Statement 30th August 2020

Since the shock announcement was made to reveal that Wigan Athletic had been placed into administration, the Supporters Club has worked tirelessly to stay in close contact with everyone involved in the process. Our first crowdfunder was launched almost immediately and raised just under £200,000. Those funds played an important role in helping the club to pay its staff and finish the 2019/20 season.

At every stage we have been determined to make sure that all avenues are explored to find the most positive outcome for the club.

Over recent weeks however, we became aware of increasing doubt as to whether a bid to buy the club would be made, or accepted. As such, led by our Chair Caroline Molyneux and Executive Committee,  we began more detailed talks with the joint administrators, Jonathan Jackson, club staff, and stakeholders throughout the borough who were able to help. Our aim was for the Supporters Club to be ready with a solution of our own, to ensure that even in the worst case scenario the club could continue.

Having secured significant support for those plans from a number of local backers, it was clear that the next step would be to raise additional funding that would allow the Supporters Club to be ready to purchase a stake in Wigan Athletic. We needed the support of our fellow Latics fans to save our club, to secure its future, and to ensure that our supporters would have a part to play in its future ownership and management.

With these goals in mind, on Wednesday 26^th August, the WE ARE WIGAN, SAVE OUR CLUB crowdfunder was launched. Our ambitious first target was to raise AT LEAST £500,000 by the 31^st August. Now, within just four days, we are already on the sprint finish towards that target – and the passion of our supporters is showing no signs of slowing.

After such an inspiring response, we are now reviewing our plans with the belief that we could push our campaign even further. Every last penny received will be used to give our supporters a voice within our club, and with every extra pound raised our voice can only get stronger. For that reason our campaign will continue with the hopeful aim of reaching £750,000 by Friday 4^th September. If our second target can be reached, then who knows how far we could go!

Over the past week we are so pleased to have played a part in galvanising our fellow fans at a time when many of us were at our lowest point. We are so proud of the way in which Wigan Athletic supporters – and football supporters across the country – have come together to turn our situation around and ensure that a club in the heart of its community CAN NOT DIE.

We absolutely believe that our club will be stronger when our supporters work together to safeguard its future.

So please let’s continue to pledge, continue to share, continue to spread the word, and be assured that your Supporters Club will continue to give everything we can to harness your passion and secure the best possible position for Latics fans… and the best possible future for Wigan Athletic.

WE are together.

WE are Wigan. Athletic. Forever.

From all the team at Wigan Athletic Supporters Club