Breaking: Leam Richardson parts company with Wigan Athletic

The shock move comes just two days before Saturday's crunch clash against fourth-bottom Blackpool.

Second-bottom Latics started the season well, but have picked up only four points from the last 30 available.

Richardson signed a new three-year deal only last month.

A statement read: “Wigan Athletic can confirm that Leam Richardson has left his role as first team manager of the club.

“Richardson, who first arrived at Wigan Athletic back in 2017 as assistant to Paul Cook, departs having made remarkable contributions to the club throughout his five-year stay at the DW Stadium.

“Overseeing some memorable results and successes in his 18 months in charge, whilst helping to rebuild the football club following the period of administration, Leam will be fondly remembered as one of the most significant managers in the club’s 90-year history.

“He helped lead Latics to the League One title in his first season at the DW Stadium, before retaining the club’s place in the second tier the following campaign.

“As a consequence of administration and a subsequent points deduction, the club suffered relegation back to League One, after which Leam took charge as interim manager.

"Having then managed the club to safety by one point, he was named as Phoenix 2021 Limited’s first permanent manager in April of last year.

"Last season, Richardson guided the club to the title on the final day of the season against Shrewsbury Town as Latics returned to the Championship in his first full season in charge as manager.

"However, having looked at the recent run of form that is challenging the team’s status as a Championship club, the board have made the decision to make a change.

"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.

"We would like to wish both Leam and his family the very best for the future.

"Assistant Manager, Rob Kelly, will take charge of Saturday’s Championship fixture against Blackpool, with the club now beginning the process of appointing the next permanent manager of Wigan Athletic.”