Lyndsey steps down as chairman

[02rinman]

Lindsay will be resiging at the end of the season just said on sky sports news

[- psycho -]

Wigan Club Chairman, Maurice Lindsay, today made a statement about his future at the Club.

"I have made a decision that this will be my last season as Chairman of the Club. It is not a decision taken lightly as I first joined the Board in 1979. I think it is fair to say that the Club was close to bankruptcy at that time and was enjoying little success. I think it is also fair to say that I played a major part in putting matters right and the Club became a major success once again.

There is, however, a time for everything. I am 66 years old and as many people know my health has suffered in the last couple of years. My Doctor has constantly stressed to me that I should take more care of my health. It, therefore, probably needs someone else to take the Club forward for the next 10 years.

I have today had a long discussion with the Club Owner, David Whelan. If it helped the Club, I was prepared to leave now but David has asked me to stay until the end of the year. He himself does not want to take on the role of Chairman as well as being Chairman of Wigan Athletic.

Mr Whelan also advised me that he had been approached by a genuine Wigan fan who was interested in buying the Club. He is giving this matter his consideration but would only make a decision if he was confident that the Club would be in safe hands.

The defeat against Catalans on Sunday was very difficult to take. To miss the opportunity of going to Wembley and follow up the historic 1929 visit was a dream that I had privately held since the old Wembley shut down. That dream has gone and it is probably the right time to step down and let someone else continue.

There are lots of good things happening at the Club. We have just invested almost £2m in a new state of the art training venue at the old Orrell Rugby Union ground. It is probably the finest training complex anywhere in the rugby world. The players have everything at their disposal, right down to a full time chef. They have the best medical team that anyone could ask for and the coaches have every technical aid that they could wish for.

Alongside this magnificent training facility, our U21 and U18 sides are both having great success in their respective leagues. I hope that the next Wigan stars come through the ranks in the way that so many have in the past. I am sure that Mick McIlorum will be a household name in time to come.

I will now remain at the Club until the end of the season to ensure a smooth handover. I have discussed the matter with David Whelan and I have to say that his contribution to Wigan Warriors has been immense. Very few owners in Rugby League have been as generous as Dave in his support. The game of Rugby League too often undervalues the financial contribution made by individuals. There is not sufficient commercial sponsorship of the game whereby we can do without individual investors.

Finally and most importantly, the fans at Wigan, in the last 2 years, have shown tremendous support and we are now the best supported club in the land. Sunday was a bitter pill for them to swallow and I share their disappointment.

No-one however, can go on forever. I almost certainly would have called it a day at the end of the season. Wembley would have been a good place to bow out but it was not to be.

My stay at the Club has given me tremendous pleasure throughout my life. I have made great friends, not least my staff who have remained loyal and steadfast throughout. My friendship with past players has remained solid and true. I have so many memories of success. I will always remain a supporter of Wigan and I am sure that success is not far away."

David Whelan added,

"Maurice approached me this morning and offered to retire immediately. I asked him to stay until the end of the season. The F.A. Premier League season is about to start and I could not properly do both jobs. Maurice has been integral to the success of Wigan and his contribution, both here at the Club and to Rugby League in general, will be hard to match.

I also advised Maurice that I had been approached about a possible takeover of the Club. I did not intend to sell but if Maurice has made his mind up to retire then it is probably timely for me to consider my own position here. I will now consider the offer but I am pleased that Maurice will stay until the matter is resolved. I will only release my shares to someone who believes in Wigan as much as Maurice and I do".

[- psycho -]

Panchitta Marra posted:

- psycho - posted:
my prayers are well and truelly answered.

that being sad, i do respect Mo alot more now. if he'd have carried on id have been very angry and annoyed, and probably joined the protests, but whatever respect i had elft for him count,s i take my hat off Mr. Lindsay.

Thanks and good luck.

Psycho, Do you think Lindsey alraedy knows something about next seasons salary cap problems, and is not prepared to face the music?

you want me ask my nan?

[Leyther Pie]

He should go with immediate effect. He mentioned that his doctor has told him numerous times to step down because of his health. He might end up under more stress from the protests and name calling by the fans. MO leave now. :eusa10: :eusa10: :eusa10:

[Banksy]

Reading that I respect the guy for stepping down and realising his time is up.

[jaws1]

If he has ill health does that mean he will be stepping down from the Latics and the FA role he has ?????

[Markus35]

Do any Warriors fans actually want Dave Whelan out?

IMO their is not a more generous owner available.

[jinkin jimmy]

Markus35 posted:
Do any Warriors fans actually want Dave Whelan out?

IMO their is not a more generous owner available.

Probably true. My gripe has been with Mo and I have posted about him many times. There is no doubt that he was the best chairman a club has ever had, was a great innovator and largely responsible for the greatest period our club has seen, or may ever see again.

However, time stands still for no man. Thanks for the past glories Mo and good luck for the future, but I am glad you realise it is time to go.

[standishwarrior]

best news iv heard all day!!shame he isnt going with immediate effect!and from what iv heard if the rumour is true about the person wanting to take over then we'll be in safe hands!

[jinkin jimmy]

If it's Philip Clarke my support has already ended!! :sly: