Wigan Athletic job deserves 'a hell of a lot of credit', according to Premier League managerial icon

That's the view of former Stoke, Crystal Palace, Middlesbrough and Sheffield Wednesday manager Tony Pulis, who knows a thing or two about getting the best out of the tools at his disposal.

“My advice to managers of clubs with issues behind the scenes is to focus on winning games on a Saturday," said Pulis, speaking to OLBG. "If you get too wrapped up in stuff going on behind the scenes, it can distract you from winning matches and that's what matters most for the fans, the team and the town.

“I understand it's hard as cuts to the team affect their position but whatever hand you're dealt with, you've got to find a way to win on Saturday because you won't stay in a job if not, regardless of what's going on upstairs.“Shaun Maloney deserves a hell of a lot of credit for the job he has done, regardless of how they have done it.

"Forget style, whether it's playing out from the back or going long from the goalkeeper, management is about finding a way to win.

“It's great for the whole football club to be winning games again.”

Maloney and Latics had to overcome an eight-point deduction imposed last summer for financial issues relating to the club’s previous owners.

And they head into Saturday’s final league game of the campaign against Bristol Rovers knowing victory could very well ensure a top-half finish.