Wigan appoint Malky Mackay as Uwe Rosler’s successor

Wigan Athletic have announced that Malky Mackay will take over the job as manager, to try and turn around the Championship club’s misfortunes this season.

The 42-year-old has been without a job since he was dismissed as Cardiff City boss, who he gained promotion to the Premier League with, early last term. He was set to be named Crystal Palace manager following Tony Pulis’ resignation this August, but was involved in an alleged text scandal during his time at the Bluebirds. This is now being investigated by the FA.

However, Latics chairman Dave Whelan has decided to hire Mackay, and said about the Scot: “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.

“He has led a team out of the Championship before and he knows this league inside out having played and managed in it. 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 – and he is the man to do it. I am delighted we have secured the services of someone who has so much to give to the game.“

The Latics have claimed just 16 points from their first 17 games this season so far in the Championship, and won just one of their last 12, leading to Whelan bringing an end to German Rosler’s spell. They are in the drop zone in 22nd, so are 9/1 to be relegated. Wigan reached the play-off semis last term, though, and are now 11/1 chances with Coral for another top six finish.

Meanwhile, on Mackay’s recent controversy, 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. Malky made a mistake, he knows that, we know that and we have discussed this issue at length face to face.

“Contrary to the way he has been portrayed in recent months, the Malky Mackay I met this week, and who has been vouched for by the many different people from whom we have sought advice before making this appointment, is an honourable man.”

While Mackay’s reputation has taken a hit in recent months, his managerial abilities are unquestioned, particularly at Cardiff. Upon taking the Bluesbirds’ reins in 2011, he led them to the League Cup final and Championship play-offs in his first season.

He then got Cardiff promoted the following campaign and was controversially (at the time) dismissed the following January (in 2014), with his replacement Ole Gunnar Solskjaer unable to keep the club up.

Of Wigan’s current squad, Don Cowie, Andrew Taylor and Leon Barnett have all played under Mackay before.

Mackay’s first game in charge is at home to Middlesbrough, where the Latics are 17/10 chances for victory.