OFFICIAL: Wigan Athletic appoint Kolo Toure as club's new manager

Mueez Ajao

– Wigan Athletic have appointed former Arsenal and Manchester City defender Kolo Toure as their new manager on a three-and-a-half-year contract, the English Championship club said on Tuesday.

– Toure, who made 353 appearances in the Premier League for Arsenal, City and Liverpool from 2002-16, was previously part of the coaching set-up at Leicester City and Scottish giants Celtic under Brendan Rodgers.

– The 41-year-old former Ivory Coast international replaces Leam Richardson, who was sacked earlier this month with the second-tier club having fallen into the relegation zone after a run of six defeats in seven games.

Official. Wigan Athletic have appointed former centre back Kolo Touré as new head coach. 🚨🔵 #WAFC
Kolo Touré signs three and half deal, he’s joining from Leicester. pic.twitter.com/elftrrGNgk
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 29, 2022

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– “We are delighted that Kolo has become the new manager of Wigan Athletic Football Club, and the board are pleased that he is the man to take us forward,” the club’s chief executive, Malachy Brannigan, said in a statement.

– “We received a high calibre of applicants for the manager’s job in recent weeks, in a very thorough recruitment process as we looked to appoint the right person for the role.

– “From the earliest of conversations we had with Kolo, it was evident to us that he had instantly bought into the values of the club — with his enthusiasm, knowledge and immense desire to work and be part of Wigan Athletic shining throughout the process.”

✍🏼 We are delighted to confirm the appointment of Kolo Touré as the Club's new First Team Manager!
Welcome to Wigan, Kolo 💙#wafc 🔵⚪️ #BELIEVE
— Wigan Athletic (@LaticsOfficial) November 29, 2022