Wigan boss Cook leaves after club relegated

PAUL COOK has left his

Wigan manager with a heart”.

Wigan were relegated from the Sky Bet Championship this week after being deducted 12 points for entering administration.

The Latics’ appeal against their 12-point penalty has been heard by an independent tribunal and the club’s joint administrators announced on Friday that judgement has been reserved.

“It is with a heavy heart that I have decided to leave Wigan Athletic,” Cook said in a message to the club’s players, staff and supporters.

“I would like to thank David Sharpe, the Whelan family and Jonathan Jackson for giving me the opportunity to manage such a great club three years ago.

“I have been immensely proud to have continued my long affiliation with Wigan Athletic over the past three years and I have worked hard to represent the club to the best of my ability, to develop individuals and also create a team and a work ethic which the town can be proud of.

“I have enjoyed some amazing moments with you during that time that will live long in the memory.

“It is well publicised that the club is going through an incredibly challenging period and, of course, we are all hoping a positive outcome can be found so this football club can write its next chapter under new ownership.

“That has to be the main priority for everyone involved and I know the administrators are working hard to ensure the club can get through these difficult times and find new owners.”

Cook led Wigan to the League One title in his first season in charge in 2017-18 and the Latics finished 18th in the Championship the following season.

Wigan were 13th in this season’s Championship on 59 points until the 12-point deduction imposed by the EFL dropped them into the bottom three.

Cook also oversaw memorable FA Cup victories over Premier League trio Bournemouth, Manchester City and West Ham, and twice broke the club’s record for biggest league victory – 7-0 over Oxford in December 2017 and 8-0 against Hull last month.

“I want to thank every player for their efforts, hard work and commitment during my three years as manager,” Cook said.

“I would like to thank my assistant Leam Richardson and as a collective I thank all of my support staff and the staff behind the scenes who are so pivotal to the football club.

“We must also not forget the 75 people who unfortunately lost their jobs a few weeks ago and I hope for those people that the club can find a positive solution and move forwards in the near future.” role as “heavy