WIGAN chairman David Sharpe is adamant the decision to axe Malky Mackay and appoint rookie boss Gary Caldwell less than 24 hours later was the right call.

The struggling Latics moved on to their third manager of the season on Tuesday as former club captain Caldwell was swiftly appointed in a permanent capacity after Mackay’s disastrous five-month tenure had ended the previous day.

Mackay, who still has an FA investigation into racist text messages hanging over his head, left the club languishing in the Championship relegation zone after taking just 19 points from a possible 72.

Caldwell, who at 32 is the Football League’s youngest manager, inherits a team eight points adrift of safety with just five games to go.

But rather than making an interim appointment until the end of the season, Sharpe made the bold call to hand Caldwell a rolling contract which will see him in charge at Loire Drive next season, regardless of what division they are in.

“That shows how much I believe in Gary,” said 23-year-old Sharpe, who is the grandson of former chairman Dave Whelan.

“It’s definitely not just for the next five games, he’s got a free hit at it really. If he keeps us up it’s a miracle and if we go down it’s expected by everybody in this room but Gary will back himself to keep us up.

“This is a long-term thing and we’re looking forward to the future with him that gets us back to our identity on and off the pitch and brings the positive times back to this football club.”

by Our Sports Desk