Leam Richardson: Wigan Athletic sack manager after poor run of form

Wigan Athletic lost six of their past seven games to fall into the Championship's bottom tier.

The Latics won the League One title under the leadership of the 42 year old.

Richardson joined the club as an assistant to Paul Cook in the summer of 2017.

The assistant has been placed in charge.

Richardson was in charge of the club for a short time in November 2020 after John Sheridan left.

After guiding the club to safety with a strong finish to the season, he was made permanent by the new owners.

They missed two chances to win promotion last season, but still won the title on the last day.

A win over Blackburn on October 12th moved them to within two points of the play-offs, but they have lost their last seven games and have only taken one point from the last seven.

They are two points off the pace.

Wigan thank 'much-loved' Richardson

Richardson's most important involvement was away from the field.

He was credited with helping to save the life of Charlie Wyke after he had a cardiac arrest in training.

The Latics stated that the former boss would be held in high regard by fans.

Lem will be remembered as one of the most significant managers in the club's 90 years of existence.

The board decided to make a change due to the recent run of form that is challenging the club's status as a Championship club.

The club would like to place on record its thanks toLeam 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 saved the life of Charlie Wyke.

A much-loved individual and someone who Latics fans will always hold in high regard, Leam will always be welcome back at the DW.

Analysis - 'What next after bold move?'

Mike Minay is a radio reporter.

The owner appeared to back the manager who kept the club in League One during a year of administration before they won promotion.

The squad had a group of players that were familiar with the style of the coach. It's up to someone else to get them out of the fight for survival.

Who could take his place? A quick look through the managerial market shows a young manager such as RobEdwards, who was given a short opportunity byWatford. Dean has experience at Championship level with Bristol City.

Steve Bruce might be tempted to go back to his old club. His stint at this level did not go well.