Former Celtic defender Kolo Touré was this evening sacked as Wigan manager just two months after being appointed as boss at the DW Stadium. Touré left his coaching role at Leicester City working as part of Brendan Rodgers’ staff to take on the Wigan job but after a poor run of results he has paid the price with a quick-fire dismissal.
It is still a surprise that the Celtic Invincible star, Kolo Toure has been relieved of his duties as first team manager of English League One side. The Ivory Coast coach enjoyed a short but undeniably successful spell at Celtic Park during the tenure of Brendan Rodgers – helping the Glasgow club to remain unbeaten throughout the 2016-17 season.
Toure was Rodgers’ very first signing when the ex-Liverpool boss strolled into Lennoxtown to succeed Nowegian, Ronny Deila. The former Arsenal and Manchester City defender shored up the backline and was a much welcomed addition to the team at that time. Celtic lacked security and maturity at the back before Toure and he managed to bring that whilst in the Scottish Premiership.
A Wigan club statement confirmed the decision to let the former Celt and his staff go. The statement posted on the club’s official website states: “Wigan Athletic can confirm that they have parted company with First Team Manager, Kolo Touré.
“Touré arrived at the DW Stadium in November 2022, but after a run of results that sees the Club in a fight for survival in the Sky Bet Championship, the Board believe that this is the right time to make a change.
“We can confirm that Kevin Betsy and Ashvir Johal have also left the Club.
“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 of the Football Club.”
Wigan’s 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.
“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.”
Wigan Athletic can confirm that they have parted company with First Team Manager, Kolo Touré.#wafc 🔵⚪️ #BELIEVE
— Wigan Athletic (@LaticsOfficial) January 26, 2023
