Wigan sack Kolo Toure after 2 months in charge

Kolo Toure has been sacked by Wigan Athletic just two months after his managerial appointment.

Toure only signed a three-and-a-half-year deal in November 2022, but a run of nine games without a victory in all competitions has brought an abrupt end to his spell as manager at the DW Stadium – after just 59 days.

The Latics are bottom of the Championship on 25 points, four points adrift of safety.

Wigan suffered a second home defeat to Luton in the space of four days – with the Hatters easing to a 2-0 win on Tuesday.

The Wigan board, on Thursday, stated they feel now is the right time to make a change with Kevin Betsy and Ashvir Johal also leaving the club.

Chief executive Malachy Brannigan said: “Firstly, I’d like to thank Kolo, along with Kevin and Ash, for their efforts during their time at the football club.

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“Unfortunately, the results on the field have not been as we would have liked and as tough a decision as this was, the board felt it necessary to give us the best possible chance of remaining a Championship club next season.

“We know that this time of year is a key period for any football club, ourselves included.

“Therefore, we will now work swiftly and effectively to ensure the right person is appointed as the next permanent manager of Wigan Athletic, with the immediate objective of remaining in the second tier for next season.”

The club, however, noted that first-team matters will be taken on by the remaining coaching staff during this interim period, with the club working quickly to identify and appoint a new manager.

Toure worked under the likes of Arsene Wenger, Jurgen Klopp and Roberto Mancini during a playing career that saw him represent Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester City, but he had no previous management experience.

The 41-year-old Ivorian had been working as first-team coach at Leicester since February 2019, but his first move into management has not proven to be a success.

The Star