Championship: Mackay's Wigan to replicate Dowie's Crystal Palace

There is an ongoing FA investigation into allegations that Malky Mackay sent "sexist, racist and homophobic" texts at Cardiff

Wigan's decision to hire Malky Mackay has understandably divided opinion, but his ability to thrive at Championship level isn't in doubt...

There is a certain irony in the fact that Wigan appointed Malky Mackay as the successor to Uwe Rosler on the day that they were given the accolade of Community Club of the Year. The two headlines are even side by side on the official club website.

However, any supporter threats to discard their season tickets will surely be hollow if Mackay can guide Wigan to promotion from the Championship to the Premier League, which is something that he delivered for Cardiff.

One win in 12 hardly suggests that he is inheriting a confident squad, but it is worth noting that the Latics have only actually suffered two Championship defeats in eight.

Furthermore, while 16 points through the opening 17 games leaves them plenty of ground to make up to get back into the promotion picture, Crystal Palace are one previous example of a team that made a similar road to recovery after a managerial change in November 2003.

Out went Steve Kember and his replacement Iain Dowie started the surge to finish sixth in the final standings, having been floundering in the relegation places in early December. They then won the play-offs.

Therefore, odds of around 11.010/1 that Wigan finish in the top six are not to be totally written off, especially as they have ample time to make up their current 12-point deficit.

Keeping Callum McManaman fit will be critical, alongside finding a reliable source of goals up front. Andy Delort still hasn't scored in the league despite costing close to 3 million on deadline day, while McManaman is the only player to have netted more than twice.

With Wigan fouled more per game than any other Championship club too, Mackay would be wise to work on attacking set pieces in training.

Taking the 40.039/1 that Wigan seal automatic promotion may be pushing the boat out a bit too far, but 13.0 that they are simply promoted is more reasonable, especially if following the Palace model.

Those preferring to play it safer will surely agree that 2.56/4 is an attractive price on Mackay steering the Latics to a top-half finish.