Hutchings leaves Wigan

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Assistant manager Frank Barlow will take charge of the first team on a caretaker basis for the Barclays Premier League trip to Tottenham on Sunday.

In a statement, chairman Dave Whelan said: "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."

The Latics dropped into the relegation zone at the weekend, following their 2-0 home defeat against Chelsea.

Hutchings took over in the summer following Paul Jewell's surprise departure - and Wigan briefly topped the table earlier this season.

However, they have lost their last six matches in a row - with their last league victory coming against Sunderland at the JJB Stadium on August 18.

Saturday's home defeat to Chelsea was hardly unexpected, but Whelan has acted quickly in a bid to turn the season around.

"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," Whelen added.

"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.

"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," he said.