Former Portsmouth boss Paul Cook's classy act to Wigan staff who've been made redundant

The Latics entered administration at the start of this month – just four weeks after they were taken over by Hong Kong-based consortium Next Leader Fund.

They now face a 12-point deduction from the EFL, which could potentially see them relegated from the Championship despite them charging up the table to 15th spot.

As a result, the administrators appointed have been forced to make job cuts at the DW Stadium.

In total, 75 non-playing staff have been made redundant, which includes members of Wigan’s recruitment team, among others.

In the morning of the Latics’ 1-0 victory over QPR last week, Cook started to contact those who have lost their jobs.

Phone calls were made by the Liverpudlian, who left Fratton Park just 25 days after guiding Pompey to the League Two title in 2017, to send out condolences from himself and the players.

Although Cook opted not to comment on his classy act in his post-match interview, he dedicated the victory to those who had been made redundant.

He told the Wigan Post: ‘That one was for every single member of staff who now doesn't have a job.

‘It's been the worst, toughest week of my football career by far.

‘But to see what's happened to a lot of people has made my job even worse – because I'm lucky enough to still be employed.’

Wigan have a host of former Pompey players and staff all part of their scrap to avoid relegation.

Jamal Lowe left the Blues for a fee in excess of £2m last summer following a protracted transfer saga.

Pompey will still receive any remaining payment they are owed for the winger because of the football creditors rule.

Kal Naismith and Gary Roberts are also part of Cook’s squad, while assistant-manager Leam Richardson, Andy Procter and Nick Meace followed him to the DW Stadium.