Ryan Lowe is determined to follow in the footsteps of Paul Cook as he prepares for his first home match in charge of Wigan Athletic this weekend.
The newly-appointed head coach is hoping to emulate the success of his fellow Liverpudlian, who took the Latics into the Championship and kept them up twice on the pitch. Lowe, who has long admired Cook’s managerial career, regularly visited the club during Cook’s spell between 2017 and 2020.
Scouse roots and shared values
Wigan’s clash against Barnsley will be Lowe’s first in front of the home fans since taking charge. He arrives with a clear appreciation of the club’s values and a belief that his background closely aligns with the community he now represents.
“I’m a big admirer of Paul Cook, he was the main reason why I was a regular visitor to Wigan back in the day. You look at what he’s achieved wherever he’s been, including here at Wigan and he’s someone I hold in very high regard, in terms of always trying to take a leaf out of his book.”
Lowe’s appointment continues a striking trend across Greater Manchester, with all four of the region’s EFL clubs now led by managers from Merseyside. Alongside Lowe, Steven Schumacher (Bolton), Dave Challinor (Stockport), and Karl Robinson (Salford) all hail from the same football-rich region.
The 45-year-old was quick to laugh off any coincidence but noted the shared work ethic and passion that runs deep through coaches from the area.
“We’re from similar backgrounds, but I think most scousers are the same, aren’t they? It’s the love of the game you have, and that’s why there’s so many footballers and coaches from where we’re from,” he added.
Lowe, who previously managed Preston and Plymouth, said the pull of Wigan felt natural, having been in the stands this season alongside Jamie Carragher to support young talent James Carragher.
“I’ve always liked the feel around the place, the goal music, the fans – it just felt like a perfect fit for me,” he said.
Writer’s view
Lowe’s arrival offers Wigan more than a tactical reset – it signals a cultural alignment. His admiration for Cook, understanding of the club’s identity, and bond with supporters could be key in galvanising a team with untapped potential. The challenge now is turning sentiment into results. Saturday’s visit from Barnsley marks an early test of whether Lowe’s blueprint can truly echo past glories.
