Barrow leaves Latics

The interim manager took charge of the club in March following the sacking of Warren Joyce, but couldn’t prevent Wigan’s slide into League One after a disastrous return to the Championship.

It ends a 15-year association with Latics for Barrow, spanning 36 years as a player, manager and caretaker manager on three separate occasions.

The announcement comes as the club are expected to announce Portsmouth boss Paul Cook as the new man in charge in the coming days.

Chairman David Sharpe said: “Graham has spent a large part of his professional career with Wigan Athletic over three spells, and has been with us during the highs and lows of the past eight years. On behalf of everyone at the club and all our supporters, I want to thank him for all his hard work during his time with Wigan Athletic.

“Graham has been a great servant to the club as a player, a manager and a coach and on behalf of everyone at Wigan Athletic, we wish him all the very best for the future.”

Barrow returned to Latics as a coach under Roberto Martinez in 2009, having managed in 1994 and ‘95.

He took charge of the Development Squad and as a first team coach before working as assistant manager under subsequent bosses.

As a player he made 212 appearances between 1981 and 1986, scoring 44 goals and winning promotion to Division Three in 1982 and the Freight Rover Trophy in 1985.

Head of medial Mick Rathbone, who joined Latics in January, first team fitness coach Jimmy Barrow and interim first team coach John Doolan have also left the club.

Sharpe added: “We thank all three for their efforts whilst with us and wish them all the best for the future.”