Kolo Toure’s historic appointment as Wigan Athletic manager abruptly ended on Thursday after the former Ivory Coast international was sacked by the EFL Championship club following poor performances.

The Ivorian was only appointed by Wigan in November last year as a replacement for Leam Richardson in a deal which saw the former Arsenal player become the first African to be given the topmost managerial position in England football history.

However, the historic appointment came to an end after only nine games following the inability of 44-year-old to impress at the helm of affairs in Greater Manchester, picking just two points from his seven Championship matches as Wigan sit bottom of the table.

He was dismissed alongside two members of his coaching staff Kevin Betsy and Ashvir Johal.

Announcing the dismissal, Wigan chief executive Malachy Brannigan said: “As tough a decision as this was, the board felt it necessary to give us the best possible chance of remaining a Championship club next season.” 

He added: “I’d like to thank Kolo, along with Kevin and Ash, for their efforts during their time at the football club. We know that this time of year is a key period for any football club, ourselves included.” 

Meanwhile, the remaining members of the Kolo Toure-led coaching staff are expected to temporarily take charge of the first team as the club is “working quickly to identify and appoint a new manager”.

Wigan will face Blackburn in the next Championship match on Monday, 6 February following a two-week break.