Wigan Athletic sack Leam Richardson three weeks after new deal

There was a surprising announcement on Thursday morning as Wigan Athletic revealed they had relieved Leam Richardson of his duties as manager just weeks after being awarded a new three-year deal.

After being originally reported by the Mail Online, the Championship club who are winless in seven games, later confirmed with a club statement thanking Richardson for all he had achieved with the club and his five-year stay at the D.W. Stadium.

The statement read: “Wigan Athletic can confirm that Leam Richardson has left his role as First Team Manager of the Club.

“Richardson, who first arrived at Wigan Athletic back in 2017 as assistant to Paul Cook, departs having made remarkable contributions to the Club throughout his five-year stay at the DW Stadium.

“Overseeing some memorable results and successes in his 18 months in charge, whilst helping to rebuild the Football Club following the period of administration, Leam will be fondly remembered as one of the most significant managers in the Club’s 90-year history.”

The Latics were boosted back into the second tier back last season finishing top of Sky Bet League One with an admirable 92 points across the campaign, picking up 27 wins from 46 league games.

Whilst the sacking comes as a shock, especially considering Richardson’s ink still hadn’t dried from the three-year contract he signed just three weeks ago, the Latics will need to move quickly to appoint a new man with the club looking in serious danger of hitting the drop.

Despite avoiding the drop multiple times over the years, Wigan’s squad looks in dire need of additions heading into the January window, but even if the dreaded relegation isn’t avoided, many fans believed their best chance of returning straight back to the second tier was remaining with Richardson in charge.

An early name that could possibly be thrown around in the mix in former Blackpool manager Neil Critchley.

After ditching a fellow Lancashire side for a role at Premier League Aston Villa, being assistant to Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, Critchley is now unemployed after Gerrards team were sacked last month from Villa Park.

Critchley knows how to work within a restricted budget and get the most out of individuals as he did with an impressive job down at the Seasiders. But, whilst also being currently linked with the vacant Luton Town job, Wigan would probably need to move quick to pull off the ambitious appointment.

Many Wigan fans are questioning where next after what feels like a rushed decision could certainly leave their Sky Bet Championship status in jeopardy, but as we head into the World Cup break, it is going to be a huge few weeks for Wigan Athletic Football Club.

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