Yep, it does.

Fitness first next to the stadium is ideal - but again, its another thing IL went quiet about.

Kudos is a no go given the amount the landlords want for the space, there is still a company paying rent on it, so they have no reason to do anything with it.


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With regards the stadium, absolutely nothing has changed, as long as the RL & FC boards get along, nothing will be an issue or change. It certainly isnt worth a massive overreaction.

For me the ideal spot would be the old Chapelhouse car showroom near Seven Stars
1 its on a busy artery to Wigan ,buses pass it every day and is in walking distance from Wigan.In a prominent position not far from the stadium.
2 the building is deceptive from the front it looks nothing but there is another building at the back that used to be the workshop,
3 The builing is tall and could easily accomadate a mezzinine floor doubling its capacity making it ample room for a club shop ,museum ,meeting place .bar etc .

Surely if Dave Whelan wanted to give the stadium to the people of Wigan he would put it in a trust with ownership split one third rugby, one third football one third wigan council.

By seceeding ownership entirely to the football club, then Wigan RL now find themselves in potentially a very weak position.

We have already seen issues whereby the club has to move fixtures to suit the soccer team.

I think International RL may soon be off the menu at the DW stadium as it would interfere with the pitch during the premiership season.

From a financial point of view Wigan RL are now confirmed as asset poor. Without assets, the club will find it harder to raise capital from banks, to finance the business.

Wigan fans should also be concerned at the potential to vary the terms of the lease agreement.
Wigan Athletic could in theory demand revised terms of the lease. Especially if the current lease is below commercial rates.
Such a scenario would impact on the RLs income streams.

Purely from the psychological point of view, its damaging for the prestige of Wigan RL club. Imagine turning up at a ground where everything is in the colours of Wigan athletic. Where there is little to no mention of the RL club. Where the only pictures in the stadium are of football players and teams.

This loss of prestige will also impact on Wigans ability in future to attract and retain high quality players. For example who wants to play for a club were you cant train on the pitch. Where the only time you are allowed at the stadium is on match day. Where fixtures are at the whim of the soccer club, meaning that you may have to play 4 away matches in a row. Where cup games may have to be played at a neutral venue.

We own a stadium in Orrell.

That's a pretty big asset?

No less than most Super League clubs in fact.

Thats the key for me - it would be interesting to read the lease the Warriors have - rent reviews, break clauses etc.

I know Stains is a bit behind the times but you do realise Central Park was sold in the 90s don't you?



What would they need to borrow money for?

Personally I agree with what several others have said about this.
It doesn't alter the situation with regard to preferential treatment over use of the stadium. Where any clash occurs Latics will always get the nod as long as they are in the premiership as it simply brings in more money for the stadium owners no matter who they are.
In the long run Latics will at some point be relegated from the premiership as they despite Whelan wishing it otherwise are not held in high regard in football. They will not attract another rich owner as they are not a big name and are surrounded by clubs that are a much better prospect for prolonged success than they are due to their comparitively poor fan base even against some football league clubs.
Relegation when it comes will spell the end of Latics in the top flight as many of the people that now watch them will stop going and crowds will drop to the 7000 and lower levels that they had when in the championship. This will not allow them to build and retain a squad that could get them back up. They can't hold on to players now after five top flight seasons and with Whelan holding the purse. When this does happen then they will be more in need of the income from Wigan RLFC (which will likely be equal to or better than their own) and so will be more willing to compromise on fixture clashes.
Also with a third party owner such as a private company or council there is always the danger of them selling the site under the tenants noses and leaving them homeless if needing the cash. At least with either of the clubs owning the stadium they are unlikely to boot themselves out to build houses so aslong as relations are good you have somewhere to play. Lets face it Edge Hall Road isn't up to standard.

One problem

The asking price is nearly a million quid.

I think several acres of land in the desirable area of Orrell is hardly 'asset poor' is it?

To be fair, all businesses need to borrow money from time to time.

*apathy*

But as none of us ever will, it's pointless to speculate on it.

Though I appreciate that this also means people from St Helens can constantly raise the possibility that Wigan have negotiated a very poor lease for themselves.

Keep hoping, boys.

Sorry wasnt aware you actually owned Orrell.
Thought that was yet another Dave Whelan asset.

Agreed. Hopefully it's on very good terms with no prospect for nasty surprises.



I hope exactly the opposite, I have no desire to see Wigan stiffed over their ground. In fact, I wish Whelan had given it to you and the Latics were renting it.

There's not alot that you know, but it doesn't get in the way of your pathetic anti-Wigan posts, avatar and signature.