Championship side Wigan have sacked manager Leam Richardson - just over two weeks after handing him a new three-year contract.
Richardson has left the Latics in a perilous position. The 2013 FA Cup winners are 23rd in the table and two points from safety. His axe comes just two days after the 2-0 loss at relegation rivals Coventry - a result that extended their winless run to eight games.
Indeed, despite their recent performance, the decision comes as a surprise after he was handed a new contract on October 25; but just over two weeks later and he is without a job. The 42-year-old will understandably be disappointed with his exit, as he achieved a lot during his two-year spell in charge.
He joined Wigan as part of the backroom staff in June 2017 before being given the manager's job - initially on a temporary basis - in November 2020. Richardson was handed the top job when the Lancashire club were in administration. Four consecutive wins at the back end of the 2020/21 campaign helped the team avoid relegation to League Two by just a point and earnt him the job on a permanent basis.
Richardson led Wigan to the League One title last season by picking up 27 wins and 92 points. The toughest moment of his spell came in November 2021 when striker Charlie Wyke suffered a cardiac arrest in training. Wyke thanked Richardson for 'saving his life'.
Wyke said in December 2021: "I feel it’s important to tell my story to our supporters and to the wider public, because my life has been saved by the actions of the gaffer [Richardson] and the club doctor Jonathan Tobin, and my story may well save another life.
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"As you are aware, I collapsed during training on Monday. I suffered a cardiac arrest and required CPR, and I am told it was only the quick response of the gaffer to initiate the resuscitation process and then the continuation from the Doc that saved my life."
Wigan thanked Richardson for his work on his departure. A statement read: "The club would like to place on record it’s thanks to Leam 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 helped save the life of Charlie Wyke.
"A much-loved individual and someone who Latics fans will always hold in very high regard, Leam will always be welcomed back at the DW [Wigan's ground]. We would like to wish both Leam and his family the very best for the future."
Richardson's departure will surprise many fans. "We are all delighted that Leam has committed his future to the club and that he wants to continue to develop his career at the DW Stadium," said chief executive Malachy Brannigan when Richardson agreed a new deal.
Brannigan added: "Leam has their full support and everyone is aligned on what the short, medium and long-term goals are for the football operation.
"Delivering a championship-winning team less than 12 months after avoiding relegation, while instilling a culture and spirit of togetherness, reflects Leam’s character, and those of his staff, and there is a determined resolve to continue to build on the foundations already in place."
