Wigan confirm Owen Coyle will succeed Roberto Martinez after the former Bolton manager beats Steve McLaren to the post

The Scot returns to management following his dismissal by Bolton last year

Owen Coyle (GETTY IMAGES)

Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan has confirmed that Owen Coyle will succeed Roberto Martinez at the DW Stadium.

The Latics have been on the hunt for a new manager following Martinez's departure for Everton and have now found their man.

"We've agreed in principle a deal with Owen. We're just talking to his agent at the moment about getting it finalised," said Whelan.

"He's done it all before by taking Burnley to the Premier League.

"He didn't have quite the same success at Bolton but sometimes these things go against you.

"I've got to say of all the candidates to apply I thought he was the best."

Former England manager Steve McLaren was in the running and Whelan said it was a tough choice.

"Steve was a very, very good candidate. It was a very difficult choice between three or four who applied - there were over 40 applicants," he said.

The final touches are being put to Coyle's deal which reportedly is a heavily incentive-based contract as the club bid to get back into the Premier League at the first attempt following their relegation last term.

Whelan added: "It should be all signed off today. His agent is here at present talking to (chief executive) Jonathan (Jackson) and get the deal done and he's operating as from tomorrow morning.

"He's got a lot of work on and has got to start immediately."

Coyle's first managerial post was at St Johnstone, however the Scot made his name with Burnley where he won promotion to the Premier League. It was the first time the club had been in the top-flight for 33 years.

Midway through Burnley's first season in the Premier League, Coyle left to take charge of struggling Bolton. He was able to maintain their Premier League status while Burnley were relegated. However, the following season Bolton were relegated.

The Trotters struggled after falling into the Championship and Coyle was sacked in October last year.

As well as trying to get Wigan promoted, Coyle will also have a Europa League campaign to deal with due to his new team's triumph over Manchester City in the FA Cup final. Their victory at Wembley will also mean a swift return to the national stadium where they will play Manchester United in the Community Shield on August 11.