Wigan v Rotherham United: Mackay deserves his second chance – Evans

Mackay, who was a controversial appointment by Wigan last month, is still awaiting the outcome of an FA inquiry into an exchange of racist, homophobic and sexist messages during his time as manager of Cardiff City.

It is a story that continues to follow him even on his return to management.

Evans, a fellow Glaswegian who knew Mackay in his youth, said: “Malky is a real good guy and when the dust settles a little bit and he’s allowed to focus on nothing but his job I think Wigan will finish in the top half of the table.

“Sometimes if someone makes a mistake or two, and evidently Malky would put his hands up and say he has, then you give them a slap.

“But there must also be a chance for them to rebuild their lives.

“He is the opposite of what they are trying to claim. He is an upstanding gentleman. He’s a friend, not the closest of friends, but he’s a good appointment for Wigan and I hope he’s allowed to do his job.”

Mackay is still looking for his first win as Wigan boss with the Latics having not won for seven games.

Rotherham’s winless run is two games longer, with their need to start scoring goals uppermost in Evans’s thinking.

The absence of Luciano Becchio has not helped matters, with the eye-catching deadline-day signing back in training at parent club Norwich as he recovers from a fractured heel.

“Is he going to be back before the loan option to keep him expires at the start of January? No,” said Evans.

“Would we rule out Luciano coming back here? No we wouldn’t, but we’ll know more in January.”