Former Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool star Kolo Toure is set to become the new manager of Wigan Athletic.
Toure, 41, who is currently Leicester City’s first team coach, has held talks with the club and has convinced the owners to give him the job.
Wigan, who have been on the hunt for a new manager since sacking Leam Richardson last Thursday, are expected to announce their new manager at the weekend.
Kolo Toure has worked under Brendan Rodgers for five years as a coach
Toure’s brother Yaya has also been considered for the job but will remain in his job at Tottenham where he is part of the coaching staff.
Former Ivory Coast international Kolo Toure, who retired at the end of the 2016/17 season at Celtic, became coach of the Scottish Premiership side in September 2017.
Toure then followed Brendan Rodgers to Leicester in February 2019 when the Northern Irishman took over as Foxes manager.
But Toure now looks set to take up his first managerial role at Wigan, who are currently 22nd in the Championship.
The Latics sacked Richardson just two weeks after handing him a new three-year contract after the club went eight games without a win.
Richardson: I’m very sad to leave Wigan
On Friday night, Richardson released a statement on his sacking from Wigan via the League Managers Association.
He said: “I’m very sad to be leaving Wigan Athletic Football Club and we both can’t finish what we started. I’ve worn myself and all the departments of the club every day and the club is changing. I felt we were making a lot of progress, both internally and externally, to put Wigan Athletic back on track. at the end of the football pyramid, where it is.
“He has been fortunate to manage and coach such a fantastic club over the last five and a half years. I have worked hard to present myself and the football team as much as I can, to develop the players and staff. , and to build the atmosphere and culture that runs through the club, from to the first group to go to school.
“There have been many memorable moments. Breaking many records, achieving doubles, FA Cup runs including an incredible win against Man City, retaining the Championship title for the first time from the Premier League, and many more. The most recent memorable days came at Hull City, avoiding relegation in a season that is often in the doldrums and in the middle of the pandemic, with fans watching from afar, and a Championship game against Shrewsbury, which we were lucky enough to share together.
“To have a stadium named after me is very humbling for me and my family and it is something that I will be grateful for forever. I can honestly say, the best success for me is not trophies or medals, I see a lot of players grow and develop as people in their work and grow into the Championship, the Premier League and international soccer players.
“Even though I managed the most difficult times, I look back on this whole period with pride and happiness. I am not sure that any football team has gone through such a change, starting with management, ending with only three players and no assistants. ,to become champions of such a fast league .It was a great achievement for all involved. To be given the opportunity to help build this football club, with its proud heritage, from the ground up to where it is in the second division. The English game is something I am grateful for and I hope we have made the football club, the fans and the town proud again. .
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Some highlights from the Sky Bet Championship match between Wigan Athletic and Blackpool.
“I want to thank and thank and thank Mr Al Jasmi, the Chairman Mr Talal Al Hammad and the Board of Directors for giving me the opportunity to manage such a great club. A special mention to Mal Brannigan, with whom I had the pleasure of a good daily relationship with, as a friend and colleague.
“Throughout my time, I have had the opportunity to work with excellent staff and as a team, I would like to thank all of them for their hard work, dedication and commitment to the football club and to me as a manager.
“Thanks to the players for their use and feedback on everything we’ve achieved and creating a great learning environment.
“Finally, the beating heart of the club, the fans who have supported you unwaveringly in the best times, but above all, who have faced the most difficult times, because of this you will always be victorious.
“I will always be grateful for the support given to me and my family, I wish the team and my successor success in the future, as they have a great group of people to work with. I look forward to seeing you soon. .”
