Wembley to Wigan

Wembley to Wigan, Sponsored Cycle

On the 12th of July, I will be setting off on my bike from Wembley Stadium where our unassuming Wigan achieved greatness to the place we call home: the DW Stadium.

I aim to arrive in Wigan on the 14th if anyone fancies greeting me with a Lucozade!

Why you crazy, man?

Back in 2012, my Dad who was my best friend, unfortunately lost a long battle with depression and took his own life.

He was the man who got me hooked on all things Wigan Athletic, and the Latics were something we bonded over for almost a decade. Around a week after my Dad passed away, I received a sympathy card in the post - it was from Roberto Martinez, our then manager - offering his condolences. As an 18 year old boy who'd just lost his Dad, this really meant the world to me. But this is not an isolated incident from the club, showing how central and important it is to the fan base and how much they really do care. Over the past few days, I have seen countless stories where the club has helped fans in need or dealing with grief.

This special club has fought for us on the pitch.
It's time to fight for them and do all we can to keep the club going to the end of the season.

As many of you will know, on July 1st, our club was put into administration under dubious circumstances. Within hours the EFL released a statement announcing a 12 point deduction to be activated either this or next season, depending on which will cause the most pain. 

The reason for this sponsored cycle is therefore two fold. The first is simple: I love this club and it is too important to the supporters and people of Wigan to lose. The club’s appointed administrators have said there’s a 75% chance that we’ll complete the season meaning we as a fan base need to do everything we can to raise the funds to make sure we finish what we started.

The second is to protest and raise awareness of the failings of the EFL. When Wigan were taken over 5 weeks ago, the new owners passed the EFL’s “Fit and Proper” test, which is supposed to prove that the new owner has the money to fund the club for the current season and following season. If the EFL had done their job properly,  we would not be in this position. The fact that they also want to impose a 12 point penalty on us is a farce. This penalty only hurts the staff, players and fans - not the owners.

Someone pass me a tissue...
Despite not being from Wigan, my Dad took me to a game under the lights of the (then named) JJB Stadium. I instantly fell in love with the club. From our first win against the big four at home to Chelsea, to the comeback against West Ham, to a late winner from Wildschut at Wasall, that away day in Blackpool, the FA Cup Final, the good, the bad and the ugly...it’s been one hell of a ride. A ride that shouldn’t end here.  Wigan is a true community club and the absolute heartbeat of the town. 

Having already lost Bury FC, we have a duty to force the EFL into reform before another community loses their club. Football clubs aren’t play things for the rich. They are employers and creators of dreams and memories that last a lifetime .

Thank you:
Thanks for taking the time to read this and thank you in advance for any donations regardless of size. If you cannot donate at this time please take a moment to write to the EFL, your local MP and / or the secretary of Culture and Sport. We can’t go down without a fight; it’s not in our DNA

Up the 'tics.
Jack