Dave Whelan is transferring ownership of Wigan's stadium to the football club within the next six weeks.
By doing so the Latics chairman is leaving himself open to suggestions he is winding down his affairs.
He bought the club in 1995 when they were in the old fourth division. Last season they finished 11th in the Premier League.
Whelan has also extended rugby league side Wigan Warriors' lease to 50 years.
He said: "I am not a spring chicken any more. I am 73 this year so I have got to look at who is taking over from me. I have got to protect this stadium and I have got to protect Wigan Athletic.
"I have also increased Wigan Warriors' lease to 50 years, so I am protecting the rugby league team as well.
"From August 1 this ground is going to be called the DW Stadium and I am placing the ownership into the hands of Wigan Athletic. That will take place over the next four to six weeks."
Whelan has been alarmed at the negative response from Latics fans at the proposal to name one of the stands after rugby league star Billy Boston.
He said: "There are a lot of complaints coming into Wigan Athletic from our supporters because we are calling one of the stands the Boston Stand.
"That is wrong. I think it is only fair on the stands is named after a legend like Billy Boston.
"Too many people say I will never go and watch Wigan RL or I will never go and watch Wigan Athletic. We are not a big town and we have two fabulous clubs. We should support them both, like I do."
Whelan yesterday unveiled Roberto Martinez as the club's new manager on a three-year contract following his departure from Swansea.
[/b]We have a 50 year lease. But the soccer club officially owns the stadium.
Not surev what to say other than I am sure previously he implied he would give the stadium to both clubs. Clearly this is now not the case. Somewhat depressing news.
cpwigan wrote:Not surev what to say other than I am sure previously he implied he would give the stadium to both clubs. Clearly this is now not the case. Somewhat depressing news.
I see no solution though.
IIRC, he said he was going to give it to "the town of Wigan", or words to that effect.
This is the #@$*% t$£~ Whelan that we're talking about here. If we're all honest with ourselves we all knew that he would shaft us without giving it a second thought. All this "we have a town with two magnificent teams, people should support them both, like me" rubbish, is just a smoke screen.
Let's face it, if the Latics ever get relegated or suffer the same fate as Leeds United, I can't see how they can justify owning such a large stadium.
I hope they don't suffer that fate, but it would put a huge smile on my face if Whelan and the other blinkered, small minded fans who insist on calling the rugby team and it's supporters many derogatory names, suffered some sort of calamitous public humiliation would be fantastic.
Cue the trolls to suddenly appear again and start posting worthless threads.
Talking about the future of the JJB Stadium Dave said,
"The whole of my family support the idea that this stadium (the JJB) belongs to the people of Wigan so I'm looking at ways now of how I can gift this stadium to the Wigan people, Wigan football and Wigan Rugby League".
GeoffN wrote:Found this interview from October 2007:
Talking about the future of the JJB Stadium Dave said,
"The whole of my family support the idea that this stadium (the JJB) belongs to the people of Wigan so I'm looking at ways now of how I can gift this stadium to the Wigan people, Wigan football and Wigan Rugby League".
I recall that. Changed his tune hasn't he?
Will our chairman comment about the change of plans? Will our chairman comment on how secure the terms of the lease are so we don't find Latics in a possession to increase our costs to fund the extravagances of the premiership?
Don't worry guys. When Warriors are the top team again and Latics are in the 1st Division it will all change. The football club will be keen for our continuing support.
Just got to move on limpet Noble that's all.
