Wigan Athletic have confirmed the appointment of Leam Richardson, Paul Cook’s Latics, Chesterfield and Portsmouth assistant, as their permanent manager on a three-year deal.

Richardson has been in caretaker charge at the DW Stadium for much of this season and has impressed new owners Phoenix 2021 Ltd.

The 41-year-old didn’t rule out joining Cook at Portman Road after his appointment early in March, however, with Wigan hitting run of form - they have won their last four - to move out of the relegation zone, his permanent appointment by the Latics was looking increasingly likely.

Cook will now have to look elsewhere for his assistant having worked with Richardson first of all at Accrington and then with the Spireites, Pompey and Latics.

Currently on his staff are Gary Roberts, who he brought in as first-team coach, along with Matt Gill, who remains from the previous management in the same role.

Blues U23s coach Kieron Dyer has played an increasing role with the senior side since Cook took over, the new manager having been impressed by the former England international's coaching abilities and he may well be in contention.

As previously reported, former Town central defender John McGreal, who played alongside Cook at Tranmere, is a potential candidate, although we understand the former Colchester boss may not be in the running as he is keen on a management job of his own rather than an assistant's position.

Ex-Blues forward Noel Hunt is believed to have been under consideration for a role at Portman Road by Cook, who he played for at Portsmouth and Wigan, ahead of his appointment having previously worked as an assistant manager at Swindon. The Irishman was at last night’s game at Northampton, presumably scouting on behalf of another club.

Commenting on Richardson’s appointment as boss, Wigan chief executive Mal Brannigan told his club’s official site: “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.”

Richardson added: “I’m very proud to have been given the opportunity by the new ownership and Mal. I’m very privileged when you know about the history, heritage and fanbase of the club, so it’s not a hard decision to make.

“I think when you know the history, even back to 1995 when Mr Whelan took the club and built the stadium, and you see the players and the world class managers that have come through.

“From my point of view, if I can emulate half of what they’ve done and really give my all for the fans, I’ll be very proud.”

Photos: Reuters/PagePix

DaGremloid added 20:04 - Apr 21 cornishnick - EXACTLY what I was thinking.
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blues1 added 20:33 - Apr 21 God, we have some pathetic fans, we really do. Can only assume that had any of you been around in bobby robsons early days, when the team were struggling badly, ud have been among those calling for his head. Judge Cook at this time next season. It's not his fault that this bunch of so called professional footballers have downed tools. The problem is, that under Lambert, they were in the comfort zone, knowing that however bad they played, hed praise them up. Now they've got a manager who's told it as he is, they dont like it, and have just given up trying.

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Edmundo added 20:44 - Apr 21 Glad the terraces remain closed. So many negative nancies... give the man some bloody time.
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cat added 20:51 - Apr 21 No dramas here guys, with the amount of bangers we're going to spend, I'd get us up lol
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blues1 added 21:08 - Apr 21 Just a question to all those saying bcse his usual number 2 not coming, hes gonna fail, using Lambert/culverhouse as a comparison. For1, what makes you think that both situations the same? And 2, if Culverhouse is so great, why isnt he, all these years since their split, managing or coaching in the premier lge, rather than managing a team 2nd from bottom of the national league?

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ChrisR added 21:19 - Apr 21 Wigan have got better without PC and we have got worse with him ! He will continue to struggle with this squad , and can he be trusted with big money to re build? Its the Final Evans disaster !
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essextractorboy93 added 21:23 - Apr 21 Calm down everyone. Cook has proven during his whole career to be a very good manager but of course its been a poor start. We cannot fairly judge him until 15/20 games into next season. Lets be optimistic! Difficult right now I know but there is going to be big changes in the summer Keep the faith! COYB!
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Edmundo added 21:32 - Apr 21 Blues1 you've got it right there: 1978, 16th in Div 1, but lowest finish in years, "Robson out! FA what?"
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blues1 added 21:51 - Apr 21 Edmundo. Ur point is fair tho not what I was talking about. I was talking about his early days at the club when fans were calling for him to be sacked. Hed been here 9 years in 78.
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ArnieM added 21:54 - Apr 21 Bollox
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brendenward35 added 22:08 - Apr 21 Doesn't anyone see the similarity between Paul Hurst and Paul Cook? Both tried to install their own training which was hard designed to get these players fit and able to play to a decent standard. But yet again the players are in a huff and showing it on the field. So they are trying their hardest to get him sacked and hope Mr Softie comes in to save them. They get paid a bloody good wage by itfc so they should do as they are told bet if we under performed like these players we would be dismissed. Too easy for too long.

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bobble added 22:11 - Apr 21 burley/dyer
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Cloddyseedbed added 22:27 - Apr 21 We wanted a new owner, we got a new owner. We wanted a new manager, we got a new manager. We wanted change and we are getting change. Let the various departments go about sorting this club out. It will take time to restore our club from the downfallen place where it is now. Trust the people in the various roles to get on and do their jobs. This season is now nearly gone and hopefully most of the players will follow. For me and many it's a pity we haven't played our last game of the season. I for one am looking forward to a new start next season, with a different attitude from everyone connected to ITFC.

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ArnieM added 22:55 - Apr 21 I think this current squad are bloody poison . Can't wait to see the back of every last one of them
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TractorRoyNo1 added 23:06 - Apr 21 Robson had to square up to Baxter and Carroll and then got them out of the door. Cloughie was forced out at Leeds. Cook must get support of new board or he will also be forced out by player power.
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rogie_dog added 23:35 - Apr 21 Don't judge Cook until next season. He's inherited the worst squad in my living memory and I'm 56 next week.
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Bleu added 23:38 - Apr 21 Nigel Pearson......cooks the fall guy
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pup12 added 05:37 - Apr 22 Oh well that's us done for .Look at lambert without his number 2 he was clueless.Where as MK dons got better and better .
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Help added 07:00 - Apr 22 that may stop PC trying to get a few old players from Wigan, they may prefer to stay where they are.
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BildestonBlue added 07:20 - Apr 22 If cook is going to succeed here then his appointment of an assistant will be vital. I think he was banking on working with leam again but good on him and good on Wigan I guess, I didn't want to see another club crumble. I, like any fan love the idea of a former town great taking up the position but we don't have the luxury of sentiment, Cook for all his qualities isn't a great Coach and trainer, this is ok but only if he surrounds himself with people that can strengthen these areas and right now we need proven candidates with catalogues of success, Roberts and Dyer are great to have around but they are learning too so its important we go for more of a Terry Conner type assistant.

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spanishblue added 07:28 - Apr 22 Surely there's only 3 players that will survive the cull Downes KVY,maybe Dozzell, the rest well, I've listened to nearly all the away commentary they all say the same about the same laborious slow build up,strongest squad my rear, a pathetic spineless group of players, Cookie has until Xmas to get a squad team together my goodness he's got some work plus a fitness team

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Phil1969 added 07:58 - Apr 22 Blues1 yes I was he joined in Jan 1969 lost two of his first 12 games beating Arsenal Man U amongst others in Division (the Premier) 1 not Div 3.
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blueboy1981 added 08:56 - Apr 22 Sometimes the No 2 is the all important ‘part' in any success - not unusual at all. Time will tell once again - our future is still unclear, but it wouldn't be Ipswich Town otherwise, now would it ?
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brittaniaman added 09:18 - Apr 22 Come on Town Wake up in these last few games, and get rid of the latest Name Tag starting the rounds ( IPSWICH TOWN NIL) i prefer (TRACTOR BOYS) don't you ?
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BettyBlue added 09:36 - Apr 22 We didn't take any notice of Lamberts toothless slide from the Championship and two years later we are stuck in league one. for heavens sake football is all about results and Cook is absolutely clueless. Sack him now. COOK OUT!!
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