Wigan Athletic have announced the appointment of Warren Joyce as the club's new manager on a three-and-a-half-year deal.

The 51-year-old heads to the DW Stadium following coaching spells with the Manchester United Under-21s and Under-23s.

The Latics needed a new man at the helm after they opted to sack Gary Caldwell last Tuesday.

Joyce has a job to do considering that Wigan are 22nd in the league table having won just three of their 15 matches this season.

Following the appointment, chairman David Sharpe told the club's official website: "Warren has everything we are looking for. He is an exceptional coach who has a reputation within the game for being among the very best at bringing through young players, as his record at Manchester United shows. But more than that, he has a winning mentality which transmits to his players and he has achieved great success in his time at United. It's the perfect combination.

"Warren has had several high profile opportunities but wants to move back into management and it is a measure of how highly we rate him that we are making such a long-term commitment.

"From the moment we met, it was clear that there was a connection. He is a highly professional, focused and ambitious person and we share the same views regarding the long-term vision for the club. He comes highly recommended and I am confident that we are appointing an excellent manager."

Joyce will oversee his first game in charge on Saturday when Wigan face Reading on home turf.