Jake Campbell appointed as the Club’s new Academy Manager

Jake Campbell appointed as Wigan Athletic’s new Academy Manager!
The 32-year-old has been promoted following serving as Assistant Academy Manager for almost a decade
Following his appointment, Jake Campbell said: “I’m delighted and feel honoured that I now get to lead the Academy and represent the Football Club and the town. I'm extremely grateful to Gregor and the ownership group for the opportunity."

We are proud to confirm the appointment of Jake Campbell as the Club’s new Academy Manager.

As part of the Club’s exciting restructuring, Campbell will be stepping up into the role formerly held by Gregor Rioch following an outstanding nine-and-a-half-year tenure as Assistant Academy Manager.

The 32-year-old will work closely with Sporting Director Rioch in overseeing all aspects of Latics’ Academy, implementing a strategy across age groups, developing talent and creating a clear pathway into the first team.

Campbell has had a long-standing association with Latics, which dates back to 2009 when he received his breakthrough in professional football at the DW Stadium.

Appointed as a part-time coach at the Club’s Centre of Excellence by former Latics legend Matt Jackson, Campbell excelled in the role, being part of the initial workforce of the newly founded Latics Academy.

Campbell, who further enriched his knowledge and skills with roles at both Liverpool and Everton, worked his way up through the ranks at Latics, being named Assistant Academy Manager in 2014 after two years as Lead Foundation Phase Coach.

Working cohesively with Rioch, Campbell has helped Latics Academy become one of the most highly renowned youth set-ups in the country during the last nine years.

Campbell has been integral to the success of Latics’ Academy, memorably helping the Club achieve their goal of being promoted to a Category Two Academy in 2019.

Years of tireless work from all the Academy staff really started to come to the fore in 2020/21, with Latics’ homegrown talents contributing to the Club’s survival both on and off the field, including a remarkable League One ‘Great Escape’.

In the last decade, over 40 homegrown players have made more than 500 first team appearances for the Club, with Campbell having coached many of Latics’ current crop of Academy stars in previous years.

Away from the first team, Campbell has also aided the progression of the younger Academy age groups, with the 2022/23 campaign seeing a Latics Schoolboys Team win the Sicily Cup and the U16s lift the Professional Development League Cup.

The future certainly looks bright for the Football Club, and arguably the most impressive achievement is how the Academy has a proud track record of producing good people as well as good players.

Highly regarded by the players, staff and supporters, Campbell will be aiming to continue the good work of his predecessor after being given the opportunity to lead the Academy.

Commenting on his new role, new Academy Manager Jake Campbell said:

“I’m delighted and feel honoured that I now get to lead the Academy and represent the Football Club and the town.

“I joined the Club back in February 2009 as a part-time coach in the Centre of Excellence. I have now entered my 15th season, and naturally, I’ve developed such an affinity and passion, not just for the Club but the town itself.

“It means a great deal, I’ve been Assistant Academy Manager for eight seasons so I’m delighted to be given the opportunity to continue the good work of Gregor Rioch. I'm confident that with the quality of staff and people we have at all levels of the Academy, we can continue to develop and build on the previous work and achievements.”

Jake Campbell appointed as Wigan Athletic’s new Academy Manager!