GREGOR RIOCH has been appointed as Wigan’s first Sporting Director after a decade as their Academy Manager.

ON November 29th, Wigan Athletic unveiled Kolo Toure as their new manager, promising a “new, exciting era” for the club. Just 59 days later he was sacked, along with assistants Kevin Betsy and Ashvir Johal, with the club having failed to win in nine games under the new regime.

ASHVIR JOHAL has left Leicester City's Academy after eight years to become first-team coach under Kolo Toure at Wigan. It marks a remarkable rise for the 27-year-old, who is the only Asian coach on a first-team staff in the Football League.

WIGAN Head of Academy Gregor Rioch explains how the youth set-up has kept the club afloat - and outlines its ambitions for the future.