Wigan Athletic enter Admin

[04Sauzee]

Wasn't that long ago they were in the EPL and winning the FA Cup. Where did it go wrong?

[MWHIBBIES]

They got relegated :greengrin

[Stuart93]

This is all hearts’ fault

[matty_f]

That's what happens when you don't have the maroon pound.

[calumhibee1]

The first club to fall because of Hearts being expelled.

Pleasing, etc.

[Bostonhibby]

Hearts will offer to take their place, just to help out as it's what they do.

Sent from my SM-A750FN using Tapatalk

[nonshinyfinish]

Hearts will offer to take their place, just to help out as it's what they do.

Sent from my SM-A750FN using Tapatalk

I thought they were getting Bury's place?

Obvious outcome is that their development team get into the EFL as well.

[Alan62]

How long until Kickback is speculating about buying them out of admin?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Bostonhibby]

I thought they were getting Bury's place?

Obvious outcome is that their development team get into the EFL as well.I'd imagine the EPL will let them pick.

They haven't got a club in all of England who didn't pay the Poppy Fund.

Sent from my SM-A750FN using Tapatalk

[dchibs]

Another avenue for Hertz to join the English leagues Wigan Hearts has not got the same ring as Bury Hearts though.

[Keith_M]

They have a fully complete, 25k capacity stadium that only took 18 months to build.

Hearts should move in until Tynecastle is finished.


They already play rugby in the stadium, so Hearts style of play wouldn't be too much of a shock.

[dchibs]

Heard they where waiting for Man City going bust to take there place, cause of their special relationship with them.

[CMurdoch]

Wasn't that long ago they were in the EPL and winning the FA Cup. Where did it go wrong?

In a nutshell Dave Whelan got old and the club was sold to speculators.

Whelan sold the club to Hong Kong-based International Entertainment Corporation in November 2018 and there was a further change of ownership in June when Next Leader Fund took control.

[Since452]

Hearts fans rejoice at a "diddy club" going bust. Dance on their graves they will

[BILLYHIBS]

And so it begins.......

[Betty Boop]

That will be David Marshall to Celtic then.

[Since452]

Is that another English club Hearts have a special relationship with then?

[Bostonhibby]

Is that another English club Hearts have a special relationship with then?Both having recently put themselves into administration?

Badges and half and half scarves opportunity for the Duncans.

Sent from my SM-A750FN using Tapatalk

[weecounty hibby]

Both having recently put themselves into administration?

Badges and half and half scarves opportunity for the Duncans.

Sent from my SM-A750FN using Tapatalk
No half and half needed the tarts will just take Wigan's place in the EFL. I for one am concerned that their march to the top of the EPL and then Europe is unstoppable

[Bostonhibby]

No half and half needed the tarts will just take Wigan's place in the EFL. I for one am concerned that their march to the top of the EPL and then Europe is unstoppableIt's like when they won the Champions league by 2008 all over again.

Sent from my SM-A750FN using Tapatalk

[LancsHibs]

Another avenue for Hertz to join the English leagues Wigan Hearts has not got the same ring as Bury Hearts though.

🤮either sounds terrible, to close to me for my liking! Don’t want then down in the Red Rose county thank you! You can keep them up there or maybe find an opening in Yorkshire😆

[CropleyWasGod]

In a nutshell Dave Whelan got old and the club was sold to speculators.

Whelan sold the club to Hong Kong-based International Entertainment Corporation in November 2018 and there was a further change of ownership in June when Next Leader Fund took control.

It's that second sale that has me baffled.

I would have thought that the new owners knew how much the debts were at that time. I can't see any details online of how much they paid for it, but presumably the sale price took account of that.

My only thought is that, although COVID probably took them over the edge, administration is part of the new owners' plan. They may have a pre-pack Newco in the wings to take over, and hence shed most of their debt.

I don't think they will be the last. It is another example of clubs who have "been there", but who fail to address the consequences of not being there any more (see also Portsmouth, Bolton, Sunderland).

[Green Man]

It's that second sale that has me baffled.

I would have thought that the new owners knew how much the debts were at that time. I can't see any details online of how much they paid for it, but presumably the sale price took account of that.

My only thought is that, although COVID probably took them over the edge, administration is part of the new owners' plan. They may have a pre-pack Newco in the wings to take over, and hence shed most of their debt.

I don't think they will be the last. It is another example of clubs who have "been there", but who fail to address the consequences of not being there any more (see also Portsmouth, Bolton, Sunderland).

So we’ll be seeing The Wigan next season then?

[lucky]

It's that second sale that has me baffled.

I would have thought that the new owners knew how much the debts were at that time. I can't see any details online of how much they paid for it, but presumably the sale price took account of that.

My only thought is that, although COVID probably took them over the edge, administration is part of the new owners' plan. They may have a pre-pack Newco in the wings to take over, and hence shed most of their debt.

I don't think they will be the last. It is another example of clubs who have "been there", but who fail to address the consequences of not being there any more (see also Portsmouth, Bolton, Sunderland).

If there is a newco waiting and it works I can see several clubs doing the same thing. Banks will calling in debt all over the place or trying to refinance it like we did.

This is just the start of clubs failing

[Renfrew_Hibby]

Interesting that it's another club in the Greater Manchester area that's gone tits up.
We have Bury, Bolton, Stockport County, I believe Oldham have had some bother too and now Wigan.

All over a period where City have grown massively and Man Utd remain a top global brand, any coincidences?

[Lago]

It's that second sale that has me baffled.

I would have thought that the new owners knew how much the debts were at that time. I can't see any details online of how much they paid for it, but presumably the sale price took account of that.

My only thought is that, although COVID probably took them over the edge, administration is part of the new owners' plan. They may have a pre-pack Newco in the wings to take over, and hence shed most of their debt.

I don't think they will be the last. It is another example of clubs who have "been there", but who fail to address the consequences of not being there any more (see also Portsmouth, Bolton, Sunderland).
If you look at the championship teams which a short time ago were considered relatively successful now in trouble, Huddersfield, Hull & Middlesbrough to name 3 in danger of relegation.

[EI255]

Wigan? Pah.

They can get back to their Northern Soul dancing.

Sent from my LG-H870 using Tapatalk

[Lago]

Interesting that it's another club in the Greater Manchester area that's gone tits up.
We have Bury, Bolton, Stockport County, I believe Oldham have had some bother too and now Wigan.

All over a period where City have grown massively and Man Utd remain a top global brand, any coincidences?
Nope like rangers & celtic in Scotland they have sucked the life blood out of smaller clubs.

[Diclonius]

Yet another English club with few fans propped up with money. No surprise, really.

[MWHIBBIES]

Nope like rangers & celtic in Scotland they have sucked the life blood out of smaller clubs.

Dunno if that is true. I think it is more those clubs having shady owners and making bad decisions. Many of them have been a disaster for years despite decent crowds. Wigan were never a big team anyway.

[Billy Whizz]

I didn’t realise they changed ownership only 4 weeks ago
Has it said how big their debts are

[MWHIBBIES]

I didn’t realise they changed ownership only 4 weeks ago
Has it said how big their debts are

It seems quite a shady deal. Read a post on another site earlier where someone was saying he couldn't find information on the takeover, how much it cost, how it was structured, how debts will be managed. May be totally incorrect and the person just couldn't find it but does seem shady.

[Iggy Pope]

Interesting that it's another club in the Greater Manchester area that's gone tits up.
We have Bury, Bolton, Stockport County, I believe Oldham have had some bother too and now Wigan.

All over a period where City have grown massively and Man Utd remain a top global brand, any coincidences?

Macclesfield in a bit of pooh as well.

[CMurdoch]

It's that second sale that has me baffled.

I would have thought that the new owners knew how much the debts were at that time. I can't see any details online of how much they paid for it, but presumably the sale price took account of that.

My only thought is that, although COVID probably took them over the edge, administration is part of the new owners' plan. They may have a pre-pack Newco in the wings to take over, and hence shed most of their debt.

I don't think they will be the last. It is another example of clubs who have "been there", but who fail to address the consequences of not being there any more (see also Portsmouth, Bolton, Sunderland).

The second sale stinks to high heaven.
A Hong Kong version of the David Murray shuffle.

[jacomo]

It's that second sale that has me baffled.

I would have thought that the new owners knew how much the debts were at that time. I can't see any details online of how much they paid for it, but presumably the sale price took account of that.

My only thought is that, although COVID probably took them over the edge, administration is part of the new owners' plan. They may have a pre-pack Newco in the wings to take over, and hence shed most of their debt.

I don't think they will be the last. It is another example of clubs who have "been there", but who fail to address the consequences of not being there any more (see also Portsmouth, Bolton, Sunderland).


Far too easy for clubs to fall into the hands of chancers with no real money behind them. I don’t know the details with Wigan but obviously feel for the supporters. It’s a long fall from that FA Cup win.

[NAE NOOKIE]

Its a shame, visited there this season when they beat Notts Forest 1 - 0 ... The home fans were just about outnumbered by the Forest support, but fair play to them they gave Wigan decent vocal backing. Nice stadium too.

This could just be the start, a lot of EFL clubs live way beyond their means ... tick tock as they say.

[Jones28]

It wasn’t so long ago they were winning the FA cup. A real shame for their fans but this will be the first of many unfortunately.

For us it could be a positive thing. If clubs in England who are able to pay more than us have to remodel it might mean we are more competitive.

[Since452]

Was reading something around a year ago about the precarious financial position of clubs in the English lower leagues. This was before Bury went bust. The Premier League has inflated wages so much that it's trickling down the leagues and it's completely unsustainable for those clubs. There is a "win or bust" mentality, especially in the Championship of trying to get to the Premier League. I'd imagine there will be a few more that go to the wall. The pandemic has only made it worse.

[One Day]

Another avenue for Hertz to join the English leagues Wigan Hearts has not got the same ring as Bury Hearts though.

yes please, I'd love to see Hearts dead and buried.

[Antifa Hibs]

Wasn't that long ago they were in the EPL and winning the FA Cup. Where did it go wrong?

£20m wage bill, averaging less than 11,000 per week at ticket prices less than us.

No sympathy for them, yer boltons or sunderlands who over spend relying on TV income.

[hibbyfraelibby]

When I hear Wigan I automatically think Rugby League. The football team tried to act like a big fish...but the sharks in the waters were even bigger

[blackpoolhibs]

Just another club finding it's proper level after being artificially funded over the last few years.

[CMurdoch]

Just another club finding it's proper level after being artificially funded over the last few years.

:agree: Without Dave Whelans money and his obsessed fan drive they are back to being a small football team in a Rugby League town.

[Keith_M]

I think they've only been in the football league (plus EPL) for about forty years so it's not like they're some long established league club.

I expect they'll dump their debt then settle at a lower (or maybe regional) league level.

[offshorehibby]

When I hear Wigan I automatically think Rugby League. The football team tried to act like a big fish...but the sharks in the waters were even bigger

I automatically think of Wigan Casino :greengrin

[CMurdoch]

I automatically think of Wigan Casino :greengrin

Then you automatically think of
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nq6VKEnuG8

[HendoDelivered]

I’d take McLeod, Windass & Kipre off their hands.

[04Sauzee]

I’d take McLeod, Windass & Kipre off their hands.

Windass has extended his loan at Sheffield Wednesday i think, im sure most off their players will be in demand

[04Sauzee]

Hamilton add to the singing of Callachan with Calum Smith and Charlie Telford

[Gordy M]

Rumours are now that the club was sold to a syndicate heavily into betting. They have intentionally put the club into admin to lose the points as they are due to win large amounts of money if this happens(relegation)!!! Crazy!

[Billy Whizz]

Rumours are now that the club was sold to a syndicate heavily into betting. They have intentionally put the club into admin to lose the points as they are due to win large amounts of money if this happens!!! Crazy!

Thought the EFL would have done a fit and proper persons review

[Gordy M]

Thought the EFL would have done a fit and proper persons review

Im not 100 precent, but i think they did, and the guy fronting it was solvent etc, but he has simply refused to pay the bills. Dont think the club are in debt as such, he is just refusing to pay money!

[offshorehibby]

Then you automatically think of
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nq6VKEnuG8

I'd say that was more Wigan slot machines 😁

[CropleyWasGod]

Im not 100 precent, but i think they did, and the guy fronting it was solvent etc, but he has simply refused to pay the bills. Dont think the club are in debt as such, he is just refusing to pay money!

If they're not in debt, I can't see how they can be insolvent.

Looking at their 2019 accounts, they had debts of £29m, and were insolvent by about £17m.

A bit more meat on the bone here:-

BBC News - Wigan Athletic: Investigation to take place into how club ended up in administration
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53261368

[matty_f]

I automatically think of Wigan Casino :greengrin

I immediately think of Terry and all the good work he did for Children in Need.

[Pretty Boy]

It's probably wrong on my part but I find it hard to feel a lot of sympathy for these clubs. Devastating for the fans obviously but Wigan, like Bournemouth, Portsmouth et al and their bloated budgets irk me more than the likes of Man Utd and Liverpool.

Celtic and Rangers always argue they are the biggest losers because of the TV money and global brand next door. When you look at the days in the sun clubs like Wigan have had in recent years it always makes me think oursleves, Hearts and Aberdeen could make a similar claim. Stuck fighting it out as also rans whilst teams with comparable fan bases and a fraction of the history are splashing out £20M on transfers and paying guys £50K a week.

I don't take any real pleasure from watching a club suffer but I won't cry myself to sleep tonight either.

[MWHIBBIES]

It's probably wrong on my part but I find it hard to feel a lot of sympathy for these clubs. Devastating for the fans obviously but Wigan, like Bournemouth, Portsmouth et al and their bloated budgets irk me more than the likes of Man Utd and Liverpool.

Celtic and Rangers always argue they are the biggest losers because of the TV money and global brand next door. When you look at the days in the sun clubs like Wigan have had in recent years it always makes me think oursleves, Hearts and Aberdeen could make a similar claim. Stuck fighting it out as also rans whilst teams with comparable fan bases and a fraction of the history are splashing out £20M on transfers and paying guys £50K a week.

I don't take any real pleasure from watching a club suffer but I won't cry myself to sleep tonight either.

Couldn't agree more.

[Garibaldis]

Players been told they will only receive 20% of their wages tomorrow.

[MWHIBBIES]

https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1279000646335836163.html

Very interesting read. Looking like a huge scandal could be about to happen here.

[CropleyWasGod]

https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1279000646335836163.html

Very interesting read. Looking like a huge scandal could be about to happen here.

I'm not saying he's wrong, but that's written by a fan, who is obviously emotionally involved and perhaps looking for something scandalous.

I would take issue with the comment "well-run club". They had debts of £29m in their last accounts, of which £20m were to parent companies, unsecured and repayable on demand. The audit report expressed uncertainty as to their ability to continue as a Going Concern. Compared to that, Hearts and Rangers are paragons of financial probity. :greengrin

[theonlywayisup]

Well I feel sorry for the football fans in and around Wigan, especially as the background behind the takeover that then led to Admin sounds very odd.

Here we have a team struggling in the shadows of the Manchester and Liverpool teams, plus others more local such as Blackburn, Bolton and Preston. They also have to put up with the fact that Wigan is a Rugby League town, a very successful team when I was a lad. In the late 70s, they gained promotion to the English Leagues, albeit in bizarre fashion.

Since 1978, they survived and gained a foothold, but it was only after local millionaire supporter Dave Whelan took over control that they rose through the leagues ultimately joining the Premier League in 2005 and staying there until 2013. Yes, they were able to buy players they shouldn't really afford, but everyone in England was doing that thanks to Sky money - we also did that ourselves in the late 90s and early 00s. Then like many teams before them, their decline started when their local millionaire supporter relinquished control of the club. I hope that last sentence doesn't become true at somewhere we call home!

The circumstances that led to the takeover and subsequent administration sound extremely strange, as if it's been manufactured for someone else's gain. Can you imagine what we would think if that was what happened to Hibs?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53291951