Gregor Rioch has said that he is excited by his ‘fresh challenge’ and the ‘amazing opportunity’ as Wigan Athletic’s new Academy manager.
Rioch, who joined the Latics last week will be responsible for overseeing the club’s youth programme between the ages of 9 to 21.
The 38 year-old moved to Lancashire after occupying the same role for over six years at Coventry City.
“The potential is here for all to see and this is an amazing opportunity to start shaping the future of the club,” said the former Peterborough, Hull, Macclesfield and Shrewsbury defender.
“I enjoyed my time at Coventry and hopefully I have left the club’s academy in a very healthy state but it was time for a fresh challenge.
“My focus is on Wigan Athletic and the future of the club. I can’t wait to get started and begin building towards the future.”
Chief Executive Jonathan Jackson added: “This is a real coup for the club and is a very significant appointment at an important time. Youth development will be a major element within our strategic future planning augmented by the creation of new academy facilities at Charnock Richard within the next two years. Gregor is a talented, experienced and very well respected coach who will have full responsibilities for the football academy at Wigan Athletic.
“Wigan Athletic once had a great reputation of bringing through young talent and we are beginning to see the product of our recent work now. We currently have two products of our youth system in the first team squad in Callum McManaman and Lee Nicholls, which has not happened for over ten years.
“We were looking for a person who shares our ambition and vision to recruit and develop players from an early age and create a reputation for excellence and style and Gregor is the ideal person.”
