Stephen Crainey, a former defender for Leeds United, resigned from his position as coach at Wigan Athletic to rejoin Ian Evatt at Bolton Wanderers.

In 2022, Crainey became a member of Wigan and assumed the position of head professional phase coach. After that, he volunteered to help Latics manager Shaun Maloney with first-team matters, although he has since left.

After agreeing on a remuneration package, Bolton named Crainey as the team’s joint assistant manager. Crainey is back again with Bolton manager Evatt, with whom he was teammates at Blackpool, thanks to the move.

“We have a clear plan and idea of how we want to improve things on and off the pitch, and this appointment is in addition to what we already have,” Evatt stated following a fairly thorough season evaluation. As far as our staffing structure goes, I believe we’ve checked every box.

Every season, you should consider how you can get better, how we can get better, and what talents you are lacking in your crew. We’ve talked about taking a more comprehensive approach to managing the workforce, and Stephen, who I’ve known for a very long time, has the skill set that I believe we are lacking.

“I think it’s a very important appointment for us,” the person said. “He’s a very good character, a strong character who knows what it takes to win and will be extremely additive to the rest of the staff.”

Crainey is a well-known figure in West Yorkshire, having played for Leeds for 62 games from 2004 to 2007. He also includes Southampton and Celtic among his opponents.

Charlie Wyke and Callum Lang, two former Wigan Athletic players, responded to Jordan Jones’ Instagram post confirming his departure from the Latics.

The 29-year-old’s deal at the Brick Community Stadium expired this month, and because negotiations to prolong it have come to an end, he is free to sign with another team.

The versatile player from Northern Ireland, who can play as a winger or wing-back, signed with the Latics in the summer of 2021. However, under former manager Leam Richardson, he did not get much playing time, and he was later loaned to Scottish team St Mirren for the second half of the 2021–2022 season while the Greater Manchester team won League One.

After that, Jones would play on loan at Kilmarnock for the entire 2022–2023 season. However, when the star player returned, Latics manager Shaun Maloney showed confidence in Jones. Jones had a successful season the previous year, netting three goals and dishing out six assists in League One, mostly from a wing-back position.

The Latics would have liked to have kept Jones around for a little while longer after he developed a good rapport with Maloney, but after a few difficult years with the team, his departure isn’t shocking either.

After the wideman’s departure, Wyke and Lang, who both played with him in the 2023–2024 and 2021–2022 seasons, exchanged ideas with him.

Even though Jones’ three-year tenure at Latics was limited by loan stints away from Brick Community Stadium, he was obviously well-liked by his teammates, including Wyke, who left the team this summer after his contract expired, and Lang, who joined Portsmouth in January.

Wyke and Lang respond to Jones goodbye message

“It’s with a heavy heart to announce that my time representing Wigan Athletic has come to an end,” the 29-year-old posted on Instagram.

“Contract negotiations are now complete, and although I am sad to be departing, I acknowledge the club’s current circumstances and wish it continued success.

“I want to express my gratitude to the entire staff for helping me rediscover my love for football, especially the first team staff that I worked with last season.

“A huge thank you to all of my teammates from the previous three years as well.

“I hope the best for all of you; I’ve created some lifelong friends and memories.

“The team has several excellent young players who will rise to the top.

“A huge thank you to all of the fans for their support over the past five years, to sum up what I’ve been thinking.

“As I’ve previously stated, I’m happy you witnessed me enjoying my football season last year following a challenging few years, and I have cherished the bond we have developed.

“Thank you and best wishes for the future.

“JJ💙.”

With Portsmouth, Lang, who is looking forward to a great Championship season, said, “All the best Jeremy.”

Meanwhile, Wyke wrote: “There’s been a good-hearted loss there, mush!

“Love ya mate.”

Dion Rankine, a gifted young forward for Chelsea, has officially left Stamford Bridge after agreeing to a three-year contract with Wigan Athletic. With this transfer, Rankine becomes Shaun Maloney’s third summer addition, following Calvin Ramsay and Michael Olakigbe.

At the tender age of 14, Rankine—who had begun his career with Cambridge United—joined Chelsea. Well-known for his technical skill and offensive flair, he rose through the juvenile ranks quickly.

He made a big advancement in his career last season when he went on loan to League One Exeter City. There, he made 36 appearances, scored his first professional goal against Reading, and shone well under manager and former Latics player Gary Caldwell.

Rankine brings with him a reputation for quickness, cunning, and a great work ethic on and off the pitch as he arrives to Wigan. Rankine talked about how happy he was to be joining his new squad and how eager he was to contribute.

“I can’t believe I’m here.

I’m incredibly happy to be here and finish the deal because it’s been in the works for a while. I can’t wait to perform in front of the people.

“For my career, it’s the appropriate move. I want to play the best football I can here because I think I have a great opportunity to grow and improve.