Souness set for Wigan job as Hutchings is sacked

Souness has been lniked with the job in the past two weeks and Hutchings' fate was sealed when the Latics dropped into the relegation zone at the weekend, following their 2-0 home defeat against Chelsea.

Hutchings was promoted following Paul Jewell's resignation at the end of last season but won only two of his 14 matches in charge.

A statement from chairman Dave Whelan read: "This has been a very difficult decision for me and the board to make but I felt we had to act in the best interests of the football club and its long-term future.

"Having been so close to the team and such a big part of the success, I felt Chris deserved to be given the chance to take over as number one last summer and receive full backing from myself and the board to shape the team as he wished.

"Chris has worked very hard since becoming manager and I cannot fault his effort and commitment to the cause.

"However, it is crucial for the development of Wigan Athletic that we maintain our Premier League status this season and following results and performances in recent matches, we feel it is critical to act now."

Wigan were promoted to the top flight for the first time in their history in 2005 and finished 10th in their first season.

Last term proved more problematic, however, and they survived relegation only with victory over Sheffield United on the final day.

Jewell resigned after the game to take a break from football - and the club immediately moved to elevate his assistant Hutchings to the top job.

It was Hutchings' second managerial posting, after he also succeeded Jewell at Bradford in 2000. But that proved a similarly short stint.

Hutchings made 10 signings in the summer in a bid to ensure the Latics consolidated their position. But they have collected just eight points from their first 12 league games and lost their last six.

Assistant boss Frank Barlow, along with Mark Seagraves, will take over as caretaker manager for Sunday's trip to Tottenham.

Wigan are not commenting on any possible successor, but as well as Souness, Jewell's name is certain to be linked with the post.

Whelan added: "My energies will now be fully focused on getting the right man - firstly to stop the decline we have suffered in the last two months or so, and secondly, to take us forward in the future.

"This search will be exhaustive, and I will not be commenting on any names or speculation until I have found the man I want."