MALKY Mackay – the controversial former Cardiff City boss who missed out on the Wanderers job last month – has been appointed at local rivals Wigan Athletic.

The Scot was interviewed by Phil Gartside as a potential successor to Dougie Freedman but was eventually overlooked for Neil Lennon.

Mackay was investigated in August after he reportedly sent texts of a racist, sexist and homophobic nature during his time at Cardiff.

But his stock within the game remained high, and he was considered the number one contender for the Whites post until Lennon’s interest became known.

His exit at Cardiff continues to cast a shadow, however, even though Wigan chairman Dave Whelan attempted to draw a line over the issue yesterday in a statement on the club’s website.

"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,” he 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 he has received since and will no doubt continue to suffer in the future.

“But I believe that it is now time to move on.”