Wigan Athletic F. C.
Full name	Wigan Athletic Football Club
Nickname(s)	The Latics
Founded	1932
Ground	JJB Stadium Wigan Greater Manchester England, United Kingdom (Capacity 25,138[1])
Chairman	Dave Whelan
Team Manager	Steve Bruce
League	Premier League
2007–08	Premier League, 14th
Home colours 　 Away colours

Wigan Athletic Football Club is a professional football team based in Wigan, Lancashire, England. Football club names are a part of the sport 's culture reflecting century-old traditions This is a of lists of the use of Nicknames in football (soccer. The JJB Stadium (often referred to as The JJB) is a sports stadium located within the Robin Park Complex in Newtown Wigan, Lancashire. Wigan is a large town in Greater Manchester, England. It stands on the River Douglas, south of Preston, west-northwest of Manchester Greater Manchester is a Metropolitan county in North West England, with a population of 2 England is a Country which is part of the United Kingdom. Its inhabitants account for more than 83% of the total UK population whilst its mainland The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom, the UK or Britain,is a Sovereign state located The following is a list of Association football stadia. They are ordered by their capacity, that is the maximum number of spectators that the David Whelan born in Bradford on 24 November, 1936, and raised in Wigan, is a former professional football player with Blackburn Stephen Roger "Steve" Bruce (born 31 December 1960 is an English football manager and former player The Premier League, colloquially referred to as the Premiership, is an English professional league for football clubs Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a Team sport played between two teams of eleven players and is widely considered Wigan is a large town in Greater Manchester, England. It stands on the River Douglas, south of Preston, west-northwest of Manchester Lancashire is a non-metropolitan county of historic origin in the North West of England, bounded to the west by the Irish Sea England is a Country which is part of the United Kingdom. Its inhabitants account for more than 83% of the total UK population whilst its mainland They currently compete in the Premier League, the highest division of football in England, in which they have been playing since their promotion from the Football League in 2005, being the only top flight run in the clubs history. The Premier League, colloquially referred to as the Premiership, is an English professional league for football clubs Football is the National sport of England and plays a significant role in English culture. The Football League, also known as the Coca-Cola Football League for sponsorship reasons is a league competition featuring professional football clubs Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. They currently play at the JJB Stadium which they share with the rugby league club Wigan Warriors. The JJB Stadium (often referred to as The JJB) is a sports stadium located within the Robin Park Complex in Newtown Wigan, Lancashire. Wigan Warriors Rugby League Football Club is a professional Rugby league club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester, England. The club is currently the youngest in its division, being only 76 years old.

Contents 1 History 1.1 Life in the local leagues 1.2 Early league years 1.3 Rising through the league 1.4 Wigan in the Premier League 1.5 Wigan's seasons in the premier league 2 Stadium 3 Football / Rugby Feud 4 Controversy, criticism, and the media 5 Notable former players 6 Notable former managers 7 Players 7.1 Current squad 8 Management 9 Honours 9.1 Titles and positions 9.2 Other achievements 10 Records 11 References 12 Notes 13 External links

History

Life in the local leagues

Wigan Athletic F. C. was formed in 1932 following the demise of Wigan Borough the previous year. The following are the Football (soccer events of the year 1932 throughout the world Wigan Borough Football Club was an English football club from the town of Wigan, Lancashire. Wigan Athletic was the fifth attempt to stabilise a football club in the town following the demise of Wigan County, Wigan United, Wigan Town Wigan Rovers and the aforementioned Wigan Borough. Springfield Park, the former home of Wigan Borough, was purchased by the club and were elected to the Cheshire County League. Springfield Park was a multi-use Stadium in Wigan, England. It was the home ground of Wigan Athletic F The Cheshire County League was a football league founded in the north west of England in 1919 drawing its teams largely from Cheshire, surrounding English counties

In the early history of Wigan Athletic, the most notable exploits came in the FA Cup. The Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football, run by and named after In the 1934-35 season, Wigan beat Carlisle United 6-1 in the first round, setting a cup record for the biggest victory by a non-league club over a league club, a record which still stands today; although it was equalled in 1955 by Boston United, and in 1957 by Hereford United. Carlisle United FC are an English football team based in Carlisle, Cumbria, play in the Football League One this season after gaining Boston United Football Club are a football club based in Boston, Lincolnshire, England. Hereford United Football Club are an English professional football club based in the city of Hereford.

In 1945, Wigan were elected to a different league, the Lancashire Combination, and in 1950 came close to election to the Football League, narrowly losing out to Scunthorpe United on a vote. The following are the Football (soccer events of the year 1945 throughout the world The following are the Football (soccer events of the year 1950 throughout the world The Football League, also known as the Coca-Cola Football League for sponsorship reasons is a league competition featuring professional football clubs Scunthorpe United Football Club are an English Association football team based in the town of Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire. In the 1953-54 season, Wigan played an FA Cup match against Hereford United in front of a crowd of 27,526, a Wigan Athletic record and also a record for a match between two non-league teams at a non-league ground. Hereford United Football Club are an English professional football club based in the city of Hereford. In 1961, the club moved back to the Cheshire County League. The following are the Football (soccer events of the year 1961 throughout the world The Cheshire County League was a football league founded in the north west of England in 1919 drawing its teams largely from Cheshire, surrounding English counties

Early league years

In 1968, Wigan were founder members of the Northern Premier League. The following are the Football (soccer events of the year 1968 throughout the world History The Northern Premier League (NPL was founded in 1968, as the northern equivalent of the Southern League, decades after the other two leagues at what After 34 failed election attempts, including one controversial but headline-making application in 1972 to join the Scottish League Second Division, Wigan were elected to the Football League in 1978 in place of Southport, who had finished next to bottom of the Fourth Division. The following are the Football (soccer events of the year 1972 throughout the world History Before 1975 the Second Division (sometimes also called Division B was the second highest level in the Scottish system The following are the Football (soccer events of the year 1978 throughout the world Southport Football Club are an English football club based in Southport, Merseyside. "Fourth Division" redirects here For usage of the term in the Military, see 4th Division. Boston United were the Northern Premier League Champions in 1978 but their ground and facilities were deemed unsuitable for the Football League, therefore Wigan, as runners-up were put forward for election. Boston United Football Club are a football club based in Boston, Lincolnshire, England. In the club's first season of League football, Wigan finished sixth, and gained their first promotion two years later, prompting a ten year spell in the third tier of English football. The club won its first silverware as a League club in 1985, winning the Freight Rover Trophy. The following are the Football (soccer events of the year 1985 throughout the world Structure The Trophy is currently contested by just Football League One and Football League Two clubs and from season 2006-07 is played in a knock-out ( They were beaten in the Northern Final the following season by Bolton Wanderers. Bolton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional football club based in Horwich, in the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton, Greater

Wigan were 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 are the Football (soccer events of the year 1993 throughout the world The following season, 1994-95, brought a secure mid-table finish.

Rising through the league

In 1995, local millionaire David Whelan purchased the club, which was then playing in the Third Division (fourth tier), and stated his ambition to take the club to the Premiership, a statement which was widely ridiculed at the time. The following are the Football (soccer events of the year 1995 throughout the world David Whelan born in Bradford on 24 November, 1936, and raised in Wigan, is a former professional football player with Blackburn From the 1992-93 to the 2003-04 season, the Football League Third Division was the third-highest division of The Football League and the fourth-highest The Premier League, colloquially referred to as the Premiership, is an English professional league for football clubs 10 years later Wigan were playing Premiership football.

The first step towards Whelan's dream came true in 1997 when they won the Division Three title under the management of John Deehan. The following are the Football (soccer events of the year 1997 throughout the world John Deehan (born 6 August 1957 in Solihull) is a former football player who in recent years has had several spells in coaching and management Deehan's successor Ray Mathias took Wigan to the Division Two playoffs in 1999, losing 2-1 on aggregate to neighbours Manchester City after an extremely dubious goal. Raymond "Ray" Mathias (born 13 December 1946) is an English football coach and former player The following are the Football (soccer events of the year 1999 throughout the world TalkManchester City FC before changing verbs to singular --> Manchester City Football Club is an English professional football club This ultimately cost Mathias his job as he fell victim to Whelan's relentless drive for Premiership football. His replacement John Benson led the squad he inherited from Mathias to a commanding position at the top of Division Two in his first six months, including the demolition of local rivals Preston North End 4-1 away, only to collapse in the second half of the season and once again fail in the play-offs. John Benson may refer to John Benson (announcer, television announcer and occasional actor John Benson (footballer Preston North End Football Club is an English professional football club located in the Deepdale area of the city of Preston, Lancashire This was largely attributed to the dropping of leading goalscorer Stuart Barlow who was responsible for much of the side's early success, which coupled with a series of poor quality signings of ageing, and reputedly highly paid players and a run of poor performances led to strong disapproval of the management among fans. The season ended on a depressing note with Wigan losing 3-2 to Gillingham in extra time at the last ever Division Two play-off final to be played at the old Wembley Stadium. Gillingham Football Club is an English professional football club based in the town of Gillingham, Kent. original Wembley Stadium was a football Stadium in Wembley, a suburb of north-west London, standing on the site now occupied by the

Benson then moved 'upstairs' to the new post of Director of Football, under new manager Bruce Rioch. Bruce David Rioch (born 6 September 1947, in Aldershot, England) is an English -born Scottish football manager Rioch was hampered by severe injury problems and after a difficult and often unimpressive first half of the season left the club in February 2001. The following are the Association football events of the year 2001 throughout the world He was temporarily replaced by club stalwart Colin Greenall, before the surprise appointment of Steve Bruce in the closing games of the season. Colin Greenall (born December 30 1963 in Billinge, Lancashire) is an English Stephen Roger "Steve" Bruce (born 31 December 1960 is an English football manager and former player His arrival brought renewed vigour to Wigan performances, with the club ultimately falling foul once again of the play-offs, this time with Reading. Reading Football Club are an Association football club based in the English town of Reading, in Berkshire. Following this blow, Bruce left for Crystal Palace after repeatedly pledging his future to Wigan, leaving behind a club both grateful for his help in getting so close to promotion and also angry and bitter at his betrayal. Crystal Palace FC is an English football club based in South Norwood, London.

In 2001, former player Paul Jewell took over as manager, and after a mixed first season, won the Division Two championship in 2002-03 with a points total of 100. Paul Steven Jewell (born 28 September 1964) is a football manager, having previously had a career as a player Wigan finished seventh in the 2003-04 Division One campaign - a last minute goal by West Ham's Brian Deane in the final game of the season saw Latics drop out of the play off picture in favour of eventual play off winners Crystal Palace. The Football League First Division was the highest division of The Football League between 1993 and 2004 and the highest division of English football overall between Brian Christopher Deane (born February 7, 1968 in Leeds, Yorkshire, England) is a former English footballer

In the following season the Latics earned promotion to the Premiership by finishing second in the Coca-Cola Championship, behind Sunderland. The Premier League, colloquially referred to as the Premiership, is an English professional league for football clubs The Football League Championship (often referred to as The Championship for short or the Coca-Cola Football League Championship for sponsorship reasons Sunderland Association Football Club is a professional Association football team based in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, England, which plays in May 8, 2005 is now regarded by most fans as the biggest day in the history of Wigan Athletic. Events 589 - Reccared summons the Third Council of Toledo 1450 - Jack Cade's Rebellion: Kentishmen The following are the Football (soccer events of the year 2005 throughout the world On the final day of the 2004-05 Coca-Cola Championship campaign, the Latics beat Reading 3-1 at home to secure runners-up spot in the final table and a place in the Premiership for 2005-06. Reading Football Club are an Association football club based in the English town of Reading, in Berkshire. At the final whistle the stadium exploded with cheers and the Status Quo song Rockin' All Over the World was played over the PA system. " Rockin' All Over the World " is a rock Song by John Fogerty of Creedence Clearwater Revival. A public address or " PA " system is an electronic amplification system with a mixer, Amplifier and Loudspeakers used to

Wigan in the Premier League

Wigan's preparations for their first season in the top-flight included the signings of Henri Camara, Damien Francis, Ryan Taylor, Josip Skoko, Michael Pollitt, Stephane Henchoz, David Connolly and the return of former captain, Arjan De Zeeuw, to the club where he took up his former role as captain. The Premier League, colloquially referred to as the Premiership, is an English professional league for football clubs Henri Camara (born May 10, 1977 in Dakar, Senegal) is a Senegalese footballer with Wigan Athletic of the Damien Jerome Francis (born 27 February 1979 in Wandsworth, England) is a retired Jamaican international footballer. Ryan Anthony Taylor (born August 19, 1984 in Liverpool, England) is an Under 21 International with England. Josip Skoko (born December 10 1975 in Mount Gambier, Australia) is an Australian footballer of Croatian heritage Michael Francis "Mike" Pollitt (born 29 February 1972 in Farnworth, Lancashire) is an English professional football Stéphane Henchoz (born September 7 1974 in Billens, Switzerland) is a Swiss international footballer who is a David James Connolly (born June 6, 1977 in Willesden, England is an Irish professional footballer who plays as a Striker Adrianus "Arjan" de Zeeuw (born April 16, 1970 in Castricum) is a Dutch footballer. They also brought in the then unknown Pascal Chimbonda from Bastia for a mere £500,000. Pascal Chimbonda (born 21 February, 1979 in Les Abymes, Guadeloupe) is a French defender who plays for Sunderland For the Championnat de France Amateurs Group B side see CA Bastia. Unfortunately, during the summer, star striker Nathan Ellington, whose goals had propelled the club into the Premiership, was in the midst of serious contract negotiations. Nathan Robert Ellington (born 2 July, 1981 in Bradford, West Yorkshire) is an English professional footballer. Despite the club's eagerness to hold onto his services, his overly high demands seemingly were not met. This, along with his well-known striking prowess alerted other clubs. Eventually, West Bromwich Albion triggered the get-out clause in his contract and was sold for a fee of £3,000,001. West Bromwich Albion Football Club (also known as West Brom, The Baggies, Albion, The Albion, The Throstles or WBA) are

Wigan's first game in the top flight was a dream come true — a home match against English Champions Chelsea. A game in which they came close to a dream start in the league, but to no avail, falling foul to a 92nd minute winner by Hernán Crespo. Hernán Jorge Crespo (born July 5, After the goal, José Mourinho went as far as to commiserate Paul Jewell on his poor fortune and in his post match interview claimed that Chelsea did not deserve to win. José Mário dos Santos Félix Mourinho, GOIH (ʒuˈzɛ moˈɾiɲu (born 26 January 1963 in Setúbal) is a Portuguese Paul Steven Jewell (born 28 September 1964) is a football manager, having previously had a career as a player

Wigan are only the fourth English team in the last 20 years to win promotion to the top division for the first time. The most successful debut by any of these teams was that of Wimbledon, who achieved a sixth-place finish in 1987. This article refers to the original club from London which existed until 2004 Millwall debuted at 10th place in 1989 before going down the following year, while Swindon Town and Barnsley were both relegated after just one season among the elite. Millwall Football Club are an English professional football team based at The New Den, referred to by fans as The Den in Bermondsey, Swindon Town Football Club is an English football club based in Swindon, Wiltshire, who currently play in League One. Barnsley Football Club is an English football club based in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, and nicknamed the Tykes, with Toby Tyke

By November, Wigan had surpassed even their own expectations, and sat 2nd in the Premiership, after wins against Everton, Bolton Wanderers, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Fulham and Portsmouth. Everton Football Club is an English football club located in the city of Liverpool. Bolton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional football club based in Horwich, in the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton, Greater Newcastle United Football Club (also known as The Magpies or The Toon) is an English football club based in Newcastle upon Fulham Football Club is an English football team based in Fulham, in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. Portsmouth Football Club is an English football club based in the south coast city of Portsmouth.

Wigan's meteoric rise continued on 24 January 2006, when the club secured their first ever place in a major cup final. Events 41 - Gaius Caesar (Caligula, known for his eccentricity and cruel Despotism, is Assassinated by his disgruntled Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Wigan lost on the night to Arsenal 2-1 after extra time but Jason Roberts' last minute strike in extra time secured an away goals victory following their 1-0 first leg semi final victory at the JJB Stadium previously. Jason Andre Davis Roberts (born January 25 1978 in Park Royal, London) is an English born Grenadian football However, Wigan were defeated 4-0 by Wayne Rooney-inspired neighbours Manchester United on February 26, 2006 at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff. Wayne Mark Rooney (born 24 October 1985 in Croxteth, Liverpool, Merseyside) is an English footballer who currently plays for English Premier Events 747 BC - Epoch (origin of Ptolemy 's Nabonassar Era 364 - Valentinian I is proclaimed Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. The Millennium Stadium (Stadiwm y Mileniwm is the National stadium of Wales, located in the capital Cardiff. Cardiff ( 'kɑːdɪf) is the Capital and the largest city and county in Wales.

During the 2005-06 season, Wigan Athletic also managed to complete double league wins over Sunderland, neighbours Manchester City and Aston Villa. Sunderland Association Football Club is a professional Association football team based in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, England, which plays in TalkManchester City FC before changing verbs to singular --> Manchester City Football Club is an English professional football club Notably, Wigan Athletic took the most league points away from home, and had the most away victories outside the top three clubs. Wigan failed in their bid for European football and opted not to take part in the UEFA Intertoto Cup, yet retained a top ten finish in the Premiership. The UEFA Intertoto Cup, also abbreviated as UI Cup and originally called the International Football Cup, was a summer football competition for They brought in Paul Scharner in January to strengthen the side, and he quickly became a fan favourite with his heroic performances. Paul Josef Herbert Scharner (born March 11, 1980 in Scheibbs) is an Austrian footballer Also, Wigan right-back Pascal Chimbonda was included in the PFA Team of the Season 2005-06 and was included in France's World Cup 2006 squad. Pascal Chimbonda (born 21 February, 1979 in Les Abymes, Guadeloupe) is a French defender who plays for Sunderland This article lists the confirmed national football squads for However, this was overshadowed by his transfer request minutes after the last game of the season. He was subsequently sold to Tottenham Hotspur for £5. Tottenham Hotspur, ˈtɒʔnəm is an English professional football club which currently plays in the Premier League. 5 million on August 31, 2006. Events 1056 - Byzantine Empress Theodora becomes ill dying suddenly a few days later without children to succeed the Throne Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar.

During the close season, Wigan sold experienced players such as Jimmy Bullard (to Fulham), Graham Kavanagh (to Sunderland) and Jason Roberts (to Blackburn Rovers), and let Damien Francis and David Connolly leave after a season of disappointing performances and an injury-plagued season respectively. James Richard "Jimmy" Bullard (born 23 October 1978 is an English professional footballer who currently plays as a central Midfielder for Fulham Football Club is an English football team based in Fulham, in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. Graham Anthony Kavanagh (born December 2, 1973 in Dublin, Republic of Ireland) is an Irish footballer, currently playing Sunderland Association Football Club is a professional Association football team based in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, England, which plays in Jason Andre Davis Roberts (born January 25 1978 in Park Royal, London) is an English born Grenadian football Blackburn Rovers Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in the town of Blackburn, Lancashire. Damien Jerome Francis (born 27 February 1979 in Wandsworth, England) is a retired Jamaican international footballer. David James Connolly (born June 6, 1977 in Willesden, England is an Irish professional footballer who plays as a Striker Stephane Henchoz also left after his year-long contract expired. Stéphane Henchoz (born September 7 1974 in Billens, Switzerland) is a Swiss international footballer who is a In turn, Wigan brought in Emile Heskey, Denny Landzaat, Chris Kirkland, Antonio Valencia, Kevin Kilbane, David Cotterill, Fitz Hall and Emmerson Boyce. Emile William Ivanhoe Heskey (born 11 January 1978 in Leicester, England he is a Striker currently playing for Premier League side Wigan Athletic Denny Domingoes Landzaat (born May 6 1976 in Amsterdam) is a Dutch footballer. Christopher Edmund "Chris" Kirkland (born 2 May 1981 in Barwell, Leicestershire) is an English football Goalkeeper. Luis Antonio Valencia Mosquera (born August 4 1985 in Lago Agrio, Ecuador) is an Ecuadorian football winger, who currently plays Kevin Daniel Kilbane (born 1 February 1977, in Preston, Lancashire) is an English born Irish footballer who David Rhys George Best Cotterill (born 4 December 1987 in Cardiff) is a Welsh footballer who currently plays as a winger Fitz Benjamin Hall (born December 20 1980, Walthamstow, London) is an English footballer who plays for Queens Park Emmerson Orlando Boyce (born 24 September 1979 in Aylesbury, England) is an English -born Barbadian footballer

After a slow start to the 2006-07 season, Wigan's fortunes picked up with four successive victories against Manchester City, Bolton Wanderers, Fulham and Charlton Athletic. TalkManchester City FC before changing verbs to singular --> Manchester City Football Club is an English professional football club Bolton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional football club based in Horwich, in the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton, Greater Fulham Football Club is an English football team based in Fulham, in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. Charlton Athletic Football Club (also known as The Addicks) is a professional football club based in Charlton, in the London Borough of However, the club's form dipped dramatically with eight consecutive losses beginning with a close 1-0 defeat at home to Arsenal on December 13. Events 1294 - Saint Celestine V abdicates the papacy after only five months Celestine hoped to return to his previous life The lengthy injury to Henri Camara, along with fellow absentee Paul Scharner further hampered their winter period. Henri Camara (born May 10, 1977 in Dakar, Senegal) is a Senegalese footballer with Wigan Athletic of the Paul Josef Herbert Scharner (born March 11, 1980 in Scheibbs) is an Austrian footballer

Finally, their slump ended with a 1-0 home victory against Portsmouth, on February 3. Portsmouth Football Club is an English football club based in the south coast city of Portsmouth. Events 1112 - Ramon Berenguer III of Barcelona and Douce I of Provence marry uniting the fortunes of those two states This tied in with their January transfer window signings of Caleb Folan, Julius Aghahowa and David Unsworth to help to stabilise the club's Premiership status. Caleb Colman Folan (born 26 October 1982 in Leeds, England) is an English -born Irish footballer, currently playing for Hull City Julius Aghahowa (born 12 February 1982 in Benin City, Nigeria) is a football Striker from Nigeria who currently David Michael Unsworth (born October 16, 1973 in Chorley, England) is a footballer who plays in the position of centre-back On March 4, 2007, Wigan stood 15th in the Premiership and were in a more comfortable position than in previous weeks, moving eight points clear of Charlton Athletic after key victories over Newcastle United & Manchester City. Events 51 - Nero, later to become Roman Emperor, is given the title Princeps iuventutis (head of the youth Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Charlton Athletic Football Club (also known as The Addicks) is a professional football club based in Charlton, in the London Borough of Newcastle United Football Club (also known as The Magpies or The Toon) is an English football club based in Newcastle upon TalkManchester City FC before changing verbs to singular --> Manchester City Football Club is an English professional football club The club finally seemed to be moving away from the relegation mire at the right time with inspired performances from new front man Caleb Folan and stand-in goalkeeper John Filan. Caleb Colman Folan (born 26 October 1982 in Leeds, England) is an English -born Irish footballer, currently playing for Hull City John Filan (born February 8, 1970 in Sydney) is an Australian football (soccer goalkeeper. Nevertheless, Wigan remained in serious danger of relegation after defeats at the hands of Charlton Athletic, Bolton Wanderers and perhaps more pivotally at home against West Ham United. Charlton Athletic Football Club (also known as The Addicks) is a professional football club based in Charlton, in the London Borough of Bolton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional football club based in Horwich, in the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton, Greater } West Ham United Football Club is an English football club based in Upton Park, London Borough of Newham, East London, who have played Coupled with the resurgence of rival strugglers Fulham and Sheffield United, Wigan went into the last game of the season needing to beat Sheffield United at Bramall Lane. Fulham Football Club is an English football team based in Fulham, in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. Sheffield United Football Club is a professional English football club based in the city of Sheffield, South Yorkshire. Sheffield United Football Club is a professional English football club based in the city of Sheffield, South Yorkshire. } Bramall Lane Stadium is the home of Sheffield United Football Club in Sheffield, England and is the oldest major stadium in

On May 13, the final day of the 2006-07 season, a 10 man Wigan team battled and beat their Sheffield opponents 2-1 and thus guaranteeing Premiership status for another year and in doing so relegated Sheffield United to the Championship. Events 1497 - Pope Alexander VI excommunicates Girolamo Savonarola. The Premier League, colloquially referred to as the Premiership, is an English professional league for football clubs Sheffield United Football Club is a professional English football club based in the city of Sheffield, South Yorkshire. The Football League Championship (often referred to as The Championship for short or the Coca-Cola Football League Championship for sponsorship reasons After a dominant, fast paced and confident opening, Paul Scharner rifled home Kevin Kilbane's low cross of 14 minutes to put the Latics 1-0 up. Paul Josef Herbert Scharner (born March 11, 1980 in Scheibbs) is an Austrian footballer Kevin Daniel Kilbane (born 1 February 1977, in Preston, Lancashire) is an English born Irish footballer who However, a recurrence of Arjan De Zeeuw's calf injury forced him off after 30 minutes, and a re-shaped Wigan were pegged back on 38 minutes through a Jon Stead header. Adrianus "Arjan" de Zeeuw (born April 16, 1970 in Castricum) is a Dutch footballer. Jonathan Graeme "Jon" Stead (born April 7, 1983 in Huddersfield, England) is an English football player who currently plays Yet Wigan forced their way back in front in first half injury time. Phil Jagielka handled the ball inside the area while defending a free-kick, and former Blades defender David Unsworth belted home the resulting penalty. Philip Nikodem "Phil" Jagielka (born 17 August 1982 in Manchester, England is an English international footballer who plays for Everton David Michael Unsworth (born October 16, 1973 in Chorley, England) is a footballer who plays in the position of centre-back McCulloch was sent off in the 74th minute for his second booking which put Wigan under immense pressure. However, Wigan held on for one of the biggest wins in the club's history. On May 14, 2007 Paul Jewell resigned as the manager; his assistant Chris Hutchings was appointed as the new manager later that day. Events 1264 - Battle of Lewes: Henry III of England is captured in France making Simon de Montfort the Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Paul Steven Jewell (born 28 September 1964) is a football manager, having previously had a career as a player Christopher "Chris" Hutchings (born 5 July 1957 in Winchester, England) is an English former footballer and a

Hutchings wasted no time in bringing in experienced, well-known players, such as former Newcastle footballers Titus Bramble and Antoine Sibierski, former Rennes player Mario Melchiot, Preston North End keeper Carlo Nash, the much sought after Jason Koumas, Fulham's Michael Brown, while Andreas Granqvist signed on permanently and Antonio Valencia extended his loan for another season. Titus Malachi Bramble (born July 31, 1981 in Ipswich, Suffolk) is an English football player currently playing for Antoine Sibierski (born August 5, 1974 in Lille) is a French football player who currently plays for Norwich City on loan Mario Melchiot (born November 4, 1976 in Amsterdam) is a Dutch football defender who currently plays for Wigan Athletic Preston North End Football Club is an English professional football club located in the Deepdale area of the city of Preston, Lancashire Carlo Christian Nash (born 13 September 1973 in Bolton, Greater Manchester) is an English professional football player Jason Koumas (born 25 September 1979 in Wrexham) is a professional football player for Premier League outfit Wigan Athletic. Fulham Football Club is an English football team based in Fulham, in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. Michael Robert Brown (born January 25, 1977 in Hartlepool, England) is a professional footballer who plays in a midfield Andreas Granqvist (born 16 April 1985 in Helsingborg) is a Swedish football player currently playing as a defender for Luis Antonio Valencia Mosquera (born August 4 1985 in Lago Agrio, Ecuador) is an Ecuadorian football winger, who currently plays This poured water over Paul Jewell's argument that such players would not consider Wigan. . However, to allow more players into the squad, some players had to leave. This included Arjan De Zeeuw, who joined Coventry City, Matt Jackson, who signed for Watford, David Unsworth (released), John Filan (released) and former favourite, Lee McCulloch, who finally sealed his dream move to Rangers. Adrianus "Arjan" de Zeeuw (born April 16, 1970 in Castricum) is a Dutch footballer. Coventry City Football Club, otherwise known as the Sky Blues owing to the traditional colour of their strip is an association football club based in Coventry, Matthew Alan "Matt" Jackson (born 19 October 1971 in Leeds) is an English former professional footballer who played as a Watford Football Club is an English professional football club based in Watford, Hertfordshire. David Michael Unsworth (born October 16, 1973 in Chorley, England) is a footballer who plays in the position of centre-back John Filan (born February 8, 1970 in Sydney) is an Australian football (soccer goalkeeper. Lee Henry McCulloch (born May 14 1978 in Bellshill, North Lanarkshire) is a Scottish professional football player who currently Rangers Football Club are an Association football team based in Glasgow Scotland, who currently play in the Scottish Premier League. Another fan favourite, Leighton Baines, who had already turned down a move to newly promoted Sunderland, rejected a new contract at the club, and eventually signed for his boyhood team Everton. Leighton John Baines (born 11 December 1984 in Liverpool, Merseyside) is an English footballer, who plays left-back Sunderland Association Football Club is a professional Association football team based in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, England, which plays in Everton Football Club is an English football club located in the city of Liverpool. Melchiot was installed as the new club captain following the wholesale changes.

For the 2007/08 season, Wigan's home shirt returned to blue and white stripes, having been blue with white sleeves in 2006/07. The away shirt became white with a black trim, incorporating black shorts and black socks. They also introduced a third kit; a slate grey with royal blue trim.

Final changes to the squad took place before the Transfer Deadline. This saw Wigan sign much travelled striker Marcus Bent on loan and winger Rachid Bouaouzan for £300,000. Marcus Nathan Bent (born May 19, 1978) is an English footballer who plays as a Striker for Birmingham City, whom he joined Rachid Bouaouzan (born 20 February 1984) is a Dutch - Moroccan football player who currently plays for NEC Nijmegen, on loan from At the same time, Henri Camara left to go on loan to West Ham United, while Caleb Folan signed for Hull City for £1 million. Henri Camara (born May 10, 1977 in Dakar, Senegal) is a Senegalese footballer with Wigan Athletic of the } West Ham United Football Club is an English football club based in Upton Park, London Borough of Newham, East London, who have played Caleb Colman Folan (born 26 October 1982 in Leeds, England) is an English -born Irish footballer, currently playing for Hull City Hull City Association Football Club are an English football club based in Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire. Cameroonian left-back Salomon Olembé was brought in as a free agent on September 4. René Salomon Olembé-Olembé (born 8 December 1980 in Yaoundé) is a Cameroonian football player Events 476 - Romulus Augustus, last emperor of the Western Roman Empire, is deposed when Odoacer proclaims himself

The season began with a spirited, yet disappointing 2-1 defeat away at Everton, but this was followed by consecutive home victories: 1-0 against Middlesbrough and 3-0 against Sunderland. Everton Football Club is an English football club located in the city of Liverpool. Middlesbrough Football Club, also known as The Boro are an English football club based in Middlesbrough, who play in the Premier League. Sunderland Association Football Club is a professional Association football team based in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, England, which plays in This led to Wigan topping the Premier League for the first time in their history. The Premier League, colloquially referred to as the Premiership, is an English professional league for football clubs Wigan's start had seen their new signings gel quickly, with Andreas Granqvist and Titus Bramble forming a sold partnership in the defence, captain Mario Melchiot leading by example, Jason Koumas adding a new creative dimension to the midfield and Antoine Sibierski scoring in each of the first 3 games. Andreas Granqvist (born 16 April 1985 in Helsingborg) is a Swedish football player currently playing as a defender for Titus Malachi Bramble (born July 31, 1981 in Ipswich, Suffolk) is an English football player currently playing for Mario Melchiot (born November 4, 1976 in Amsterdam) is a Dutch football defender who currently plays for Wigan Athletic Jason Koumas (born 25 September 1979 in Wrexham) is a professional football player for Premier League outfit Wigan Athletic. Antoine Sibierski (born August 5, 1974 in Lille) is a French football player who currently plays for Norwich City on loan Wigan drew 1-1 away at West Ham before losing 1-0 away at Newcastle in their next game. } West Ham United Football Club is an English football club based in Upton Park, London Borough of Newham, East London, who have played Newcastle United Football Club (also known as The Magpies or The Toon) is an English football club based in Newcastle upon Wanting to emulate their successful Football League Cup run from 2006, Chris Hutchings aimed to win the trophy this time around, only to see Wigan fail at the first hurdle, losing 1-0 at home to Hull City. The Football League Cup, commonly known as the League Cup, is an English football competition The 2006 Carling Cup Final was played between Manchester United and Wigan Athletic on 26 February 2006. Hull City Association Football Club are an English football club based in Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire.

Wigan's improved start to the season saw Emile Heskey recalled to the England Squad for the first time since 2005. Emile William Ivanhoe Heskey (born 11 January 1978 in Leicester, England he is a Striker currently playing for Premier League side Wigan Athletic The English national football team represents England in international football and is controlled by The Football Association, the governing body for football This also made him the first Wigan player to represent England whilst being a current member of the squad. Chris Kirkland having done earlier but he was on loan from Liverpool at the time. Liverpool Football Club are an English professional Association football club based in Liverpool England.

Sadly Emile Heskey, immediately after his England call-up, broke his foot in his next game for his club, September 15, 2007, without touching the ball. Emile William Ivanhoe Heskey (born 11 January 1978 in Leicester, England he is a Striker currently playing for Premier League side Wigan Athletic Events 668 - Eastern Roman Emperor Constans II is assassinated in his bath at Syracuse Italy. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. He was out injured for 6 weeks. Subsequently the club's league position worsened. After a 1-1 draw at home with Fulham, Wigan lost successive games to Reading, Liverpool, 4-0 away to Manchester United, Portsmouth, Birmingham - after leading twice only to lose 3-2, and Chelsea 2-0. Fulham Football Club is an English football team based in Fulham, in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. Reading Football Club are an Association football club based in the English town of Reading, in Berkshire. Liverpool Football Club are an English professional Association football club based in Liverpool England. Portsmouth Football Club is an English football club based in the south coast city of Portsmouth. Birmingham City Football Club is an English Professional football club based in the city of Birmingham.

On 5 November 2007, manager Chris Hutchings was sacked after Wigan slipped into the relegation zone. Events 1499 - Publication of the Catholicon in Treguier ( Brittany) Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Christopher "Chris" Hutchings (born 5 July 1957 in Winchester, England) is an English former footballer and a Frank Barlow, his assistant, was made caretaker manager, but Wigan's fortunes did not get better, losing 4-0 away to Tottenham. Frank Charles Barlow (born 15 October, 1946) is a football coach. Tottenham Hotspur, ˈtɒʔnəm is an English professional football club which currently plays in the Premier League.

On November 19, it was announced that Steve Bruce, who had just resigned as Birmingham City manager, had accepted a £2m-a-year deal to succeed Hutchings and attempt to keep Wigan in the Premier League. Events 1095 - The Council of Clermont, called by Pope Urban II to discuss sending the First Crusade to the Holy Land Stephen Roger "Steve" Bruce (born 31 December 1960 is an English football manager and former player Birmingham City Football Club is an English Professional football club based in the city of Birmingham. It is reported that Wigan had to pay £3 million in compensation to Birmingham for Bruce's services. His appointment saw Wigan end their losing streak, by drawing 1-1 at home to Man City on December 1. TalkManchester City FC before changing verbs to singular --> Manchester City Football Club is an English professional football club Events 800 - Charlemagne judges the accusations against Pope Leo III in the Vatican However, they were brought back down to earth after a disappointing 4-1 loss away to local rivals Bolton. Bolton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional football club based in Horwich, in the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton, Greater But Bruce's and the club's fortunes greatly improved a week later with an enthralling 5-3^[2] victory at home against another local rival, Blackburn, on December 15 and a 1-0 home win over Newcastle United. Blackburn Rovers Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in the town of Blackburn, Lancashire. Events 533 - Byzantine general Belisarius defeats the Vandals, commanded by King Gelimer, at the Battle of After a 1-2 home loss to Aston Villa, Wigan managed an even greater coup, managing to draw 1-1 at Anfield against Liverpool. Anfield is an all-seater Association football Stadium in the district of Anfield, in Liverpool, England Liverpool Football Club are an English professional Association football club based in Liverpool England. They followed this up with their first away victory of the season, winning 1-0 away at Derby on January 12, 2008. Derby County Football Club is a professional football club based at Pride Park Stadium in Derby England. Events 475 - Basiliscus becomes Byzantine Emperor, with a coronation ceremony in the Hebdomon palace in Constantinople 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common However, Wigan lost their following match at home to Everton 2-1. Everton Football Club is an English football club located in the city of Liverpool. This was followed by their elimination from the FA Cup at the hands of Chelsea, in a 1-2 defeat. The Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football, run by and named after Their final match in January saw Wigan go down to a disappointing 1-0 defeat away at Middlesbrough. Middlesbrough Football Club, also known as The Boro are an English football club based in Middlesbrough, who play in the Premier League.

Wigan won the race to sign Marlon King from Watford on 25 January 2008 after he was poised to join Fulham. Marlon Francis King (born 26 April 1980 in Dulwich, Greater London) is an English -born Jamaican professional football Watford Football Club is an English professional football club based in Watford, Hertfordshire. Events 41 - After a night of negotiation Claudius is accepted as Roman Emperor by the Senate 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Fulham Football Club is an English football team based in Fulham, in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. The deal with Fulham was held up which prompted Wigan boss Steve Bruce to step in and sign King. Stephen Roger "Steve" Bruce (born 31 December 1960 is an English football manager and former player ^[3] Wigan also signed Wilson Palacios, Maynor Figueroa, Erik Edman, Erik Hagen, whilst signing Antonio Valencia on a permanent deal. Wilson Roberto Palacios Suazo (born July 29, 1984 in La Ceiba) is a Honduran football Midfielder, currently playing for Maynor Alexis Figueroa Róchez (born 2 May, 1983 in Jutiapa) is a Honduran Soccer player who currently plays for English Premier League Erik Edman 'eːrɪk 'eːdmɑn (born November 11, 1978, in Huskvarna, Sweden) is a professional Swedish footballer, currently Erik "Panzer" Hagen (born 20 July 1975 is a Norwegian international football player formerly playing on with Zenit St Luis Antonio Valencia Mosquera (born August 4 1985 in Lago Agrio, Ecuador) is an Ecuadorian football winger, who currently plays Conversely, Fitz Hall left to join Queens Park Rangers and Denny Landzaat returned to Holland with Feyenoord. Fitz Benjamin Hall (born December 20 1980, Walthamstow, London) is an English footballer who plays for Queens Park Queens Park Rangers Football Club is an English football club, based in Shepherds Bush in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham in West London Denny Domingoes Landzaat (born May 6 1976 in Amsterdam) is a Dutch footballer. Holland is a region in the western part of the Netherlands. A maritime and economic power in the 17th century Holland today consists of the Dutch provinces of Feyenoord is a professional football club located in Rotterdam.

Wigan virtually guaranteed Premier League survival with a 1-1 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on April 14, 2008. Stamford Bridge is a football Stadium on the border of Fulham and Chelsea, in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham that Events 43 BC - Battle of Forum Gallorum: Mark Antony, besieging Julius Caesar 's assassin Decimus Junius Brutus in 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common This result also put a big dent in Chelsea's title aspirations with only four games left in the season. Emile Heskey scored in the 90th minute to level the match after Michael Essien had put Chelsea ahead. Emile William Ivanhoe Heskey (born 11 January 1978 in Leicester, England he is a Striker currently playing for Premier League side Wigan Athletic Michael Kojo Essien or Mickaël Essien (born December 3, 1982 in Ghana) is a Ghanaian footballer nicknamed 'The Bison' due to his formidable ^[4]

Wigan finished 14th in the final table with 40 points - three places higher than their finish the previous season.

Wigan's seasons in the premier league

2005-2006 10th 2006-2007 17th 2007-2008 14th 2008-2009 --

Stadium

Main article: JJB Stadium

Wigan Athletic's stadium is the 25,138 capacity JJB Stadium, part of the Robin Park complex in Wigan. The JJB Stadium (often referred to as The JJB) is a sports stadium located within the Robin Park Complex in Newtown Wigan, Lancashire. The JJB Stadium (often referred to as The JJB) is a sports stadium located within the Robin Park Complex in Newtown Wigan, Lancashire. It has been the club's home since the 1999-00 season. The stadium, which is shared with the Wigan Warriors rugby league team, cost £30 million to construct. Wigan Warriors Rugby League Football Club is a professional Rugby league club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester, England. History See also History of rugby league The grass roots of rugby league can be traced to early football history, through the playing of ball games Previously, home games were played at Springfield Park, the former home of Wigan Borough. Springfield Park was a multi-use Stadium in Wigan, England. It was the home ground of Wigan Athletic F

The record attendance at the JJB Stadium for Wigan Athletic is 25,133 for a match against Manchester United on May 11, 2008. The JJB Stadium (often referred to as The JJB) is a sports stadium located within the Robin Park Complex in Newtown Wigan, Lancashire. Events 330 - Byzantium is renamed ''Nova Roma'' during a dedication ceremony but is more popularly referred to as Constantinople 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common

The modern all-seater stadium was officially opened on August 4, 1999. Its inauguration was marked with a friendly between Wigan Athletic and neighbours Manchester United, who were then reigning European Champions, with Sir Alex Ferguson officially opening the stadium. Sir Alexander Chapman "Alex" Ferguson, CBE, (born 31 December 1941 in Govan, Glasgow) is a Scottish football manager However, Wigan hosted Morecambe three days earlier on August 1st as a dress rehearsal for the official opening against Manchester United. Morecambe Football Club is an English football club based in Morecambe, Lancashire. Events 30 BC - Octavian (later known as Augustus enters Alexandria, Egypt, bringing it under the control of the Roman 4,020 supporters braved a fierce electrical storm and torrential rain but unfortunately, the on-pitch action was less dramatic with the game ending in a goalless draw. The first competitive football match there took place on August 7, 1999, with Wigan Athletic facing Scunthorpe United in a Division 2 match. Events 322 BC - Battle of Crannon between Athens and Macedon following the death of Alexander the Great. Year 1999 ( MCMXCIX) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1999 Gregorian calendar) Simon Haworth scored twice, including the first competitive goal at the new stadium, as Athletic triumphed 3-0.

On March 7, 2005 Greater Manchester police announced that they would stop policing Wigan Athletic matches at the stadium from April 2. Events 161 - Roman Emperor Antoninus Pius dies and is succeeded by co-Emperors Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Greater Manchester is a Metropolitan county in North West England, with a population of 2 Events 68 - Galba, Governor of Hispania, names himself legatus senatus populique Romani, breaking the line of This move would almost certainly have resulted in the stadium's safety certificate being revoked, effectively forcing the team to play behind closed doors. The move was part of an ongoing dispute between the police force and David Whelan surrounding £300,000 in unpaid policing costs. David Whelan born in Bradford on 24 November, 1936, and raised in Wigan, is a former professional football player with Blackburn The police's decision would not have affected Wigan Warriors, whose games are stewarded instead of policed. Wigan Warriors Rugby League Football Club is a professional Rugby league club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester, England. The situation was temporarily resolved on March 8 with both sides reaching an agreement that would allow Athletic to play at the ground until the end of the season. Events 1618 - Johannes Kepler discovers the third law of planetary motion. Four months later, Wigan, facing the prospect of playing their home games in the Premier League in an empty stadium, grudgingly paid the money they owed to the police. The Premier League, colloquially referred to as the Premiership, is an English professional league for football clubs However, following the ordeal the club appealed against the payments in court.

Football / Rugby Feud

Curiously for an English football team, a rivalry exists with fans of the local rugby league team, Wigan Warriors. History See also History of rugby league The grass roots of rugby league can be traced to early football history, through the playing of ball games Wigan Warriors Rugby League Football Club is a professional Rugby league club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester, England. This is long-standing and predates the club’s formation, as previous football teams within the town are said to have struggled to attract support due to the success of the local rugby league side.

Relative fortunes have also fostered resentment. In the 1989-1990 season, Wigan Athletic, deep in financial trouble, were given a lifeline with a two-leg tie against Liverpool in the Football League Cup. Liverpool Football Club are an English professional Association football club based in Liverpool England. The Football League Cup, commonly known as the League Cup, is an English football competition When approached, the Wigan RL board refused to allow the football club use of their Central Park ground, which would have given the home side a greater share of the gate revenue (due to the fact Central Park had a larger capacity of around 32,000) forcing both ties to be played at Anfield. The need to move the game came as Springfield Park had recently had its capacity cut from 20,000 to 10,800 in 1985 by Wigan Council due to safety concerns. Year 1985 ( MCMLXXXV) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link displays 1985 Gregorian calendar)

Generally, Wigan Warriors rugby league supporters are associated with the eastern areas of town; Wigan Athletic fans are associated with the western areas, which surrounded their old Springfield Park home (although this is not exclusive). Wigan Warriors Rugby League Football Club is a professional Rugby league club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester, England. It is also argued that Rugby League is more favoured as a sport by followers of the Catholic faith; although the rivalry does not have any sectarian elements. Catholic is an Adjective derived from the Greek adjective '' / 'katholikos' meaning "whole" or "complete". ^{[citation needed]}

The rivalry has even developed to the extent where fans of the rival sport will support the away team. A citation is a reference to a source (not always the original source published or unpublished(citation needed However, it must also be noted that some fans do claim to support both teams and have tried to discourage the animosity.

Controversy, criticism, and the media

Wigan Athletic's rise to the Premiership has been well-documented by the English media, who at times have speculated and criticised the club about poor attendances for home matches. The Premier League, colloquially referred to as the Premiership, is an English professional league for football clubs The United Kingdom has an extremely diverse media with an almost unrivalled number of outlets second only to the United States. This was compounded by the League Cup semi-final game against Arsenal, where the match attendance was 12,181 (48 percent of ground capacity). The Football League Cup, commonly known as the League Cup, is an English football competition The club's management argued that this attendance was because the match was televised, played on a weekday evening and also deep amongst the backlog of games created by reduction by a week of the football season.

Of course, these reasons exclude the traditional rebuttal that the proximity of Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Everton, Blackburn Rovers and Bolton Wanderers have an impact on the crowds at the comparatively 'newer' team. TalkManchester City FC before changing verbs to singular --> Manchester City Football Club is an English professional football club Liverpool Football Club are an English professional Association football club based in Liverpool England. Everton Football Club is an English football club located in the city of Liverpool. Blackburn Rovers Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in the town of Blackburn, Lancashire. Bolton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional football club based in Horwich, in the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton, Greater

Further, for the 2006-2007 season, chairman Dave Whelan raised ticket prices which angered many fans who didn't agree with the substantial increase in demand in only Wigan's second season in the top flight. David Whelan born in Bradford on 24 November, 1936, and raised in Wigan, is a former professional football player with Blackburn Responding to criticism and falling attendances, tickets were reduced to a maximum of £25 from January 2007, with promises that they would remain low for following seasons at a time when ticket prices are driving many away from attending live matches. January 2007 is the first month of that year It began on a Monday and 31 days later ended on a Wednesday.

Mr Whelan kept his word and released the 2007-08 season ticket at a cut-price £250 (£13. 16 per game) for an adult seat anywhere in the ground with relative concessions for children and senior citizens. This was seen as a positive move when prices continued to spiral at other Premiership clubs. It should be noted that he reneged on a promise that "no seat would be more than £15" for non-season ticket holders,[1] charging up to £25 per ticket for games against local opposition and high profile opponents[2].

Notable former players

Peter Atherton Leighton Baines Jimmy Bullard Roy Carroll Pascal Chimbonda Peter Corr Arjan de Zeeuw Nathan Ellington David Fairclough John Filan Archie Gemmill Jason De Vos

Colin Greenall Matt Jackson Paul Jewell Denny Landzaat Andy Liddell David Lowe Roberto Martínez Stephen McMillan Lee McCulloch Colin Methven Joe Parkinson Marcus Bent Andy Webster Josip Skoko Cameron Sturrock John-Henry Rogers

Jason Roberts Neil Roberts Stephen Sexton Allen Tankard David Unsworth Ian Gillibrand Alan Kennedy Harry Lyon Ian Kilford Micky Quinn Mike Newell Neil Redfearn

Notable former managers

Bobby Charlton Bryan Hamilton Paul Jewell Larry Lloyd Gordon Milne Bruce Rioch

Ian McNeill Harry McNally Ray Mathias John Deehan Chris Hutchings

Players

As of 11 June 2008. Peter Atherton (born 6 April 1970 in Wigan, Lancashire) was a Professional English footballer who plays as Leighton John Baines (born 11 December 1984 in Liverpool, Merseyside) is an English footballer, who plays left-back James Richard "Jimmy" Bullard (born 23 October 1978 is an English professional footballer who currently plays as a central Midfielder for Roy Eric Carroll (born September 30 1977 in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh) is a Northern Irish footballer currently Pascal Chimbonda (born 21 February, 1979 in Les Abymes, Guadeloupe) is a French defender who plays for Sunderland Peter Joseph Corr ( June 23, 1923 – June 1, 2001) was an Irish footballer. Adrianus "Arjan" de Zeeuw (born April 16, 1970 in Castricum) is a Dutch footballer. Nathan Robert Ellington (born 2 July, 1981 in Bradford, West Yorkshire) is an English professional footballer. David Fairclough (born Liverpool, 5 January 1957 was a footballer whose special role in the great Liverpool side of the 1970s was that of Supersub. John Filan (born February 8, 1970 in Sydney) is an Australian football (soccer goalkeeper. Archibald "Archie" Gemmill (born March 24, 1947 in Paisley, Renfrewshire) is a Scottish former footballer Jason de Vos (surname also spelt 'De Vos' born January 2, 1974 in London, Ontario) is a Soccer commentator for the Canadian Colin Greenall (born December 30 1963 in Billinge, Lancashire) is an English Matthew Alan "Matt" Jackson (born 19 October 1971 in Leeds) is an English former professional footballer who played as a Paul Steven Jewell (born 28 September 1964) is a football manager, having previously had a career as a player Denny Domingoes Landzaat (born May 6 1976 in Amsterdam) is a Dutch footballer. Andrew Mark Liddell (born 28 June 1973 in Leeds, Yorkshire) is a Scottish football Midfielder who currently David Anthony Lowe (born Liverpool, 30 August 1965 is an English former professional footballer, making over 600 appearances for Wigan Athletic Roberto Martínez (born 13 July 1973 in Balaguer, Catalonia, Spain) is a professional footballer who currently is Stephen "Steve" McMillan (born January 19, 1976 in Edinburgh) is a Scottish former footballer, who retired from professional Lee Henry McCulloch (born May 14 1978 in Bellshill, North Lanarkshire) is a Scottish professional football player who currently Colin John Methven (born December 10 1955) is an Indian born Scottish former professional footballer A centre-half Joe Parkinson (born 11 June 1971 in Eccles Greater Manchester) is a former professional footballer, who played in midfield for Wigan Marcus Nathan Bent (born May 19, 1978) is an English footballer who plays as a Striker for Birmingham City, whom he joined Andrew Neil Webster (born April 23 1982 in Dundee) is a Scottish professional footballer currently playing for Bristol City in the Josip Skoko (born December 10 1975 in Mount Gambier, Australia) is an Australian footballer of Croatian heritage Jason Andre Davis Roberts (born January 25 1978 in Park Royal, London) is an English born Grenadian football Neil Roberts (born 7 April 1978) is a Welsh footballer. He is a Striker who plays for Rhyl after being released by David Michael Unsworth (born October 16, 1973 in Chorley, England) is a footballer who plays in the position of centre-back Alan Phillip Kennedy (born 31 August 1954 is a former footballer who played for Liverpool during their halcyon days in the late 1970s and early 1980s who had a knack of scoring Harry Lyon could refer to Harry Lyon (attorney &mdash a United States Attorney Harry Lyon (aviator &mdash Ian Kilford (born 6 October, 1973) is a footballer currently playing for Kendal Town. Michael "Micky" Quinn, (born May 2 1962 in Everton Liverpool) is a retired English footballer. Michael Colin "Mike" Newell (born January 27 1965) is an English football manager and former player Neil David Redfearn (born 20 June 1965 in Dewsbury, England) is an English footballer and manager. Sir Robert "Bobby" Charlton, CBE (born 11 October 1937 in Ashington, Northumberland) is a former English Professional Bryan Hamilton (born 31 December 1946, Belfast) is a Northern Irish football player and manager Paul Steven Jewell (born 28 September 1964) is a football manager, having previously had a career as a player Laurence Valentine Lloyd (born 6 October 1948 in Bristol, England) was a footballer a burly and tough central defender who won honours for both Bill Gordon Milne (born 29 March 1937) is an English former footballer and football manager. Bruce David Rioch (born 6 September 1947, in Aldershot, England) is an English -born Scottish football manager Ian McNeill full name John Ian McNeill, (born 24 February 1932 in Glasgow) is a former footballer who later became a coach and a scout Harry McNally ( 7 July 1936 &ndash 12 December 2004) was a Football player coach and manager noted for his spells as manager Raymond "Ray" Mathias (born 13 December 1946) is an English football coach and former player John Deehan (born 6 August 1957 in Solihull) is a former football player who in recent years has had several spells in coaching and management Christopher "Chris" Hutchings (born 5 July 1957 in Winchester, England) is an English former footballer and a Events 1184 BC - Trojan War: Troy is sacked and burned according to the calculations of Eratosthenes. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common ^[5]

Current squad

No. Position Player 1 GK Chris Kirkland 2 DF Ryan Taylor 3 DF Erik Edman 4 DF Andreas Granqvist 5 MF Wilson Palacios 6 FW Antoine Sibierski 7 FW Henri Camara 8 MF Kevin Kilbane (Vice-captain) 9 FW Emile Heskey (Vice-captain) 10 MF Jason Koumas 11 MF Michael Brown 12 GK Michael Pollitt 13 GK Carlo Nash 14 FW Marlon King 15 FW Julius Aghahowa 16 MF Luis Antonio Valencia

No. In many team Sports a goalkeeper (termed goaltender netminder, goalie, or keeper in some sports Christopher Edmund "Chris" Kirkland (born 2 May 1981 in Barwell, Leicestershire) is an English football Goalkeeper. In Association football (soccer a defender is a player who tries to prevent the other team from scoring Ryan Anthony Taylor (born August 19, 1984 in Liverpool, England) is an Under 21 International with England. In Association football (soccer a defender is a player who tries to prevent the other team from scoring Erik Edman 'eːrɪk 'eːdmɑn (born November 11, 1978, in Huskvarna, Sweden) is a professional Swedish footballer, currently In Association football (soccer a defender is a player who tries to prevent the other team from scoring Andreas Granqvist (born 16 April 1985 in Helsingborg) is a Swedish football player currently playing as a defender for For the Australian Rules position see Midfielder (Australian Rules. Wilson Roberto Palacios Suazo (born July 29, 1984 in La Ceiba) is a Honduran football Midfielder, currently playing for Strikers, also known as forwards and attackers, are the players on a team in Association football (soccer in the row nearest to the opposing Antoine Sibierski (born August 5, 1974 in Lille) is a French football player who currently plays for Norwich City on loan Strikers, also known as forwards and attackers, are the players on a team in Association football (soccer in the row nearest to the opposing Henri Camara (born May 10, 1977 in Dakar, Senegal) is a Senegalese footballer with Wigan Athletic of the For the Australian Rules position see Midfielder (Australian Rules. Kevin Daniel Kilbane (born 1 February 1977, in Preston, Lancashire) is an English born Irish footballer who Strikers, also known as forwards and attackers, are the players on a team in Association football (soccer in the row nearest to the opposing Emile William Ivanhoe Heskey (born 11 January 1978 in Leicester, England he is a Striker currently playing for Premier League side Wigan Athletic For the Australian Rules position see Midfielder (Australian Rules. Jason Koumas (born 25 September 1979 in Wrexham) is a professional football player for Premier League outfit Wigan Athletic. For the Australian Rules position see Midfielder (Australian Rules. Michael Robert Brown (born January 25, 1977 in Hartlepool, England) is a professional footballer who plays in a midfield In many team Sports a goalkeeper (termed goaltender netminder, goalie, or keeper in some sports Michael Francis "Mike" Pollitt (born 29 February 1972 in Farnworth, Lancashire) is an English professional football In many team Sports a goalkeeper (termed goaltender netminder, goalie, or keeper in some sports Carlo Christian Nash (born 13 September 1973 in Bolton, Greater Manchester) is an English professional football player Strikers, also known as forwards and attackers, are the players on a team in Association football (soccer in the row nearest to the opposing Marlon Francis King (born 26 April 1980 in Dulwich, Greater London) is an English -born Jamaican professional football Strikers, also known as forwards and attackers, are the players on a team in Association football (soccer in the row nearest to the opposing Julius Aghahowa (born 12 February 1982 in Benin City, Nigeria) is a football Striker from Nigeria who currently For the Australian Rules position see Midfielder (Australian Rules. Luis Antonio Valencia Mosquera (born August 4 1985 in Lago Agrio, Ecuador) is an Ecuadorian football winger, who currently plays Position Player 17 DF Emmerson Boyce 18 MF Paul Scharner 19 DF Titus Bramble 21 MF Tomasz Cywka 22 FW David Cotterill 25 DF Mario Melchiot (Captain) 26 MF Rachid Bouaouzan 27 FW Tomasz Kupisz 29 DF Lewis Montrose 31 DF Maynor Figueroa (on loan from Olimpia)

Management

• Manager: Steve Bruce
• Assistant Manager: Eric Black
• General Manager: John Benson
• First Team Coach: Frank Barlow
• Reserve Team Manager: Keith Bertschin
• Youth Team Coach: Dave Watson
• Goalkeeping Coach: Nigel Spink
• First Team Fitness Coach: Joey Gallanagh
• Head Physio:Dave Galley
• Physio: Alex Cribley
• Youth Team Physio: Neil Fitzhenry
• Kit Manager: Alan Jackson

Honours

Titles and positions

• Football League Championship runners-up: 1
  

2004/2005

• Football League Second Division champions: 1
  

2002/2003

• Football League Third Division champions: 1
  

1996/1997

• Football League Trophy winners: 2(Nobody has won it more times)
  

1984/1985, 1998/1999

• Northern Premier League champions: 2
  

1970/1971, 1974/1975

• Northern Premier Cup winners: 1
  

1971/1972

• Northern Premier Shield winners: 3
  

1972/1973, 1973/1974, 1975/1976

• Lancashire Combination champions: 4
  

1947/1948, 1950/1951, 1952/1953, 1953/1954

• Cheshire League champions: 4
  

1933/1934, 1934/1935, 1935/1936, 1964/1965

• Football League Cup runners-up: 1
  

2005/2006

Other achievements

• Football League Fourth Division: Promoted in 1981/1982
• FA Cup: Best performance: 6th Round 1986/1987
• Elected to Football League 1978
• Record win for a non-league side over a league side, beating Carlisle United 6-1 in the first round of FA Cup at Brunton Park (a record victory that still stands) in the 1934-35 season. In Association football (soccer a defender is a player who tries to prevent the other team from scoring Emmerson Orlando Boyce (born 24 September 1979 in Aylesbury, England) is an English -born Barbadian footballer For the Australian Rules position see Midfielder (Australian Rules. Paul Josef Herbert Scharner (born March 11, 1980 in Scheibbs) is an Austrian footballer In Association football (soccer a defender is a player who tries to prevent the other team from scoring Titus Malachi Bramble (born July 31, 1981 in Ipswich, Suffolk) is an English football player currently playing for For the Australian Rules position see Midfielder (Australian Rules. Tomasz Cywka ( pron ˈtɔmaʂ ˈtsɨfka tomash tsifka; born June 27, 1988 in Gliwice, Poland) is a Polish footballer Strikers, also known as forwards and attackers, are the players on a team in Association football (soccer in the row nearest to the opposing David Rhys George Best Cotterill (born 4 December 1987 in Cardiff) is a Welsh footballer who currently plays as a winger In Association football (soccer a defender is a player who tries to prevent the other team from scoring Mario Melchiot (born November 4, 1976 in Amsterdam) is a Dutch football defender who currently plays for Wigan Athletic For the Australian Rules position see Midfielder (Australian Rules. Rachid Bouaouzan (born 20 February 1984) is a Dutch - Moroccan football player who currently plays for NEC Nijmegen, on loan from Strikers, also known as forwards and attackers, are the players on a team in Association football (soccer in the row nearest to the opposing Tomasz Kupisz ( pron; born January 2, 1990 in Radom, Poland) is a Polish footballer who plays for Wigan Athletic In Association football (soccer a defender is a player who tries to prevent the other team from scoring Lewis Montrose (born November 17, 1988) is a Scottish footballer, currently playing for Cheltenham Town on loan from Wigan Athletic In Association football (soccer a defender is a player who tries to prevent the other team from scoring Maynor Alexis Figueroa Róchez (born 2 May, 1983 in Jutiapa) is a Honduran Soccer player who currently plays for English Premier League Club Deportivo Olimpia is a Honduran football and Baseball club based in Tegucigalpa, Francisco Morazán. Stephen Roger "Steve" Bruce (born 31 December 1960 is an English football manager and former player Eric Black (born 1 October, 1963 in Bellshill, Lanarkshire) is a former professional football player who played for Aberdeen John Harvey Benson (born December 23, 1942) was a Scottish football player and manager and is currently on the staff of Wigan Athletic Frank Charles Barlow (born 15 October, 1946) is a football coach. Keith Edwin Bertschin (born 25 August, 1956 in Enfield) is a former professional footballer and current reserve team coach at Wigan Athletic David "Dave" Watson (born 20 November 1961 in Liverpool, Merseyside) is an English former professional footballer who made 12 appearances Nigel Philip Spink (born Chelmsford, England, 8 August 1958 is a former football Goalkeeper who made his name at Aston Villa and The Football League Championship (often referred to as The Championship for short or the Coca-Cola Football League Championship for sponsorship reasons From 1892 until 1992 the Football League Second Division was the second highest division overall in English football. From the 1992-93 to the 2003-04 season, the Football League Third Division was the third-highest division of The Football League and the fourth-highest Structure The Trophy is currently contested by just Football League One and Football League Two clubs and from season 2006-07 is played in a knock-out ( History The Northern Premier League (NPL was founded in 1968, as the northern equivalent of the Southern League, decades after the other two leagues at what The Lancashire Combination was a football league founded in the north west of England in 1891-92 The Cheshire County League was a football league founded in the north west of England in 1919 drawing its teams largely from Cheshire, surrounding English counties The Football League Cup, commonly known as the League Cup, is an English football competition "Fourth Division" redirects here For usage of the term in the Military, see 4th Division. The Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football, run by and named after The Football League, also known as the Coca-Cola Football League for sponsorship reasons is a league competition featuring professional football clubs Carlisle United FC are an English football team based in Carlisle, Cumbria, play in the Football League One this season after gaining The Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football, run by and named after Brunton Park is the home of Carlisle United FC It is situated in Carlisle, Cumbria and has a capacity of 16651

Records

• Record League victory, 7–1 vs. Scarborough, 11 March 1997
• Record League defeat, 0–6 vs. Scarborough Football Club was an English football team based in the seaside resort of Scarborough, North Yorkshire. Events 1425 BC - Thutmose III, Pharaoh of Egypt, dies (according to the Low Chronology of the 18th Dynasty Year 1997 ( MCMXCVII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1997 Gregorian calendar Bristol Rovers, 3 March 1990
• Record Attendance, 25,133 v Manchester United, May 11, 2008 (FA Premier League)
• Most League appearances, 317, Kevin Langley 1981–1986, 1990–1994
• Most League goals scored, total, 70, Andy Liddell 1998–2003
• Most goals scored, season, 31, Graeme Jones 1996-97
• Record Cup Run, Carling Cup Final vs Manchester United, 2006

On 18 August 2007 Wigan Athletic sat proudly at the top of the Premier League after beating Sunderland 3–0 at the JJB Stadium. Bristol Rovers Football Club is an English professional football team based in Bristol. Events 1284 - Statute of Rhuddlan incorporated the Principality of Wales into England 1575 - Indian Year 1990 ( MCMXC) was a Common year starting on Monday (link displays the 1990 Gregorian calendar) Events 330 - Byzantium is renamed ''Nova Roma'' during a dedication ceremony but is more popularly referred to as Constantinople 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common The Premier League, colloquially referred to as the Premiership, is an English professional league for football clubs Kevin James Langley (born 24 May 1964) is a former English professional footballer who played as a Midfielder. Andrew Mark Liddell (born 28 June 1973 in Leeds, Yorkshire) is a Scottish football Midfielder who currently The Football League Cup, commonly known as the League Cup, is an English football competition The 2006 Carling Cup Final was played between Manchester United and Wigan Athletic on 26 February 2006. Events 293 BC - The oldest known Roman temple to Venus is founded starting the institution of Vinalia Rustica. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. This was the first and at present, the only time the club have achieved the feat.

References

• Brief history of Wigan Athletic. Retrieved on December 5, 2005. Events 63 BC - Cicero reads the last of his Catiline Orations. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar.

Notes

External links

• Official website
• Vital Wigan Athletic
• Wiganer.net Wigan's number 1 fanzine site
• Cockney latic
• Premierleague.com - Wigan Athletic
• PremierLatics.net
• Wigan Athletic at the Open Directory Project

• Wigan Athletic F. The Open Directory Project ( ODP) also known as dmoz (from directory C. on BBC Sport: Club News - Recent results - Upcoming fixtures - Club stats
• Ye Olde Tree and Crown
• WAFC Online
• LISA - Independent Supporters Association
• Wigan.no - Wigan's Norwegian fan club
• Wigan Kit History
• Wigan Athletic - Beer, Birds & Football - A Fan Blog
• Thas not a patch on Harry Lyon - Brooding and musing on a life with Wigan Athletic
• [3]

Preceded by Bournemouth	Football League Trophy Winners 1984-85	Succeeded by Bristol City
Preceded by Grimsby Town	Football League Trophy Winners 1998-99	Succeeded by Stoke City

AFC Bournemouth are an English football club currently playing in Football League Two. Structure The Trophy is currently contested by just Football League One and Football League Two clubs and from season 2006-07 is played in a knock-out ( Bristol City Football Club is one of two football league clubs in Bristol England, (the other being arch rivals Bristol Rovers) Grimsby Town are an English Football club playing in League Two, the fourth tier of English football Structure The Trophy is currently contested by just Football League One and Football League Two clubs and from season 2006-07 is played in a knock-out ( Stoke City Football Club is a football club based in Stoke-on-Trent, England.

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