I've never been a fan of his tbh, but he did reach out to me when he gave that spontaneous interview on Sky during a match when we were looking doomed (can't remember who we were playing) but he sounded determined, passionate and genuine. Unfortunately he undid all that with his ridiculous stance that forced us to play at Widnes.
I'm sure he had a vision for the town not too dissimilar to perhaps Leeds and more recently Hull who have both seen some degree of success in sustaining RL and AF in the same city. But that's the first big difference. They are cities, Wigan is a much smaller town and both Leeds and Hull have old, well established and certainly in Leeds' case once succesful football clubs. 'tics started with a completely blank canvas and in the modern game it's just not possible to compete at that level of support ot off field marketing. I'd be tempted to say DW has reluctantly accepted now that his vision of ten years ago really isn't going to happen.

As he has put the football up for sale, do you think he'll be back to RL? working with IL

I doubt it.

I don't think either of those men would ever be willing to share something like Wigan RL. IL, when interviewed, talks about it as if he is now realising his lifetime's ambition, whereas DW strikes me as someone who is possibly looking towards retirement.

[url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6482061,00.htmlWigan Athletic owner Dave Whelan has hinted he is ready to sell as he does not want to burden his grandchildren with the club.[/url

Conroy will buy it !!

100 million in 15 years, that's some expensive hobby!!

Perhaps my memory isn't correct. I seem to think that he was president of the club once - before he bought it. I think he resigned that post on a point of principle. i.e. he didn't agree with the way the club treated Steve Hampson. From what I hear about him in a non-rugby context he is a very good friend to have and generous in the extreme to his friends etc. Unfortunately, I don't know him myself personally, but every time I go to the DW I am grateful for the excellent facilities he has provided. I live in Blackburn and there are a lot of people here who think very highly of him.

I was flicking through an old programme from 1992 the other day that said he was Honourary President.

Every club is up for sale should someone come in with a briefcase full of cash. he has been trying to get shut of his soccer team for a few years he is trying to cash in on what is happening at other clubs but if blackburn is only worth £65M who have history behind them, DW team will be lucky to anywhere near that who have no history no fans and no furure in the prem.

seems like he's looking to jump ship before it sinks

INCREDIBLE thread this - let me remind you how DW treated Mike Gregory, at the same time as splashing huge wads of bonus money at the football clubs' players and manager.