Malky Mackay has stressed that he is "absolutely not racist" upon his appointment at Wigan Athletic.
The Scot was confirmed as Uwe Rosler's successor on Wednesday despite being the subject of an ongoing Football Association investigation over offensive texts that he sent to a former colleague at Cardiff City.
Mackay has previously admitted that the messages were "disrespectful of other cultures" and they were reportedly the reason that he was not offered the Crystal Palace job when it became available in the summer.
However, the 42-year-old is hopeful that he will be given a clean slate by Wigan supporters.
"I'm a big man," he told a press conference. "I would ask people to judge me as they see me.
"I made mistakes but I'm absolutely not racist. I hope going forward the people of Wigan see me as I am."
Anti-racism group Kick It Out accused Wigan of "disregarding the ongoing investigation" in appointing Mackay.
The Latics will be entitled to terminate the contract of Mackay if he is found guilty by the FA.
Joe Fish
