The Game
Wigan Athletic v Argyle. The Brick Community Stadium. Tuesday, 10 March. 7.45pm. Sky Bet League One.
The Opposition
Wigan are 19th in League One, with 38 points from 34 games. They have won nine, drawn 11 and lost 14.
The Latics have struggled to find consistency all through the season. They only lost two of their first eight games, winning three, but then got just one point from their next four. Beginning in the middle of October, Wigan had a decent run, going unbeaten in seven, although they only won three of those, drawing the other four.
Wigan lost to Blackpool and Bradford City around Christmas, and although they won 2-0 at Burton Albion, it would be their last win for a long time. In Wigan’s next eight games, they gained just two points, from draws with Barnsley and Doncaster Rovers. During this time, former Argyle boss Ryan Lowe was dismissed from his role at Wigan.
Lowe was replaced by Gary Caldwell, who left Exeter City to return to a club he had previously played for and managed. Wigan won their first game under the new manager, beating Luton Town. Since then, they have lost at Stockport County, won at home to Huddersfield Town, and drawn at Blackpool.
The Gaffer
Gary Caldwell was a central defender in his playing days, which began at Newcastle United, and included loans to several clubs, including Hibernian and Coventry City. It was with the former that he signed in 2004, and his form at Easter Road attracted the attention of Scottish giants Celtic.
Caldwell played over 150 times for Celtic, winning two titles, then spent the rest of his career at Wigan Athletic, where he crossed over with a young Tom Cleverley, who was on loan with Wigan in 2010/11. Caldwell also received 55 caps for Scotland.
After retiring, he joined the Wigan coaching staff, and was quickly made manager in April 2015. He led the Latics to League One promotion in his first full season, but was sacked less than three months into the new season.
His next job was a disastrous stint with Chesterfield, with whom he won three games out of 29. A year with Partick Thistle was marginally better, but he was sacked in September 2019, and then spent three years working in support roles at Newcastle, Manchester City and Hibernian.
Caldwell joined Exeter in October 2022, and steered them to three mid-table placings, before opting to leave St James Park last month, in favour of a return to Wigan.
The Squad
Former Pilgrim Will Aimson (below) has played more minutes than any other outfield player for Wigan this season. After early years with Hull City, with loans away, the central defender played for Blackpool and Bury before spending two years with Argyle from 2019-2021. He moved on to Bolton Wanderers and Exeter City before joining Wigan in 2024.
Joe Taylor signed on loan from Huddersfield Town in the January transfer window, and has been an instant hit. In seven starts and two substitute appearances, he has scored six goals. Loans seem to suit Taylor. He scored no league goals while at Peterborough United or Luton Town, but scored with frequency when borrowed by Colchester United and Lincoln City. He moved to Huddersfield in January 2025.
Only Sam Tickle has started all 34 league games for Wigan this season. The goalkeeper, 23, has now made nearly 150 appearances for Wigan, a club he was released by, aged 16. He returned the following year and had to be patient as a backup for several seasons, but is now in his third year of being number one, and has not missed a game since.
Previous Meeting
Earlier this season, Argyle drew 1-1 with Wigan at Home Park. Lorent Tolaj put the Greens in front from the penalty spot, but Wigan equalised with a goal by Fraser Murray.
A Strip for the Trip
Argyle will be wearing their pink third kit for this game.
Argyle TV
Argyle TV’s coverage will begin with the Pre-Match Show, which starts at 7.15pm, with Charlie Price joined by Brian McGlinchey. They will then hand over to the stadium for live commentary from Rob McNichol and former Argyle midfielder David Norris.
Match passes to watch this game on Argyle TV are available overseas. CLICK HERE for more information.
