Wigan sack manager Leam Richardson just two WEEKS after highly-rated boss signed new contract
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WIGAN have sacked manager Leam Richardson just two weeks after handing him a new three-year contract.
The decision comes after a run of eight successive games without a win leaves them 23rd in the Championship.
Richardson, 42, is a popular figure among Wigan supporters after doing an incredible job since succeeding John Sheridan in November 2020.
The axed Latics boss took his side from a League One relegation battle to promotion back to the Championship during his tenure.
Tuesday night's 2-0 defeat Coventry City turned out to be Richardson's final game in charge.
After the match, he said: "You can't feel sorry for yourself, and won't feel sorry for ourselves.
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"We knew our challenge last summer, coming into this league, with the group that we had, we knew it would be challenging."
A lengthy statement on Wigan's website included the club's reasoning for making a change.
They wrote: "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.
"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.
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"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."
Richardson showed quick thinking and a clear head to perform CPR on Wyke after the striker suffered a cardiac arrest in training last year - saving his life in the process.
After his heroic actions, Wigan renamed their stadium's South Stand The Leam Richardson Stand.
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At the time of Richardson's sacking, a post confirming his new contract on October 26 was still coming up at the top of their Twitter page as a "popular tweet".
His assistant Rob Kelly will take charge of the Latics' clash with Blackpool this weekend.