Wigan goalkeeper Mike Pollitt admits he is disappointed to see Steve Bruce leave the club but is now hoping to see Paul Jewell return.
After a hugely successful 18-month spell at Wigan, Bruce looks certain to succeed Ricky Sbragia at Sunderland after he was granted permission for talks.
And 37-year-old Pollitt, who joined Wigan in 2005, says it is a big blow for the club.
"It's disappointing that the gaffer is going after what he's done here, but I suppose when someone is offered a job like that with the promise of a lot of money to spend then they have to take it,” he told the Wigan Evening Post.
"I'll be sad to see him go, and it's likely [assistant manager] Eric Black and [goalkeeping coach] Nigel Spink will go with him.”
He added: “Steve did a great job. He turned us round because we really were in dire straits when he joined the club.
"He quickly got us playing some decent stuff, kept us up in that first season and then had us high up the league table last season.
"We fell away a bit at the end, although I'm sure most fans would have taken 11th place had they been offered it before a ball was kicked.
"It's going to be another summer of upheaval now. I do wonder who will be in charge when we report back for pre-season training on July 8."
Pollitt enjoyed a successful spell for Wigan under former boss Jewell and says he would love to see him return.
"I would like Paul Jewell to come back, that's my personal view,” he said.
“I got on well with him here the first time and I think he'd do a good job.”
Wigan have already approached Swansea about Roberto Martinez and Pollitt feels that would be a popular decision.
"Roberto Martinez would be an interesting one, totally different to what we've had before – he's had Swansea playing with a bit of Spanish flair and likes good football,” he said.
"I'd say he would be the fans' favourite and he's certainly got the credentials."