Hot shot Jones back at the club where he is still so fondly remembered.

Wigan Athletic are delighted to confirm that 39 year-old Graeme Jones has been appointed as Assistant Manager to 35 year-old Roberto Martinez - making them the youngest management team in the Barclays Premier League.

Jones was Martinez' trusted right hand man at Swansea City and after agreement was agreed between the two clubs earlier this week, Jones has now been freed to sign a contract with Latics.

Jones still holds the club's goal-scoring record for the 33 he scored in all competitions in the historic Division 3 Championship winning season of 1996-97, 31 of those coming in the league, also a club record.

Martinez and Jones were team mates that year and for the subsequent two seasons and the Geordie says he is thrilled to be back in Wigan: "This is a really special club that I've had close to my heart since I played here.



"We could see the potential at the time and Mr Whelan's backing has made all of those dreams come true.

"To see us now in the Premier League and doing so well is absolutely fantastic and I am happy that I was able to play my small part in the history of this great club.

"Now it's up to us as a management team to keep the story going. I'm very honoured that Mr Whelan has trusted Roberto and myself as the men to take the club forward and I'm going to be working as hard as I can to repay that faith.

"I'm absolutely delighted to be back and I'm looking forward to the season.

"Me and Roberto both know about what it means to the fans of the club to be in the Premier League and when you look at the fixtures you can see the daunting task that lies ahead of us.

"It's a massive challenge, no question, but it's one I'm really looking forward to. The players return to us in early July and then the real work can start."

Jones became an instant club legend with the goals that started the club's rise up the divisions and he says the support he had from the Wigan fans has always been something special.

"I had a great time that season, "he says, "and it's amazing to think it was 14 years ago. My only disappointment was that injury prevented me from carrying on where I left off that year, but I have some amazing memories from that team and I always had a great relationship with the Wigan fans. I hope that can continue!"