New Wigan boss Kolo Toure’s first managerial test comes at Millwall’s Den

Kolo Toure’s first match as Wigan Athletic manager will be at The Den.

The Latics confirmed the appointment of the former Arsenal and Manchester City defender on a three-and-a-half-year earlier today.

Wigan head to Millwall on December 10. The Lions have a fixture before that at Sunderland on Saturday.

Toure has been part of Brendan Rodgers’ coaching team at both Celtic and Leicester City.

“We are delighted that Kolo has become the new manager of Wigan Athletic Football Club, and the board are pleased that he is the man to take us forward,” chief executive Malachy Brannigan told Wigan’s official website.

“We received a high calibre of applicants for the manager’s job in recent weeks, in a very thorough recruitment process as we looked to appoint the right person for the role.

“From the earliest of conversations we had with Kolo, it was evident to us that he had instantly bought into the values of the club – with his enthusiasm, knowledge and immense desire to work and be part of Wigan Athletic shining throughout the process.”

Toure said: “I would like to thank all of the fans, players and staff of Leicester City Football Club – Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, Susan Whelan, Jon Rudkin and of course Brendan Rodgers for making me feel so welcome for so many years.

“The experiences that I have amassed under Brendan Rodgers have been invaluable and I’m sure they will help me in this next chapter of my career.

“I am extremely proud to be named manager of Wigan Athletic. Wigan Athletic is a big club with hugely passionate fans. Together, we can continue to make the right steps forward.

“I’m excited to work with this talented group of players and staff, and immensely look forward to my time ahead.”