Malky Mackay: Scottish manager to get interview for Wigan Athletic job despite FA investigation

Mackay still under investigation after being accused of sending racist, sexist and homophobic text messages while manager of Cardiff City

Malky Mackay has experience of working with Palace's sporting director (Getty Images)

Malky Mackay has applied for the vacant job at Wigan Athletic and will be given an interview, said club chairman Dave Whelan.

After Uwe Rosler was sacked last week, Whelan said Mackay will be given a "fair hearing" for a run at the job, despite the ongoing investigation into alleged racist, sexist and homophobic messages while Mackay was manager of Cardiff City.

Mackay, who was close to landing the Crystal Palace job before the allegations emerged, is thought to be in the running for the job with Chris Hughton and Paul Jewell, among others.

"I can confirm Malky Mackay has applied and we will speak to him. I believe he deserves a fair hearing," said Whelan.

Dave Whelan said Mackay deserves a 'fair hearing' (Getty Images)

"We’ve had over 20 applications and started interviews on Tuesday. Hopefully we can make an appointment before the game this weekend against Middlesbrough.

"It’s an important job and I don’t like to mess around when I think I’ve got the right person."

Wigan are currently 17th in the Championship table with 16 points from 11 matches.

Former manager Rosler told Wigan Today: "I’m not bitter, not at all. The club and the town will always have a special place in my heart.

"To leave a club on good terms is not normal in football, but there is mutual respect there and I genuinely wish everyone at Wigan all the best for the future.

"I have taken blows before and I always come back fighting and stronger."