Question Time

We’re all aware of the unacceptable events at Latics over the last week. Against a backdrop of unpaid wages and rumours about the future of the club, the board seem to have bunkered in and left a communications vacuum that’s allowed speculation to run rife.

We have received the following statement from the Wigan Athletic Grievance Society, the group that led protests during our period of administration, who have informed us they are considering whether similar actions may be required against the current stewardship of the club.

The statement is reproduced in full…

Wigan Athletic Grievance statement 17/3/23

The WAGS have seen social media comments yesterday evening from both national and local journalists, offering conflicting information as to whether the Wigan Athletic playing squad have or have not yet been paid this months wages.

While it is good to see that the clubs non playing staff have been paid, it is incredulous that this situation still rumbles on, a full week after the squads wages were due to be paid.

While the fans, staff and players of the club continue to wait for news of our Clubs financial limbo, the EFL have also yet to state if a three point deduction will be enacted, either this season or next, adding to the uncertainty for all involved.

It is now imperative that the people charged with the clubs welfare, offer a more transparent update as to what is really going on at the club.

Staying there are issues with liquidity wears a bit thin, especially has this is now the fourth time that wages have been paid late. Mr Brannigan needs to clearly explain to fans what this actually means in real terms and what the actual problems are in delivering wages on time.Especially given the club was obliged, by the EFL, to hold a slush fund that would prevent delays in payment.

Was the bank account to hold 125% of the wage budget ever set up and if so, what happened to the money?

Mr Brannigan also needs to explain clearly what the Chairman’s and owners intentions are for the club going forwards.

Is the club for sale ?

If the club isn’t for sale, are they committed to the club in the long term ?

When does the Chairman plan to visit Wigan and speak directly to the supporters ?

What involvement have the other Directors of the club had in the week to week running of the club? Dr Tom Markham and Oliver Gottman have been noticeable by their absence lately. Do they plan to speak with the supporters or offer any opinion as to what is going on?

Frankly, the level of information and communication offered to the supporters has been lacking and the statement from the Chairman last weekend was vague to say the least.

In summary, the Owner, Chairman, Chief Executive and Directors need to step forward and offer a clear and full explanation of what has gone on and what is likely to happen in relation to the club going forwards.

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