We caught up with Barry and Dean last week, ahead of the new and exciting chapter of their careers…

Barry Knowles, said:

‘I’m really proud to be the International Academy Manager for this project. I will be overseeing the coaching, and getting involved in the processes to ensure that the Academy runs to a standard that we and Wigan Athletic expect.

“The reason I applied for this role was to be able to represent my hometown club in Bahrain. I’m a Wigan lad, with a great affection and passion for Wigan Athletic as both a supporter and former player.

“The Phoenix 2021 Limited Group helped save our Football Club, and it is brilliant to be able to give back to the ownership group by going over to Bahrain and helping improve the development and growth of football within the region.

“It will be really special for myself and Dean, and we both want to see the Academy flourish both on and off the field. We want to have a really positive input, and I am really looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead.”

Wigan Athletic confirm Academy coaching set-up at the Nasser Vocational Training Centre in Bahrain