New Wigan Athletic manager Malky Mackay. Photo by Jon Candy

Former Cardiff City manager Malky Mackay has been appointed as the new manager of Wigan Athletic today.

The former Cardiff City and Watford manager was described by Chairman Dave Whelan as:

‘overwhelmingly the outstanding candidate’ for the position, following the departure last week of Uwe Rosler.”

The appointment will divide opinion amongst Latics fans. Mackay was sacked by Cardiff last year and in August it was reported he sent texts of a racist, sexist and homophobic nature while at the club. Wigan MP Lisa Nandy had written an open letter urging Dave Whelan not to interview Mackay with an FA investigation still pending about Mackay.

However, despite the FA investigation and opposition from some fans to the appointment the Chairman has made the decision to employ Mackay saying:

“He is a committed family man with decent values and is a professional who has worked and thrived for over 20 years in the multi-cultural world of modern football. There is nothing more to say about this subject, and as far as I am concerned we draw a line under it from today.“

Mackay denies being “racist, sexist, homophobe or anti-Semite”, he has apologized for the offence caused, understands it should not have happened and that it was unacceptable.

Whelan clearly feels the Scot deserves a second chance, however some supporters will not share his view.

The appointment is controversial and will certainly stir emotions amongst Latics supporters, with some believing that the appointment will have a negative effect on the good name of the club.