History of Wigan

Club Overview

Wigan Athletic FC is a football club based in Wigan,Greater Manchester,England. They has been playing in the English Premier League since their promotion from the Championship in 2005. Wigan currently play at the JJB stadium. But before the JJB was built they used to play at Springfield Park. The owner of the club,David Whelan bought the club in 1995 when they were still in the Third Division. Wigan Athletic FC share the JJB stadium with the local rugby team ,Wigan Warriors.

Club History

During the early 20th century there was desire to make a successful football team in Wigan. Four football clubs started and failed before the birth of Wigan Athletic in 1932 Wigan Athletic did very well as a non-league team winning a number of local leagues .They even beat Carlisle United 6-1 in an FA cup match in 1934 .This victory was the biggest victory by a non-league team over a league team In spite of doing very well, it was only in 1978 that Wigan Athletic was elected into the Football League .The club then won its first trophy as a League club by winning the Freight Rover Trophy in 1985 .Wigan were then relegated from the new Division Two in 1993, and a year later finished 19th - fourth from bottom in Division Three to complete their worst-ever league season. The following season, 1994-95, brought a secure mid-table finish. Then in 1995, local millionaire Dave Whelan bought the club from Stephen Gage and Nick Bitel,and stated his ambition to take the club to the Premiership, a statement which was widely ridiculed at the time. 10 years later Wigan were playing Premiership football!!!!

Thus after a promotion Wigan reached the Division Two Playoff final the following year. They lost the playoff final and then lost their manager at the time ,Steve Bruce to Crystal Palace

The club then appointed Paul Jewell as the manager.In only his second season in charge,Jewell guided the Latics to the Divison Two Championship.The following season was a very good season for the Latics, they finished 7th and narrowly missed out on the Championship playoffs.However next season the Latics came back as very strong unit and won automatic promotion into the Premiership by coming second behind championship winners Sunderland.Dave Whelan's dream had been achieved in just 10 years.

The promotion opened a whole new chapter in Latics history.In their very first season the Latics impressed everyone and finished 10th after being touted as relegation candidates The following season resulted in more drama however, a final day victory against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane with the help of a David Unsworth penalty sent the Blades into the Championship while it ensured Premiership football for the Latics for another year.However at the end of the season Paul Jewell left the club after guiding Wigan to their dream of Premiership football.He was replaced by his assistant manager Chris Hutchings

The following year started very well for Wigan as they went top of the table after 3 matches but then inconsistent form saw them fade away and fall into the relegation zone.Hutchings was then given the sack and Steve Bruce came back to Wigan for his second spell at the club.He then guided the Latics towards safety and they finished the season in 14th position

Club Rivalries

Stars of the Current Squad

Club Legends

Most Appearances

Most Goals

Player Recognition & Awards

Team Honours

Club Management

Uniforms

Stadium

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Important Links

References