Every Wigan fan over the years has heard various rumours about players or the club itself, whether it's from a mate in the pub / a steward at the DW / a relative of a player....etc!

The way I see it:

Category A source: The player or Club Employees actually involved in a rumour, in this case Hock, Wane and IL.

Category B source: immediate family of Category A source.

Category C source: First team squad players and staff. Friends of Category A & B source.

Category D source: Non staff at DW (stewards), Staff and players from other clubs.

Category E source: Pub/work rumours.

Now anything over Category B I would take with a pinch of salt. I've already heard these same rumours twice (Cat E) and there's discrepancies in both stories!!

As you can see embellishment has already started to happen!

I haven't posted what I believe. Nor what I've been told, because there are several different versions.

But to address the main point, it's difficult to seriously say that the truth lies somewhere between the club's official statement and .... nothing!

Maybe Wigan RL are sometimes economical with the truth, and maybe they aren't - I'm sure there are many issues they regularly deal with that are none of our business. But I'm never, ever going to attach credibility to quite damaging stories about Wigan RL posted on the basis of "I'm not going to say anything, you'll just have to trust me" and "believe what you like, but you're basically naive and argumentative for not taking my non-statements at face-value".

It seems highly likely that people are not posting what they have been told because such statements are libelous. Which makes it even more difficult to take those posters seriously. For clarification, you libel someone when the negative statement you've made about them is FALSE.

Now, as regards the posters who are adamant that something really is rotten at the heart of Wigan RL, the best thing they can do is stop trying to tease people about it, and sit back and wait (which is what seems to have happened on the other message board, where the thread in question has now disappeared - I wonder why?).

If it all comes out in the wash, as they say, I'll happily retract my doubts. If it doesn't, we'll know the other party were conned.

I'd also say the majority of posters probably first heard of this rumour from a certain poster on Wigan fans site. So regardless of where he obtained the info from most on here are swearing blind truth on a story they've heard 2nd, 3rd even 4th hand.

The problem with the lower 'category' sources is their desire to be the news-breaker, to prove their status as someone in the know.

They will literally regurgitate any rumour - as has been proven - in the vain hope that it's true - "I told you so!". Each time the rumour is passed on, people add their own little details and exaggerations too it!

I think those with knowledge or at what they think is true do not post for fear of reprisal rather than libel. The name of the third party has not been posted for that reason. I think we can all agree that if that third party has any connection with somebody at Wigan RLFC then it would be a sad day for the club. Certainly not a situation Ian Lenagan would tolerate.

I can only repeat what I said a day or two ago.

If people think IL hasn't heard this rumour, they must be barking ... every man and his dog, certainly all those employed at Wigan RL, have heard it.

First of all I haven't come with an attitude of I know something that you don't, I've merely stated that I believe I know the truth of what has gone on. I'm sure that several others do as well but I haven't questioned them saying you can't possibly know as they may know the same as me. What I do have an issue with the attitude in which some on here try to knock you down and belittle anything you say, my stance is simple, I believe I know what has gone on and with that in mind I won't be openly criticising hock like others have on here and I remain free to have my opinion on how I believe those in charge have dealt with it. As far as I'm concerned that's all I need say on the matter

Which is why I posted back on page 39

First of all I haven't spread any malicious allegations. Just declared that I believe I know what has gone on, if you don't believe me I don't care.

Second of all I don't have a camp on here I speak purely for myself.


The last I will say on the matter is that I believe I know what has gone on, I can't see it coming anytime soon as hock distancing himself from the club will probably be the end of it. I'll also continue to freely and openly give my opinions on things as long as I see fit without the "clique" dismissing or trying to belittle me

I have stated quite clear from the word go that I wouldn't be going into detail and that I am happy for people to leave me to my beliefs

Now where are these personal insults you speak of??

Just so that I understand your position.

Do you think IL knows the full facts?
Do you think he has spoken to Wane, Hock, Radlinski, and some of the players?
If he did was this prior to issuing his statement?

i find this totally bizarre. He has clearly outlined his 'position' on numerous occasions let you are looking for more information?
There's nothing more to say on the topic. Any more highlights the repetitive nature of this forum.
It's clear posters have said all they can on the matter.