Dave Whelan bids farewell to Wigan
Saturday 7 March 2015 17:41, UK
Dave Whelan bid farewell to the Wigan Athletic faithful ahead of the fixture with Leeds on Saturday afternoon.
The 78-year-old announced his retirement as chairman earlier this week, handing the reins to his 23-year-old grandson David Sharpe.
During his tenure, the club won promotion to the Premier League - where they enjoyed an eight-years stay, reached a League Cup final and won the FA Cup in 2013 to bring European football to the DW stadium for the first time.
He said: “I would just like to say, firstly I would like to welcome the supporters of Leeds United to the DW Stadium. Ladies and gentleman, thank-you for everything, for the last 20 years you have been magnificent supporters.
“We all remember when we first played at Springfield Park and I bought the club and we were third from the bottom of the old Fourth Division. With your support and with the support of the players and the staff we built this stadium and we fought our way up to the Premier League.
“We had eight fantastic years in the Premier League and two years ago we brought the FA Cup back to Wigan.
“Leeds United have not won the cup for 25 years. However, everyone from Leeds, we welcome you to Wigan Athletic. You are a great club and you are a great bunch of supporters.
“To our supporters, we have played two and won two under our new chairman, my grandson David.
“I hope you all give him the support like you have given me. I am still going to be the greatest supporter Wigan Athletic has, I will be at every game I can get to and I wish every bit of success to my grandson David. I’m sure you will all support him. Thank-you.”
After two straight wins to ignite fresh hope of survival, Wigan lost Saturday's game 1-0 to remain in the Championship relegation zone, eight points from safety.
