Former Liverpool and England striker 'a huge asset for Wigan Athletic'

The 41-year-old - a former team-mate of Latics Head of Academy Gregor Rioch at Macclesfield back in 2001 - has recently taken up a casual contract on a part-time basis at Stadium Way.

Having initially come to the club on a volunteer basis, to work on his badges and gaining experience, Lambert has impressed all with his attitude and his ambition.

And he is already eyeing a long-term path towards becoming a first team No.1.

“This is a new chapter in my career where I am keen to learn and grow as a coach," he said.

"Of course coaching is different to playing, but I am excited about the future.

“I have known Gregor Rioch for a long time and I know what a great job the Academy coaches do at Wigan.

"You only have to look at the amount of home-grown players in the first team."

Lambert has been working predominantly with the club's Under-15 and Under-16s, on Wednesday nights and at the weekend.

The next step will be moving up to the Under-18s and Under-21s.

And he'll also be welcomed into the first-team environment, picking up tis from the club's senior management and coaches.

"The 15s and 16s are a talented group of individuals, and I saw that in their Professional Development League Cup final against Peterborough United," added Lambert.

"Chris Brown has been a big help to me and I am learning a lot from him.

“I am looking forward to helping them and passing on as much information and experience as I can.

"If I can play a small part in their journey then that is great and I am sure that will help me on my journey as a coach with my ultimate ambition to, one day, be a manager."

The arrangement suits both parties, according to ex-team-mate Rioch.

"It's about facilitating people's ambitions, that's what we're all about," he said.

"Rickie is a very ambitious young man, and we'll do everything we can to help him realise his dreams.

"He's already made a great impression on everyone here, and we're enjoying having him here."