Wigan offer Mackay a way back

Malky Mackay is back in football after Wigan confirmed the Scot as their new manager.

The 42-year-old, out of work since being axed by Cardiff last December, takes over a club in the Championship’s bottom three.

In August, Mackay admitted to sending text messages deemed “disrespectful of other cultures”, but Latics chairman Dave Whelan has offered him a route back.

“I know that this appointment will draw criticism in some quarters, but we go into it with our eyes open and we have nothing to hide on this subject,” Whelan said. “Malky made a mistake, he knows that, we know that and we have discussed this issue at length face to face. He apologised publicly for what happened at the time and has paid for what he did in terms of the bad publicity...

“But I believe that it is now time to move on. Contrary to the way he has been portrayed, the Malky Mackay I met this week, and who has been vouched for by the many different people from whom we have sought advice before making this appointment, is an honourable man.”

Mackay took Cardiff to the 2012 League Cup final, before following up with the Championship title. Such achievements have impressed Whelan, who is desperate to restore Wigan to the top flight 18 months on from their Premier League relegation and FA Cup triumph.