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I can see what you are saying, but there are some issues that view do not make any sense.

First, once an asset belongs to a limited company, the asset is the property of the business, and not the individual who controls the business. Whelan may have controlling interest in both Latics and the stadium, but they are completely separate businesses. Given that Whelan had to do a debt to equity swap, to wipe out the massive debt Latics had, this was probably a move to separate the stadium from Latics due to their financial weakness.

In other words, if they go bust, the stadium isn't something that a creditor could levy against the debt.

Secondly, Warriors have a long term agreement to use the stadium, and long term agreements generally set fees for usage for years in advance. This is to enable the business to be aware of their long term fixed costs, which on the whole is beneficial for landlords and tenants (for want of a better phrase). In the long term, and when (not if) Latics go down, I can see that there will come a time when the 'rent' is up for negotiation. If Latics aren't getting premier league away support every other week I would imagine that the butter has to spread a bit thinner on the bread. But I cannot envisage anyone putting pen to paper on a deal that allows the rent to be renegotiated on the event that a team, who is on the verge of the drop every year cannot manage to pull another rabbit out of a hat again at any point in the future; which is looking increasingly like it's going to be this year.

If anyone can point me to where Lenagan actually said what it is claimed he said, I would be grateful, as I am unable to locate it. I'm not saying he never said that; just that I cannot find it. If he's actually signed a deal that allows the above to happen then I would be amazed.

Although with Bradford Dave, nothing surprises me.

The stadium operating company had been known as "Wigan Football Club", and was part of the Whelco group.

Under the recent changes the football club and stadium have been moved under the same umbrella, "Wigan Athletic Holdings Limited", after Whelan's share conversion.

The share conversion was required to comply with future fair play regulations, and together with now operating within their means, was expected to lead to a sale. Inclusion of the stadium was the sweatener, with it Whelan could recoup £30m-£40m, alternatively he stated he'd sell the club for a nominal fee so long as the buyer pledged that amount in investment.

Now, unless something unexpected happens, it's expected the club will remain in the Whelan family.

Latics financial position needs to be put into context, it is one of only a few Premier League club with a wage bill that's reducing annually and is posting a profit, additionally £16m has been put aside for training and Academy developments. Annual income in the Premier League is a small fortune (no use if your posting massive losses), but Championship income, particularly with parachute payments, is in the tens of millions too. This reigning in of spendin was always done with an eye on possible relegation and being in a good financial position in the Championship, unlike clubs such as QPR who have a top 8 wage bill and no relegation clauses (Samba will be on £100k p/w in the Championship if he stays).

The lease agreement has been changed in the recent past, the initial agreement with the Warriors was for 25 years, that was increased to 50 years a few seasons back when these share conversions were first discussed. I'm sure there are all many of clauses dependent on each teams success, plus annual increases and such. The last pitch resurfacing came in at over £1m alone, I'm aware the Warriors contributed to some of those costs, but that's the kind of expenses that may increase.

Just read on Twitter that some plantpot queued all last night and they weren't even a ST holder!

i'm spartacus wrote:

If anyone can point me to where Lenagan actually said what it is claimed he said, I would be grateful, as I am unable to locate it. I'm not saying he never said that; just that I cannot find it. If he's actually signed a deal that allows the above to happen then I would be amazed.

Leneghan said that Latics being in the Premier League was beneficial to the Warriors at one of the last two fans forums. Not in writing anywhere but I am sure others who attended can corroborate this.

Ant9911. wrote:The stadium operating company had been known as "Wigan Football Club", and was part of the Whelco group.

Under the recent changes the football club and stadium have been moved under the same umbrella, "Wigan Athletic Holdings Limited", after Whelan's share conversion.

Whelco was put into liquidation: Annual Accounts submitted to Companies House for the year up to 31/05/2010 reported 'cash at bank' of £12,465, 'liabilities' worth £31,349,197, 'net worth' of £-20,992,645 and 'assets' worth £7,141,684

The club and the ground are owned by two separate business entities, regardless of who is at the head of those business entities. They are not in effect 'under the same umbrella', it is simply Wigan Athletic Holdings owns shares in the football club. The share conversion was a write off of a massive debt whatever the spin that is applied to it, that is what it was.

Ant9911. wrote:I'm sure there are all many of clauses dependent on each teams success,

I very much doubt that;it would seem impossible to run a business where rental has a significant effect on income and expenditure and how much it is going to cost is dependant on the roll of a dice. You need to know what your fixed costs are in order to do any planning.

Kittwazzer wrote:I believe Josie was queuing for her ticket at 4am this morning!

Very funny.

Just wish them luck

After Villas win the latics are 2/1 to avoid relegation. Put £35 on and you get over £100 back if they survive.

And if they dont then you celebrate anyway.

It's a win / win situation.

First Try Tickle wrote:After Villas win the latics are 2/1 to avoid relegation. Put £35 on and you get over £100 back if they survive.

And if they dont then you celebrate anyway.

It's a win / win situation.

You must be joking when you read some of comments about the Warriors, the game of Rugby League and our use of 'their' ground on local social web sites.

Good win today. Fat lady hasn't even started to warm up yet!