Relegated Wigan turn to former Bolton boss Coyle

LONDON, June 14 (Reuters) - FA Cup holders Wigan Athletic, who were relegated from the Premier League three days after winning their first major trophy, are poised to appoint Owen Coyle, the former boss of rivals Bolton Wanderers, as their manager.

"In principle we have agreed a deal," Wigan owner Dave Whelan told Sky Sports News on Friday after concluding his search for a replacement for Spaniard Roberto Martinez, who left to manage Everton.

Bolton and Wigan are local rivals in the north-west of England and Coyle's record of relegation with the former in 2012 and failure to achieve immediate promotion back to the top flight may go down badly with some Wigan fans. He was sacked by Bolton in October.

"People will remember him from getting promotion at Burnley. He had a tough time at Bolton, some of our fans will remember that too," sportswear and leisure magnate Whelan added.

"He has a belief in Wigan Athletic and I can feel that."

Whelan said the "total and utter priority" was promotion in two seasons despite Wigan appearing in the Europa League next term for the first time.

Scotsman Coyle faces a tough task with players being linked in the media with moves away and fears that fans could now desert a side which shot up the divisions thanks to Whelan's money despite being in a rugby league stronghold.

"It was a blow to lose their Premier League status last year but what we've got to do is take them back as quickly as possible," Coyle, who has been out of work since being sacked by Bolton, told Sky Sports News.

"There's no doubt that I'm ready (to come back into the game).

"I've been there, I've done it and I'm looking forward to trying to get Wigan back to the Premier League and hopefully that's at the first opportunity," he added.