Former Cardiff City manager Malky Mackay has replaced Uwe Rosler as manager of Wigan Athletic.
Rosler was sacked on November 13 after a succession of poor results in the Championship that have left Wigan third from bottom of the table.
The appointment is likely to cause some controversy as Mackay was reported to have sent racist, sexist and homophobic texts while at Cardiff, but Dave Whelan is convinced he is the right man for the job.
The chairman said: “He is the man to lead us back into the Premier League, I am convinced of that having met him and discussed the demands of the job ahead of him.
“His achievements at Cardiff City were magnificent and we need a strong leader who will command the respect of a very experienced and talented dressing room.
“Contrary to the way he has been portrayed in recent months, the Malky Mackay I met this week is an honourable man.”
Wigan MP Lisa Nandy had urged Whelan not to interview Mackay when searching for a new manager but, just six days since Rosler’s sacking, Wigan have jumped at the opportunity to sign him.
Whelan added: “I know that this appointment will draw criticism in some quarters but we go into it with our eyes open and we have nothing to hide on this subject.”
Mackay, under investigation by the FA relating to his alleged texts, has not managed a game at the DW Stadium before but has played there for both Norwich City and Watford and three members of the current squad have played under him.
The Latics desperately need to be winning matches after only winning three games since the beginning of this season and they will be on their knees hoping Mackay can make that happen.
“He has led a team out of the Championship before and he knows this league inside out having played and managed in it,” said Whelan.
“He is the man to do it.”
Main image courtesy of BBC via YouTube, with thanks.
