Leam Richardson | "I'm very proud to have this opportunity."

• Leam Richardson | "I'm very proud to have been given this opportunity."
• Richardson appointed Wigan Athletic manager
• Richardson: "People know the affiliation I have with the football club and they know how hard I’ll work to try and ensure it goes back to where it belongs in the football pyramid."

Leam Richardson spoke of his pride following his appointment as the permanent Wigan Athletic manager.

The 41-year old has been a figure of strength throughout an unbelievably tough period for the club, and has earned the appointment of manager with his incredible work ethic and determination. 

Speaking to Latics TV, the new Latics manager said:

“I’m very proud to have been given the opportunity by the new ownership and Mal (Brannigan). I’m very privileged when you know about the history, heritage and fanbase of the club, so it’s not a hard decision to make.

“I think when you know the history, even back to 1995 when Mr Whelan took the club and built the stadium, and you see the players and the world class managers that have come through. 

“From my point of view, if I can emulate half of what they’ve done and really give my all for the fans, I’ll be very proud.”

Richardson takes this role following the recent takeover of the club by Phoenix 2021 Ltd, and following conversations with the club’s new ownership group, accepting the role of manager was ultimately an easy decision. 

"It came apparent quickly with the new ownership with their vision and ambition for the football club, it matches up with mine. 

“Wigan Athletic football club is a huge club, as we’ve seen and experienced in the last few decades into Europe and lately into the Championship, and that’s where we want to be. 

"With the support from the new ownership, and the drive of the fans and the staff, hopefully we can get there.” 

Despite playing behind-closed-doors for the whole of the 2020/21 season, the support and relationship with the club’s fanbase is one that Richardson has seen grow in the last year. The new Latics manager is excited for that day we can all come together once more.

“For me, in the four years I’ve been here, and certainly in the last 12 months, the support we’ve been given and finding out what it actually means to the fans and the football club, it made the decision even more seamless.

“We had some challenging times over the last 12 months, but you saw the donations and the support we had through social media. 

“You quickly realise how much it means to the fans and how much history is there. You see how desperate they are to come to the game with their family and support the football club they love. 

“Hopefully, we’ve done them proud in tough times and I’m hoping we can do them proud in the future.

“People know the affiliation I have with the football club and I think they’ll know how hard I’ll work to try and ensure it goes back to where it belongs in the football pyramid."