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Wigan’s new manager Malky Mackay denied winning start by Middlesbrough Wigan’s new manager Malky Mackay denied winning start by Middlesbrough
(about 7 hours later)
At the end of a week in which a firestorm has seemingly engulfed his new club, Malky Mackay made a low-key start to his return to management with Wigan as his side showed the fight they will need to ride out these troubled times. At the end of a week in which a firestorm has engulfed his new club, Malky Mackay made a low-key but satisfied entrance on his return to management as his Wigan side showed the fight they will need to escape the threat of relegation from the Championship.
Shaun Maloney’s wonderfully executed free-kick raised hopes that Wigan might win for the second time since August but Middlesbrough, who have lost once in that time, replied with a goal from the substitute Patrick Bamford to keep their promotion challenge moving forward. Shaun Maloney’s wonderfully executed free-kick raised hopes that Wigan might win for only the second time since August but Middlesbrough, who have only lost once in that time, replied with a goal from substitute Patrick Bamford to keep their promotion challenge moving forward.
Mackay, like his chairman, Dave Whelan, is under investigation by the Football Association over remarks of an alleged racist nature. Sexist and homophobic comments are also on the manager’s charge sheet as a result of texts he sent when he was in charge at Cardiff City, until his departure at the end of 2013. Since then, the Scot, 42, missed out on a possible job at Crystal Palace as a result of the exposure. Mackay, like his chairman, Dave Whelan, is under investigation by the Football Association over remarks of an alleged racist nature. Sexism and homophobia are also on the charge sheet as a result of texts Mackay sent when he was manager of Cardiff City, a job he lost at the end of 2013. Since then, the Scot, 42, missed out on a possible job at Crystal Palace as a result of the exposure.
The Cardiff owner Vincent Tan, who has labelled both Mackay and Whelan as racist, says there is more to come but, despite condemnation by the anti-racism group Kick it Out, Wigan decided to give Mackay a second chance and so, after almost 11 months out of the game, he was back in the dug-out and overseeing a performance that will give him hope that Wigan can, at the very least, climb away from relegation danger. Cardiff’s owner, Vincent Tan, who has labelled both Mackay and Whelan as racists, says there is more to come but, despite condemnation by the anti-racism group Kick it Out and others, Wigan decided to give Mackay a second chance and so after almost 11 months out of the game he was back in the dugout and overseeing a performance which will give him hope that Wigan can, at the very least, climb away from danger.
But while Whelan, who is being investigated by the Football Association over comments in the media that have brought accusations of antisemitism and offence to Chinese people, was given a standing ovation as he took his place in the directors’ box, Mackay came out quietly and just got on with his job alongside the new first-team coach, David Kerslake, an ally from his days at Cardiff, and Watford before that. “I have got to be encouraged by the performance and proud of the of the effort, energy and the way they applied themselves against a very good team,” Mackay said.
There was a thumbs-up and a few pictures with supporters nearby but it was not until Wigan led that the first universal show of support went up as fans asked for a wave from their new man, which was duly forthcoming. “I have no doubts to the size of the task. If you don’t respect the Championship then you get slapped. It’s something I am aware of but I am delighted to get my sleeves rolled up and get into the trenches with Wigan. I have just looked at a group of players which has got ability and a workrate and an honesty about them.”
Mackay’s first selection brought four changes to the side that capitulated against Bolton in what proved to be Uwe Rösler’s final match in charge before the international break to spark the dramatic chain of events. While Whelan, who is being investigated by the FA over comments in a newspaper which have brought accusations of antisemitism and offence to the Chinese community, was given a standing ovation as he took his place in the directors’ box, Mackay came out quietly and just got on with his job alongside new first-team coach David Kerslake, an ally from his days at Cardiff, and Watford before that.
Chris McCann was given his first start since early March after recovering from a fractured kneecap and the midfielder’s early run almost led to the perfect start for his new manager. There was a thumbs-up and a few pictures with supporters but it wasn’t until Wigan led 1-0 that the first universal show of support went up as fans asked for a wave from their new man, which was duly forthcoming. Mackay’s first selection had seen him make four changes to the side that capitulated against Bolton in what proved to be Uwe Rösler’s final match in charge, sparking the dramatic chain of events.
A trip by Daniel Alaya just outside the penalty area gave Shaun Maloney the chance to tee up a free-kick and, fresh from scoring Scotland’s winner against the Republic of Ireland in their European Championship qualifier, the winger clipped his effort against the top of the bar. Chris McCann was given his first start since early March after recovering from a fractured kneecap and the midfielder played a pivotal role, winning two early free-kicks, the second of which was superbly curled home by Maloney.
That, though, was just a sighter and when the same combination – McCann this time being fouled by Adam Clayton – produced another free-kick from slightly further out, Maloney delightfully curled it into the top corner to put Wigan in front with 24 minutes gone. Wigan were worthy of their half-time lead but Middlesbrough improved after the break and levelled when Bamford showed great strength to run onto a pass from Kike and slide a shot beyond the goalkeeper Scott Carson.
Middlesbrough had offered little threat bar a Kike shot that went just wide before the break but 13 minutes into the second half they were level thanks to Bamford. The on-loan Chelsea forward had been on the pitch for a couple of minutes when he ran on to a Kike pass to slot the ball past Scott Carson. Aitor Karanka, Mackay’s opposite number, said: “I am happy with this point because Wigan, with their new manager, will go up the table. I said before the game they were in the wrong position. He got promotion two years ago and is a good manager. I prefer to talk about the football.”
That might have rocked Wigan’s confidence but they responded impressively with Leon Barnett striking a post following a corner and McCann shooting over when a winning goal would have brought welcome relief at the end of a trying few days in a story that looks set to run. Wigan could have won it but Leon Barnett hit the post and a McCann shot flew over the bar. A winning goal would have brought some welcome relief at the end of a trying few days in a story which still looks set to run and run.