Luton and Wigan fighting to make Neil Critchley new boss with Steven Gerrard’s ex-assistant free after Aston Villa axe

NEIL CRITCHLEY is a wanted man with both Luton and Wigan Athletic keen on making the 44-year-old their new manager.

Hatters will speak to Critchley about replacing Nathan Jones — who left to take over at Southampton — but Championship rivals Latics are also keen after sacking Leam Richardson.

Critchley’s spell as Aston Villa coach ended when Steven Gerrard was axed last month.

Luton are also considering St Mirren boss Stephen Robinson,  a former Hatters player,  while Shaun Maloney would love a return to Wigan following a spell in charge at Hibs.

The two clubs would offer Critchley very different challenges if he was to accept one of their offers.

The Hatters are currently tenth in the Championship and are hoping to challenge for a spot in the play-off places.

Last season, Luton managed to finish sixth but were beaten by Huddersfield in the play offs across two legs.

The Latics, however, are at the other end of the table and are battling against relegation into League One.

With six wins from their opening 21 games, Wigan are currently 21st and in the drop zone with the second-worst goal difference in the league.

Critchley does have experience of being a head coach as he was the Blackpool manager between 2020 and 2022. He also stood in as manager for one game during his time as a coach at Liverpool.

FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS - BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS

During his spell as manager of Blackpool, he oversaw 109 games, winning 47, drawing 25 and losing 37.

Now would be a good time for the clubs to appoint their new manager as the Championship is breaking for the World Cup in Qatar.

This will allow the new boss to spend time with the players in order to bed in their style of play,