Club Profile
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Overview
Wigan Athletic Football Club is based in Wigan, Greater Manchester, England. The team currently competes in EFL League One, the third tier of English football. Established in 1932, the club has spent much of its history moving through the lower divisions before reaching the Premier League and achieving notable cup success.
History
Wigan Athletic was founded in 1932 after the previous town club, Wigan Borough, folded. The club was the sixth attempt to establish a stable football team in Wigan. Its first home was Springfield Park, purchased from a local dog track for £2,850. Initially playing in red and white shirts with black shorts, Wigan joined the Cheshire County League in 1932 and won three consecutive league titles between 1933 and 1936. Post-World War II, the club adopted its familiar blue and white colours and joined the Lancashire Combination in 1947, securing multiple league titles over the following decade and a half.
In 1968, Wigan became a founding member of the Northern Premier League, winning league titles in 1970–71 and performing strongly in cup competitions, including reaching the FA Trophy final in 1973. After more than 30 unsuccessful attempts, Wigan was finally elected to the Football League in 1978. The club experienced fluctuating fortunes in the lower leagues through the 1980s and early 1990s, including relegation in 1993 and historically low attendance figures.
The turning point came in 1995 when local businessman Dave Whelan took ownership. His investment brought key players, notably the 'Three Amigos' from Spain, and modernised infrastructure. Under various managers including John Deehan, Ray Mathias, and Paul Jewell, Wigan climbed steadily through the Football League, achieving promotion to the Premier League for the first time in 2005.
Competition Performance
During its early years, Wigan dominated regional leagues, winning multiple Cheshire County League and Lancashire Combination titles. After joining the Football League in 1978, they gained promotion to Division Three in 1981–82 and won the Associate Members' Cup in 1985. The club faced relegation in 1993 but quickly rebounded under Dave Whelan's ownership, securing the Third Division title in 1996–97 and Football League Trophy success in 1999.
Wigan claimed the Second Division championship in 2002–03, followed by promotion from the Championship in 2004–05, reaching the Premier League. Their highest-ever league finish was tenth in the top flight in 2005–06. The pinnacle of Wigan’s achievements came with their 2013 FA Cup victory over Manchester City, which qualified them for the UEFA Europa League despite relegation the same season. Since then, the club has oscillated between League One and the Championship, winning League One titles in 2015–16, 2017–18, and 2021–22, but has also faced repeated points deductions and relegations due to financial issues.
Stadium
Wigan Athletic currently plays at the 25,138-capacity DW Stadium, formerly known as the JJB Stadium, since 1999. The move replaced Springfield Park, the club’s home since its founding. The stadium has hosted numerous league and cup matches, providing modern facilities that supported Wigan’s rise through the leagues. Springfield Park, purchased in 1932, served the club for over six decades and was integral to its early development.
Identity
The club’s signature colours are blue and white, with blue shirts commonly used throughout its history. Wigan is known locally as 'the Latics' and maintains a dedicated fan base, with Bolton Wanderers recognised as its primary rival. The club’s identity has been shaped by its community roots and the transformative influence of Dave Whelan, whose ownership and investment facilitated Wigan’s ascent to the Premier League. Supporters maintain strong loyalty, celebrating milestones such as the 2013 FA Cup win.
Rivalries
Wigan Athletic’s most significant rivalry is with Bolton Wanderers, stemming from geographic proximity and repeated competitive encounters. Other minor rivals include Preston North End and Oldham Athletic, with matches against these clubs generating additional local interest. The club’s historical non-League matches also produced competitive tensions with nearby teams, but Bolton remains the central derby fixture.