Brabin appointed Mellon's assistant at Latics

Latics have appointed Gary Brabin as assistant manager.

The former Cambridge United and Tranmere boss joins Latics as part of the new-look coaching staff under Micky Mellon.

The 52-year-old, who also enjoyed a successful playing career spanning nearly two decades, has also managed Luton and held coaching roles at Blackpool and Port Vale.

As part of the new set-up, Paul Murray will remain involved with the first team in a coaching capacity whilst continuing his role as Academy Manager.

“I’m delighted to have Gary here, he is a vastly experienced coach and someone I am really looking forward to working with,” said Mellon.

“I know myself well and I know what I need around me in order to be the best version of myself and provide the players with that they need.

“Gary is a really positive signing for us and is a guy I’d go into battle with at any time.

"Having him as part of our coaching team will make sure the players have all the support they need.

“I’m also pleased that Paul Murray will step up to the first team group as well as continuing to oversee the Academy.”

The pinnacle of Brabin’s playing career came during the mid-1990s with Blackpool, where he played alongside Mellon.

He moved into coaching with Southport in 2008 and soon impressed, taking them into the National League North play-offs.

Cambridge then came calling, leading them to second place in the National League, losing the play-off final to Stevenage, before being named the division’s Manager of the Year.

After spending a few months as chief scout at Luton, he made the step up to assistant manager, before taking up the role of first-team manager, leading Luton to the play-off final.

A return to Southport was next for Brabin before coaching within the academy at Everton.

His next managerial gig was with Tranmere, signing Andy Cook and James Norwood who formed a formidable strike partnership.

He returned to coaching after just missing out on the play-offs with Tranmere, holding roles at Port Vale, Blackpool and Luton.

Brabin has been Sporting Director with the Welsh Premier League champions, The New Saints FC, since 2021, and will continue to work for the Welsh club.

Meanwhile, Benny Couto has extended his loan deal at Ashton United until the end of the season.

Couto joined the Robins on loan last month, making seven appearances so far, and he'll now spend the remainder of the campaign at Hurst Cross.

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