Shaun Maloney is named the new Wigan boss after Kolo Toure after just nine games in charge

Shaun Maloney has been appointed as the new manager of Wigan Athletic after signing a three-and-a-half-year contract with the English second division club.

The Championship team has been on the hunt for a new manager after sacking Kolo Toure after a dismal 58 days in charge of the team.

Maloney, a former Wigan player, returns to the club having lifted the FA Cup with the Latics under Roberto Martinez in 2013 and a wealth of managerial experience to his name.

Since retiring from playing in 2017 after enjoying spells at Celtic, Aston Villa, Wigan, Chicago Fire and Hull, Maloney has returned to Scotland to coach the Celtic B team.

Shaun Maloney has been appointed Wigan Athletic’s new first-team manager

Maloney returns to Wigan after enjoying four years as a player at the DW Stadium

The 40-year-old was quickly granted opportunities on the international stage, having been chosen to become the assistant coach to Roberto Martinez in Belgium during the nation’s rise to become the number one ranked team in the world.

His only managerial opportunity lasted just four months, as Maloney was sacked as first-team manager at Scottish Premiership side Hibernian after a run of poor results.

Maloney described his pride in returning to Wigan for his first managerial role, telling the club’s website: “I am very proud to be back. I have incredible memories here and created some fabulous moments with teams and fans and I am excited to start .

Maloney (left) was an assistant coach to Roberto Martínez (right) during his time at Belgiun

Kolo Toure sacked by Wigan Championship fighters after just 58 days in charge

‘The feeling I have of those times as a player is a very important factor for me. I have been here before and I have always felt great warmth from the fans.

“I want the fans to see a team that is giving absolutely everything, fighting to improve and the fans need to feel that.” The connection is there, we just need to reawaken it.

‘We needed that support 10/11 years ago, and they were amazing for the team I played for, and we’re going to need it again.

‘It’s a really big challenge, but I think we can turn it around. A lot of work needs to be done, but I can’t wait to start.’

Maloney will join Graham Barrow, who has assumed the role of assistant manager, and Max Rogers on the DW bench.

Maloney’s only other managerial spell lasted just four months at Scottish Premiership side Hibernian.

His first game in charge will be against promotion-chasing Blackburn on Monday night.

The Malaysian-born manager faces the uphill battle of helping Wigan escape the Championship relegation zone with the club languishing at the bottom of the table four points from safety.