Northampton's League One relegation rivals sack their manager after crushing defeat

The Latics have tumbled down the League One table in recent weeks and are now seven games without a win, including three successive defeats. Their hammering at Peterborough on Saturday dropped them below Cobblers and into the relegation zone, now 22nd with 31 points.

It proved the final straw for Lowe, who did not conduct his usual post-match media duties at London Road and was dismissed on Saturday evening. The former Plymouth and Preston boss replaced Shaun Maloney last March but won just 12 out of his 49 games in charge.

A club statement read: “Wigan Athletic can confirm that they have parted company with head coach Ryan Lowe. In the interim, Glenn Whelan and Graham Barrow will take on first-team matters, and the club will work quickly to identify and appoint a new head coach of the football club. The club would like to place on record its thanks to Ryan for his efforts and wishes him all the best for the future.”

Wigan's next match is at home in the league against Reading on Tuesday before they travel to face Premier League leaders Arsenal in the fourth round of the FA Cup next Sunday. They are due to visit Sixfields on Easter Monday.