Kolo Toure has issued his first message to Wigan Athletic supporters following his appointment as the club’s latest permanent manager.
The Ivorian has arrived on a three-and-a-half-year deal to take the reins of the first team squad.
Toure is replacing Leam Richardson, who departed the Latics earlier this month following a poor run of form that has left the Championship side inside the relegation zone.
The former defender has faith that this squad can take the right forward steps to avoid the drop and believes that he is taking over a talented group of players.
The club’s new manager also shared his gratitude for former club Leicester City, as well as Brendan Rodgers, for giving him the chance to gain experience as a coach at the highest level.
"I would like to thank all of the fans, players and staff of Leicester City Football Club, Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, Susan Whelan, Jon Rudkin and of course Brendan Rodgers for making me feel so welcome for so many years," said Toure, via Wigan’s official website.
"The experiences that I have amassed under Brendan Rodgers have been invaluable and I’m sure they will help me in this next chapter of my career.
"I am extremely proud to be named manager of Wigan Athletic.
“Wigan Athletic is a big club with hugely passionate fans.
"Together, we can continue to make the right steps forward.
"I’m excited to work with this talented group of players and staff, and immensely look forward to my time ahead."
Toure’s first task will be to lift the club from the bottom three as Wigan look to secure their status in the Championship for another campaign.
Richardson had led the club back to the second tier last season but recent results have cost him his position despite a recent contract renewal.
Toure’s first game in charge will be on 10 December when the Latics travel to the Den to face Millwall.
The Verdict
This is an exciting appointment for Wigan as Toure could bring a freshness to this squad after recent results had seen the team drop down the table.
However, there may be some slight concern over his lack of experience in the role having only previously worked as a coach as part of a backroom team.
This is his first time in charge as manager of a club, and the task of battling against relegation will bring immediate pressure.
Only time will tell if this gamble has paid off for Wigan, but the length of the contract they have offered him is a sign of their faith in him as the right man to bring the club forward.