, they can’t afford to have another fortnight where they search for a manager. Who would they get in? We’d hope Dave Whelan plumps for a young manager with potential such as Gus Poyet rather than a quick-fix solution of bringing back Steve Bruce.
Time is on their side still, but June is a prime time to sign new players ahead of pre-season, so it would be a blow to waste it.
Tying down James McArthur on a long term contract was an excellent piece of business last week, and fans will hope for more positive news.
The Martinez issue could even drag on over the next fortnight. The longer it does, the more twitchy Latics fans will get about their prospects next season.
The summer has barely begun, and we would never write Wigan off, but they have it all to do. Once new signings come in, will the club be able to look to next season and even aim higher than the usual relegation scrap. If they don’t, another beckons.
If Martinez leaves who should Wigan get in as their next manager?
image: © illarterate
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
