Wigan Athletic chairman David Sharpe has insisted that new manager Gary Caldwell will be given time to turn things around at the club, regardless of what happens in the closing stages of this season.
The Latics currently sit 23rd in the Championship table, eight points from safety with just five games of the campaign remaining.
A 2-0 home defeat at the hands of Derby County on Easter Monday proved to be the final straw for Malky Mackay, while former club captain Caldwell was named as his successor less than 24 hours later.
The 32-year-old has been handed a rolling contract until the end of next season, and Sharpe admitted that it would be a "miracle" if he were able to keep them in the division.
"That shows how much I believe in Gary," Sharpe told reporters.
"It's definitely not just for the next five games, he's got a free hit at it really. If he keeps us up it's a miracle and if we go down it's expected by everybody in this room but Gary will back himself to keep us up.
"This is a long-term thing and we're looking forward to the future with him that gets us back to our identity on and off the pitch and bring the positive times back to this football club."
Caldwell's first match in charge comes on Friday as Wigan face Fulham at Craven Cottage.
Barney Corkhill
