Wigan Athletic have confirmed they have parted company with boss and former Bolton Wanderers defender Leam Richardson.
Richardson - who played for the Whites between 2000 and 2003 - had been with the Latics since 2017. He was initally assistant to Paul Cook, before becoming boss when the former departed in the summer of 2020 after the club's relegation to League One after a points deduction as a result of administration.
The former Accrington Stanley boss achieved promotion back to the Championship at the second time of asking, having secured survival in the club's first season back in League One. They were promoted as champions last season.
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However, this season has not gone to plan on the pitch, with the Latics eight games without a win and 23rd in the Championship, two points from safety. Wigan have now confirmed that Richardson has left the club, just weeks after he signed a new three-year contract at the DW Stadium club.
A Latics club 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.
"He helped lead Latics to the League One title in his first season at the DW Stadium, before retaining the Club’s place in the Second Tier the following campaign. As a consequence of administration and a subsequent points deduction, the Club suffered relegation back to League One, after which Leam took charge as interim manager. Having then managed the Club to safety by one point, he was named as Phoenix 2021 Limited’s first permanent manager in April of last year.
"Last season, Richardson guided the Club to the title on the final day of the season against Shrewsbury Town as Latics returned to the Championship in his first full season in charge.
"However, having looked at the recent run of form that is challenging the team’s status as a Championship club, the Board have made the decision to make a change.
"The Club would like to place on record it’s thanks to Leam for his efforts and dedication throughout his time at the Football Club, none more so than during the period of administration and his instinctive reaction that helped save the life of Charlie Wyke.
"A much-loved individual and someone who Latics fans will always hold in very high regard, Leam will always be welcomed back at the DW. We would like to wish both Leam and his family the very best for the future."
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