Malky Mackay has been allowed back in football after being handed the vacant managerial role at Wigan despite the former Cardiff boss being under investigation by the FA after sending a string of racist and sexist texts.

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan revealed hours before the announcement that he would interview Mackay after feeling that he deserved a second chance in football and a “fair hearing.”

Whelan knows the appointment will be criticised but called his new manager an “honourable man.”

He said: “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.

“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. Contrary to the way he has been portrayed in recent months, the Malky Mackay I met this week, and who has been vouched for by the many different people from whom we have sought advice before making this appointment, is an honourable man.”

The Scot came close to taking over at Crystal Palace in August, only to see that possibility dashed when details emerged of text messages, sent by Mackay, which he later admitted were “disrespectful of other cultures.”

The news is sure to anger a number of Wigan supporters who contacted Wigan’s Labour MP Lisa Nandy who then wrote a letter expressing her concern over the Scot’s link to the vacant managerial role.

She said in an open letter: “I have been contacted by a number of constituents and Wigan Athletic supporters who have asked me to voice their concern in response to press reports suggesting the potential appointment of Malky Mackay as manager of Wigan Athletic.

“A number of constituents have pointed out that a football manager has a crucial position in the community and is a role model, especially for young people. 

“Having worked with Wigan Athletic and your excellent Community Trust over the last four years, I am certain you share my view that respect for the diversity and tolerance that characterises Wigan is one of the finest features of the club.”

The FA confirmed in August it was investigating the dossier of messages involving Mackay and Cardiff’s former head of recruitment Iain Moody.

It is believed that due to Mackay being out when the charges were brought up, the FA were not in a position to punish him but could have the power now he has been employed by Wigan.