New manager Paul Cook

Wigan Athletic have confirmed the appointment of Paul Cook as the new manager on a three-year contract.

Despite being offered an improved deal at Portsmouth the Liverpool born manager decided to return to the North West and take the Latics hot seat.

Cook has strong Wigan connections having played nearly 100 games for the club and featured in the squad which reached the FA Cup quarter-final in 1987.

As Portsmouth manager he led his team to the League Two title and previously managed Chesterfield to the title in 2014.

When Cook took over Pompey they had finished 16th in League Two in 2014/15. He then took them to the play-offs in 2016, and in only his second season he secured the League Two title.

Cook’s number 2 at Portsmouth Leam Richardson has also joined Latics as Assistant Manager.

Chairman David Sharpe commented on Cook’s arrival “He has a winning CV, a track record of success.”

Latics’ fans will be hoping that Cook can emulate the success of another Liverpudlian and former teammate Paul Jewell who led the club from the third tier to the Premier League between 2001 and 2005.