The Wigan Athletic banter era thread…2013-present. Here goes… #WAFC
After FA Cup winning manager Roberto Martinez departs to join Everton, Wigan appoint former Bolton manager Owen Coyle as manager. The move is met with anger from large sections of the fan base. 
Aug 2013- Owen Coyle’s Wigan lose 2-0 to Manchester United in the Community Shield. Manchester United fans attempt to start a Mexican wave, the Wigan end refuses to partake and instead stick two fingers up to their opponents.
Nov 2013- a mistake from academy graduate Lee Nicholls means Latics chances of progressing in the Europa League hang by a thread as they lose 2-1 at home to Zulte Waregem. Callum McManaman responds to criticism of the performance by calling a fan a ‘strap on’
After 3 home defeats in a week leaving Wigan mid table in the Championship,Owen Coyle leaves after a 3-1 defeat to Derby and supporter unrest. He uses his final press conference to criticise Wigan fans’ treatment of Jordi Gomez and state that Wigan fans need a ‘reality check’
Dec 2013- Dave Whelan appoints Brentford manager Uwe Rosler as Coyle’s replacement. Rosler leaves summer signing, striker Grant Holt at home for Latics’ final Europa League game against Maribor as he believes he is unfit.
Dec 2013- Wigan are knocked out of the Europa League after a 2-1 defeat at Maribor. Chris McCann is inexplicably sent off.
Uwe Rosler does however win his first home game in charge of Latics, as local rivals Bolton Wanderers are defeated 3-2 in front of over 20,000 at the DW.
Uwe Rosler does however win his first home game in charge of Latics, as local rivals Bolton Wanderers are defeated 3-2 in front of over 20,000 at the DW.
March 2014. FA Cup Quarter Final. Man City 1-2 Wigan Athletic. 4,500 Wigan fans each with a Ben Watson mask celebrate another Cup victory over Man City. Captain Emmerson Boyce makes the best block in FA Cup history to stop Edin Dzeko from equalising late on…
A brilliant start to life under Uwe Rosler saw Latics book a return to Wembley in the FA Cup semi finals against Arsenal, and a long unbeaten league run saw a place in the play offs well cemented. (Grab a drink, it’s all down hill from here…)
12th April 2014. Arsenal 1-1 Wigan (Arsenal win 4-2 on penalties).
Gary Caldwell takes the first penalty despite this being his first game of the season. His penalty is easily saved by Fabianksi. Latics’ hopes of back to back FA Cup wins, and a final against Hull are dashed.
Gary Caldwell takes the first penalty despite this being his first game of the season. His penalty is easily saved by Fabianksi. Latics’ hopes of back to back FA Cup wins, and a final against Hull are dashed.
Despite a late season wobble including defeats to fellow Lancashire sides Burnley, Blackpool and Blackburn. Wigan finish in the top 6 and set up a play off tie with Harry Redknapp’s QPR.
After a dismal 0-0 draw at the DW. Uwe Rosler opts not to select a striker for the second leg at Loftus Road. Despite James Perch’ opener, Wigan lose 2-1 after Gary Caldwell gives away a penalty and it’s converted by Charlie Austin.
July 2014- Jean Beausejour and Jordi Gomez depart. How Latics replace them would be massive to any promotion hopes the following season…
July 2014- Despite making a number of signings, Uwe Rosler’s Latics are forced to postpone a friendly against SC Wiedenbruck due to the amount of injuries picked up during pre season. It’s rumoured that many of the senior players are angry at the intensity of the pre season.
With Grant Holt being made to train with the U21s following his return from Aaron Villa, Uwe Rosler looked to Spain to solve Wigan’s goal issues. Oriol Riera, who’d scored 13 goals in La Liga the year previous was signed for £2.5M from Osasuna.
Aug 2014_ Wigan, who were the bookies favourites for promotion made an indifferent start to the campaign.
James McArthur scores a late equaliser against Reading to earn their first point of the season.
James McArthur scores a late equaliser against Reading to earn their first point of the season.
Aug 2014- After a move to Leicester City collapses, midfielder James McArthur is man of the match in a 4-0 home victory over Birmingham. He leaves to join Crystal Palace the following day.
Latics would not win at home again until April 2015.
Latics would not win at home again until April 2015.
Latics spend in excess of £10M to try and replace the likes of McArthur and Gomez. Including spending £2M on Adam Forshaw from Brentford, and £2M on French striker Andy Delort…#wafc
After Uwe Rosler refuses to allow Grant Holt on the team photo, he hits back with a topless selfie on his Twitter account… he is later loaned to Huddersfield Town.
After summer signings Andy Delort and Oriol Riera fail to make an instant impact, Uwe Rosler turns back to Marc Antoine Fortune to lead the line for Latics 2-2 draw at Wolves, Rosler declaring after the game that he was glad “nobody wanted to take him on loan” Wigan sit 21st.
October 2014- Uwe Rosler declares that Fan favourite Roger Espinoza isn’t playing because he’s homesick. Roger Espinoza then denies that is the case, and comes on as a substitute that evening in a 0-0 draw with Millwall.
November 2014- local rivals Bolton score 3 quick goals in a 3-1 victory over Wigan. Owner Dave Whelan is spotted leaving the ground with over half an hour left. Rosler describes the performance as ‘embarrassing’ and says some of the players won’t play for Wigan again…
11th November 2014- Dave Whelan gives Uwe Rosler a vote on confidence in the local paper
13th November 2014- Uwe Rosler is sacked by Dave Whelan.
(Might be time to grab another drink)
13th November 2014- Uwe Rosler is sacked by Dave Whelan.
(Might be time to grab another drink)
Despite being warned not to by the towns local MP and many people in the game. Dave Whelan appoints Malky Mackay as manager. A man under FA investigation for homophobic, sexist, racist and anti Semitic text messages sent during his time at Cardiff City.
Dave Whelan, in trying to defend Malky Mackay, ends up facing an FA Charge (6 week ban) of his own. After saying in an interview with the Guardian that “Jewish people chase money more than everybody else” and defending the use of the word “chink” to describe Chinese people.
After taking just 5 points from his first 10 matches. Malky Mackay decides it’s time for a huge squad overhaul. In a bombshell press conference, he confirms the departures of two of the FA Cup winning heroes, Shaun Maloney and Ben Watson.
Malky Mackay decides he wants to give Grant Holt a chance back at Wigan. He is recalled from his loan at Huddersfield, and is immediately ruled out for up to 12 months with a knee injury
Malky Mackay is pictured in a casino at 4AM with a young girl, the night before a match.
Jan 2015- Oriol Riera and Andy Delort both depart Wigan Athletic. Combined cost of around £5M, 24 appearances and 1 goal. Mackay unsurprisingly replaces them with British options, in Billy McKay and Leon Clarke.
Feb 28th 2015. Wigan fans sing ‘90 songs in 90 minutes’ at Bloomfield Road, as they are so depressed with the form of the current crop. Wigan win 3-1, but remain cut adrift in 23rd place.
March 2015
Dave Whelan resigns as Chairman of Wigan Athletic
David Sharpe, his 23 year old grandson becomes chairman.
Dave Whelan resigns as Chairman of Wigan Athletic
David Sharpe, his 23 year old grandson becomes chairman.
April 2015- With Latics continuing to head towards League 1 at a rapid pace, Malky Mackay is sacked after a 2-0 home defeat to Derby County.
The headline in the Wigan evening post tells its own story.
The headline in the Wigan evening post tells its own story.
April 2015- Gary Caldwell is appointed Wigan manager, with David Sharpe saying he would bring back the “Wigan way” which appeared to just be possession football a la Roberto Martinez. Latics have 70% possession in his first game at Fulham, but can only draw 2-2.
May 2015.
2013 FA Cup winners Wigan Athletic are relegated to League 1 just two years later.
2013 FA Cup winners Wigan Athletic are relegated to League 1 just two years later.
July 2015- with Wigan in the midst of another squad rebuild. Chairman David Sharpe declares at a fans forum that he doesn’t just want to win League 1, he wants to “smash it and get 100 points”
Aug 2015- only a handful of the squad from the year before remain. 13 players make their debut on the opening day at Coventry. Wigan lose 2-0. 2,500 Wigan fans spend the majority of the day working out which player is which.
July 2015- Captain and FA Cup winning legend Emmerson Boyce writes an article in the local paper, after he’s denied a testimonial year by being offered ‘pay as you play deal’ he later signs for Blackpool.
Aug 2015- Wigan Athletic 1-2 Bury
Leon Clarke scores twice, more than he did in his entire spell at the DW.
Leon Clarke scores twice, more than he did in his entire spell at the DW.
Grant Holt (remember him?) is pranked by a school boy pretending to be Sean Dyche, and pretending to want him to make the move to Premier League Burnley. The video goes viral on Twitter. Holt shares it and is forced to take it down by Wigan’s media team
September 2015
Wigan come from 2-0 down with 10 minutes to go to beat Chesterfield 3-2. The road to promotion was up and running. Wigan fans pile onto the pitch to celebrate Jordy Hiwula’s injury time winner.
Wigan come from 2-0 down with 10 minutes to go to beat Chesterfield 3-2. The road to promotion was up and running. Wigan fans pile onto the pitch to celebrate Jordy Hiwula’s injury time winner.
Oct 2015- Grant Holt. The man initially brought in to score the goals to get Wigan promoted to the Premier League makes his return to the Latics fold, against Bury at Gigg Lane. Craig Morgan scores in the 95th minute to salvage a draw.
Nov 2015.
FA Cup first Round. Bury 4-0 Wigan Athletic.
Gary Caldwell calls the performance an “embarrassment”
Goalkeeper Richard O’Donnell would never play for the Latics again after his error for the first goal.
FA Cup first Round. Bury 4-0 Wigan Athletic.
Gary Caldwell calls the performance an “embarrassment”
Goalkeeper Richard O’Donnell would never play for the Latics again after his error for the first goal.
December 2015. Gary Caldwell and Graham Barrow decide they feel left back Andy Kellet would be a decent number 10. He scores, Wigan win 2-0. They are 5th in League 1 at Christmas.
Jan 2016- Wigan are 3-0 up against promotion rivals Sheffield United. Don Cowie is substituted on. The game finishes 3-3.
Cowie and Grant Holt are released the following week.
Cowie and Grant Holt are released the following week.
Feb 2016- new fan favourite Yanic Wildschut scores an injury time winner at Walsall, to put Wigan into the top 2 for the first time, where they would remain.
Dave Whelan buys Bolton’s training ground at Euxton for a knock down fee, it’s confirmed that Latics will have access to the facility from the summer of 2016.
As striker Will Grigg continues to fire Wigan towards the League 1 title, a video emerges from fan Sean Kennedy on social media, singing “Will Griggs on fire” to the tune of Gala’s ‘Freed from desire’
The song would eventually reach the top 10 of the charts.
The song would eventually reach the top 10 of the charts.
April 2016. Wigan clinch promotion, and the title with a 4-0 win at Blackpool. Blackpool refuse to give Wigan any more than 4,000 tickets despite the vast majority of their own supporters boycotting the game. Hundreds of Wiganers purchase tickets in their hospitality section…
May 2016. A packed house piles into the DW to see the Latics lift the trophy for the game against Barnsley. It becomes apparent that the majority of the team are feeling the impact of the weeks celebrations. Wigan lose 4-1.
Aug 2016. Gary Caldwell makes a number of changes to his promotion winning side. Vice Captain Jason Pearce is allowed to leave to join Charlton Athletic, and goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelianen loses his number 1 spot to Liverpool goalkeeper Adam Bogdan, who joins on loan.
Aug 2016. A hero returns, they do say never go back…
October 2016. After just 2 wins in their opening 14 championship games, Gary Caldwell is sacked.
Dave Whelan takes the advice of Sir Alex Ferguson, and replaces him with Manchester United coach Warren Joyce, who looks like he’s being held hostage in his first interview.
Dave Whelan takes the advice of Sir Alex Ferguson, and replaces him with Manchester United coach Warren Joyce, who looks like he’s being held hostage in his first interview.
Nov 2016- just 5 minutes into his tenure as manager, Warren Joyce’s Wigan are 2-0 down to Reading. They lose the game 3-0, it’s a sign of things to come for the Joyce era.
Joyce wins just 1 of his first 10 league matches at the Latics helm, leaving Latics in real threat of an immediate return to League 1.
They do however beat Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup, to set up a tie at Old Trafford. Wigan lose 4-0. David Perkins misses an open goal. #wafc
They do however beat Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup, to set up a tie at Old Trafford. Wigan lose 4-0. David Perkins misses an open goal. #wafc
Jan 2017.
With Latics up against it to stay in the Championship, star player Yanic Wildschut hands in a transfer request on the eve of the transfer deadline. He is sold to Norwich for a fee rising to £7M and is replaced by a total of 8 signings on deadline day…
With Latics up against it to stay in the Championship, star player Yanic Wildschut hands in a transfer request on the eve of the transfer deadline. He is sold to Norwich for a fee rising to £7M and is replaced by a total of 8 signings on deadline day…
Jan 2017- Warren Joyce recalls Sam Morsy from his loan at Barnsley, Barnsley then trigger a clause they have to buy him. Morsy decides to stay with Wigan and signs a new deal, Barnsley are 8th, Wigan are 23rd. He scores in a crucial victory over Brentford to mark his return.
March 2017- Latics lose 1-0 at rivals Blackburn Rovers.
The away end loudly boo the decisions to substitute Omar Boyle and Sam Morsy, so both substitutes are changed and Callum Connolly is taken off instead.
Warren Joyce sports an eye patch for the game after surgery.
The away end loudly boo the decisions to substitute Omar Boyle and Sam Morsy, so both substitutes are changed and Callum Connolly is taken off instead.
Warren Joyce sports an eye patch for the game after surgery.
13 March 2017. Warren Joyce is sacked after just 6 wins in 24 league matches. Club stalwart Graham Barrow is tasked with overturning a 4 point deficit to keep Wigan in the league.
April 2017. Barrow describes Jakob Haugaard’s error at Brighton as ‘Sunday league’
Haugaard, who was only playing due to a clause in his loan contract from Stoke, was sent back to Stoke the following week with an ‘injury’
Haugaard, who was only playing due to a clause in his loan contract from Stoke, was sent back to Stoke the following week with an ‘injury’
April 2017- Nick Powell scores an 11 minute hat trick to keep Latics’ very slim chances of Championship survival alive, in a 3-2 win over Barnsley.
May 2017. Wigan are relegated back to League 1, and it’s announced interim manager Graham Barrow will depart, after 15 years of service.
After former England manager Steve McClaren rules himself out of the running, Sharpe poaches Portsmouth manager and ex Latics player Paul Cook to be the new manager, assisted by Leam Richardson and Anthony Barry, they were tasked with resorting Wigan to the Championship.
Midfielder Max Power tells Paul Cook he wants to get a move to a Championship team. Cook banishes him from the squad until the end of the transfer window. He remains at Wigan due to receiving no championship interest.
Wigan warm up for what they hope to be a promotion season by beating Chorley 14-0 in a pre season friendly. Chorley release a statement on their website saying Wigan played a stronger team than they were meant to.
October 2017- Wigan make a flying start to their League 1 campaign and are already in the automatic promotion spots. News begins to circulate that owners the Whelan family are in talks with a Chinese consortium over a potential takeover of the club.
December 2017- Oxford United 0-7 Wigan Athletic.
Record breakers. Max Power comes off the bench to win back the hearts of Latics fans with 2 screamers from distance, Will Grigg bags a hat trick.Wigan are top of League 1 at Christmas and look good for a return to the Championship
Record breakers. Max Power comes off the bench to win back the hearts of Latics fans with 2 screamers from distance, Will Grigg bags a hat trick.Wigan are top of League 1 at Christmas and look good for a return to the Championship
Jan 2018- star midfielder Nick Powell turns down a move to Premier League Brighton to remain with Paul Cook’s Wigan in League 1.
Premier league sides Bournemouth and West Ham are both defeated in the FA Cup at the DW. As Cook’s side continued to beat all in front of them in both League and cup. The next challenge? Pep Guardiola’s quadruple chasing Man City.
February 2018- Wigan Athletic 1-0 Manchester City. One of the greatest nights in Wigan Athletic’s history. Gary Roberts, Max Power and David Perkins come out on top over the likes of Gundogan, David Silva and De Bruyne.
Man City striker Sergio Aguero gets in a bust up with a Wigan fan after a pitch invasion. Latics are charged £12,500 for the crowd trouble.
Manager Paul Cook, his staff and Chairman David Sharpe take a flight to Spain the evening after the Man City win to properly celebrate it. Sharpe’s TV interviews the next day are audio only…
FA Cup Quarter Final
Wigan Athletic 0-2 Southampton.
Latics Wembley dreams are dashed at the final hurdle, after beating 3 premier league sides a 4th couldn’t follow.
Wigan Athletic 0-2 Southampton.
Latics Wembley dreams are dashed at the final hurdle, after beating 3 premier league sides a 4th couldn’t follow.
March 2018- Wigan and Blackburn are in a League 1 title race when Wigan make the trip to Ewood. Blackburn go 2 up early on, Danny Graham celebrates in front of the away end by pointing down, Rovers choose to play “slide away”by Oasis at Half time. The game finishes 2-2.
May 2018. Wigan Athletic pip Blackburn rovers to the League 1 title on the final day. 4.500 Wiganers go mad in the away end at Doncaster. Max Power picks up a flare thrown onto the pitch by a supporter. #wafc
May 2018-Dave Whelan agrees a deal to sell Wigan Athletic to Hong Kong based company, International Entertainment Corporation.
June 2018- Wigan unveil their away kit for the 2018/19 season. Wigan would not win a single game wearing it, leaving fans to describe it as a cursed kit.
August 2018
Stoke City 0-3 Wigan Athletic.
Wigan Athletic would not win away again for 8 months.
Stoke City 0-3 Wigan Athletic.
Wigan Athletic would not win away again for 8 months.
Aug 2018
Two time promotion winner Max Power joins Sunderland. The first of a lot of business the two clubs would do in the coming years.
Two time promotion winner Max Power joins Sunderland. The first of a lot of business the two clubs would do in the coming years.
After a very solid start to the Championship return, Latics’ front line begins to be hit with injury. Latics’ season hits a huge bump in the road as they’re smashed 4-0 by Preston at deepdale.
Nov 2018- IEC complete their £22M acquisition of Wigan Athletic. An interview is posted on the club’s website with a Melvin Yan Min Zhang of IEC. He is never to be seen again. Darren and Joe Royle replace David Sharpe on the domestic board.
(You’ll need something strong now)
(You’ll need something strong now)
Jan 2019. Will Grigg completes a £3M move to Sunderland. It’s later revealed in their Netflix documentary that their manager Jack Ross valued him at no higher than £1.5M. The move is met by anger by Wigan fans. Leon Clarke returns on loan to replace him…
Latics believe they have ended their away day hodoo as they are 2-1 up at Reading heading into injury time. They concede twice and lose 3-2.
Paul Cook later receives an apology from the referee over the awarding of 2 of Reading’s goals.
Paul Cook later receives an apology from the referee over the awarding of 2 of Reading’s goals.
March 2019- Paul Cook bans a journalist from a local radio station from attending his press conferences after he compares Latics’ three consecutive away defeats with the collapse of the Government.
16th March 2019
Wigan Athletic 5-2 Bolton Wanderers.
Wigan Athletic 5-2 Bolton Wanderers.
April 2019
Leeds United 1-2 Wigan Athletic. Wigan break their away duck with a win at Elland Road, costing Leeds their promotion place in the process. Gavin Massey scores twice and celebrates in front of the Kop end.
Leeds United 1-2 Wigan Athletic. Wigan break their away duck with a win at Elland Road, costing Leeds their promotion place in the process. Gavin Massey scores twice and celebrates in front of the Kop end.
May 2019- Chelsea loanee Reece James is given a heroes reception in his final game, the 1-0 win over Millwall. Latics finish a comfortable 18th, with no real danger of relegation.
This is where the boringness ends.
This is where the boringness ends.
Darren Royle tells a Wigan fans forum that Chairman of IEC Stanley Choi, is unlikely to visit Wigan as he is scared of flying.
His Facebook account is then discovered, with photos of plane trips to London and LA visible.
His Facebook account is then discovered, with photos of plane trips to London and LA visible.
Aug- 2019. IEC spend a significant amount of money in the 2019 transfer window. It’s hoped the signings of Jamal Lowe and Kieffer Moore in particular would fire Wigan towards the top end of the Championship.
Aug 2019- Despite the number of new acquisitions. Latics away form continues largely in the same vein as the season before. They are once again humiliated at Lancashire rivals Preston North End. Murmurs of discontent begin to be heard about manager Paul Cook
Dec 2019- Struggling Wigan lead 1-0 against high flying West Brom. Jamie Jones inexplicably picks up a back pass from Kal Naismith. Charlie Austin scores from the resulting free kick. Latics remain in trouble and Cook remains under pressure from sections of the support. #wafc
Club owners IEC release a vague statement on the club’s website in which they say they will be transferring the clubs ownership to the ‘Next Leader Fund LP.’ A company also headed by a certain Mr Choi. 😬
Wigan match their total amount of away wins in 2019, within the first month of 2020. Birmingham and Leeds United are defeated as Latics begin to turn their form around.
Left back Antonee Robinson misses out on a dream £6M move to AC Milan as an unsuspected heart issue is picked up during his medical. He doesn’t play for Wigan for 6 months whilst he is assessed.
March 2020- with talk of an incoming lockdown due to the coronavirus, Wigan continued their excellent form in 2020. Picking up a win at league leader West Brom. In Wigan’s final game before lockdown, Michael Jacobs misses a great chance to clinch all three points against Luton.
March 2020- Lockdown.
June 2020. Latics are taken over by Next Leader Fund LP. Stanley Choi’s name is not mentioned in the statement. Instead it’s the name of Au Yeung, who says he hopes to meet the clubs fans… this was the only trace of Mr Yeung anywhere on the internet…
Wigan continue their amazing form in 2020 after the lockdown break ends. They win each of their first 3 games without conceding a goal. A top half finish looked likely for the Latics. A 3-0 win over Stoke virtually secures another Championship season with 6 games to spare.
1st July 2020.
Despite no hints that it was forthcoming, or any real debt. Wigan Athletic were placed into Administration just 4 weeks after being taken over by Next Leader Fund. Fans across the borough are devastated and shocked.
Despite no hints that it was forthcoming, or any real debt. Wigan Athletic were placed into Administration just 4 weeks after being taken over by Next Leader Fund. Fans across the borough are devastated and shocked.
The EFL release a statement to say Wigan will be deducted 12 points regardless.
EFL Chairman Rick Parry is cornered by a Wigan fan, and is recorded saying he believes Latics’ administration may be due to a betting scandal over in the Philippines
EFL Chairman Rick Parry is cornered by a Wigan fan, and is recorded saying he believes Latics’ administration may be due to a betting scandal over in the Philippines
The clubs administrators from Begbies Traynor, Dean Watson, Gerald Krasner and Paul Stanley use the day to take photos on the DW pitch.
Thread continues…👇
https://twitter.com/ForeverWAFC/status/1621106901672132610
The EFL announce that despite the murkiness around the takeover and collapse into Administration, Wigan will still face a 12 point deduction for entering Administration.
Academy graduates Jensen Weir and Alfie Devine are instantly sold for small fees in order to pay the July wages. Gerald Krasner continues to work on a deal to send Joe Gelhardt to his old club, Leeds United.
14/07/2020
Wigan Athletic 8-0 Hull City.
In the most trying times, Latics still managed to break a record. With 2 games to go Wigan had a chance of survival despite the points deduction. #wafc
Wigan Athletic 8-0 Hull City.
In the most trying times, Latics still managed to break a record. With 2 games to go Wigan had a chance of survival despite the points deduction. #wafc
Macauley Bonne equalises in the 92nd minute for Charlton to make it 2-2 and stop Wigan from being within touching distance of safety.
Antonee Robinson puts the ball out for a Charlton injured player just moments before.
Antonee Robinson puts the ball out for a Charlton injured player just moments before.
22nd July 2020. Despite finishing 13th in the actual table, and having a positive goal difference. Wigan are relegated by virtue of their points deduction, after a 1-1 draw with Fulham.
Neesens Kebano with a free kick to break Wigan hearts, the awarding of it was controversial.
Neesens Kebano with a free kick to break Wigan hearts, the awarding of it was controversial.
Barnsley FC’s social media declare it as a ‘great escape’ for them, despite them actually being the third worst team in the division.
Wigan’s relegation goes to an appeal, but is lost. The Latics will start 2020/21 in League 1
Wigan’s relegation goes to an appeal, but is lost. The Latics will start 2020/21 in League 1
Aug 2020. With the entirety of Wigan’s first team in the process of being sold for peanuts. Gerald Krasner storms off during a TV interview on Channel 4 as he’s challenged on the type of owner Wigan should be looking for.
Krasner’s first “preferred bidder” drops out of the race
Krasner’s first “preferred bidder” drops out of the race
Wigan Warriors Chairman and ex EFL Chairman Ian Lenagan releases a statement saying he’s interested in buying Wigan Athletic.The idea is instantly supported by the local paper and Wigan Council.
It later turns out that he was only ever bidding for the DW Stadium
It later turns out that he was only ever bidding for the DW Stadium
Sept 2020- After selling virtually their entire team and losing manager Paul Cook during the shortened break between seasons. Latics kicked off 2020/21 under the management of John Sheridan, and lost 2-0 to Ipswich. The difference in starting elevens was very noticeable… #wafc
30th Sept 2020. Begbies announce they’ve agreed a deal with a Spanish consortium to take Wigan out of administration. Latics fans on Twitter add the Spanish flag to their names. Leganes owner Felipe Moreno and Jose Miguel Garrido Cristo were later revealed as being behind it.
8th November 2020
FA Cup Round 1
Wigan Athletic 2-3 Chorley
Wigan are knocked out by National League North opposition.
FA Cup Round 1
Wigan Athletic 2-3 Chorley
Wigan are knocked out by National League North opposition.
Nov 2020- In the aftermath of the Chorley defeat, John Sheridan leaves to take up a job at Swindon Town. Paul Cook’s old assistant Leam Richardson, who stayed with the club when Paul Cook left earlier in the year, takes on the role on an interim basis.
Despite Latics continuing to struggle in League 1 with a depleted squad, there are marginal improvements under Leam Richardson.
Off the pitch, Cristo is rejected by the EFL, but Begbies continue to keep the ‘exclusivity’ with the Spanish group. Leaving other parties frustrated
Off the pitch, Cristo is rejected by the EFL, but Begbies continue to keep the ‘exclusivity’ with the Spanish group. Leaving other parties frustrated
‘Wiganer’ Tony Frampton throws his hat into the ring to become owner. Saying he will not only invest in the football team, but also local schools, hospitals, and he’d potentially look to put a roof on the DW Stadium. He claimed to have significant backing from the Far East.
Dec 2020- Pictures emerge on Frampton’s Facebook page of him wearing a Chelsea shirt, whilst his wife takes to Facebook to accuse him of running away from the Children. His funds are unable to be verified by the administratiors. The DW still has no roof.
Jan 2021. Despite talk Felipe Moreno would go solo on the deal, the Spanish takeover deal collapses.
Paul Stanley says Wigan only have the funds to survive as a club for a matter of weeks
Paul Stanley says Wigan only have the funds to survive as a club for a matter of weeks
Jan 2021- Administrator Gerald Krasner goes on talksport to defend the millions of pounds in administratiors fees Begbies are charging.
Simon Jordan spends the entire exchange calling him ‘Gerard’
Simon Jordan spends the entire exchange calling him ‘Gerard’
Despite an embarrassing 0-5 home defeat to Rochdale, Latics’ form over Christmas improved. A 4-3 win at Burton left them in the relegation zone on goal difference only.
Feb 2021. Wigan remain ownerless, despite talks with a nameless consortium from Bahrain, but are continuing the fight on the pitch.
Scott Wootton scores a 96th minute winner against relegation rivalsBristol Rovers. Tommy Gore goes crazy on Latics TV.
Scott Wootton scores a 96th minute winner against relegation rivalsBristol Rovers. Tommy Gore goes crazy on Latics TV.
March 2021 The Below tweet appears on the #wafc tag. Many people are sceptical to begin with, but by the end of the month the full identity of the new owners Phoenix 2021 was revealed. The Latics had been saved💙
https://twitter.com/TalalAlHammad32/status/1368575304885796867
March 30th 2021. A day of relief for every Wigan fan.
Latics fans on social media spend most of the evening estimating the cost of Mr Al Jasmi’s big table.
Latics fans on social media spend most of the evening estimating the cost of Mr Al Jasmi’s big table.
It emerges the sale of Euxton paid for a large amount of the administratiors fees.
Paul Stanley publishes an article in the Athletic where he says he believes he should have a statue erected outside the DW for his work as an administrator.
Paul Stanley publishes an article in the Athletic where he says he believes he should have a statue erected outside the DW for his work as an administrator.
April 2021. Leam Richardson is appointed full time Wigan manager, with relegation to League 2 still looking a possibility. Wigan record four straight victories and survive relegation despite a defeat to Hull City in their penultimate match. Astonishing.
July/August 2021 The return of former heroes Max Power and James McClean as well as the acquisition of the leagues top scorer Charlie Wyke boil bodily fluids across the League. The tics are back.
New Chairman Talal Al Hammad calls round at a young supporters house who had sold his toys to donate to the club during the administration period. He even stays for a cup of tea.
Despite being a newly assembled team, Latics race out of the League 1 blocks and are in the automatic promotion spots almost immediately. Bolton are defeated in both league and cup.
October 16th 2021.
Bolton Wanderers 0-4 Wigan Athletic.
Bolton fans spend the majority of the second half trying to get the game called off by throwing things at Wigan payers. James McClean who chose Latics over Bolton, scores twice.
Bolton Wanderers 0-4 Wigan Athletic.
Bolton fans spend the majority of the second half trying to get the game called off by throwing things at Wigan payers. James McClean who chose Latics over Bolton, scores twice.
November 2021. Striker Charlie Wyke suffers a cardiac arrest in training. Manager Leam Richardson helps to save his life by starting the CPR. Wigan would pick up 4 points from 2 difficult away games in the days later. Incredible.
Nov 2021- Wigan’s new third kit is accidentally revealed by a fan that spots its appearance on Football Manager.
With Wigan riding high at the Top of League 1. The Omircon strain of Covid-19 allows each of Latics opponents over the Christmas period to postpone their fixtures against them. Crewe, Accrington and Morecambe all do, and they all lose the rearranged game anyway.
Jan 2022- Academy graduate Thelo Aasgaard scores a last minute screamer to knock Blackburn Rovers out of the FA Cup at the DW. Max Power and James McClean celebrate right in front of the visiting supporters.
Feb 2022. Tics fans are up for the cup after their victory over Blackburn. 4,000 make the trip to Stoke. Leam Richardson makes 10 changes to deal with fixture congestion, and Wigan lose 2-0
The DW sees its highest crowd since the Premier League days for the visit of Sunderland. Wigan lose their first home game since October.
April 2022- Wigan take another giant step towards promotion with a 3-1 victory over Lincoln at Sincil Bank. Max Power knocks a policeman’s hat off in the celebrations of the 3rd goal.
Despite a late wobble, Wigan clinch the title on the last day of the season at Shrewsbury. A fan breaks his ankle celebrating Will Keane’s penalty. Mal Brannigan and Talal go to visit him in hospital straight after the game.
EFL Chairman Rick Parry is booed by the away end as he brings the Trophy out before the ceremony. He stands sheepishly in the background.
October 2022- Mike Keegan of the DailyMail writes that Wigan Athletic have paid their wages a working day late for the third time in the space of a few months, and writes that Phoenix 2021 want to sell the club.Latics rush out an announcement of a new contract for Leam Richardson
Just three weeks later, a 2-0 defeat to Coventry City leaves Wigan 23rd in the Championship. Leam Richardson is sacked 2 days later. The move devastates large sections of the fan base who felt he was backed nowhere near enough in the summer transfer window.
Nov 2022- Despite the likes of Chris Wilder, Neil Critchley and Mick McCarthy applying for the job, Arsenal invincible and Leicester coach Kolo Toure was appointed manager. With a promise of improving the style of football played at the DW.
In his first month in charge, Toure’s Wigan lose 4-1 three times consecutively, to Middlesbrough, Sunderland and Hull.
Toure’ abandons his possession football for the subsequent FA Cup Tie at Luton.
Toure’ abandons his possession football for the subsequent FA Cup Tie at Luton.
Jan 2023- Local Journalist Paul Kendrick writes a piece saying it’s time to get very excited as Joe Gelhardt is returning on loan from Leeds.
He signs for Sunderland a couple of days later
He signs for Sunderland a couple of days later
Wigan offer the Luton FA Cup replay as a free match for season ticket holders.
Just over 5,000 of take them up on the offer. Wigan lose 1-2. Lots of Tics fans speak of being happy to see Luton’s injury time winner, as it prevented them from having to endure another half an hour
Just over 5,000 of take them up on the offer. Wigan lose 1-2. Lots of Tics fans speak of being happy to see Luton’s injury time winner, as it prevented them from having to endure another half an hour
Jan 26th 2023. After 0 wins in his first 9 matches, Kolo Toure is sacked, just 59 days into his 3 and a half year contract. FA Cup winning legend Shaun Maloney, is immediately brought in as his replacement, and it’s announced Graham Barrow will return to Wigan as his assistant.
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
