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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Ewan Paton

Shaun Maloney earns second chance in management with Wigan Athletic

Shaun Maloney is the new manager of Wigan Athletic. 

The former Hibs boss has been named as the replacement for Kolo Toure. 

The Scot enjoyed a successful time with Wigan as a player, playing in the Premier League and helping the club to lift the FA Cup. 

He has earned his second job in football management less than a year after his dismissal at Easter Road. 

Maloney has penned a three-and-a-half year deal with the Latics.

He will be joined by Graham Barrow and Max Rogers in his backroom staff, as they aim to keep the club in the Championship.

Maloney said: "I’m very proud to be back. I have amazing memories here and created some fabulous moments with teams and with fans, and I’m excited to get started.

“The feeling that I have from those times as a player is a big factor for me. I have been here previously and have always felt a great warmth from the supporters.

“I want the fans to see a team that is giving absolutely everything, fighting to get better and the supporters need to feel that. The connection is there, we just need to reawaken it. 

“We needed that support 10/11 years ago, and they were incredible for the team that I played in, and we’re going to need that again. 

“It’s a really big challenge but I believe that we can turn this around. A massive amount of work needs to be done, but I can’t wait to get started.”

Malachy Brannigan, Chief Executive of Wigan Athletic, added:“I am really pleased to welcome Shaun back to the DW as manager.

“Shaun has already amassed years of experiences as both a coach and assistant manager at the highest level, as well as possessing the knowledge of being a manager in a First Team environment.

"The conversations that I’ve had with Shaun have always been incredibly positive, and I look forward to working with him and his staff.

“Everyone connected with our Club has worked extremely hard to return Wigan Athletic to the Championship in such a short space of time - and we now have 18 games remaining to ensure that is still the case come the end of the season.”

Talal Al Hammad, Chairman of Wigan Athletic, said: “I am delighted that Shaun has agreed to become the new manager of the Football Club. 

“Shaun needs no introduction to our supporters, with his achievements here as a player there for all to see. 

“As a Board, we knew that we needed to move effectively in making the right appointment, whilst ensuring the manager’s vision aligned with how we want to take this Football Club forward. We are confident Shaun is that person.

“The work has already started between Shaun and our CEO, Mal Brannigan, in what is undoubtedly an important period in our season.

“I have full faith that our fans will give Shaun and the team their full backing and support, starting at Blackburn Rovers, as we move forward, together.”

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