Richardson's focus remains on Wigan Athletic

With Paul Cook having joined Ipswich as their new manager, there has inevitably been speculation he would look to be reunited with his long-time No.2.

Wigan Today understands the pair have held discussions, but Richardson is loath to walk out on Latics with the season about to enter the home stretch.

And having played for and managed Latics, Cook has been careful not to place any pressure on his close friend.

Clearly with the takeover at Wigan still taking its time, his long-term future remains up in the air.

But for the short term at least - and with so much riding on the final third of the campaign - his focus remains only on the job in hand at the DW.

One familiar figure who will be joining Cook at Ipswich is Gary Roberts, who started the season with Latics before moving on to League One rivals Accrington.

Roberts is a former Ipswich player, and Cook believes he will be a solid addition to his backroom staff.

“I’ve worked with Gary before," said Cook. "And we are both looking forward to meeting up with all the other staff at Ipswich and working together to give us the best possible chance of winning promotion this season."

Cook has also set his sights on another promotion push, after previous success with Latics, Portsmouth and Chesterfield.

"I'm proud to be in this position and I'll be doing everything possible to repay the faith (owner) Marcus (Evans) has shown in me," he said.

"Winning promotion this season is the immediate target. It will be a big challenge but it's a challenge that everyone at the club has a part to play in."

Evans added: "He has a proven track record in getting clubs promoted and importantly, not only knows the challenges League One presents but also has experience of working in the Championship and getting back to that level remains our primary focus."

The Tractor Boys are currently eighth in League One, two points off the play-off places following a four-game unbeaten run.

They are due at the DW Stadium on March 27.

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