The72 Daily Digest – 02/12/13

Welcome to a Monday edition of The72’s daily digest, jam packed with news as the Football League recovers from the fallout of the weekend’s results.

It was a big weekend in the Football League, with results dictating several manager sackings.  In addition to David Flitcroft (Barnsley) and Dave Jones (Sheffield Wednesday) over the weekend, Owen Coyle today left Wigan by mutual consent.  Although we all know that is code for “sacked with a nice pay-day if you say nice things”.  Coyle was six months into his job with the FA Cup holders, but a fourth loss in five matches appears to have forced Dave Whelan’s hand.

Following the 3-1 defeat to Derby, leaving Wigan in 14th, Owen Coyle was locked in talks over the weekend with Dave Whelan, and they agreed to part via a statement on the club official site.  Coyle has won 7 of his 23 matches in charge of the Latics, and although they languish in 14th in the Championship, they are in a good position to qualify for the last 32 of the Europa League.

Given that the club are competing in a bigger league, have the distraction of the Europa League and have the League and FA Cups to contend with, it’s no exaggeration to think that Wigan would play 60 matches this season, which is a big challenge for anyone.  The players look tired in their Championship games, particularly following a European week.  I would say it’s actually quite harsh on Coyle.

justin-edinburghIn League Two, Newport County have rejected an approach for their manager Justin Edinburgh from Portsmouth.  Despite the fact that Edinburgh himself said he did not want to leave the club, Pompey didn’t quite seem to understand his statement, so thought to clarify by asking Newport for permission to talk their gaffer.  Newport released a club statement via their website, stating that they had “received a phone call from a representative of Portsmouth FC seeking permission to speak to Justin Edinburgh about their vacant Managerial post,” and “After discussion with Justin, the Board of Directors have informed Portsmouth they will not give permission to discuss their vacant Managerial position.”  Edinburgh, who guided the Exiles to promotion from the Conference via the Playoffs last season signed a two and a half year contract extension with the club in October.

With rumours coming out of Crawley that they may be appointing John Gregory, it is interesting that Steve Coppell has stepped down from his role as Director of Football at the Reds.  Former Reading and Crystal Palace manager Steve Coppell leaves his post after taking the role in April 2012.  Could it be indicative that the incoming manager does not want a director of football or that Coppell does not agree with the choice of manager?

Steve-Evans-2_2685463

According to Milan Mandaric, the Owls have tons of applicants for the post already since sacking Dave Jones on Sunday.  However, rather than sift through people interested in the job, Mandaric has asked Rotherham United for permission to speak to Steve Evans.  Evans has worked on a shoestring at the Millers and it would be something he would be required to do should he take the reigns at Hillsborough.

In injury news, Tranmere Rovers have lost Ian Goodison to a thigh injury for six weeks.  Meanwhile, in League Two, Kevin Ellison’s reward for scoring a late headed winner for Morecambe at the weekend was a kick in the face.  As a result, Ellison has a fractured eye socket and will be out for a month.  Ouch.

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