Former Arsenal and Manchester City star Kolo Toure is set to become the new manager of Wigan Athletic just days after his brother Yaya apparently turned down the same role.
Since retiring in 2017, the former Liverpool star has been part of Brendan Rodgers' coaching ticket at both Celtic and Leicester City. However, Toure is now close to making his first foray into management with the Championship side.
Wigan chairman Talal Al Hammad had jetted into London to finalise a deal for the 41-year-old after sacking Leam Richardson, who was dismissed last week following a run of eight games without a win. Earlier this afternoon, Wigan confirmed that Toure would take over from Richardson as manager.
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"Wigan Athletic Football Club is delighted to confirm the appointment of Kolo Touré as the Club’s new First Team Manager," began a club statement.
"Touré arrives at the Club on a three and a half-year deal from Leicester City, where he was operating as First Team Coach as part of Brendan Rodgers' coaching staff.
"Having played under and learnt from elite managers throughout his career from the likes of Arsène Wenger, Roberto Mancini, Jürgen Klopp and Brendan Rodgers - as well as years of top flight, European and International coaching experience – Touré will now focus on his own managerial career at First Team level."
The 41-year-old began his career with Arsenal in 2002 and formed part of the famous 'Invincibles' league winning side which went undefeated in the 2003/04 Premier League season. Toure moved onto Manchester City in 2009 and won another League and FA Cup title with the Cityzens.
Capped 120 times for Ivory Coast, Toure arrives with a wealth of coaching experience having honed his craft for the last five years. In taking on the Wigan role, Touré will have Irish stars James McClean and Will Keane at his disposal.
Speaking on his appointment, Toure said, "I would like to thank all of the fans, players and staff of Leicester City Football Club, Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, Susan Whelan, Jon Rudkin and of course Brendan Rodgers for making me feel so welcome for so many years.
"The experiences that I have amassed under Brendan Rodgers have been invaluable and I’m sure they will help me in this next chapter of my career.
"I am extremely proud to be named Manager of Wigan Athletic. Wigan Athletic is a big club with hugely passionate fans. Together, we can continue to make the right steps forward.
"I’m excited to work with this talented group of players and staff, and immensely look forward to my time ahead."
Wigan are currently in 22nd position in the Championship following their promotion from League One last season. Toure's first league game at the helm will be away to Millwall on December 10th.
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