Leam Richardson appointed new Wigan Athletic manager
He was already serving as the club's caretaker boss
The owner of Wigan Athletic has confirmed the appointment of Leam Richardson as manager, following a turbulent 12 months for the club.
Richardson has been in charge of Latics on an interim basis since November last year after John Sheridan left for Swindon Town.
Commenting on Leam’s appointment, Wigan Athletic chief executive Mal Brannigan said:
"In Leam, this club is fortunate to have an excellent coach, a strong leader and most importantly a person full of integrity – we’re delighted he believes in our vision and wants to lead the club into a bright future.
"Many of the staff and players I speak to talk about the inspiration and motivation Leam has provided to them during this challenging period. We have all seen that with the belief the new ownership has provided to the whole Club, Leam, Gregor, the staff and players have thrived and that’s really encouraging for a strong and stable future for Wigan Athletic.
"Leam will be the first to say that nothing has been achieved yet this season and I know his immediate focus will be on preparing the team for Saturday’s match with Burton Albion to ensure the team maintain their strong performances of the last few months.
"It is important now that staff and supporters get behind Leam and the team in these final three fixtures and keep the positivity flowing so that together something special can be achieved come Sunday 9 May."
Statement from Phoenix 2021 Limited:
Following a turbulent 12 months, in which Leam has provided stability, strength and hope to Wigan Athletic staff and supporters, the Club’s new owners Phoenix 2021 Limited made it an immediate priority to give clarity with regards to the Club’s vision by appointing Leam as first team manager.
In without doubt the most challenging period in Wigan Athletic history, Leam has brought the players, staff and supporters together with his calm approach, underpinned by his integrity, work ethic and desire to succeed.
After initially taking charge of Latics at the start of the campaign for our season opener at Fleetwood Town in the EFL Cup, Leam returned to his role of assistant manager before taking interim charge for Latics’ draw with Bristol Rovers at the DW Stadium on 24 November 2020.
In the 31 games he has taken charge of – including that draw - Latics have achieved 40 points, averaging 1.29 points per game in a campaign in which the Club had to navigate the challenges of administration, including using the second highest number of players in League One this season.
A number of academy graduates, including Callum Lang, Kyle Joseph, Thelo Aasgaard, Chris Merrie and Luke Robinson have flourished under Leam’s leadership – with the excellent support of Head of Academy Gregor Rioch – whilst Leam used his network and contacts within the game to recruit a number of players to aid Latics’ survival bid throughout the current campaign, including Will Keane, Tendayi Darikwa, Curtis Tilt and George Johnston, all of whom have played an integral part in giving Latics the opportunity to secure their League One status in the final three matches of the season.