Quote: Cruncher "The real problem for me is that this year of transition would likely telescope into several years. It took IL a good two or three years to get an outfit together that could win trophies.
Also, if IL was to step back from the game, where would that leave the essential reforms that are being made, as he seems to be a prime mover?
I think it'd be a disaster for all kinds of reasons.'"
If the club was up for sale the problem is lack of income streams and declining attendances.
Without owning our own ground and match day facilities in catering and "corporate" which I believe are still owned by Whelco (Dave Whelan) then anyone thinking of buying would know that the club would be a "loss maker" and there are not many people around who have the financial resources to fund losses indefinitely or who are willing to invest large amounts of time in turning the situation around.
I was always amazed when IL actually bought the club.
I believe that the plan is for his son to take over the club but I am not sure if he would have the wallet or the desire to carry on in the long term. I don't use twitter but I believe that he very often comments on Wigan and seems to have a decent feel for the game and club.
My worry is that we need to spend on the squad and we need to spend now. I think the last few years in squad management has been pretty shocking and we need to strengthen the team very significantly if we are to challenge a revised Saints and a Wire club that seems to have far more spending power than us and infinitely superior marketing.
My hope and it is merely hope is that IL continues and that he loosens the purse strings and invests in the squad. My worry is that IL cuts and runs after the sale of the Orrell facility leaving the club void of any tangible assets. Worrying times not helped by the SE debacle.
