The classic double act was that of Brian Clough and Peter Taylor working in tandem. Together they won the First Division and two European Cups with an unfashionable club. What a duo!
As expected Roberto Martinez’s move to Everton grows closer and closer, despite the denials of the Liverpool club.
Rene Meulensteen and Karl Robinson are the bookmakers’ favourites. Either one would be a gamble, but an exciting one. It is refreshing to note that Dave Whelan is open to looking at alternative talent.
Experienced and very capable managers are available with the likes of Steve McClaren and Owen Coyle remaining in the running.
When Martinez goes he will almost certainly take Graeme Jones with him.
My message to Whelan is simple – appoint a duo from the applicants.
Agreed that this would be a burden on the wage bill, but compared with what players earn the salary of another senior manager is not so hard to afford.
The prospect of a Meulensteen/Mike Phelan or Meulensteen/Karl Robinson combination is mouth watering.
However, this columnist would ask Whelan to consider Gus Poyet. For me he is the natural successor to Roberto Martinez. The Uruguayan is not so skilled at public relations as the Spaniard, but his Brighton team have played champagne football this season. Moreover he has a fine pedigree as a top Premier League player.
In 1995 Dave Whelan signed the Three Amigos – Diaz, Martinez and Seba – to help Latics play more skillful football.
Now is the time for him to make another bold move.
The bonus is Whelan staying at the club – managers come and go, but his continuing presence is paramount to the club’s success.
Wigan Athletic would be languishing in the lower levels without Dave Whelan. He has made great appointments in the past and one hopes he can make another inspired appointment- or double appointment.
LOS THREE AMIGOS 