Wigan Athletic confirm that Sarah Guilfoyle has left her position as Managing Director by mutual consent.
Wigan Athletic have confirmed Sarah Guilfoyle has left her position as managing director by mutual consent.
Sarah joined the club in 2016 as Academy Secretary and went on to hold a number of senior operational and football administration roles before being appointed managing director. In a statement announcing her departure, Wigan Athletic said Sarah had played a significant role in the day-to-day running of the club during what it described as one of the most challenging periods in its history.
The club said she was a key member of the leadership team which helped steer Wigan Athletic through financial uncertainty, changes of ownership and its subsequent rebuilding under the current ownership. The club also credited Sarah with helping to strengthen its governance and operational structures, championing supporter engagement and fan communications, and overseeing initiatives aimed at strengthening its relationship with the community.
Brenda Spencer, speaking on behalf of the board, said: “On behalf of everyone connected with Wigan Athletic, the Board would like to thank Sarah for her loyalty, dedication and significant contribution over the past ten years. Her professionalism and commitment to the Club have been unwavering throughout her time at the Brick Community Stadium, and she leaves with the gratitude and best wishes of everyone associated with Wigan Athletic.”
Following the announcement, Sarah reflected on her decade with Wigan Athletic in a post on LinkedIn.
She recalled arriving at Christopher Park as a “shy, unassuming 18-year-old” in the summer of 2016 with no idea of the journey that lay ahead. During her 10 years at the club, Sarah said she experienced four different job roles, five ownership groups and eight first-team managers, as well as administration, Covid and financial difficulties.
She said: “It’s fair to say it wasn’t always plain sailing, but somehow we always found a way through it. And, no matter how difficult things became, we always found something to laugh about.”
Describing Wigan Athletic as a “truly unique football club”, Sarah added: “It’s difficult to explain to those outside the Latics bubble, but once it gets under your skin, it never really leaves you. Wigan Athletic will be part of me for the rest of my life.”
She also paid tribute to her former colleagues, saying many had become “friends for life”.
Sarah signed off with “Up the ’Tics!” and said she now plans to take some time to rest and recharge before looking ahead to her next opportunity.
Wigan Athletic have also confirmed Anthony Cole-Johnson will join the club as chief executive officer following Sarah’s departure, subject to regulatory approval. Anthony has previously held senior commercial roles at Southampton, Sky, Ospreys and BAFTA.
Lucas Danson, speaking on behalf of the board, said: “The Club needs three things right now: sustainable revenue growth, a first team that matches our ambition, and a stronger connection with the town. Anthony was chosen because he can deliver all three, and the board is right behind him.”
The club said Anthony’s appointment comes at a “pivotal time”, with Wigan looking to grow commercial revenue while remaining competitive and sustainable.
Anthony said: “I am hugely excited to join Wigan Athletic, a Club with a highly respected academy, rich history and a future I believe we can be proud of. I know how much progression means to the Club’s supporters and the town. I am focused on building on the Club’s recent success in a sustainable way that the fans and local community can get behind.”
Supporters will hear from Anthony at a Fans’ Forum in September.
